The 6 Best Energy Efficient Humidifiers of 2024 (2024)

Updated January 3, 2023

The HuPro Ultrasonic Humidifier is a sleek, reasonably priced humidifier that's loaded with modern features. With a 5.5 liter capacity, it's also versatile enough to be used in most average-sized rooms (up to 500 square feet). The digital screen allows you to set the humidity levels and fan speeds, and the sleep mode timer reduces sound to less than 30 decibels. On cool mist mode, the humidifier uses less than 30 watts.

When humidifier reservoirs aren't properly cleaned, they can become a breeding ground for microorganisms, dispersing them into the air. The HuPro Ultrasonic helps protect against stagnating water with an included filtration system, which combines a ceramic filter with active charcoal to maintain water quality.

Additional features include an essential oils tray, a remote control, and a detachable water tank for easy refilling.

If you're shopping for a humidifier on a budget, the PureGuardian Cool Mist is an affordable choice that can handle up to 350 square feet of space. Although it doesn't have a humidistat to monitor moisture levels like some of the pricier choices, the ultrasonic humidifier uses just 25 watts of power.

The PureGuardian humidifier can run for up to 30 hours on its half-gallon tank and includes an indicator light for when the water reservoir is low. With its clean curves and small footprint, this ultrasonic tower humidifier is tabletop-ready. It also includes a tray for essential oils and a night light feature (which you may or may not like, depending on what room this is used in; it's not great in bedrooms where excess light can interfere with sleep).

Price at time of publish:$60

If you need a quiet humidifier that can add moisture throughout your entire home, the AIRCARE Digital Whole-House Humidifier is a worthwhile option. The unit is fairly large, with a 15-inch by 24-inch footprint, but the honey-oak paneled humidifier can handle up to 4,000 square feet—suitable for a large house. For efficiency, the digital humidistat automatically maintains the desired humidity level and will shut off when that level is reached.

The AIRCARE Whole House Evaporative Humidifier has four adjustable fan speeds and a 5.4-gallon water reservoir that allows it to operate for up to 45 hours.

Price at time of publish:$193

Combining a nearly handheld base with a standard water bottle for a reservoir, the Pure Enrichment MistAire Travel humidifier is true to its travel-friendly name. Plus, since it works on 100 to 240 volts, it's ideal for international travel.

The unique design uses any standard 16.9-ounce water bottle, so you can reuse bottles from around the house and recycle them when the bottle needs to be changed out. The humidifier weighs just 1.2 pounds and has a 5.6 by 3-inch footprint—small enough to fit in a purse or tote.

The MistAire Travel can run for up to six hours on one bottle of water. It also features a soft blue mood light, but be warned: It can't be turned off.

Price at time of publish:$30

If you're searching for a humidifier for a smaller room, the 24-watt, Levoit Top Fill Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is full of added functions, including several smart settings that can be adjusted using a free smartphone app. The built-in humidistat can be set to maintain the target humidity, and the device is compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Siri Shortcuts.

Levoit's top-fill humidifier is designed for spaces between 100 and 300 square feet and has a runtime of 25 hours. The 3-liter water tank is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $51

For larger spaces, the Elechomes Top Fill 5.5-Liter Humidifier has an outreach of up to 755 square feet, yet this ultrasonic humidifier is also extremely quiet, with a noise level between 20 to 32 decibels. The humidifier has both a cool and warm mist mode with three levels, a night setting, and a child lock. The digital display screen allows you to set desired humidity on a 12-hour timer, or you can use the included remote. The Elechomes humidifier is compatible with essential oils.

On a low, cool mist setting, the device uses just 16 watts, though the heating element used for warm mist uses quite a bit more energy, consuming approximately 80 watts of power on a low mist setting.

Price at time of publish:$104

Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the best place to put a humidifier?

  The best placement depends on the type of humidifier. If you're using warm mist, it shouldn't be placed too close to an individual, so allow several feet in between. You can set it on a shelf, desk, or table, but it's best to leave some space between the device and the wall and put a tray underneath in case it leaks.

  If you're using a cool-mist humidifier, you'll want to place it in the vicinity of people and closer than a warm mist humidifier. Avoid areas that are already showing any type of moisture damage (like leaky pipes or windows).

• Can a humidifier cause mold?

  Yes, adding moisture into the air can increase mold and mildew buildup, but there are ways to prevent this when using a humidifier. Mold flourishes with humidity levels above 55%, so monitor the humidity levels in the home. According to the EPA, you'll want to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%. If your humidifier doesn't have a built-in humidistat, you should consider purchasing a humidity reader to monitor the levels inside your home.

  It is important to change the filters regularly (every one to three months) and to use distilled water (not tap water) to fill the tank. Be sure to properly wash, rinse, sanitize, and dry the water chambers every few days.

• How do you recycle a humidifier?

  If your humidifier is still working, consider donating it to a charitable organization or thrift store, or by listing it on websites like FreeCycle or Craigslist. If it's inoperable and can't be repaired, it should not be disposed of in the trash or placed in regular-service recycling bins. Many local transfer stations accept them, and the EPA offers several resources for locating an electronics recycling center in your area.

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