Keeping your home properly humidified can work wonders for wood floors and even for dry skin. Depending on your needs, you may be able to purchase a smaller humidifier designed to add moisture to one room you use frequently—say, your bedroom or living room. But if your whole house is dry, whole-house humidifiers are also an option, and they may suit your household a bit better. “Whole-house humidifiers are highly efficient and can cover spaces up to several thousand square feet,” says Logan Cox, assistant general manager of John The Plumber Kingston. “They are ideal for homes with central heating and can be directly integrated into the HVAC system.” He notes that the majority of whole-house humidifiers connect to air ducts within a home, although there are smaller, more portable units that could potentially humidify a house. There are four main types of whole-house humidifiers: To find the best whole-house humidifiers for your home, we consulted two experts, Cox and Pawel Wargocki, ASHRAE fellow and professor at the Technical University of Denmark. We then researched the market, considering capacity, coverage area, type of humidifier, and more. Our Top Picks Best Splurge: Best Console: Aircare Valiant Digital Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier at Amazon ($190) Best for Large Homes: Best for Hard Water: Desert Spring Hard Water Humidifier Package at Sylvane.com (See Price) Why You Should Get It It can humidify homes up to 4,500 square feet. Keep in Mind The manufacturer recommends replacing the humidifier pad and cleaning the drain hose every one to three months. If you’re after the best whole-house humidifier, the Honeywell Home Whole House Evaporative Humidifier is an excellent option. It’s an evaporative humidifier with a respectable 18-gallon capacity, meaning it can handle up to 18 gallons of water flowing through it per day. It mounts right to your furnace via the warm air supply or the return air duct, so it can circulate moisture throughout your home. It includes a digital humidistat which lets you easily see what the humidity levels are. The push-button controls let you adjust humidity levels and allow you power the unit on or off. Plus, you can choose what humidity level you’d like and allow the humidifier to automatically adjust to maintain that level. The maximum area it will humidify is a generously sized 4,500 square feet. However, keep in mind that the coverage area for older homes with less insulation or that are less tightly constructed is likely to be closer to 2,700 square feet. You’ll need a floor drain nearby and you’ll need to replace the humidifier pad once per season, which are a couple of things to consider. The manufacturer also recommends regularly cleaning the drain hose, especially if you have hard water. Product Details: Type: Evaporative | Dimensions: 14 x 15.25 x 10.25 inches | Capacity: 18 gallons | Coverage: Up to 4,500 square feet Why You Should Get It This humidifier is designed to use 30% less water than other models. Keep in Mind This option needs a floor drain, which may not be ideal if your furnace isn’t located next to one. The Honeywell Home HE280A is the best whole-house humidifier with a respectable coverage area that won’t bust your budget. Depending on the age of your home, this humidifier’s coverage area can be as large as 4,000 square feet. This will generally be the case with homes less than 20 years old. If your home was built more than 20 years ago, it probably isn’t quite as tightly constructed, so the humidifier’s coverage area may be reduced to about 2,000 square feet. The humidifier is designed to easily install on your furnace’s warm air supply or its return air duct, relying on the power of your furnace fan to disperse moisture throughout your home. It comes with a humidistat to let you adjust your humidity level. And once you set your preferred level, the unit automatically runs and shuts off to maintain that level, so it’s pretty hands-off. We also like that this option is designed to use 30% less water than other humidifiers thanks to the water distribution tray. Note that this unit needs to have access to a floor drain, so this may not work for you if you don’t have a drain near your furnace. Product Details: Type: Bypass | Dimensions: 19.75 x 14 x 18.5 inches | Capacity: 1 gallon | Coverage: Up to 4,000 square feet Why You Should Get It This steam humidifier works with an app to allow you to keep an eye on humidity levels remotely. Keep in Mind The app doesn’t send notifications for errors or required maintenance. This steam humidifier from Condair hooks right up to your water supply, so you won’t need to worry about refilling a tank to keep your home humidified. Plus, the water vapor temperature reaches 212°F or more, meaning it kills bacteria for cleaner air overall. The unit comes with a humidity sensor to keep tabs on the moisture level in your home. The humidifier will then automatically cycle on and off to maintain the level of humidity you choose, so you don’t need to constantly monitor the system. You’ll need to replace the humidifier’s cylinder (which helps create a water current in order to provide humidity) as an ongoing maintenance task. However, cylinder installation is designed to be easy and won’t require any tools. The brand’s app can help you order cylinders as needed and lets you access instructions from anywhere. Though not everyone will love relying on an app for operating the humidifier, it does offer convenience. It lets you keep tabs on your home’s humidity levels remotely, so you can be relaxing on vacation while knowing your home is being properly humidified. Product Details: Type: Steam | Dimensions: 10.4 x 18.4 x 6.9 inches | Capacity: Up to 22 gallons | Coverage: Up to 5,000 square feet Why You Should Get It The device includes an indicator light to remind you to refill the water tanks. Keep in Mind The four air wicks need to be replaced regularly. When you want a large-capacity humidifier but aren’t able to mount one on your furnace, consider going with this console option from Aircare. It’s an evaporative model that can humidify spaces of up to 4,000 square feet, which could potentially humidify your entire home if it was built in the last 20 years. You’ll need to manually fill the two removable water tanks, and you’ll want to replace the air wicks regularly. Humidifier wicks absorb the water from the tank before a fan blows the vapor to the air, so without a fresh wick, the water won’t absorb properly. The brand recommends replacing them between 30 and 90 days, and all four should be replaced simultaneously. Though neither of these maintenance tasks will be terribly time consuming, you will need to remember to add them to your regular household chore list. It has a refill indicator to remind you when to add water, making this maintenance task a little more convenient. The humidifier has four fan speeds and a humidistat that lets you adjust the humidity level. It will turn off automatically once the proper level is reached. This unit is also portable thanks to the included caster wheels, so you can wheel it to various rooms when they’re in need of a little extra moisture. The device comes in two finishes: brushed nickel and honey oak. Product Details: Type: Evaporative | Dimensions: 24.3 x 22.8 x 15 inches | Capacity: 5 gallons | Coverage: Up to 4,000 square feet Why You Should Get It A digital screen lets you see humidity levels and maintenance needs at a glance. Keep in Mind The installation kit may add extra cost, depending on which retailer you order from. For larger, tightly constructed homes, this fan-powered model from AprilAire is the best whole-house humidifier. It has a coverage area of up to 5,300 square feet on homes with tight construction, and it can handle up to 18 gallons of water per day, which is larger than many other options. The humidifier will maintain your preset moisture level, so you don’t need to worry about turning it on or off. The humidifier works with your furnace to move dry air over its water panel evaporator, which creates vapor that is then circulated throughout your home via your ductwork. However, some retailers sell the installation kit separately, so this may end up being an additional cost consideration. The unit also includes an outdoor temperature sensor, which can help the unit maintain proper humidity levels indoors, and its digital screen lets you easily see what humidity levels are. Indicator lights will turn on if the unit needs service, when it's time to change the water panel (which is similar to an air filter and can accumulate mineral buildup), or when the humidifier is running. Product Details: Type: Fan-powered | Dimensions: 15.91 x 18 x 11.35 inches | Capacity: 18 gallons | Coverage: Up to 5,300 square feet Why You Should Get It You can mount this steam humidifier on your ductwork or on the wall. Keep in Mind You’ll need to replace the canister, and it’s not specified how often. If you’re looking for a steam humidifier that’s also versatile, then this is the best whole-house humidifier to consider. You can choose whether to mount it to your ductwork or to the wall, allowing you to place it in the most convenient spot for your home. It’s also quite small, making it ideal for tight spaces. According to Honeywell Home, the humidifier is ultra quiet, so you likely won’t even hear it operating. This is especially helpful if your home has a bedroom or other quiet area right next to your furnace space. The model has a digital humidity control that prevents condensation from forming on windows. An added convenience is that it can hook right up to your water supply, removing the need for manual filling of a water tank. The canister will need to be replaced, but it’s easy to get to and easy to replace. Plus, the humidifier actually adapts as the weather changes, so humidity levels stay at the level you want, regardless of what outside temperatures are doing. Product Details: Type: Steam | Dimensions: 10 x 18 x 7 inches | Capacity: 11 | Coverage: Up to 5,000 square feet Why You Should Get It It includes a demineralization cartridge to prevent mineral buildup. Keep in Mind The unit is more functional than attractive. If you’d prefer a portable humidifier that can still offer a decent coverage area, this is a solid pick. It can humidify areas of up to 3,600 square feet using one wick filter, which will need to be regularly replaced. You’ll also need to manually fill the water tank, but it’s removable so you can bring it to a sink for easy filling. The digital controls are intuitive to operate and let you control humidity levels, fan speed, and the unit’s power. If you’d prefer, you can have the humidifier run the fan automatically to maintain a certain level of humidity. A demineralization cartridge is included, which keeps mineral buildup from forming that could potentially cause problems with the humidifier. Though its style may not be the most aesthetically appealing, it’s the best whole-house humidifier when you want something portable that works well in smaller spaces. Product Details: Type: Evaporative | Dimensions: 21.5 x 20.5 x 14.5 inches | Capacity: 3.6 gallons | Coverage: Up to 3,600 square feet The 8 Best Water Softeners of 2024 Why You Should Get It The AutoFlush System and Anti-Scale Filter cut back on the chances of mineral buildup, which is common in homes with hard water. Keep in Mind The maximum coverage area is 3,200 square feet, which isn’t ideal for large homes or homes that aren’t as well insulated. This model from Desert Spring is the best whole-house humidifier if you have hard water. Hard water can cause mineral buildup and limescale, and this humidifier is specifically designed for humidifying homes with these challenges. It attaches to your ductwork to work directly with your existing furnace like other bypass style humidifiers and includes a humidistat. The rotating discs in the water reservoir allow water to evaporate, which then gets channeled throughout your home. The AutoFlush System actually removes minerals by flushing the water reservoir at scheduled times, anywhere from once every hour to once a week. That means there’s less of a chance that mold can start growing because water won’t accumulate. Plus, the Anti-Scale Filter steps in to remove up to 95% of minerals in hard water that can cause limescale buildup, such as calcium. Though this is an excellent option for homes with hard water, the maximum coverage area is 3,200 square feet, which may not work as well for larger or less tightly constructed homes. Product Details: Type: Bypass | Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 12 inches | Capacity: 14 gallons | Coverage: Up to 3,200 square feet Overall, the best whole-house humidifier is the Honeywell Home Whole House Evaporative Humidifier because of its intuitive controls, automatic presets for humidity level, and its large coverage area and capacity. Logan Cox, assistant general manager of John The Plumber Kingston, explains that there are different types of humidifiers available. He says, “Bypass humidifiers leverage the airflow generated by your existing furnace or HVAC system. They ‘bypass’ a portion of the warm air from the furnace through a water panel or evaporator pad. The air absorbs moisture from this pad before being sent back into the main airstream through the ductwork.” He adds, “A bypass duct is connected between the supply and return air ducts to create a loop for air to pass through the humidifier.” Fan-powered humidifiers come with their own fan, as the name implies. “This fan helps to draw air through the unit's water panel, providing a more active humidification process,” Cox says. “The fan ensures that air flows through the water panel irrespective of whether the furnace is operating.” These tend to be easier to install and even add moisture to the air a bit quicker than other types because of their fans, making them a great choice for large spaces or homes in dry climates. It’s helpful to note that fan-powered humidifiers fall under the category of evaporative humidifiers, though not every fan-powered model will use evaporation. “The primary principle behind evaporative humidifiers is the natural process of evaporation. These devices use a wick filter to absorb water from a reservoir. Air from the room is then drawn over or through this moistened filter, where it picks up moisture before being expelled back into the room,” explains Cox. He adds, “They are self-regulating because the air can't hold more moisture than it needs.” Steam vaporizers, another type of humidifier, “boil water and then release the steam into the room,” Cox says. He explains, “Once enough steam is generated, it accumulates in a specialized chamber within the humidifier. The unit is usually equipped with sensors and controls to regulate the amount of steam produced, often in real-time based on the home's current humidity levels. The steam is then directly injected into the home's ductwork.” Almost all whole-house humidifiers that are connected to an HVAC system will require drainage in order to regularly flush mineral buildup. One exception are drum humidifiers—they fall under the bypass category—which can often operate without a drain. The Desert Spring DS3200-M, our Best for Hard Water pick, is a bypass humidifier that can be used with or without a drain. The type of maintenance required for a humidifier will depend on what type you select. Cox says evaporative types tend to need filters replaced often. He adds that filling the humidifier with water may also be a maintenance task you’ll need to complete if your humidifier doesn’t have the ability to connect to a water supply. “Regardless of type, it is essential to clean the water tank regularly to avoid the growth of mold and bacteria,” Cox advises. A humidifier’s coverage area is the total space that a humidifier can handle effectively. “Smaller, portable units are ideal for single rooms, but for larger areas or multiple rooms, you may need a console humidifier or even a whole-house system,” Cox says. “Whole-house humidifiers are highly efficient and can cover spaces up to several thousand square feet.” And Cox advises, “Always match the device's output capacity to the cubic footage of the area you aim to humidify.” Keep in mind, older homes tend to lose air quickly because they’re not as tightly-sealed as newer homes. If you have an older home, you may want to consider a unit that’s more powerful to ensure full coverage. Just make sure to adjust your humidifier’s settings and check the hygrometer so you’re not over-humidifying your home, which will cause more issues than help. Some humidifiers may have humidistats which keep tabs on the moisture level and some have timers so you can set run times. Some units may also have filters to “remove impurities from the water before misting,” Cox notes. A remote control may come with certain humidifiers for a more convenient way of operating them. This depends a bit on your household needs. Cox explains, “They are ideal for homes with central heating and can be directly integrated into the HVAC system. They provide a uniform level of humidity throughout the entire house and are generally more energy-efficient per square foot covered.” Pawel Wargocki, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) fellow and professor at the Technical University of Denmark, feels that whole-house humidifiers may not be the best bet for every home. He cautions that they bring in a potential risk for condensation and even mold growth, which can then be challenging to clean up. However, Wargocki calls out a caveat: “In the case of long periods with low humidity and wooden floors and structures in the house, low humidity can be damaging for wood—it can crack.” In that case, he says “whole-house humidification may be necessary,” but cautions against adding too much moisture. Health challenges come into play when deciding whether to invest in a whole-house humidifier as well. “Many people with allergic problems and eczema will suffer more when humidity is low,” Wargocki explains. Cox agrees: “Proper humidity levels can ease respiratory problems and skin issues, but overly humid environments can promote the growth of mold and dust mites.” He also says, “If you reside in a very dry climate, a humidifier is not just a luxury but a necessity for comfort and health.” Ultimately, it can be a fine line between having too much or too little humidity in your home. You’ll need to consider your specific climate and any health challenges as you decide when, and if, you’ll invest in the best whole-house humidifier for you. “Whole-house humidifiers are usually less noisy than portable units because the main machinery is integrated into the HVAC system and is typically located in a basem*nt or utility room,” Cox says. He explains that if you stand right next to the humidifier, the noise level will likely be about 50 decibels or less, which is comparable to the sound of a refrigerator running or a light rain. Cox adds, “Keep in mind still that noise is heard at the humidifier itself, not throughout the house it is installed in.” “The best location for a whole-house humidifier is near your furnace in the utility room or basem*nt,” Cox advises. “This allows for easier integration into the home's HVAC system and minimizes disruptions.” And even though the noise level should be relatively low, placing the humidifier in a utility room or basem*nt should help further minimize any noticeable noise. Brittany VanDerBill is a travel, insurance, and finance writer whose work has been published with several Dotdash Meredith brands. To find the best whole-house humidifiers, she researched a variety of options, keeping in mind type, capacity, coverage, and more. She also consulted Logan Cox, assistant general manager of John The Plumber Kingston, and Pawel Wargocki, ASHRAE fellow and professor at the Technical University of Denmark, for additional insights. Say Goodbye to Dry Winter Air with These Best Humidifiers for Bedrooms:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Whole-House-Humidifiers-BHG-tout-2bfedaf1b0b544049ea9814258597424.jpg "Combat Dry Winter Air with the Best Whole-House Humidifiers (1)")
Best Overall
Honeywell Home Whole House Evaporative Humidifier
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Best Console
Aircare Valiant Digital Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier
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Best for Large Homes
Aprilaire 700 Whole Home Humidifier
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Best Steam
Honeywell Home HM750A1000/U Electrode Steam Humidifier
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Best Portable
AIRCARE Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier
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Best for Hard Water
Desert Spring Hard Water Humidifier Package
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The Bottom Line
What to Know About Whole-House Humidifiers Before Shopping
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