Humidifiers are the opposites of dehumidifiers. And as much as too much humidity may cause health complications, dry air isn’t good either. It causes dry skin, dry coughs, nose bleeding, cracked lips, sore throats, and other respiratory problems. It may also cause furniture to warp, shrink, loosen, or crack. That’s why we believe it’s a good idea to invest in the best whole house humidifier.
Whole house humidifiers are designed to cover large rooms and story buildings. They are cheaper to run and more energy-efficient than purchasing several smaller humidifiers. If it’s your first time buying a whole-house humidifier, or you’d like to replace your current one, we’re here to help. We have compiled the best whole house humidifiers, and some of the factors you should consider when purchasing one.
In a hurry? Check our 3 top choices:
- Best Overall – Aprilaire 865 Whole House Steam Humidifier
We believe this is the best whole house humidifier thanks to the 6200 coverage and the fact that you don’t have to rely on an HVAC system. It also has the electrode technology, which doesn’t require a filter and is easier to maintain. It is manually operated, giving you more control over the humidity settings.
- Best Value for Money – AIRCARE MA1201
This humidifier offers the best value for money. At a relatively lower price, it offers 3600 square feet coverage, 3.6 gallons tank capacity, auto-shutoff feature and two years warranty. It also has for caster wheels which make it easier to move it around the house.
- Best whole house furnace humidifier – GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier
This is the best humidifier for those relying on HVAC systems. It has a high-quality fan, a digital humidistat, and 3000 square feet coverage. It also comes with an outdoor sensor to gauge outdoor temperatures. Better yet, the manufacturer offers a 10-years warranty.
Contents
- Best Whole House Humidifiers Review
- Best Overall – Aprilaire 865 Whole House Steam Humidifier
- Best Value for Money – AIRCARE MA1201
- Best whole house furnace humidifier – GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier
- Honeywell HE360A1075 HE360A
- Aprilaire 600M Whole House Humidifier
- LEVOIT Humidifier for Large Rooms
- Emerson HSP2000 Whole House Steam Humidifier
- Holmes Cool Mist HM3855L-UM Console Humidifier
- AIRCARE EP9 800
- Honeywell HM750A1000
- Features to Consider When Buying a Whole House Humidifiers
- Different Types of Whole House Humidifiers
Best Whole House Humidifiers Review
Best Overall – Aprilaire 865 Whole House Steam Humidifier
Aprilaire is one of the most trusted home appliance manufacturers, that’s why it tops our list. This Aprilaire model is made for those with no HVAC systems in their houses. It comes with an electrode technology which is effective and easier to maintain. This is because, while water impurities require cleaning in other appliances, they facilitate the functionality of the electrode technology.
You also don’t need a filter with this tech. It covers 6200 square feet, making it one of the largest humidifiers on our list. It’s manually operated, allowing you to set your preferred humidity. Therefore, it only has one sensor for indoor moisture.
If you’d love an automatic model with two sensors, Aprilaire has high-quality automatic humidifiers such as the 800 model. It is mounted on the wall, and you may require some technical knowledge to install it. It has a canister that has to be replaced every season too.
User Critic
According to user reviews, this humidifier is very effective at maintaining ideal humidity for huge rooms. The installation process was a bit complicated for DIYers, but that was not a complete turn-off since they could always hire a technician.
Pros
- Broad coverage
- It uses electrode technology
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Manually operated
The Verdict
Aprilaire has built an excellent reputation which gives you a reason to trust their products. This model also has one of the most extensive reach, and the manual operation allows you to set you desired humidity. It’s also great for those with no HVAC system.
Best Value for Money – AIRCARE MA1201
This AIRCARE MA1201 may not be gorgeous, but it has an excellent reputation for a high-capacity performance. It covers 3600 square feet, making it one of the best whole house humidifiers. It comes with a digital humidistat that automatically adjusts based on the humidity of the room. It also comes with a 3.6 gallons tank that allows it to run for at least 36 hours.
Another fascinating feature in this humidifier is the four speeds, a digital display, and easy to use controls. The evaporative wick is effective in trapping mineral deposits and conserving energy. It also has an automatic shutoff in case you’d want it to switch off at a certain level of humidity. This appliance weighs 14 pounds, but the four caster wheels make it easier to move around. And to cement its credibility, the manufacturer offers a two years limited warranty.
User Critic
Most users loved the affordability of this appliance and its efficiency in removing static electricity and maintaining humidity. But some users complained about the wick developing some molds.
Pros
- Very affordable
- The caster wheels make it easier to move around
- 2 years warranty
- It has four speeds
Cons
- You may have to replace the filters often, which is quite expensive.
- The tank is small and needs a lot of refilling.
The Verdict
We recommend this appliance to those with medium-sized houses, mainly single floor houses. It may not fare well for two-story homes.
Best whole house furnace humidifier – GeneralAire 1000A Humidifier
This is the best whole house furnace humidifier thanks to the digital humidistat and the high-quality fan. Based on our review, this appliance has one of the best humidistats, which ensures it maintains the ideal humidity based on your room’s conditions. It also allows you to drain the excess water to prevent mineral build-up. We also love it for the ten-years warranty, which is by far, the best offer you can get for such a tool.
But to benefit from this warranty, you have to hire a contractor to install it. This unit covers up to 3000 square feet, making it suitable for large houses. Better yet, it comes with a sensor that senses outdoor temperatures. This unit may be quite large, so make sure you have enough space. It also uses a lot of water.
User Critic
Most users preferred this model over the others because of the high-quality humidistat and the outdoor sensor. They also claimed that it worked great and was easy to install if the HVAC system was installed correctly. Some users complained that it used a lot of water.
Pros
- Has an outdoor sensor
- Digital humidistat
- Ten years’ warranty.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Requires hiring a technician to benefit from the warranty.
The Verdict
As mentioned earlier, we recommend this model because of its humidistat. Some of the humidistats in other models can be slightly off, but this model’s humidistat is very accurate, and the outdoor sensor works as it should.
Honeywell HE360A1075 HE360A
This Honeywell humidifier is expensive, but its functionality is exceptional. First of all, it’s a powered flow through whole house humidifier, which you connect to your HVAC system. You don’t have to worry about refilling water tanks, and you don’t have to clean it often. You may need some technical skills to install it, but the installation process is manageable.
It covers 4200 square feet, making it ideal for people with huge rooms. It comes with a manual hydrostat, though, and you have to operate it manually. But that’s not much of a problem. It doesn’t fare well in freezing temperatures. But if you live in areas with warmer temperatures, you can install it even in your basement. You also need to be careful with the humidistat. It’s quite sensitive and may cause some huge changes with just slight adjustments.
User Critic
Most users agree that you may need some technical skills to install this humidifier. But they also confirmed that it’s effective in maintaining the ideal humidity for large houses. However, some users complained that it doesn’t last long, and the manufacturer had issues honoring the warranty.
Pros
- Effective in maintaining humidity between 35 and 55 %
- Easy to maintain
- Variable speeds
- Covers a large area
Cons
- The installation process is not straightforward
- May consume a lot of water
The Verdict
This is one of the best whole house furnace humidifiers. We recommend it for the high steam output and extensive coverage. It’s suitable even for story buildings.
Aprilaire 600M Whole House Humidifier
This humidifier stands out for being able to work during winter and hotter climates. All you have to do is switch between the summer and winter settings. It’s a furnace mounted humidifier that covers up to 4000 square feet. It’s also a manual humidifier that is still effective in maintaining the ideal humidity, preventing the damage of your furniture and other health complications.
This appliance is built to last, requires less maintenance, and it’s also very affordable. Unlike most humidifiers where you may have to replace the filter often, this model offers at least a year before you have to replace it. Besides covering a wide area, it also emits up to 3 gallons of water per hour, saving energy and solving low humidity issues within a short time.
User Critic
According to most reviews, this humidifier works great for 3000 to 4000 square feet. Users also stated that it’s a little challenging to install since you may need some tools that aren’t included in the package.
Pros
- Wide coverage
- Efficient in maintaining humidity and eliminating static air
- Programmable variable speeds
Cons
- You may need to hire a professional to install the humidifier.
- No warranty included
The Verdict
We recommend this humidifier for its durability and wide coverage. To be on the safer side, it’s advisable to hire a technician to help in installing it.
LEVOIT Humidifier for Large Rooms
Based on our comparison of different models, this one has earned its place in the list of the best whole house humidifiers. First of all, it’s an ultrasonic humidifier. We will discuss the various whole house humidifier types in details later. But in brief, ultrasonic humidifiers use a sound that’s inaudible to humans but loud enough to break water particles and shake off the dust from various surfaces. This means that this model has a white noise that makes it suitable for large bedrooms, baby rooms, and even large offices. It comes with an auto sensor that allows it to adjust based on the humidity of the room. The 6 liters tank will enable it to run continuously for at least 36 hours.
The tank may seem large, but this appliance comes in a compact size that fits in small spaces. It also has a remote control mode that allows you to control it from the couch or your bed. You don’t have to worry about replacing filters since this humidifier is filterless. And what’s more, you can add essential oils to give your room a particular smell. It is ideal for all types of climates since you can select various temperatures or choose between cold and hot mist.
User Critic
Most users loved the effectiveness of this humidifier in letting out a lot of mist. The option to add essential oils was also an added advantage to them, but it was not very useful for those with pets. Some users also complained that it malfunctioned after a few months.
Pros
- Has cold and warm mists
- 36-hours running time
- Comes with a digital humidistat and a remote
- You can disperse an aroma of your choice within your house
- Quiet
Cons
- May have a strong plastic odor
- Not energy efficient
The Verdict
We recommend this model for those who would love a new way to disperse essential oils and enhanced control using the remote control. It may not have large coverage like other models in our list, but it has some advanced features that you can’t ignore.
Emerson HSP2000 Whole House Steam Humidifier
Unlike the ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers, this model uses steam to maintain the ideal humidity in your house. It’s powerful enough to keep humidity in homes as large as 3000 square feet. It has a unique flushing timer that automatically allows water within the humidifier to flush in, allowing the float to bring more water in. This humidifier uses at least 13 gallons of water per day, which is understandable considering the area it covers.
You may need to empty the reservoir every week, and the filter may require some replacements, but that’s all the maintenance needed. The manufacturer also provides detailed instructions, making it easier to install. You’ll also love the humidistat that scans the humidity of your room and adjusts the output based on the house conditions.
User Critic
Most users loved how easy this appliance is to install. It required some technical know-how, but the instructions were well explained. They also confirmed that the automated features and flush timer works as advertised.
Pros
- The flush timer is thoughtful, and it even conserves energy.
- Automatic shutoff
- High mist output
- Durable
Cons
- It’s noisy.
The Verdict
Being a steam humidifier, this appliance is one of the best in the market. The instructions may also be quite technical, so if you’re new to such devices, make sure you ask a professional to help out.
Holmes Cool Mist HM3855L-UM Console Humidifier
This humidifier is ideal for rooms between 900 and 2000 square feet. It comes with a high-quality triple-layer filter which is also laced with baking soda to ensure that your room is filled with clean air. You may have to fill the water tank often, but one tank runs for at least 24 hours.
It emits 10 gallons of water stabilizing the humidity levels within a short time. The fan also has two speeds. It may not have the advanced features such as automatic shutoff, but it has excellent functionality for its price. The manufacturer also offers a one year warranty.
User Critic
According to most reviews, this humidifier is built for smaller rooms, but it works great in emitting mist. They also loved the filters and the 24 hours running time before refilling the tank. Some users complained that it doesn’t have advanced features like the indicator for when water is low.
Pros
- Comes with a high-quality triple layered filter
- The filter has baking soda for high-quality mist.
- It runs for at least 24 hours before having to refill.
Cons
- No auto-shutoff or low water indicator
The Verdict
This is a simple humidifier designed for medium-sized rooms. The removable tanks are also a unique feature. We also love the filters for their durability and the capability to let out the clean mist.
AIRCARE EP9 800
You can never go wrong with AIRCARE’s appliances. This EP9 800 model has everything you would need in the best whole house humidifier. For starters, it covers up to 2400 square feet and has nine speeds, which allows you to set your desired humidity output. The automatic shutoff also comes in handy when there’s little to no water. It first switches to the auto-dry mode, which dries off the filter, then shuts off the unit altogether.
This feature also helps to prevent the accumulation of mold on the filter. We also love the Check Filter Function, which notifies you when it’s time to check the filter. It comes in tower design and espresso color, adding to the beauty of your home’s decor. This appliance comes with a two years limited warranty, but you can rest assured that it can last longer than that. It also has a 5-gallon water capacity, a 60 hours warranty, and the capability to maintain humidity between 30% and 50% all year round.
User Critic
Most users praised this appliance’s versatility. The nine speeds allowed them to adjust the humidity based on the seasons, and adjust the noise levels. They also loved the gorgeous espresso look that went along with their home’s decor.
Pros
- Beautiful look
- Covers 2400 square feet
- Nine speeds
- Advanced features like the auto-dry and Check-Filter Function
Cons
- Noisy on higher fan speeds
The Verdict
Besides the great look, the features of this humidifier are worth every penny. The digital controls make it easier to use, and the nine speeds give you more control over its functionality.
Honeywell HM750A1000
Last in our list is an excellent whole house steam modifier. It uses the electrode technology, which uses the mineral content in water to conduct the current, making it easier to clean, and more effective than the filter humidifiers. It comes in a compact duct mount design, making it one of the smallest but effective whole-house humidifiers.
It also comes in a grey color to complete the decor of your room and a convenient 5-years warranty. It emits at least 10 gallons of steam per day, and it’s designed to be connected to the air duct of your HVAC. It’s important to note that you should not use Reverse Osmosis water with this appliance, connect it to cold water.
User Critic
According to several users, this humidifier easily integrates with the furnace. It’s easy to install and works as advertised. However, some of them complained that it’s too expensive and it consumed a lot of electricity.
Pros
- Easy to install and maintain
- 5 years warranty
- No tank refilling
- Gorgeous look
Cons
- Expensive
- Not energy efficient
The Verdict
This model may be quite expensive, but it has a sleek look, compact size, and excellent functionality. This makes it a perfect purchase, especially for modern homes.
Features to Consider When Buying a Whole House Humidifiers
There’s no perfect humidifier. Each of them has its strengths and weaknesses. In our review, we have done our best to list the various whole-house humidifiers pros and cons. But if you’d like to choose from a more comprehensive list of products, below are some of the factors you need to consider.
Cost
You need to consider your budget and look for whole-house humidifiers within that budget. The most expensive ones often have some advanced features which you can omit if you’re looking for a lower-priced model. However, a high price doesn’t always guarantee quality. You need to check the features, their functionality, and what other users are saying about it. Another cost to consider is maintenance costs. Some of them have filters and canisters that may have to be replaced regularly. Check the price of these replaceable parts, their availability, and how often they need to be replaced.
Coverage
The size of your house should determine the coverage. The larger the house, the more coverage you’ll need. Most of them have coverage of 2000 square feet and above, but it wouldn’t hurt to purchase one with more coverage. This is because a larger model will release more mist in your room, saving time conserving electricity.
Run time
The longer runtime a humidifier has, the better. This is vital, especially if you live in areas where humidity levels go below the required levels often. If it’s an evaporative humidifier, you need to check how long it takes before you have to refill it.
Ease of use
For those who love DIY projects, you need to make sure that you can manage the installation process. But you shouldn’t compromise the quality of the appliance just because you want to install it yourself. If you’re not that experienced in installing such machines, always hire a contractor to do it for you. Also, to claim the warranty of some of these appliances, it needs to have been installed by a professional.
Key Features
There are some features that a humidifier must have to function correctly. For instance, it should have a humidistat. This device detects the amount of humidity in the room and starts the humidifier if it’s below the recommended level. The auto-shutoff feature also comes in handy since it switches off the appliance when the room has achieved the ideal humidity. An outdoor sensor is also essential since it detects the temperature outside and adjusts the functionality of the humidifier. Some extra features include the low water indicator and the Check Funnel Function.
Different Types of Whole House Humidifiers
Below are some of the various whole-house humidifier types.
Bypass humidifiers
This type of humidifier is installed in line with the furnace. Air has to be passing through the furnace. They take the warm air from the furnace, run it through the water, and then warm mist is dispersed into your house. To avoid water build-up, make sure you connect a drain to the humidifier.
Fan-powered humidifiers
This type is a little similar to the bypass humidifiers since they are both mounted to the house’s air duct system. However, instead of using the air in the furnace, this type blows air across the water panels, then back to the house. Fan powered humidifiers are often smaller, energy-efficient, and blow more mist than the bypass humidifiers. They are also ideal for HVAC systems installed in smaller spaces.
Steam humidifiers
Instead of blowing water over a panel, this model heats water until it forms steam, and then spreads it within the house. They often disperse mist fast than the bypass humidifiers and fan-powered humidifiers.
