A whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier is equipment connected to the HVAC system that adds or removes moisture for the entire house, controlled by a humidistat. Humidifiers use a water panel or steam generator in the ductwork; dehumidifiers pull air across a cold coil to condense moisture and drain it away, then return drier air.
Why it matters to you
In the wet Lower Mainland, whole-home moisture problems are usually better solved with ventilation, while a dehumidifier suits a single damp basement. Some homes still run dry in the coldest weeks, when a humidifier can ease static and dry skin.
Practical guidance
Identify the moisture source before choosing equipment, and consider whether an HRV would solve the problem better than a dehumidifier. Service humidifier pads and drain lines yearly, since mineral scale and clogged drains are common failure points.