A humidifier is an appliance that adds moisture to the air inside a home. Humidifiers come in many shapes and sizes including portable models that can be transferred from room to room, and whole house systems that hook up directly to heating or air conditioning systems.

Humidifiers can help prevent winter infections and alleviate symptoms of cold, flu, and asthma. Maintaining proper humidity levels can also help relieve sinus pains, sore throats, and itchy eyes. Humidifiers can prevent dry skin and chapped lips. They help to reduce static electricity and prevent expensive wooden objects (furniture, floors, and musical instruments) from cracking and warping.

Whole house humidifiers are also referred to as “in-duct” humidifiers because they tap into the air supply and emit mist through the return air ducts. They are installed in the ductwork, next to the furnace and add humidity to the entire home. Whole house humidifiers can only be used with forced-air heat.

Whole house humidifiers take the air that has been heated by your furnace and passes it through a ceramic-coated pad in the humidifier, called an evaporator pad. The evaporator pad is soaked with water. When the warm air passes over the evaporator pad, it absorbs the moisture and circulates it throughout the home.

Whole house humidifiers are the most expensive to purchase; however, they are relatively inexpensive to operate. With prices starting around $100, whole house humidifiers are initially more expensive that other models. However, these models are generally more durable and cost only pennies per day to maintain.

Generally professional installation is required. However, it can be a do-it-yourself project that will take less than a day to complete. Depending on the model and size of the home; a whole house humidifier can use from 1.5 to 12 gallons of water per day. Overall, water bills only increase by a few dollars when a whole house humidifier is installed.

Whole house humidifiers use a filter media water pad that should be inspected annually. Lime, mold, bacteria and fungus build up on humidifier water panels which can cause them to emit unhealthy spores and fowl odors throughout the home. Replacing the filter is a fairly simple process that will significantly improve the air quality in your home.

When purchasing a whole house humidifier, look for a model that has a built-in humidistat. A humidistat allows you to set a desired humidity level. When that level is reached, the humidifier will automatically shut off. This feature is important, as it helps avoid the problem of over-humidification.