The three main types of whole-house humidifiers are bypass (uses the furnace blower to push air across a wet pad), fan-powered (has its own fan for higher output and faster recovery), and steam (boils water into vapor — highest output, works regardless of furnace operation).
Types compared
- Bypass — Uses furnace blower, lower output, lower cost
- Fan-powered — Has own fan, higher output, mid-range cost
- Steam — Boils water to vapor, highest output, works any time
Steam is the best fit for tightly built modern homes; bypass and fan-powered work well in most Inland Northwest homes. See indoor air quality for design and install.
