10 Best Whole House Humidifiers [2022 GUIDE]

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Welcome to the best whole house humidifiers review and buying guide to help make your purchase decisions easier.

Best Value Whole House Humidifier:

AIRCARE 831000 Space-Saver Whole House Evaporative Humidifier

With its 6-gallon water reservoir, approximately 70-hour runtime, and affordable price point, the Space-Saver gives you the best value for money.

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Best Compact Humidifier:

GENIANI Small Cool Mist Humidifier

It is the most compact humidifier on the list, with an equally small 8.5 oz water tank and a maximum runtime of 8 hours. On the flip side, it is incredibly light and USB powered, providing you the flexibility to charge anywhere – computer, car, or any power source with a USB outlet.

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Best Quiet Whole House Humidifier:

Elechomes SH8820 Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier

The humidifier has a Sleep Mode that does not exceed 20 dB with a screen-off setting, making it one of the quietest reasonably-sized water tank humidifiers you get to purchase.

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Best Inexpensive Whole House Humidifier:

LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

At under $100, the Levoit humidifier is affordable with great features – low noise level, 1.5 gallons tank capacity, and touch screen with remote control. But if you want a unit for less than $50 and don’t mind a smaller water tank, the GENIANI under “Best Compact Humidifier” is an excellent choice.

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Best Free-Standing Whole House Humidifier:

AIRCARE MA1201 Whole House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier

The large 3.6-gallon console-style humidifier with casters gives it easy mobility for use anywhere in a house up to 3600 sqft.

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Best Console Whole House Humidifier:

AIRCARE H12 300HB Evaporative Console Humidifier

The 5.4-gallon tank is one of the largest, and if you prefer a console-type humidifier with respectable performance, this AIRCARE unit will suit you.

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Best Furnace-Mounted Whole House Humidifier:

Aprilaire 700 Whole Home Furnace Humidifier

If you are taking advantage of the furnace to mount an evaporative humidifier, always opt for one with a higher capacity to ensure you have margins to play with. The Aprilaire 700 is a “power” humidifier with a built-in fan and can humidify up to 4200 sqft and 18 gallons per day.

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Best Whole House Steam Humidifier:

Aprilaire 800 Large Capacity Whole Home Steam Humidifier

A steamer unit is the most efficient type of humidifier, but you need to consider the initial outlay, including installation, and higher operating costs.

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Best Portable Whole House Humidifier:

AIRCARE 831000 Space-Saver Whole House Evaporative Humidifier

The Aircare unit is relatively large with a 6-gallon water tank, but its optional caster wheels make it easy to move around in your home. But if you need a smaller portable humidifier, opt for the GENIANI humidifier under the “Best Compact Humidifier.”

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Best Ultrasonic Whole House Humidifier:

Elechomes SH8820 Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier

Ultrasonic humidifiers are the quietest among the various types, and the SH8820 performs at an ultra-quiet noise level of 20 dB and 600ml/hour maximum output.

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Best Evaporative Whole House Humidifier:

AIRCARE MA1201 Whole House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier

Its 3.6-gallon tank, 36-hour runtime on the lowest mode, removable water container for ease of refilling make the MA1201 one of the best evaporative humidifiers for a mid-sized home.

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Best Humidifier for Hard Water:

Honeywell HCM-710 Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier

The wicking filter in this Honeywell humidifier works very well with hard water to prevent white dust on nearby surfaces. The top-fill makes it easy to operate, and for its price point, it is one of the better affordable humidifiers that money can buy.

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Best Whole House Humidifier for Large House:

Aprilaire 800 Large Capacity Whole Home Steam Humidifier

The steam-type humidifier is powerful enough to humidify a home up to 6000 sqft. If the higher electricity bill is not an issue for you, this steamer humidifies more efficiently than a bypass unit.

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Best Whole House Humidifier for Bedroom:

Elechomes SH8820 Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier

Its 1.45-gallon tank capacity is suitable for a large bedroom. If you have a small bedroom, opt for the GENIANI humidifier under the “Best Compact Humidifier.”

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THE 10 BEST WHOLE HOUSE HUMIDIFIERS REVIEW

#1 AIRCARE 831000 Space-Saver Whole House Evaporative Humidifier

The Space-Saver has one of the largest water reservoirs on the market.

What you get:

Evaporative type.
Digital controls with auto-humidistat.
70 hours maximum runtime.
6 gallons water tank capacity.
W12.5 x D17.5 x H22.5 inches.

Benefits:

Can humidify up to 2700 sqft, but expect actual performance to be lower, depending on your local area humidity and humidifier location.
The refill indicator signals when to top-up water. But if you forget to refill, the humidifier automatically shuts off to prevent damage.
The 6-gallon capacity ensures less water refill and longer enjoyment.
The 3 fan speeds allow you to turn it up during the day and down at night.
The fan blades are easy to access and clean – unplug the unit, remove the top housing, and turn the housing upside down.
The casters make it easy to move the unit around, including when refilling the reservoir.

Drawbacks:

The blower direction is fixed at 45 degrees upward. But since you can rotate the humidifier, this should not be a big issue.
It gets noisier on the 2^nd or 3^rd fan speed.
The build quality is not first-rate, but it does the job well for the price and 6-gallon capacity.

Suitable for:

Homes up to 2000 sqft, or more – for 2-story houses, place the humidifier at the bottom of the stairwell.

#2 GENIANI Small Cool Mist Humidifier

What you get:

Ultrasonic type.
2-mist modes.
250ml or 8.5 oz water tank.
Approximately 8-hour runtime.
Auto shut-off.
Night light.
USB charger.

Benefits:

It is small, light (10.9 ounces), and portable – empty the tank and bring it along to your office or vacation.
Total weight with the water tank filled to the brim = less than 20 ounces.
Convenient to refill almost anywhere – can use tap water.
The USB charger means you can plug it into any power source with a USB port, including your personal computer.
The small base can fit into cup holders in your car – excellent in keeping the car interior humidified and fresher, especially for long car rides under the hot afternoon sun.
Its ultra-quiet noise level (less than 30dB) is ideal for quality sleep and reading.
It auto shuts off when water runs out.
Filter-free – one less maintenance cost for you.

Drawbacks:

The night light may be undesirable during sleep, but you can switch it off.
Its humidifying capacity is too small for even a tiny apartment – this is strictly for small rooms.
No essential oil tray.
It does not have the option to run on battery.

Suitable for:

Small bedrooms with a twin or single bed.
Small office rooms.
Single-occupant hotel rooms.

#3 Elechomes SH8820 Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier

What you get:

Ultrasonic type.
Warm and cool mist.
5.5L or 1.45-gallon water reservoir.
3 levels of mist output, maxing at 600ml or 0.16 gallon/hour.
Top-fill.
Auto shut-off.
LED display.
W10.4 x D7.2 x H12 inches.
Choice of black or white.

Benefits:

The top-fill without any disassembly is convenient, hassle-free, and prevents leaks.
Its ultra-quiet Sleep Mode not exceeding 20 dB and LED screen-off setting ensures a comfortable sleeping environment.
You get to switch between warm and cool mist for the winter and summer months.
The remote-control function makes switching on/off and changing settings effortless. You can place the humidifier at optimal spots without worrying about the inconvenience of getting to it.
On the lowest cold mist mode of the 3 settings, a full tank can stretch up to 55 hours of continuous operation.
The pre-installed essential oil plate gives an added opportunity to aromatize the room besides humidifying it.
Its tank capacity is large enough for a small studio apartment and especially beneficial when placed in the main living space with indoor plants.
Cleaning the water tank is easy as the tank’s open design allows getting your hand inside it.

Drawbacks:

The filter is not included, and you need to buy it separately – but you only need it for hard water. (Type “SH8820 filter” into the Amazon search bar)
The warm mist function is not available in sleep mode to minimize noise – a point for improvement in a future model.
There is no way to see the water level, but it has a relatively large capacity with top fill and auto shut-off as the tradeoff.

Suitable for:

Large rooms or studio apartments not exceeding 750 sqft.

#4 LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

What you get:

Ultrasonic type.
Warm and cool mist modes.
500ml or 0.13 gallon/hour max output.
1.5-gallon water tank.
Top-fill.
Touch screen control.
Auto shut-off.
W7.0 x D11.3 x H10.5 inches.

Benefits:

The ultra-quiet noise level, typical of ultrasonic humidifiers, makes it an ideal companion when reading or sleeping.
The 1.5-gallon tank capacity is reasonably large, but if you forget to refill while running the humidifier, the auto shut-off feature is handy to prevent damage.
The top-fill feature and wide-enough opening for inserting your hand make refilling and cleaning easy – you don’t need to worry about using a brush to clean hard-to-reach spots within the tank (although a cleaning brush is included).
The essential oil box makes the humidifier an aromatizer as well.
The remote control and 1-12 hour sleep timer are handy when you don’t want to leave the comfort of your bed.

Drawbacks:

The humidistat’s accuracy is questionable.

Suitable for:

Large rooms or small apartments not exceeding 750 sqft.

#5 AIRCARE MA1201 Whole House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier

What you get:

Evaporative type.
Mini-console style.
3.6-gallon water container.
4 fan speeds.
Auto shut-off.
W21.5 x D14.5 x H20.5 inches.
Wick included – the AIRCARE MAF1 wick.

Benefits:

Although weighing at 14 lbs, its 4 casters make moving it around effortless.
The water container is detachable from its base, making refilling water less daunting for such a large humidifier.
At its lowest fan setting, it can run continuously for up to 36 hours.
Excellent performance that covers a large area – over 3000 sqft.

Drawbacks:

It can get noisy at the 3^rd and 4^th fan speeds – but you should expect this for evaporative humidifiers.
Inaccurate humidistat reading due to its proximity to the damp wick – feedback for the manufacturer to improve on.

Suitable for:

Homes up to 3600 sqft, but actual performance will depend on your local humidity level and humidifier placement.

#6 AIRCARE H12 300HB Evaporative Console Humidifier

What you get:

Console-style humidifier.
Evaporative type.
Cool mist only.
4 fan speeds.
5.4-gallon water reservoir.
Humidifies up to 3700 sqft.
Analog control panel.
Auto shut-off.
W21.75 x D13.75 x H23.5 inches.

Benefits:

The industrial-strength fan can get very loud at higher speeds, but it is strong and understandably so as it humidifies up to 3700 sqft.
The auto shut-off is handy for times when you forget to refill.

Drawbacks:

It gets loud on any fan speed after the lowest.
May require 2-3 refills in a day if operating in regions with very low humidity.
No warm mist.

Suitable for:

Homes up to 3700 sqft. But if the area is spread over 3 floors, you will be better off getting smaller units to cover less floor areas.

#7 Aprilaire 700 Whole Home Furnace Humidifier

What you get:

Furnace-mounted fan-powered humidifier.
Evaporative type.
Large capacity – humidifies up to 4200 sqft.
W15.91 x D10.34 x H18 inches.
Designed and manufactured in the USA.

Benefits:

Powerful solution – can humidify up to 4200 sqft with a capacity of 18 gallons per day (equivalent to 3-5 reasonably sized portable humidifiers).
The flow-through design without needing a water reservoir cuts down on cleaning and maintenance.
The built-in fan powers the humidifier, so it can operate independently of the furnace.
Installation is fun for DIYers but requires additional materials – (see Installation Video below).
It has dual sensors for the outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity, which automatically adjusts its operation to achieve your settings. You get a more accurate performance than portable humidifiers.

Drawbacks:

The humidifier only operates when the furnace runs.
Performance for houses built pre-2000 with poorer insulation may be lower.
Non-DIYers should engage the help of a contractor for installation – costs between $200-$300

Suitable for:

Large homes not exceeding 4000 sqft. If larger than that, opt for the Aprilaire 800 Steam Humidifier.

Installation video:

#8 Honeywell Home HE240A2001 Whole House Humidifier

What you get:

Furnace-mounted bypass humidifier.
Evaporative type.
Medium capacity – humidifies up to 3000 sqft.

Benefits:

The flow-through design cuts down on cleaning and maintenance needs.
As it connects to the furnace, its on/off function depends on the furnace operation, subject to the humidity level you set on the humidifier.
Can utilize either hot or water supply.

Drawbacks:

Does not perform as well as the Aprilaire 700 or 600.

Suitable for:

Mid-sized homes not exceeding 3000 sqft.

#9 Aprilaire 800 Large Capacity Whole Home Steam Humidifier

What you get:

Steam humidifier type.
Large capacity – humidifies up to 6200 sqft.
6 output levels: from 11.5 to 34.6 gallons per day.
W11 x D8 x H21 inches.
Designed and manufactured in the USA.

Benefits:

The most powerful humidifier on the list in terms of how large a floor area it can cover. Even if your home is half of what it can humidify, opting for this unit gives you the excess capacity to spare, so it becomes easier to maintain your desired humidity level.
The dual sensors monitor the outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity level and adjust the humidifier’s operation automatically, provided you have set the necessary parameters.
You can use tap water without filtration as the impurities promote electricity transfer – saves on installation and operating costs.
You can use any qualified contractor to install, so you can shop and save on installation costs if you research thoroughly.

Drawbacks:

The costs – initial outlay and operation. A steam unit needs to boil the water, which consumes more electricity than a bypass humidifier. However, its higher efficiency compared to a bypass humidifier translates to less total runtime.
Soft or distilled water is not suitable as it lacks the minerals to be conductive – solution: add a pinch of salt to the tank.

Suitable for:

Large homes not exceeding 6200 sqft.
Mid-size office space.

#10 Honeywell HCM-710 Top Fill Cool Mist Humidifier

What you get:

Evaporative type.
Cool mist only.
Top-fill.
1-gallon water tank.
2 fan speeds.
W15.28 x D9.92 x H11.14 inches.

Benefits:

The water window is helpful, and top-fill makes refilling water a breeze with a pitcher. If you want an affordable unit that is easy to operate, this Honeywell unit fits the bill.
It can run up to 36 hours continuously on the lower fan speed. If you run it on low speed during the day and high speed at night, it still takes 24 hours to use the entire water capacity.
The HCM-710 is one of the humidifiers that work well with hard water – it saves you money from buying distilled water. Tip: flip the wicking filter daily, so you don’t get one side drying out.

Drawbacks:

The blue light cannot be turned off and can be disturbing during sleep – solution: turn the humidifier around, so the blue light faces the wall.
Only 2 fan speeds – the low is quiet, and the high is relatively noisy. A medium fan speed would be a useful addition.

Suitable for:

Homes in hard water areas.

Whole House Humidifier Buying Guide

A whole-house humidifier can help you and your family enjoy a healthier and more comfortable home when the humidity level is less than ideal.

What Are the Different Types of Humidifiers?

Each type inevitably comes with its pros and cons. Choose the type that gives you the best compromise between cost, performance, and what drawbacks you can tolerate.

The 4 types of humidifiers include:

Steam humidifiers (the most efficient but also the most expensive).
Bypass humidifiers (furnace-mounted).
Ultrasonic humidifiers (ultra-quiet).
Evaporative humidifiers (warm or cool mist, can be noisy).

The steamer and bypass types require manual pipework, but you can buy the ultrasonic and evaporative types as portable units.

What is the Difference Between Ultrasonic and Evaporative Humidifier?

Humidifiers are handy to maintain a comfortable humidity level in the house during the dryer months of the year.

They come in various types, but these two are the most common that does not require manual piping installations – ultrasonic and evaporative.

Ultrasonic humidifiers are filter-less and fan-less and use high-frequency vibrations to produce very fine water droplets and introduce them into the air. Evaporative humidifiers can be warm mist (using a steamer) or cold mist (using a fan with adjustable speed) but require a wick filter, which provides the surface area where water evaporates from. Between them, an ultrasonic humidifier is the ideal choice when noise is a primary concern.

What Are the Benefits of a Whole House Humidifier?

A humidifier introduces moisture into the air, so it reaches a comfort level for you and the plants in your home during the dry months.

The benefits of a whole-house humidifier:

Relieves dry air discomforts – scratchy throat, dry skin, and eyes, for you and your pet.
Promotes healthier plant growth.
Reduces static electricity – protects the home electronics.
Nourishes the wood and leather furnishings in your home.
Maintains the ideal conditions for musical instruments.
Increases humidity in the winter months helps with heat retention and lowers the heating bill.

How to Choose a Whole Home Humidifier?

Whole house humidifiers are an excellent way to keep the air in your home moist and comfortable.

Let the following criteria guide you in choosing a whole house humidifier:

Water tank capacity – bigger tanks give you a longer time between refills.
Noise level – ultrasonic type is more expensive but quieter than the cool mist evaporative type, which uses a fan.
Output rate – most humidifiers work around 150-300ml/hr, 600ml/hr or anything close is excellent.
Light – can you switch it off while the humidifier runs? It can be annoying to light sleepers.
Portability – size, weight, and availability of casters for mobility.
Water refill method – top vs. bottom fill. Bottom fills are more prone to leaks.
Ease of cleaning the water reservoir – regular cleaning is necessary to prevent mold growth.
Auto shut-off function – handy if you think you are forgetful.
Remote control – the humidifier’s ideal placement may not always be the most convenient for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all. Your ideal humidifier will be a compromise between performance, ease of maintenance, price, and what minor drawbacks you can live with.

How Noisy Are Humidifiers?

Noise is a typical concern among homeowners shopping for a humidifier.

Although portable humidifiers will continue to become quieter as technology advances, the various types of humidifiers come with different noise levels based on the way they operate:

Type of Humidifier	Relative Noise Level
Ultrasonic humidifier	Quietest
Warm mist humidifier	Reasonably quiet.
Vaporizer humidifier	Reasonably quiet.
Cool mist humidifier	Low to noisy – fan speed dependent.

Relative noise level of humidifiers

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Whole House Humidifier?

Winter and some summer months can get unbearably dry and put your health at risk.

Installing a whole-house humidifier, including system and pipework installations, can cost upwards of $1,000 for a 1,500 square feet house. Unless you are an expert DIYer, maintenance is an ongoing cost component you must consider besides electricity.

With advancements in technology today, a portable humidifier that costs between $80-$120 can run reliably for a few years and makes more sense economically.

Should You Put a Humidifier Next to Your Bed?

A humidifier in operation maintains the optimal humidity level in the room when you sleep.

The mist emitted from the humidifier is at its strongest within a foot from the blower outlet. Ideally, place the humidifier 2-3 feet away from your bed and pointed towards an unobstructed space. This placement allows it to distribute moisture evenly and prevents your mattress and pillow from absorbing too much moisture that can cause mold growth.

How Often Should You Replace Humidifier Filters?

The wick in an evaporative humidifier serves to absorb water from the reservoir, provide the area where moisture evaporates from, and filter dust and particles, giving you clean air.

Change the wick filter in the humidifier once every 2 to 3 months. If you use your humidifier regularly or live in a hard water area, you may need to change it more frequently. Adjust the replacement frequency by observing its performance. A viable cost-saving alternative would be to clean and flip the wick regularly.

Can You Clean a Humidifier Wick Filter?

It is understandable why humidifier manufacturers who also produce the wicks recommend replacing the wick filters.

Provided the wick in your humidifier is not the paper type, you can clean and re-use the humidifier wicking filter for as long as it remains intact. Mix a cup of white vinegar with water in a pail or container. Submerge the wick filter entirely in it for 60 minutes. Scrub with a vinegar-soaked brush to remove hard stains. Let it dry thoroughly before re-using.

How to Clean the Humidifier Reservoir?

The water reservoir needs cleaning more regularly than the wick filter. Mold will grow on the inside wall of any water container over time.

Empty the humidifier’s reservoir and disassemble it so you can fill the reservoir with a cleaning solution. Mix ½ cup (8 tablespoons) of white vinegar for every gallon of water, and fill the reservoir to half its capacity. Swish and swirl repeatedly to wet the reservoir’s interior. Let it sit for 30 minutes before emptying. Similarly, clean the parts that come in contact with the water.

The more frequently you clean the reservoir – aim for a weekly clean – the less likely you will need to resort to a more abrasive cleaning solution. Never use bleach as it is harmful when evaporated and inhaled.