Best Whole House Humidifier Reviews

Dry air is the cause of many respiratory ailments, skin flaking as well as cracking and drying of furniture and other wooden home décors. Therefore, there is no better way to get rid of it than with a quality humidifier. 

Currently, Aprilaire 600M is the top-selling humidifier brand, as it can seamlessly deliver up to 50% of more moisture when compared to other competitive units. Moreover, it can cover homes of up to 4,000 square feet.

In addition, it is very low maintenance and easy to operate. In relation, this bypass whole home humidifier does not have a water tank that can harbor and exacerbate bacterial and mold growth.

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Best Whole House Humidifier Reviews

The best whole house humidifier is usually effective and energy efficient. Moreover, some of the best never need refilling, as they have a direct connection to your home water supply as well as the heating system.

If you are still debating on which type or model of humidifier to install in your house, we have you covered all the way in this whole house humidifier reviews. We have highlighted different types of humidifier, how they work. Some buying guides, as well as how you can install it, without professional help.

1. Aprilaire 600M Humidifier

For the best and affordable, bypass humidifier. This one here should be your only pick. It can cover up to 4,000 square feet efficiently.

Moreover, it has a convenient digital control that easily auto-regulates humidity in accordance with the temperatures in your surrounding outdoor environment. It can auto-release moisture up to 0.70 gallons per hour.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Best and affordable, bypass humidifier
  • It can cover up to 4,000 square feets
  • Convenient digital control system
  • Check Badge
    Auto-release moisture up to 0.70 gallons per hour

In addition, it works your surrounding air through evaporation, meaning it does not keep any water reducing the chances of mold growth. Besides, it needs a good connection to the return or supply line of your home HVAC system.

In addition to all these, it comes with a bypass damper, for an easy switch in the settings through summer and winter. The bypass damper is actually labeled summer and winter settings for convenience, preventing any mishap or guesswork.

It has a compact design and very easy to use.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • pROGRAM SETTINGS
  • MEMORY CAPACITY
  • MAINTENANCE

it is easy to maintain with an easy-filter access design for a quick cleanup and filter replacement.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Its bypass damper can save you water and money
  • Easy maintenance
  • Very energy efficient
  • Operates quietly

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • The filter needs frequent changes if hard water is used
  • Might require a professional to install it

2. Honeywell HE120A

Say goodbye to dry skin, cracked wooden décor and even carpet shocks in winter, with this affordable humidifier. It works very well with your home furnace to ensure you have a properly comfortable humidity level within your surrounding indoor air.

Moreover, it features a standardized humidistat that controls it when it comes to your home humidity levels. You can have it put on a wall or on the return air duct.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Features a standardized humidistat
  • Its cabinet is resistant to rust and corrosion
  • You can have it installed in the HVAC system of your house

In addition, its cabinet is resistant to rust and corrosion, enhancing it lifespan and use. You can have it installed in the HVAC system of your house, on the warm air supply side or on the return duct whichever is possible and convenient.

Besides, it comes with an installation kit and an instructional video, you can use for installation. Nonetheless, install only if you have some basic expertise on it.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • ideal for homes
  • NOISELESS

It is ideal for small to middle sized homes. It can cover up to 4,000 square feet area and does not require any drainage system. You just connect it to your furnace and it will start to distribute moisture, up to 17 gallons a day.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Conveniently adjustable settings
  • Uses a wick filter
  • Lightweight
  • Has a durable cabinet

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Although it comes with a very elaborative instructional manual you will still need professional assistance

3. AIRCARE MA1201 Humidifier

This energy efficient humidifier is ideal for large homes of up to 3600 square feet. It can operate for up to 36 hours non-stop on a full gallon of 3.6 water tank capacity.

Moreover, it has a digital display system for an easy read of the settings. Likewise, its digital humidistat auto-maintains the humidity level as desired with digital accuracy. In relation, when the humidity level has reached the desired point, this unit will auto-shut.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Energy efficient humidifier
  • Ideal for large homes of up to 3600 square feet
  • It can operate for up to 36 hours non-stop
  • Check Badge
    Its digital humidistat auto-maintains the humidity level

It features four fan speeds with an auto-mode as well as a silent night setting. You can rely on its filter and refill indicators for refilling its water and changing the filter. Besides, it uses two easy-to-fill water bottles with a refill-hose.

This cool mist evaporative humidifier is very easy to clean, as its evaporative wick easily traps mineral deposits.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • SAFETY
  • HEALTHY
  • SMOOTH RUN

It runs very smoothly, no pulleys, belts or wheels. Also, its design makes for a visible appealing home décor

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Has convenient caster wheels for mobility
  • ETL approved
  • Reduces pet dander as well as dust in your surrounding
  • Auto-shuts when empty

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • You will have to replace its wick every few months if it is being used constantly
  • If you live in very dry areas, then you will need to make frequent refills

4. Vornado Evap40 Whole House Humidifier

This humidifier can cover rooms up to 1,000 square feet, using effective deep pitch blades that efficiently pull in large volumes of dry harsh air towards it. It then circulates humidity in your surrounding air using its unique signature Vortex Action.

Moreover, it has three-speed settings for low, medium and a high set-up, all for maximum and effective humidification.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Humidifier can cover rooms up to 1,000 square feet
  • Unique signature Vortex Action
  • It has three-speed settings for low, medium and a high set-up
  • Check Badge
    It features an adjustable humidistat

Likewise, it features an adjustable humidistat that can auto-control your humidity level. You can set the unit by turning the knob located between the MIN and MAX humidification level, and it will operate continuously until the desired level of humidity is reached indoors.

In addition, its airlock water tank is very easy to refill. It is resistant to leaks and spills. Overall, this unit is easy to clean and maintain. You can use the user manual for continuous proper maintenance.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • CAPACITY
  • ADJUSTABLE SPEEDS

This home humidifier can humidify your space the whole day, using its 4-gallon water tank. You will not need to refill it, as it can operate for long hours uninterrupted. Even on a high setting, it can work with few to zero refills, depending on the level of dry air within your surroundings.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • 5-year limited warranty
  • Easy-to-use control panel
  • Efficient and quiet during operation
  • Has two wick filters

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Not a very intuitive design, has many cheap plastic parts all-round it

5. AIRCARE MA0800

This is the most affordable humidifier in this list. It can cover up to 2,600 square feet homes with its 2.5 gallons of water tank. Besides, it can run for long hours non-stop, up to 36 hours.

Moreover, it can take care of dust particles, pet dander, and other allergy triggers, thus increasing the health of your family. Likewise, it can prevent the drying and cracking of your wooden décor. It also makes your skin smooth and reduces the effects of asthma by moisturizing your surroundings.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • It can cover up to 2,600 square feet
  • it can run for long hours non-stop, up to 36 hours.
  • It can prevent the drying and cracking of your wooden décor

It has three fan speed settings and a quiet setting for nighttime, so you can use it even while sleeping and it will not disturb you and the kids.

This unit is hard to knock over, as it has six stabilizing rubbers to keep it stable and secure at all times. Besides, it is ETL approved.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • CONTROL
  • safety
  • MINERAL ABSORPTION

It has a mineral absorption wick-filter that absorbs all minerals before they become harmful white dust that can destroy your wooden décor.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Easy assembly
  • Features an easy-to-refill water bottle
  • Lockable control panel to ensure the settings stays put
  • Check Circle
    Energy efficient

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Small water tank capacity which equals to frequent refills

6. AIRCARE EP9 800 Humidifier

It can run for up to 60 hours covering medium-sized homes of up to 2,400 square feet. Moreover, it is energy efficient, and will not consume much power no matter which setting you opt to run it on.

In addition, its 3.5 water tank capacity can easily moisturize your surrounding indoor air for a breathable and conducive air. This minimizes allergies, reduces asthmatic symptoms and takes care of your dry skin. Likewise, it can prevent the cracking of any wooden stuff in your home.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • It can run for up to 60 hours
  • For medium-sized homes of up to 2,400 square feet
  • 3.5 water tank capacity can easily moisturize your surrounding indoor air
  • Check Badge
    Digitally controlled humidistat

This all-family humidifier can prevent different types of respiratory ailments for you, your kids, and even the elderly who are prone to respiratory failure.

Furthermore, its digitally controlled humidistat can automatically maintain the level of humidity as desired all with digital accuracy. Besides, you can replace its tile with any other for décor sake.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • SPEED SETTINGS
  • DIGITAL READOUT
  • safety

It has a convenient filter check indicator and a refill indicator, for when water runs out. Likewise, it features a front pour-in fill design for ease during refills.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Highly portable with caster wheels for mobility
  • Multiple fan speeds, nine to be precise
  • ETL approved
  • Check Circle
    Unit auto-shuts when empty

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Frequent cleaning and changing of its filters

7. AIRCARE 696 400HB

This light oak humidifier can easily be mistaken for a home furniture décor, but in the real sense, it is one of the best humidifier for fighting dry air, dust and air allergens that may cause cold, flu and increase asthmatic symptoms.

It can cover 3,600 square feet homes for up to 45 hours using its 5.6-gallon water tank capacity. Moreover, it has a digital display system but an analogous control system.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Light oak humidifier
  • It can cover 3,600 square feet
  •  Can run for 45 hours using its 5.6-gallon water tank capacity
  • Check Badge
     Digital display system but an analogous control system.

In addition, its humidity is customizable but when the indoor air quality reaches the required humidity level, the unit will auto-shut to save power. It will also auto-shut when empty.

Besides, it has nine fan speeds which you can make use of for maximum humidification of your space.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • etl approved
  • maintenance

This ETL approved humidifier is one of the best when it comes to keeping your family healthy. It can protect your body as well as home from the effects of dry weather and air by keeping it well moisturized. Likewise, it can also take care of pet dander.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Convenient refill indicator
  • Energy efficient
  • Protects wooden décor
  • Caster wheels for easy mobility

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Lacks digital controls

8. Aprilaire 700 Humidifier

This humidifier can take care of dry air that causes cold, flu and allergies in your home. Moreover, it will prevent mold growth within your surroundings and décor. It also tackles different kinds of odor making your indoor air very soothing and breathable for a healthy prolonged life.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Can take care of dry air that causes cold, flu and allergies in your home
  • Prevent mold growth within your surroundings and décor
  • It also tackles different kinds of odor making your indoor air very soothing and breathable

Moreover, it is also best at eliminating painful static shock, by ensuring that your home is adequately humidified. Besides, it does not come with any refill tanks. You can just connect it to your water supply line.

Consequently, it can release up to 18 gallons of water in a day. Do not even start to worry about energy cost, as this unit is highly energy efficient and can save your energy bills even in winter.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • USE
  • COMFORT
  • low maintenance

Besides, it requires very little maintenance for effectiveness and optimal performance through the years. You just need to annually replace its filter, water panel evaporator and clean/wash its water distribution tray and pad frame.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Simple to install
  • Very quiet and efficient
  • Has a High capacity
  • Check Circle
    Clear LED screen

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Pricey but reliable
  • Does not come with an installation kit, so you might need professional help

9. Ideal-Air Humidifier

This is the most expensive humidifier in this list. As much as it is pricey, it delivers as expected and for a long period. Moreover, it has many durable parts, including an industrial grade motor constructed to last for years without issues.

This unit can deliver up to 200 pints in a day, covering areas within 1,176-1,614 square feet. However, this depends on the ceiling height and the humidification required within your surrounding indoor air.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Industrial grade motor constructed to last for years without issues
  • This unit can deliver up to 200 pints in a day
  • It measures 15 by 15 inches in height and diameter

You will not need to refill it at all, just connect it to your home water supply. Use your own hookups for the direct water connection. Besides, you should consider using a humidity controller with this unit maybe a Titan controls egos 1.

It measures 15 by 15 inches in height and diameter.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • VERY EFFECTIVE
  • QUIET
  • DURABLE

As much as it comes out as pricey in this list of humidifiers, it is highly durable and requires very low-level of maintenance.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Fast and efficient delivery
  • Portable
  • Can work in a greenhouse
  • Check Circle
    It is UL listed

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Very pricey 

10. AIRCARE H12600

This quality humidifier can cover up to 3,700 square feet, running up to 45 hours on a 5.4-gallon water tank. It is highly energy efficient and can humidify your home until the recommended humidity level is reached indoors then it will auto-shut.

QUICK SUMMARY

  • Can cover up to 3,700 square feet
  • Running up to 45 hours on a 5.4-gallon water tank
  • Energy efficient
  • Check Badge
     It has a customizable humidistat and a fan with four different speeds.

Moreover, it eliminates all indoor dry air thereby contributing to a breathable environment free from asthmatic, allergy, cold and flu symptoms. Your whole family can stay healthy with no risk to their respiratory system with this home humidifier.

Additionally, it has a customizable humidistat and a fan with four different speeds. You can easily read its settings on its digital readout.

It is ETL approved and can prevent the drying up of wooden home decors.

WHY WE RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT

  • CAPACITY
  • SAFETY AND HEALTH

This humidifier stands out due to its large water tank capacity as well as a long runtime. Moreover, it has a convenient refill indicator and immediately auto-shuts when empty, to prevent any hazards and unit malfunction. In relation, it has a single bottle fill design.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • 2-year limited warranty
  • Features a filter indicator
  • Lightweight and conveniently portable with caster wheels
  • Check Circle
    Operates quietly

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE

  • Frequent filter replacements

Types of Whole House Humidifier

There are different types of humidifiers that you can install in your house. You can choose either depending on your need as well as budget.

  • Bypass Type- This type warms its water into mist, via the heat from the furnace. After which the mist smoothly passes through the vents and into your home, taking care of all the dryness within the surrounding air.
  • Steam Humidifier- This humidifier works by heating its water up to the boiling point, before adding the hot steam into the ducts of your ventilation system. It is very fast and efficient in its delivery but uses a lot of energy to heat the water and its hot vapor can compromise the cold air conditioning system.
  • Fan-Powered Humidifier- It is a bit similar to a bypass humidifier, but it works by blowing a fan towards a panel of water, hence sending cool mist through a filter system and into the duct. Besides, it takes up very little installation space when compared to a bypass humidifier.

Therefore, it does not need any hot vapor and can use little energy if need be, and it will not affect your cold air conditioning system.

  • Drum Systems- These have fabric belts or foam that spin over a drum placed over the water, in order to wick the reservoir moisture. The moisture only evaporates into your surrounding air, when the air conditioning or furnace blows some air over the reservoir drum.
  • Flow-Through Humidifier System– It drips water into an aluminum or foam pad. The A/C or furnace will then blow air through it, picking the moisture and spreading it all over your house.
  • Spray Mist- Works by spraying mist into your duct system when your air conditioning or furnace system is in operation.

Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for While Buying Whole House Humidifiers?

There are some things you need to check out before you select any type or model of a humidifier. Here are some guides to buying the top one for your home.

  • Research- Every brand company is likely to market their product as the best, but you should be smart enough to do your own research either online or You can ask friends and relatives, as well as read online reviews.

Likewise, you can read different reviews just to get a grip on how different models are likely to behave and their level of proven-effectiveness, even after long-term ownership and use.

  • Space Coverage– Depending on the coverage area of your house or where you want to humidifier always ensure that the model you select can cover it efficiently. You can check the coverage space in its specification section before buying.
  • Location– You should consider the type and model of your humidifier with the climatic conditions in mind, especially if it is always dry and hot. Likewise, it should be effective enough but also energy efficient as you might need it 24/7 depending on where you live.
  • Maintenance and Filter Replacement– These units usually require very little maintenance, but that does not mean you install and forget about it. Therefore, be ready to keep a reliable schedule when it comes to cleaning it and even changing its filter.

You can rely on reviews to know which, model is going to be easy to maintain and filter-change before you settle for any of the best whole home humidifier in the current market.

  • Price– Of course you should have a budget in mind, with regard to functionality and effectiveness. However, take note that expensive is not always effective just choose a top-quality humidifier that will meet your house need.

Besides, always keep the installation, maintenance, and repair costs in mind when buying a humidifier, as it might require professional help, which can make it very expensive to own.

  • Appeal– As much as this seems irrelevant in most cases, but some people prefer a good-looking unit. However, it should not be a priority, especially where efficient delivery rate and even price is a concern.

DIY Guide: Whole House Humidifier Installation

Installing a whole house humidifier can be costly, depending on its size as well as type. However, you can easily install it, but only if you have installed one before.

This is because it requires plumbing, HVAC, and electrical knowledge. Moreover, you will need to have a connection between it and your HVAC ductwork, electrical and main water line. Any mistake is likely to cost you more on professional help and affect your warranty.

Nevertheless, if you are very handy when it comes to installing a humidifier, then here is a look at a simple DIY guide.

  • First makes sure you have your safety gear on, from gloves to tight-fitting work clothes among others required for the Likewise, you should have all your tools ready and close-by. This ensures efficient installation with minimal work hazards or delays.
  • When everything is ready you can start by turning off the A/C and the furnace then trace its manufacturer template manual for the main humidifier onto the duct. A direct drum or a bypass drip humidifier is usually installed on the cold air side while those that have independent fan are placed on the hot air side.
  • After determining which type or model of humidifier you have. Drill the starter hole and then make your opening cut for the unit. You can use aviator snips.
  • You can then secure the main humidifier in the cut opening with sheet metal screws.
  • If you are installing a whole home humidifier with a bypass vent, then make a 6-inch diameter cutout for the ventilation pipe into the hot air plenum, as indicated in the manufacturer booklet.
  • Then install a collar in the round vent-pipe cutout, before running the ventilation pipe for the bypass humidifier. Secure the connections with sheet metal screws.
  • Make your markings and positioning for the humidistat before installing it as directed by the manufacturer. It is usually placed on the cold air plenum side near the furnace burner.
  • After installing the humidistat, connect it to the furnace. You should note that most humidifiers can auto-turn ON when the blower from the furnace cycles, as it connected to the accessory panel on the controls of your furnace system. Moreover, some humidifiers also run on low-voltage power and might use a transformer, in order to step down the voltage coming from the accessory panel.
  • You should then connect the solenoid. You can achieve this smoothly by connecting the leads from the humidistat to the contacts on the valve of the solenoid, which is located on the humidifier.
  • As you are one-step closer to finishing the installation process, tap on the nearby water line, hot is better but not a must. Use a saddle valve or a T-fitting for tapping the water supply. Then run the supply tubing to the solenoid valve, connecting it with a compression fitting.
  • If the whole house humidifier you are installing has a drainage tube, run it to a drainage opening system as stipulated in the user manual.
  • Take note that some humidifiers do not have any drain line as they auto-evaporate excess water into the heating system.
  • Lastly, install the humidifier filter and test it. The unit should work as expected.

As much as it seems all elaborate and easy to follow, you must follow the instructions to the latter, especially if you have limited experience with home humidifiers.

Nonetheless, you can polish your installation skills by watching some of the countless online videos on how to install your specific unit, but some models come with their own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you just need to know quality from amateur and we have shown you how to select the best.

Therefore, feel free to choose any of the above. They are within a very reasonable price range and have a higher proven-efficiency level. Feel free to share this information. You never know you might be helping someone purchase one of the best whole house humidifier for his or her home.

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