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Do you ever find yourself feeling itchy for no apparent reason? Is the air around your home dry and uncomfortable?
Then it’s high time you install the perfect whole-house humidifier in your home.
Fluctuations in humidity levels can lead to a variety of problems to your wooden furnishings and electrical appliances. If the air is too dry, your furniture may develop cracks or splits. On the other hand, too much moisture may damage your electronics.
Finding the perfect whole-house humidifier is as difficult as maintaining the right humidity levels in your home. However, we are here to help you discern the best whole house humidifier that will significantly improve your living conditions. Let’s take a closer look at these top 10 reviews.
What is a Whole House Humidifier?
A whole-house humidifier is a piece of equipment that is designed to add moisture to an indoor environment. The main purpose of this device is to keep your home or office moist by removing dry air and adding vapor or mist into space, to increase the levels of humidity.
Trying to keep warm using air conditioners and heating systems often lead to dry air. As mentioned before, dry air can cause a number of problems, leading to unavoidable infections and irritating allergy symptoms. Installing a humidifier in your home will not only alleviate these conditions, but also guarantee a supply of high-quality air in the entire home.
In most cases, whole-house humidifiers can be attached to your home’s air duct system, work independently or in tandem with your home’s heat cycle.
The design of this unit is not the most appealing. Seemingly, it is the most basic evaporative humidifier designed for medium homes of up to 2,700 sq. ft. However, all that matters are the features.
The 83100 has an impressive runtime of up to 70 hours. This means that you can enjoy long hours of comfort with optimum humidity levels. Additionally, this device has one of the largest tank capacities within its range. It can handle up to 6 gallons of water effortlessly without causing any leaks.
It gets better…
Conclusion
Here’s the brutal truth about this unit:
There is no doubt that Essick is a class above the rest when it comes to manufacturing high-quality whole-house humidifiers. For this reason, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the AIRCARE 831000 Space-saver is one of our favorite home units.
The device is simple, affordable and very easy to maintain. In fact, you do not need to enlist an HVAC professional as the installation process is straightforward. What is more amazing is that the humidifier is designed to cut your energy bills by up to 10%.
How can you beat that? With so many exciting features at your disposal, can you afford not to acquire this top-rated humidifier?
The unit comes with a thick saturated wick filter and pad that eliminates airborne particles, germs, allergens and pet dander swiftly.
Weighing 14 pounds, the 83100 may seem bulk at first. However, it is tailored to occupy very little space thanks to its upright design. Furthermore, it comes with caster wheels that make it exceptionally portable.
Just like most whole house humidifiers from Essick, this unit comes with check filter and water refill indicators that quickly alert you when the water levels go down.
Do you know that you can run a whole-house humidifier hand in hand with your heating or cooling system without increasing your energy costs?
The Essick AIRCARE MA1201 humidifier increases humidity levels in the home to 43%, meaning that you do not have to switch on your thermostat. This results in more savings and lower utility bills. Save your generator power!
So what are we talking about?
The MA1201 humidifier comes in a sleek design that blends well with any type of décor. Placement of the humidifier will not be an issue as its single bottle design makes it compact and ideal for the tiniest of spaces.
Despite its diminutive design, this humidifier covers up to 3,600 sq. ft. It contains a 3.6-gallon tank system that uses twofold easy fill water bottles with a refill hose. The large tank capacity significantly reduces the time taken between refills, allowing you to enjoy long hours of comfort. Furthermore, this unit has a runtime of up to 36 hours, ensuring that your home is well-conditioned around the clock.
The MA1201 features a four-speed fan coupled with automatic mode settings, for maximum control of humidity levels in your house. It also comes with an auto-shutoff feature that shutdowns the humidifier automatically in case it runs out of water.
Sounds impressive, right?
Here are additional features.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a humidifier that prevents allergies, asthma, relieves dry skin, reduces pet dander and protects furniture, then the Essick AIRCARE MA1201 is exactly what you need for your home. It comes in a sleek lightweight design that allows you to move it from room to room with relative ease.
This high-quality whole house humidifier is designed to deliver splendid results without shooting your utility bills up the roof. According to research done by energy experts, you can save between 3% and 10% on your heating costs by simply installing a humidifier.
The EP9 800 is a unique whole-house humidifier from Essick AIRCARE that works beyond expectations. It comes in a stylish design that can easily complement your home décor without looking odd. Additionally, you can replace the top tile with any standard tile to match your home décor.
What we like about this humidifier is that it features 9 fan speeds that allow you to select the perfect setting for optimum comfort. The unit can cover up to 2,400 sq. ft. without wavering. It also contains a digital humidistat that maintains your preferred humidity level settings with digital accuracy.
As if that is not enough…
The EP9 800 has a tank capacity of 3.5 gallons and a runtime of 60 hours. When the tank is full to capacity, you can expect optimum performance for up to 3 days non-stop. With its easy front fill pour-in design, maintaining the water levels will not be a problem.
But that’s not all…
This unit features an air sensor coupled with an auto-shutoff feature that shutdowns the humidifier when the desired humidity level is achieved or the unit runs out of water. It also comes with a refill and check filter indicator that alerts you whenever the humidifier is empty.
Conclusion
Whether your home needs more moisture or you want to maintain the current humidity levels, this unit comes with all the features that define the perfect vaporizer. It is designed to not only add more moisture, but also eliminate static electricity.
These features help maintain your well-being while protecting your gadgets from damage. You will love the fact that it is very easy to use, thanks to its customizable digital settings.
What makes it stand out?
Stylish, pedestal design
Has a very long runtime
Does not leak
Digital display for accurate settings
Comes with several safety features
ETL approved
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
Bulky- It weighs 27 pounds
Smaller square foot coverage compared to other units in its class
Simple in design, yet superior in performance, the MA0800 is the perfect humidifier for medium-sized homes. This unit supports up to 2,600 Sq. Ft. coverage, and has a reasonable runtime that goes for up to 36 hours.
Although it has an acompact design, the MA0800 has a tank capacity of 2.5 gallons, which is reasonable enough to supply the required amount of moisture. It has an easy-to-fill water bottle that significantly reduces the amount of time between refills. Additionally, it features a check filter and water refill indicators that alert you when the unit is empty.
This device comes with several protective features that not only protect the machine from damage, but also prevent harmful allergens from polluting the air. The automatic shut off will shut down the humidifier when the desired humidity level is achieved.
So what’s the catch?
Compared to other devices, the unit is designed to consume less energy. It cut your energy bills by up to 10%, making it less costly to operate.
Conclusion
Let’s face it.
Humidifiers can be noisy especially when running at top speed. However, the AIRCARE MA0800 is different as far as noise levels are concerned. This unit comes with a 3-speed motor that is integrated with a quiet nighttime setting. This can efficiently use this setting to lower the noise levels when sleeping at night.
Another interesting aspect about this device is that it is compact and extremely lightweight. Weighing 8.5 pounds only, you can move this unit to any room within your home with relative ease. Furthermore, the fact that it does not occupy much space makes it quite popular with most homeowners.
This device comes with a natural tile insert that serves as a base for your vase, figurine, and home plants. You can replace the tile with any standard 12 x 12 Inch tile to complement your home décor.
But that’s not even the best part…
The EP9 500 comes with a digital humidistat that maintains your preferred humidity settings for optimum comfort. It features 9 fan speeds that are easily selectable to match your ideal performance level. Its customizable humidity settings allow you to make changes depending on the weather. Furthermore, it automatically shutoff when the optimum humidity level is achieved or when the unit is empty.
The unit can cover up to 2,400 sq. ft. optimally without any negative fluctuations. Additionally, it features a runtime of up to 60 hours with no refills required. The easy front fill pour-in design allows for swift refills in this unit’s 3.5-gallon tank.
The unit is relatively bulky. However, it comes with caster wheels that make it exceptionally portable.
So what makes this unit special?
Conclusion
If you are looking for a humidifier that is designed to adjust to any fluctuations in humidity with relative ease, the Essick EP9 500 is here for you. This high-performance device comes with all the features that you will need to improve your living conditions.
It contains an air sensor coupled with digital controls that allow you to find the find the perfect humidity level. Having this unit in your house guarantees reduced pet danger, less allergens and no more dry skin or sore throats. This humidifier also works to protect your furniture and electronics from damage.
So what’s stopping you from acquiring this unit?
Why did it make our list?
Sleek design with an attractive finish
Blends well with any home décor
Made in the USA by a trusted brand
Requires no regular cleaning or maintenance
Energy efficient
What is not ideal about it?
Somehow bulky
The 9-speed fan can be noisy, especially for higher levels
The Aprilaire 500 is one of the smallest yet most efficient humidifiers designed for small to mid-sized homes. It is tailored to provide round-the-clock comfort throughout the entire home via incisive humidity control.
Unlike other humidifiers, the Aprilaire 500 is normally installed in your central cooling and heating system ductwork. For this reason, you have to enlist an HVAC professional to carry out the installation process.
This humidifier supports up to 3,000 sq. ft, and has a water feed rate of 3.0 GPH. Additionally, the device has an evaporative capacity of 0.5 GPH for optimum levels of humidity within the home.
But that’s not all…
This device features automatic digital controls that adjust the humidity levels seamlessly. It also comes with an outdoor sensor that monitors the temperatures outside before making the necessary adjustments to your indoor air.
This high-quality whole house humidifier also features a built-in bypass damper, meaning you do not have to invest in one separately. Furthermore, it features temperature and humidity indicators that clearly display the current readings.
If you are sick and tired of buying traditional cooling systems and air conditioners, then it’s high time you considered buying a humidifier. No other unit offers a superior performance like the Aprilaire 500 humidifier.
Judging from the complexity of the installation process, you can easily tell that this quiet whole house humidifier is the perfect unit for your home. It comes with dozens of automatic controls and seamless features that provide optimum levels of humidity.
Although the price might seem to be on the higher end, we strongly advocate for this humidifier simply because it offers good value for money. In fact, you stand to save between 4% and 10% on your heating bills by using this humidifier.
Why is it special?
Quiet operation
Require simple annual maintenance
Features automatic controls for ease of use
Lightweight, compact design
Positive ratings
What are the flaws?
The installation process is a bit burdensome
The price is on the higher end compared to other devices
The AIRCARE H12-400HB is a great option for large homes that require an all-year supply of optimum humidity levels.
It provides humidity control for 3,700 sq. ft. homes with a runtime of up to 45 hours. It comes with a tank capacity of 5.4 gallons that can hold enough water for long hours in between refills. As if that is not enough, the device is capable of releasing up to 12 gallons of output per day.
Its sleek design with a neat oak burl finish complements any home décor seamlessly. The device comes with rolling caster wheels that allow you to move the humidifier to any room with ease.
Although the H12-400HB comes with analog controls, it features a digital readout display that incorporates check filter and water refill indicators. These display features and warning indicators give you maximum control over the unit. The exclusive comfort sensor efficiently interprets the current humidity levels and automatically adjusts the humidifier to release enough moisture accordingly.
This device boasts of 4 separate speed settings that allow you to pertinently control the humidity levels as well as the noise level of the humidifier.
You no longer have to worry about high utility bills or wasted energy as the H12-400HB is designed to automatically shut down when it runs out of water.
Do you still have some doubts?
Take a look at these amazing features.
Conclusion
Here is the point…..
The AIRCARE H12-400HB is a strong contender for those looking for a whole house steam humidifier for large homes. This unit works efficiently to moisten your entire home without compromising on your comfort. Despite its colossal size, this unit comes with caster wheels that allow you to move the humidifier with relative ease, just like your favorite cooler.
The selling points of this device revolve around the fact that it is very easy to install, operate and maintain. The price of the H12-400HB is also very attractive as it costs slightly above 100 bucks. Backed by a two-year warranty plus free service for the same period, you can rest assured of a constant supply of high-quality air in your home for years to come.
Why are we impressed?
Easy installation
Minimal maintenance required
Sleek oak burl design
Attractive pricing
Reasonable warranty period
What negatives must you be aware of?
Some customers have complained that the device is noisy
The water tank is hard to fill and it has a tendency of leaking
Frankly, the Aprilaire is one of the most underrated brands when it comes to producing top quality humidifiers. We think it has to do with the complex installation processes that Aprilaire units require. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a reliable unit that you can always call upon, it has to be the Aprilaire 600.
This device provides the ultimate humidity control for 4,000 sq. ft homes. It comes with a water panel evaporator that is capable of releasing 3 gallons of water per hour for optimum humidity levels. Additionally, this unit consists of a manual control as well as an automatic digital control that allow you to aptly set your preferred humidity levels.
The best part is that this unit comes with an outdoor sensor that efficiently adjusts the indoor air to match the current outdoor conditions. This means that you do not have to wait until you feel uncomfortable for the machine to moisten your home.
Unfortunately, the installation process is not as straightforward as expected. You have to enlist an HVAC professional to set up this humidifier in your home. Nevertheless, once installed, the Aprilaire 600 guarantees high-quality air in the entire home.
Let’s dig deeper into some of this unit’s top features.
Conclusion
Do you want to hear our honest opinion about this unit?
We bet you do.
The Aprilaire 600 is billed as a top-shelf whole-house humidifier for the entire home. It offers absolute comfort throughout the home via optimum humidity control. In fact, this device is known to offer up to 50% more moisture compared to other units within its class.
Nevertheless, the main selling point of this humidifier revolves around its energy saving capabilities. The unit can save between 4% and 10% on your energy bills thanks to its high energy efficiency. Although the Aprilaire 600 requires professional installation, it doesn’t require much when it comes to maintenance.
What more can you ask for?
Grab one today and start enjoying high-quality air in your home.
Why are we impressed?
Quiet operation
Does not require regular maintenance
Improves energy efficiency at lower temperatures
Lightweight design
Has a classy appearance
What negatives must you be aware of?
The installation process is rather complex
The unit is pricey compared to its competitors
Things to Consider
Types of Whole House Humidifiers
By-pass humidifiers
This type of humidifier uses a furnace to remove dry air and add moisture to your home. It works by sucking out dry/warm air from your home’s heat ducts, and then pass it through an evaporative water panel where it is turned into moisture, hence the name by-pass humidifier.
This air is then delivered back into your home as vapor or mist. By-pass humidifiers are often installed depending on the supply/return plenum of your air system. They are renowned for their efficiency when it comes to water usage.
Fan-powered humidifiers
Fan-powered humidifiers are often confused for by-pass humidifiers due to their outstanding similarities. The major difference is that fan-powered units include a fan that blows air across the water panel, leading to an increase in the level of evaporation.
For this reason, they are capable of producing more humidity compared to by-pass humidifiers. Furthermore, they do not require a by-pass duct, meaning that they occupy lesser space.
Steam humidifiers
Just as the name suggests, this type of humidifier eliminates dry air by adding steam to your indoor environment. It works by heating up water to boiling point to create humidity in the form of steam. The steam is then pushed through the vent system and supplied to the entire home.
The main benefit of this whole house steam humidifier is that it is capable of producing pure and natural humidity for your indoor space. Furthermore, it can operate seamlessly regardless of the outdoor or indoor temperatures.
How to Choose the Best Whole House Humidifier – Buyer’s Guide
Buying a whole house humidifier is a huge investment. Although most humidifiers are inexpensive, they require a lot of time and effort to install and operate. You may even be required to enlist an HVAC professional to set up the humidifier in your home.
All these considerations have a bearing on the final whole-house humidifier cost; you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket to install the right unit for your home.
Without wasting much of your time, here are some key points that you should consider when choosing the perfect humidifier for your home.
Type
Humidifiers add moisture to your home in different ways. Therefore, before settling on any brand, you have to choose between a cool mist humidifier and a warm mist humidifier. You also have to consider the three types of humidifiers before settling on one type that meets your preferences.
Size of the unit
Size is only a factor if you wish to humidify specific areas in your home. You might need to buy a portable humidifier for well water if your intentions are to add moisture to specific rooms in your home. Luckily, most modern humidifiers come installed with caster wheels for enhanced mobility. You should also consider the size of the unit depending on the available space in your home.
Tank Capacity
A humidifier’s tank capacity plays a crucial role in determining its efficiency and reliability. The capacity of the tank decides how long the humidifier can function in between refills. If your unit has a large capacity, it is likely to maintain optimum humidity levels for longer periods.
Runtime
Always check on the runtime before buying any humidifier, as it determines how long the machine can maintain optimum levels of humidity before shutting down. Most humidity units have a runtime ranging from 35 hours to 70 hours.
Cost
Do you want to know a secret?
The most expensive humidifier is not necessary the best. You should not judge the performance of a product based on the whole house humidifier cost. There are a number of inexpensive units that offer a much superior performance. Always shop around until you find a humidifier that is inexpensive and comes with all the features that you are looking for.
Protective Features
If a humidifier does not have protective features, then it is bound to cause a fire or release harmful chemicals. You should make sure that the unit you intend to purchase comes with protective features such as automatic shutdown, check filter indicators and water refill alerts. These features not only protect the humidifier from damage, but also provide maximum safety to the occupants of your home. This will help in reducing losses caused by accidents.
10 Benefits of Using The Best Whole House Humidifier
Although humidifiers might have a few downsides, the benefits certainly outweigh the shortcomings. You, therefore, stand to gain more by using these units.
Here are the advantages of using a humidifier.
Reduces risks of infections: It has the capacity to suck-up disease-causing components from the air, creating a clean air.
Maintains humidity levels
Relieves sore throats and dry skin
Protects wood furnishing
Prevents the spread of pet dander and dust
Alleviate asthma symptoms
Improves sleep and reduces snoring
Keeps your hair and scalp healthy
Reduces energy costs; most units are designed to consume less energy
Adds value to your home; you will have a strong bargaining when leasing or selling your home.
Whole House Humidifier Dehumidifier Combo
Investing in a whole house humidifier dehumidifier combo unit can be a great option for people who reside in areas that experience sharp fluctuations in humidity. As you might already know, too much or too little humidity in the home can lead to grave ailments and serious health problems.
In such situations, a humidifier-dehumidifier combo is often recommended. However, you will have to contend with higher energy bills and extreme noise levels.
So what’s the solution to this?
We suggest that you buy a humidifier instead. Whether you are experiencing warm or cold weather, a humidifier is capable of maintaining the desired humidity levels in both extremes.
How to Install
Installing a whole house humidifier is much easier than what most people think. However, you will require various tools and equipment to facilitate a swift installation process. If your humidifier kit does not come with a manual or you are unsure of what to do, please, do not hesitate to call a professional.
Here are the basic steps to installing a whole house humidifier in your home.
Tools required
Hammer
Tape measure
Marker
Cordless drill
Flathead screwdriver
Tin snips
Tubing cutter
Torpedo level
Crimping tool
Awl
Steps
Level your humidifier template onto your return air duct
Make a 3” long slit in the duct
Cut out the humidifier pattern in the air duct
Mount the humidifier casing and control body
Install the bypass piping
Install the drain piping
Connect the transformer
Run the thermostat wiring
Install the water line
Replace the panel cover
Run a test cycle
Cleaning and Maintenance
Although humidifiers are low maintenance units, some devices require regular cleaning and maintenance. You may have to deal with whole house humidifier mold and clogged vents. Frequent cleaning may not only lead to inconvenience but also add to maintenance costs. This will eventually increase the costs of running a humidifier in your home.
Safety Tips
Prevention is better than cure. Right?
Just like any other home appliance, whole house humidifiers can be hazardous. They might cause a fire or release harmful chemicals if used improperly. For this reason, it is important that you adhere to some precautionary measures to safeguard your home and protect your health.
Below are a few tips for using a humidifier safely.
Watch indoor humidity levels, especially in your baby’s bedroom to avoid molds and dampness
Refill the water in the tank daily to prevent the spread of airborne viruses
Use water with low mineral content
Acquire a humidifier that comes with protective features.
Brands
Honeywell, Aprilaire, Bryant, Aircare, Furnace.
Design and Noise
Whole house humidifiers come in different shapes, sizes and designs. Some humidifiers have a bulky design while others are exceptionally portable. Others come with a pedestal style while others adopt a console-style look.
Whether you want a whole house humidifier for a gas furnace or a portable humidifier, the design that you choose all depends on your preferences, the space in your home and the type of performance/functionality that you are looking for.
Noise can be an issue, considering the fact that humidifiers are often used indoors. Larger units tend to be noisy as they possess more powerful motors. You should choose a unit that will give you peaceful nights without being overly noisy.
Care and Maintenance
Whole house humidifiers are low maintenance appliances. However, this does not mean that you should throw caution out the window when using these gadgets. Just like any other investment, you should take care of your humidifier to ensure that it remains in top shape for years to come.
Here are the top care and maintenance tips for whole house humidifiers:
Install new filters regularly
Clean your humidifier at least once weekly
Replace UV bulbs, wicks and discs annually
Replace damaged parts as soon as possible
Always refer to the manual in case of any problem to avoid any damage to your unit.
Fill the humidifier with fresh water daily
When not in use, clean the unit and store it in a dry location
Contact a professional in case of any technical problem
Warranty
Warranty periods for whole house humidifiers depend on specific brands. Some brands offer long warranties plus free workmanship that go for up to 3 years, while others offer warranty coverage for one year only. Based on your specific needs, it is advisable to choose a brand that offers a favorable warranty, to minimize downtime.
It depends on a number of factors, such as the current humidity levels, the weather and your personal preferences. Nevertheless, humidifiers are designed to run for 24 hours so long as there is enough water in the tank.
Never add salt to your humidifier lest you cause grave damage to the unit. Salt may not only corrode the metal components but also clog the filter, leading to reduced lifespan.
This will depend on the tank capacity of the humidifier and the duration you intend to use your device. The larger the tank capacity, the fewer refills you have to make. However, you may be required to refill the tank frequently if the humidity levels are extremely low.
Do you ever find yourself feeling itchy for no apparent reason? Is the air around your home dry and uncomfortable?
Investing in a whole house humidifier dehumidifier combo unit can be a great option for people who reside in areas that experience sharp fluctuations in humidity. As you might already know, too much or too little humidity in the home can lead to grave ailments and serious health problems.
Here are the top care and maintenance tips for whole house humidifiers:
