Bartlett Heating and Air explains the differences between a fan powered and a bypass humidifier.

Fan powered humidifiers have a motor in them so you don’t need to install additional duct work. They humidify your house faster than a bypass system, are more water efficient, and they don’t need the furnace to run in order to use them. Fan powered humidifiers are also great for smaller spaces. They are a little bit more expensive than the by pass humidifiers. Bypass humidifiers have no motor and they need the furnace running in order to operate. They take longer than the fan powered one to humidify the house. Bypass systems need additional duct work in order to work. The bypass humidifier works fine with hard water and there wont be stagnant water sitting around. The bypass humidifier is quieter, around $100 cheaper, and breaks less than the fan powered humidifier. Both humidifiers require water panel pad changing yearly and both can be installed for under $500. Call Bartlett Heating and Air today to set up your appointment to get the best humidifier for your needs.