The Best Whole House Humidifiers of 2024

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Whole House Humidifiers of 2024 and hope the blog can help you.

Combat uncomfortable dry air with an affordable whole-house humidifier that can restore the proper moisture balance throughout your home.

Single-room humidifiers are designed to replace dry air in small spaces, but they aren’t able to affect the entire home. Instead of getting a room humidifier for every room, consider a whole-house humidifier to remove the dry air in the home entirely. These provide a single, convenient source of balanced humidity that is beneficial both for people and the home itself.

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a whole-house humidifier, so we aim to make the selection process easier by doing the legwork for you. We reviewed more than 30 top-rated options, from those that are fitted into HVAC systems to more compact portable models. Our research helped us detail exactly how to find the best whole-house humidifier to replace dry air and restore comfort, whatever the size of the living space. To help make your search more straightforward and stress-free, below are some of the best whole-house humidifiers in their respective categories.

1. BEST OVERALL: AprilAire 500 Whole-House Evaporative Humidifier 
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aircare Space Saver 831000 Whole-House Humidifier
3. BEST INDUSTRIAL: Lacidoll Commercial & Industrial-Grade Humidifier
4. BEST FOR SMALL HOMES: Vornado Evap40 Evaporative Humidifier
5. BEST FOR HARD WATER: AprilAire 700 Whole-House Evaporative Humidifier
6. BEST FAN: Honeywell Home HE280A Whole-House Bypass Humidifier
7. BEST PORTABLE: Aircare Console MA1201 Evaporative Humidifier 
8. BEST PEDESTAL: Aircare Pedestal Whole-House Evaporative Humidifier
9. BEST CONSOLE: Aircare Credenza 696400HB Evaporative Humidifier

How We Chose the Best Whole-House Humidifiers 

As an engineer and someone who has installed whole-house humidifiers, I have a hands-on understanding of how they function. To support this, the Bob Vila team researched the latest models from every leading manufacturer to ensure we had up-to-date information. Feedback from customers who live with these devices day-to-day also formed an important part of our selection process.

In making my choices, we wanted to provide a wide range of ioptions encompassing the various technologies and different types of installation. With the breadth of high-quality options, we have provided solutions for the widest possible range of needs, as well as whole-house humidifiers to suit most budgets.

Although the number of manufacturers represented is relatively low, we felt it important to focus on brands that have built a reputation for producing reliable, durable equipment. In the longer term, this ensures buyers get the best value for their money.

Our Top Picks

The whole-house humidifier market is dominated by several established brands that produce high-quality and reliable systems. Some are standouts in their respective categories, and this list of top picks can help make finding the best whole-house humidifier for specific needs quicker and easier.

Best Overall

AprilAire 500 Whole-House Evaporative Humidifier

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It’s tough to pick the single best whole-house humidifier on the market because there are so many different types of homes. However, for most typical situations, the American-made AprilAire 500 is our top pick because it combines efficiency, a comprehensive feature set, and suitability for the average modern home, which is about 2,300 square feet, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures. This HVAC humidifier has an actual maximum coverage of 3,500 square feet.

It has two sensors: one for outside temperature and one for relative humidity. Once the desired level is set using the clear digital display, the AprilAire humidifier automatically adjusts performance to suit. This reduces power and water consumption, keeping bills lower as a result.

The additional external sensor makes installation more complex than some, but the affordable price of the unit goes a long way toward compensating for any increased labor costs. Once running, it is simple to use and highly effective.

Product Specs 

• Coverage: 3,500 square feet
• Maximum runtime: Continuous
• Tank capacity: 12 gallons per day

Pros

• Sensors for both outside temperature and relative humidity levels automatically maintain humidity indoors
• An easy-to-read panel provides convenient monitoring and control
• Compact design is ideal for many modern homes, and it comes with a very competitive price

Cons

• The manufacturer suggests professional installation, which will mean increased costs

Get the AprilAire 500 whole-house humidifier at Amazon. 

Best Bang For The Buck

Aircare Space Saver 831000 Whole-House Humidifier

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Space is often at a premium in many modern homes, so the compact dimensions of this Aircare may be ideal. Despite its diminutive size, it can provide humidity for areas of up to 2,700 square feet.

Three fan speeds allow users to manage performance and volume. It can be noisy when working hard, but the unit will shut off when it reaches the user-set humidity level. The easy-fill water tank holds 6 gallons, allowing up to 70 hours of continuous output.

This humidifier provides alerts when the water level is low and when the filter needs to be changed. Casters provide for easy movement. This high-quality Aircare humidifier is a neat unit that is easy to live with and offers outstanding value for the money.

Product Specs 

• Coverage: 2,700 square feet
• Maximum runtime: 70 hours
• Tank capacity: 6 gallons

Pros

• Compact design and low noise help reduce impact on living spaces
• Choice of 3 fan speeds and an adjustable humidistat to maximize personal comfort
• Auto shutoff at desired humidity and refill indicator make it easy to use
• Casters offer easier mobility for cleaning and moving compared to other units

Cons

• Some find the control panel too bright, and occasional fan switch faults have been reported

Get the Aircare whole-house humidifier at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart. 

Best Industrial

Lacidoll Commercial & Industrial-Grade Humidifier

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Anyone looking for a unit in their office, workplace, or growing center will want to take a look at this Lacidoll humidifier. Not only does this option have a 5.5-gallon water-tank capacity that is capable of covering over 2,000 square feet, it also has a maximum 12-hour runtime, timers, a 2,000 mL/h output, and four integrated mist/humidity levels due to the four atomizers onboard.

This top-fill 110-watt unit is ideal for industrial or commercial applications. It comes with intelligent constant humidity control to keep your preferences in check, and the large LED display and remote control make the unit easy to set and forget. Need more? This unit runs at a low 35-decibel operating noise level, which will not create too much noise pollution in a work space, and it comes with 13 accessories for excellent versatility.

Product Specs

• Coverage: 2,000 square feet
• Maximum runtime: 12 hours
• Tank capacity: 5.5 gallons

Pros

• The 5.5-gallon water tank is capable of covering over 2,000 square feet of office or work space
• Runs for up to 12 hours and has a 2,000 mL/h output capacity; 4 integrated humidity levels
• Intelligent constant humidity control automatically adjusts to keep the users’ preferences in check
• Comes with multiple presets, timers, an LED display, and remote control

Cons

• Smaller coverage area compared to other options on the market
• Some users have reported dampness and small leaks

Get the Lacidoll whole-house humidifier at Amazon.

Best for Small Homes

Vornado Evap40 Evaporative Humidifier

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For those who live in small apartments or other small homes, most whole-house HVAC humidifiers are overkill. Yet many room humidifiers don’t provide sufficient coverage. One efficient, low-cost solution is the Vornado Evap40 Evaporative Humidifier.

This unit offers three fan speeds and a clever vortex action that spreads humidity evenly over an area of up to 1,000 square feet. There are two easy-to-manage 2-gallon tanks, giving 24 hours of runtime at the highest fan setting. Automatic sensors adjust humidity to the chosen level, so it might run longer.

The Vornado would also be a good choice for large single rooms, though the lack of wheels makes it a little awkward to move around.

Product Specs

• Coverage: 1,000 square feet
• Maximum runtime: 24 hours
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons per 24 hours

Pros

• Vortex action provides rapid circulation and evenly distributes humidity
• Simple controls make it easy for new users to adjust and use
• Very affordable and sized appropriately for smaller homes and apartments

Cons

• Regular filter replacement can be inconvenient and expensive over time
• No auto-off feature when the unit is empty can be a deal breaker for those who rely on automatic shutoffs

Get the Vornado whole-house humidifier at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair. 

Best for Hard Water

AprilAire 700 Whole-House Evaporative Humidifier

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The minerals in hard water can play havoc with whole-house HVAC humidifiers. Some eject calcium and magnesium into the air, which can aggravate breathing conditions. White dust can settle out too, covering furniture and getting into sensitive electronics. Others trap the chemicals, but the buildup eventually causes blockages or damage.

The AprilAire 700 can operate with hard or soft water, and with a hot or cold supply. Any minerals from hard water are collected in the water panel, preventing them from getting into the air. As water panels need to be changed on an annual basis (they are not expensive), the buildup is typically too insufficient to cause problems.

Other key features of the AprilAire 700 are precise digital control, sensors to automatically monitor humidity levels, and a powerful fan that uses furnace air to increase humidification speed over an area of up to 5,300 square feet.

Product Specs

• Coverage: 5,300 square feet
• Maximum runtime: Continuous
• Tank capacity: 18 gallons per day

Pros

• Runs off ordinary household water supply, and is unaffected by water hardness or softness levels
• Uses existing HVAC system to measure and balance humidity throughout the home
• Easy-to-read digital control panel for monitoring, adjustment, and service alerts

Cons

• Professional installation is required for warranty, and the water panel needs to be replaced annually

Get the AprilAire 700 whole-home humidifier at Amazon. 

Best Fan

Honeywell Home HE280A Whole-House Bypass Humidifier

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The Honeywell Home HE280A bypass humidifier is a fan humidifier that is designed for DIY installation and can be mounted on either the warm-air supply or the return duct of any forced-air furnace. It has a capacity of up to 4,000 square feet.

Without the need to heat water, the Honeywell Home HE280A is usually more economical than comparable steam humidifiers or bypass models. The flow-through design prevents the buildup of microorganisms that can cause mold and reduces maintenance. The included hygrostat is manually operated, though an automatic conversion is possible.

Installation is a relatively straightforward process when compared with other HVAC humidifiers, and all the necessary components are included. However, a floor drain is also required.

Product Specs

• Coverage: 4,000 square feet
• Maximum runtime: Continuous
• Tank capacity: Not applicable

Pros

• Fan saves energy by taking warm air from the HVAC to provide humidified air
• PerfectFLO system optimizes water consumption and helps reduce running costs
• Easier to install than many competitors, and requires little ongoing maintenance

Cons

• A floor drain is required, which can involve considerable extra work

Get the Honeywell HE280A whole-house humidifier at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Portable

Aircare Console MA1201 Evaporative Humidifier

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The modest size of this Aircare whole-house humidifier belies its performance, which has a coverage area of up to 3,600 square feet. The digital humidistat is controlled by a clear and easy-to-use front-mounted panel. Once set, it ca