Dry air within the house leads to various kinds of health problems and often is the cause of discomfort. Whether you live within a dry area or you have a furnace working all year long, dry air doesn’t have to be a problem.
What you need to do to get rid of the dry air is a whole house humidifier. When it comes to selecting the best one, there are numerous choices.
We’re reviewing the top products on the market here, so have a look!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Whole House Humidifiers
- OUR TOP PICK: Aprilaire 500 Whole House Humidifier
- RUNNER-UP: Aprilaire 700 Automatic Humidifier
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: URPOWER MH501 Humidifier
Comparison of the Best Whole House HumidifiersÂ
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How to Choose a Humidifier For Your Whole House
Buying a whole house humidifier is a big investment. For this reason, you must consider the following factors so that your money is spent in the right place.
Kinds of Whole House Humidifiers
There are two basic kinds of humidifiers available. These are steam and evaporative humidifiers.
Compared to steam humidifiers, evaporative humidifiers are cheaper, yet they are quite powerful. Plus, evaporative models are ideal for those wanting to make their home cool and healthy.
Capacity
To get the best whole house humidifier, you must consider the capacity. Before you finalize your purchase, check its ability to distribute air throughout the room. If you have a large house, then you must go for one with at least a 12-gallon water tank. Choosing such a humidifier will ensure that moisture spreads everywhere quickly.
Area the Unit Covers
Compared to single room humidifiers, whole house humidifiers cover a huge area at once. So, you must know the maximum coverage area of the humidifier you want to purchase. For a large house, one with a coverage of at least 3000 sq. ft. should be sufficient. Meanwhile, a humidifier with a 2500 sq. ft. coverage will be enough for smaller houses. Use this calculator to estimate what size humidifier you need.
Maximum Run Time
The maximum run time is basically the number of hours for which the humidifier works nonstop. While this number doesn’t seem to be crucial, you must know how long the humidifier can work for continuously. If you live in an environment where the air stays mostly dry, you’d want one that can handle working for long hours days on end.
Review of the Best Whole House Humidifiers
Humidifiers have now become quite popular, primarily because of their wide use. Picking out the best product to suit your needs is a difficult task because of the number of models available. To help you cherry-pick the best ones, we’ve reviewed the top eight products available.
Best Overall
Aprilaire 500 Whole House Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: 3,000 sq ft.
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 10.25 x 15.63 x 13
Weight: 7.75 pounds
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The Aprilaire 500 Whole House Humidifier is a bypass model. It is thought to be one of the best in its class. It can humidify an area of 3000 sq. ft. for several hours in one go. The company doesn’t state the tank capacity or the maximum runtime for this product. However, we do know that it can provide a half gallon of humidity per hour.
It comes with automatic controls that make the unit quite easy to use. Moreover, it is fitted with a drain hose which flushes the unwanted water particles, so you can be sure that the water humidifying your house is clean enough not to harm your health. Moreover, it is possible to directly install the unit with your central cooling and heating system.
When you go out to buy this model, you’ll be faced with two variants. The two variants are Aprilaire 500 and 500M. The 500 is a digitally controlled model. Meanwhile, the 500M is controlled manually. Both the models feature a water panel change indicator which notifies you that it’s time to change the unit’s water panel. As a result, this feature ensures that you get clean air throughout the year.
Bottom Line
With this humidifier, you can maintain optimal humidity within your house. Doing so will reduce the chances of various allergy-related diseases. At the same time, it will also make the air inside your house clean, so you’ll be able to enjoy a good sleep!
Pros
Works Quietly
Promises Efficient Water Usage
Considerably Improves the Comfort of the House
Completely Eliminates the Need for Individual Room Humidifiers
Cons
No Instructions on How to Install the Product, Making Installation Difficult and Time-Consuming
Runner-up
Aprilaire 700 Automatic Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: 4,200 sq ft.
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 16 x 11 x 18
Weight: 15 pounds
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Another Aprilaire item, the 700 Automatic Humidifier can evaporate 0.75 gallons of water per hour. It is for this reason that the unit accompanies a sizeable water tank. The company doesn’t exactly reveal the unit’s gallon size. However, we do know that it can cover an area of up to 4200 square feet.
One great thing about this Aprilaire unit is how easy it is to control. The automatic digital control panel makes everything simple. Primarily, this is because of the high-quality feedback system and sensors.
Familiarizing yourself with the controls is also very easy. All the buttons are intuitive and the range of settings isn’t overwhelming at all. So you can just power it on, adjust it according to your ideal settings, and then let it be! The only time you’ll have to touch the humidifier again is when you have to refill the tank.
Another interesting thing about it is that it can work in tightly constructed houses. Such houses often have tight spaces with numerous turns and twists. Due to the layout, they’re left with hot or dry spots, but not anymore! The Aprilaire 700 can cater to this problem.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Aprilaire 700 promises great value considering the money you pay for it. Plus, it has an excellent all-around design that can be suitable for various purposes.
Pros
Installation Isn’t Too Difficult
Quiet as Well as Efficient
Various Configuration Options Make This Unit Flexible
Directions are Easy to Understand
Cons
Often Makes a Whistling Sound
It’ll Take Some Time to Install This Product
Best for the Money
URPOWER MH501 Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: 1.32 gallons
Dimensions: 16.2 x 10.1 x 7.8
Weight: 4.55 pounds
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The one thing that defines the MH501 humidifier is its large 5L tank. This huge tank makes the unit suitable for overnight operation. While the tank isn’t the biggest available on the market, the efficiency of the unit makes it an ideal option. Moreover, the tank is easy to refill and fit back on with minimum hassle, so your humidifier can keep on running without a problem.
Another unique feature is the sleep mode. With just a push of a button, it is possible to power down the indicator lights and make it run quietly. This mode is perfect for nights where you wish to have a peaceful sleep without any disturbance.
One more impressive feature you’ll find in this humidifier is automatic shut-off. So once the unit runs out of water, it will power down to avoid potential damage. By owning an intelligent model, there’ll be one less thing to worry about!
The MH501 comes with a black body, which is stylish and matches most modern homes. In fact, the black design works as a welcome break from the white units often available on the market.
Bottom Line
Considering its price, you will hardly find a better model. With a 5-liter tank, this unit promises cool water vapor throughout all hours of the day and night. Plus, its matte black body and stylish design make it a perfect decoration to add to your place.
Pros
Silent, Easy to Use, and Effective
Produces a Sufficient Amount of Vapor
Beautiful, Stylish and Minimalist Black Unit
Quite Compact, Making it Easy to Place Anywhere
Cons
Doesn’t Last for Long
The Round Top Makes Filling the Unit Difficult
Best Steam Humidifier
Emerson HSP2000 Whole House Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: 1,400 sq ft.
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 7.6 x 12.5 x 12.6
Weight: 18.1 pounds
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Upfront, you’ll find steam humidifiers to be quite pricey. However, they are highly efficient and cost-effective in the long term. The Emerson HSP2000 Whole House Humidifier is no different. For a steam humidifier, this unit is quite large. However, it is suitable for both large and small homes. In fact, its high efficiency makes it an ideal option for various kinds of living spaces.
The unit comes with a pure filter which helps to add moisture in the air. At the same time, it also removes allergens, pollutants, and toxins from your house. So, this not only keeps air adequately humid but keeps it clean, too.
Unlike some, this one doesn’t need a furnace fan to operate. Instead, it features a digital humidistat which monitors the air. So, when it senses that the air isn’t at the right humidity, it will turn itself on.
Moreover, Emerson HSP2000 Humidifier comes with easy-to-follow settings. So, anyone can set it up and use it once it’s installed. However, the installation is quite difficult and must be handled by a professional.
With a capacity of 13 gallons, this humidifier can cater to your whole house. Plus, it can release air and moisture into all parts of the house. So, even if you have a 3000 square foot house, you can benefit from this unit.
Bottom Line
Steam humidifiers are known to provide highly precise humidity control, and this one is no different. This unit by Emerson doesn’t need hot air to function. Once it detects low levels of humidity, it powers on. So, you can enjoy ideal humidity levels at all times.
Pros
No Scale Build-Up
Self-Cleaning, Efficient, and Quiet
The Auto Flush is an Excellent Feature
Well Designed and Works Very Well
Cons
The Installation is Quite Difficult
Most Portable Whole House Humidifier
AIRCARE Space-Save Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: 2,700 sq ft.
Tank Size: N/A
Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.5 x 22.5
Weight: 14 pounds
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The Aircare Space-Save Humidifier comes with numerous excellent features that make it one of the best whole house humidifiers. Perhaps the greatest thing about this product is how low-maintenance it is. Simply type in the level that you’d like, and it will take care of everything else. In other words, it is a truly intelligent, adaptable, and automatic humidifier.
Another impressive feature is the Trapmax filter system that comes with antimicrobial protection built in. In fact, the antimicrobial element is something many would appreciate, particularly those with babies around. Moreover, what makes the filter system even better is that it doesn’t affect the raw performance. Generally, such filters reduce the unit’s efficiency, but this isn’t the case with this one.
In addition, the pour-in design was very well thought out. By filling up the water when you need to use it, you can have the right level for days. Moreover, the unit features filter and refill indicators. These ensure that you never have to guess anything when it comes to the unit. Instead, the simple visual indicators guide you on what you have to do.
Bottom Line
With an effective range of 2700 square feet, this is a great portable unit. Since it is an evaporative humidifier, it is ideal for adding the desired humidity in your house. Maintaining proper humidity levels with this unit can help fight many diseases!
Pros
Doesn’t Leave Any White Dust
5-Gallon Tank Reduces the Need for Frequent Refilling
Fitted With Wheels that Make it Easy to Move Around
Cons
It Seems to Be Made Using Cheap Materials
Best by Honeywell
Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: 0.8 gallons
Dimensions: 6.8 x 12.8 x 10.2
Weight: 6 pounds
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The Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier is one of the best products by Honeywell that blows cool mist. It is a console-style humidifier that offers coverage of around 2300 sq. ft. This product ensures that the discomfort that dry air brings along is taken care of effortlessly.
Fitted with a three-gallon water tank, this unit is suitable for both small and medium-sized houses. Moreover, the tank allows up to 24 hours of uninterrupted run time. Perhaps the greatest feature of this Honeywell humidifier is the auto on and off feature. Note that most of the products on this list only have the auto shut-off feature. Thus, the auto shut-on feature gives this unit an edge.
Moreover, just like the Aprilaire 500, this Honeywell humidifier has a wicking filter. This filter helps to remove minerals from the water you use to fill the tank. In addition, you can choose from three-speed settings. Another thing that makes this unit an excellent feature is the fact that the tank is easy to clean, fill, and carry!
Bottom Line
Overall, this humidifier makes use of unique technology that ensures the best operation. The innovative technology also allows the unit to generate fresh moisture quietly. Plus, the three different speed settings allow you to adjust the moisture output just how you like it!
Pros
Doesn’t Weigh Too Much
Significantly Improves Moisture Level in the Air
Quite Effective and Offers Trouble-Free Operation
The Smart Design Makes the Unit Easy to Deal With
Cons
Tends to Vibrate
The Tanks Are a Little Difficult to Open
Best by Holmes
Holmes Cool Mist Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: 2,000 sq ft.
Tank Size: 10 gallons
Dimensions: 13.7 x 19.5 x 19.3
Weight: 15.25 pounds
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Another excellent option to check out is the Holmes Cool Mist Humidifier. With this unit, you can easily restore the balance of moisture throughout your house. This humidifier comes with a large tank that can cover up an area of to 2,000 sq. ft. However, what makes this unit worthy of your money is its ability to offer relief from the harmful effects of dry air.
In this unit, the water from the tank passes through a tri-layer filter. As a result, you are left with a clean and fresh mist that disperses in the air for extreme comfort. The filter in the unit undergoes treatment with an antimicrobial agent. This agent prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew. Meanwhile, the Arm & Hammer baking soda treatment helps to remove unpleasant smells from the air.
In addition, the adjustable digital humidistat provides simple operation. Similarly, the large handles and pull-open filter door make the humidifier easy to carry and maintain. Overall, the unit can offer a run time of 24 hours for each filling.
Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that Holmes has done justice to this humidifier. It comes with all the necessary features you’d expect. Overall, when choosing a whole house humidifier, this is a good option.
Pros
Can Handle Quite a Good Amount of Water
Works Great Even During Warm, Humid Months
You Can Adjust the Setting You Want and Let the Unit Handle the Rest
Cons
Vibrates Quite a Bit
No Auto Shut-Off Once the Tank is Empty
Best by Sunbeam
Sunbeam Cool Mist Humidifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: N/A
Tank Size: 1 gallon
Dimensions: 14.76 x 11.2 x 11.89
Weight: 4.95 pounds
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The last whole house humidifier is this one by Sunbeam. This cool mist humidifier by Sunbeam helps you create the most comfortable environment in your house. The unit disperses fresh and cool mist into the air and makes the room cozy and comfortable instantly.
What makes this one of the best whole house humidifiers is its versatility. For instance, you can use this in your den, living room, bedroom, dining room, and more. Similarly, it can be used in all seasons ranging from hot summers to cool winters.
The Sunbeam cool mist humidifier comes with various benefits. Apart from ensuring fresh air that’s free from bacteria and mold, this unit also prolongs the lifespan of your furniture and appliances.
Moreover, it comes with a triple-layer filter that is enhanced by Arm & Hammer baking soda. Plus, the filter check monitor only adds to the unit’s convenience. In addition, hassle-free maintenance and a tank that can last for 24 hours make it an ideal option. Lastly, the tank is easy to fill and carry.
Bottom Line
For a truly comfortable environment in your house, you can’t go wrong with this humidifier. While it’s not overly fancy like the expensive models, it does provides numerous health benefits by regulating the moisture level in the air.
Pros
Works Wonders
A Good Unit for the Price
Functional and Provides Good Health Benefits
Cons
Can Be a Little Loud on the High Settings
Doesn’t Come With an Auto Shut-Off Feature
How Does a Whole House Humidifier Work?
A whole house humidifier is installed in the ductwork near the furnace. It is either placed on the supply or return end and is connected to the house’s water supply. Inside, there is a pad, rotating drum, or steam system. When the unit is working, water runs down the humidifier pad. The rotating drum collects the water or is misted in the device, depending on the model you have.
Once air enters the humidifier, it comes into contact with the water inside. The water then evaporates in the air. So as the air leaves the humidifier and joins your house’s airflow, it has a higher moisture level. The end result is higher humidity in all rooms.
Perks of Investing in a Great Whole House Humidifier
A humidifier is a much-needed product, particularly if you live in a dry area. Apart from adding moisture back to your environment, a whole house humidifier has other perks too.
Reduces Health Risks
Dry air triggers respiratory-related diseases like asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. However, once a humidifier does its magic, the chances of these health situations worsening decrease drastically. Plus, since whole house humidifiers last for a long time, they can keep your house moist for quite a while.
Protects Your Home
You might be surprised to know that humidifiers help preserve your house. Without moisture, wooden surfaces and objects can be damaged easily. Thus, humidifiers can help prevent damage to all wooden things in your house.
Helps to Save Money
Many people assume that installing a whole house humidifier is quite expensive. The truth is, it isn’t. Instead, it’s more beneficial in the long run. While a whole house humidifier will add a little to your bill, ultimately, it will save money on your electrical bill. Keeping your home properly humidified helps it feel warmer and allows you to feel more comfortable.
Conclusion
Humidifiers work as great alternatives for adding moisture to your house. Plus, adding moisture can help prevent many dry skin problems. In addition, such humidifiers help prevent infections caused by molds, algae, and fungi. All in all, once you invest in the best whole house humidifier, you can significantly improve your house’s air quality and enjoy the various benefits.
