Whole House Humidifiers: Pros and Cons

Indoor Humidity - the elusive sweet spot no matter the time of year, and a particularly tricky one to nail in Colorado's bone-dry climate. Not only does the combination of high elevation, freezing winters, and scorching sun drain the moisture from the air, but in the worst cases your home's humidity levels can plummet to below 15% in the dead of winter - not exactly the most comfortable place to be (or the healthiest). 

If you're after a home that stays comfortable all year round and doesn't bother your respiratory system in the process, you might want to consider a whole-house humidifier that can be attached to your heating and cooling system.

Benefits of Whole-House Humidifiers

A whole-house humidifier offers a range of health, comfort, and maintenance benefits by keeping your home’s humidity at an optimal level—typically around 30–50%. Proper humidity helps reduce common respiratory issues such as dry sinuses, irritated throats, and aggravated allergy or asthma symptoms. It also minimizes the spread of airborne viruses, which thrive in dry air, helping households stay healthier during colder months. Even skin and eyes benefit from balanced moisture levels, preventing dryness, cracking, and discomfort that many people experience during winter.

Beyond health, whole-house humidifiers significantly improve comfort and can even lead to financial savings. Balanced humidity makes air feel warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat without sacrificing comfort and potentially reducing heating costs. The added moisture also protects your home’s structure and furnishings—wood floors, trim, musical instruments, and furniture are less likely to crack or warp when humidity is controlled. Because whole-house systems run through your HVAC system, they provide consistent humidity to every room with minimal maintenance, making them a practical and long-lasting upgrade for better home comfort and efficiency.

Types of Whole-House Humidifier Systems

Here are some of the most common types of whole-house humidifier systems you'll be looking at as a Colorado homeowner, along with how they work and what you can expect to pay.

Bypass Humidifiers – These systems pull warm air from the furnace and use it to evaporate water. They are budget-friendly and best for smaller to mid-sized homes.

• Cost: $200–$600 for the unit itself, and between $500–$1,200 to be installed, plus annual pad replacements.

Fan-Powered Humidifiers – Similar to bypass units but include a fan that increases evaporation. This makes them suitable for medium to larger homes.

• Cost: $300–$800 for the unit, $700–$1,600 installed.

Steam Humidifiers – The most powerful and precise option. These systems boil water to create steam and push it directly into the ductwork, making them ideal for Colorado’s extremely dry climate and family members with respiratory sensitivities.

• Cost: $1,000–$2,500 for the unit, $1,800–$4,000 installed.

Whole-Home Portable Units – While not connected to the HVAC system, these units are still able to humidify multiple rooms, which is good for homes without central heating or for renters.

• Cost: $150–$500 for the unit, plus regular cleaning and filter changes.

The total price for whole-house humidifier systems can vary depending on your needs and home construction. It’s best to schedule a consultation with our residential HVAC service team to get a more accurate cost breakdown. 

Considerations & Drawbacks

The initial investment for a whole-house humidifier varies depending on the type of system, your home’s size, and whether any HVAC modifications are needed. Steam units offer the most consistent results but also come at the highest upfront cost. Regular maintenance is essential to keep any humidifier functioning properly, including cleaning components, replacing pads or canisters and ensuring water lines stay clear. A Plus Heating & AC can manage this as part of your routine HVAC maintenance schedule.

It’s also important to avoid over-humidifying the home. Even in Colorado, excess moisture can lead to condensation on windows or mold growth in ductwork. This is why choosing a system with a built-in humidistat is critical. These devices automatically monitor and adjust humidity levels to ensure that your home system never adds more moisture than necessary.

Are Whole-House Humidifiers Worth It in Colorado?

For many Colorado homeowners, a whole-house humidifier is an investment that pays off in comfort, health, and long-term protection of your home. If dry indoor air is a constant issue or if household members have respiratory sensitivities, the benefits often outweigh the upfront costs. 

Our Berthoud residential HVAC service can help you determine which system best suits your home and your goals. You can also ask about our exclusive member service plan, which includes priority service, twice-yearly maintenance, 15% off repairs, and 10% off all air-quality products.

Schedule a consultation and discover the right humidifier setup for a cozier, healthier home — no matter how dry Colorado’s climate gets.