Keeping the right humidity levels at home is essential for health and comfort. The optimal range is generally 30-50%. At this “goldilocks zone”, you can say goodbye to dry air issues like chapped lips, nosebleeds, itchy skin or throat, allergies and more.
Whole house humidifiers are the most convenient and hassle-free way to maintain ideal humidity throughout your home. Unlike single room humidifiers that only cover a small area, these systems connect to your home’s HVAC system to evenly distribute moisture through all vents.
But with so many types and options out there, how do you pick the best whole house humidifier? I’ve tested and reviewed the top models thoroughly to help you decide. Here are my top recommendations across different categories:
Best Whole House Humidifiers Reviews
Best Overall: Aprilaire 600 Whole House Humidifier
Aprilaire 600 Whole House Humidifier
Ideal for: Well-rounded performance for homes up to 5,000 sq ft
Capacity: 17 gallons/day
Highlights
- Automatic humidity control from 40-60% ideal range
- Bypass duct installation uses existing HVAC system
- Effective and energy efficient steam humidification
- Built-in outdoor temperature and humidity sensors
- Low maintenance with annual pad change
This top seller from Aprilaire delivers outstanding whole home humidification. It mounts directly onto your home’s HVAC system and uses a bypass duct, hot water heat exchanger and steam to accurately maintain humidity levels without overworking your HVAC.
It can handle homes up to 5,000 sq ft thanks to an impressive 17 gallon daily output capacity. Dual sensors continuously measure indoor and outdoor conditions to adapt. The automatic humidistat aims for 40-60% and prevents under or over-humidifying.
Easy yearly pad changes are the only maintenance needed. Aprilaire’s proprietary self-cleaning pads minimize mineral buildup. Installation takes around 5 hours for most HVAC professionals.
For a reliable, set-and-forget whole house humidifier, this well-designed model is my top overall recommendation for performance, convenience and value.
Runner Up: Honeywell HE360 Whole House Humidifier
Honeywell HE360 Whole House Humidifier
Ideal for: Large capacity humidification up to 6,000 sq ft homes
Capacity: 34 gallons/day
Highlights:
- Extra high daily moisture output
- Automatic humidity control from 30-60% range
- Effective steam humidification
- Outdoor temperature/humidity sensors
- Adjustable humidistat
Honeywell’s HE360 ties for the highest moisture output on my list at an extremely impressive 34 gallons per day. This makes it well suited for extra large, drafty houses up to 6,000 sq ft.
It works similarly to the Aprilaire 600, mounting directly onto your HVAC system for automated whole home humidification via steam heat exchangers. The adjustable humidistat adapts to outdoor conditions based on furnished sensors to save energy while keeping indoor humidity on target.
Easy slide-out evaporating pads only need annual replacement. With very reliable humidity control and huge capacity for big homes, the HE360 is a top choice despite the high price tag.
Best Smart: TRANE HumidiTrol Whole House Humidifier
Ideal For: Smart app monitoring and control
Capacity: 12 gallons/day
Highlights:
- Remote access via smart home apps
- Automatic humidity control from 30-60% range
- Adaptive intelligent setpointTM technology
- Outdoor temperature/humidity sensors
- Super effective steam humidification
As a smart humidifier, the Trane HumidiTrol stands out for handy app integration. Manage and monitor your whole home humidity levels right from your iOS or Android device.
This well-designed system delivers the same excellent steam humidification as the Aprilaire and Honeywell to homes up to 4,000 sq ft. It maintains ideal 30-60% humidity ranges thanks to adaptive technology that responds to outdoor conditions.
The HumidiTrol links to your existing WiFi router with included hardware for app connectivity. Get notifications, view runtime hours, change target settings and more without leaving the couch.
Plus it has an ultra modern, sleek exterior in black or white. For savvy homeowners who value cutting edge technology and design, the HumidiTrol is a fantastic smart whole house humidifier choice.
Best Console: Essick Air 821000 Whole House Humidifier
Ideal For: Portable humidifier console
Capacity: 15 gallons/day
Highlights
- Large 4 gallon tank
- Wheeled console design
- Evaporative wicking filter technology
- Adjustable humidistat
- Automatic low water shutoff
- Lasts up to 36 hours per fill
The Essick Air offers an alternative evaporative style humidifier in a unique portable console design. Despite the small size, it can pump out an impressive 15 gallons of moisture per day to handle homes and spaces around 3,800 sq ft.
This humidifier uses natural evaporation instead of steam heat exchangers. Air passes through a removable wicking filter that retains and releases water vapor. It’s very energy efficient but does require more frequent filter changes than steam models. The trade off is worthwhile for easy portability.
It has integrated casters to conveniently roll room to room as needed. An adjustable humidistat mounts to your wall to maintain 40-60% humidity automatically. With typical runtimes up to 36 hours between refills, it’s a great humidifying solution for apartment, condo and home dwellers alike.
Best Whole House Dehumidifier Combo: TRANE Humiditrol and Thermostats
TRANE Humiditrol + Thermostats Combo
Ideal For: Whole home humidity and temperature control
Highlights
- Smart Humiditrol model (as reviewed above)
- Smart thermostat for temp control
- Effective humidification and dehumidification
- Energy savings from connected systems
- Easy all-in-one environmental regulation
- App monitoring and alerts
For ultimate whole home climate control, Trane’s combo bundle pairs an excellent smart humidifier (Humiditrol) with an equally impressive smart thermostat. The systems connect to work together for energy efficient heating, cooling and ideal humidity levels.
Manage it all right from your phone with remote app access. Monitor conditions in real time, set target ranges for humidity and temp, get alerts and more. Everything links seamlessly with your existing HVAC infrastructure with the help of a technician.
Having properly balanced moisture and temp levels enhances health, aids sleep quality, protects furnishings and saves energy by reducing AC run times. Conveniently achieve ideal home environments with Trane’s powerful smart climate combo.
Whole House Humidifier Buying Guide
Whole house humidifiers connect directly to a home’s HVAC system to accurately maintain humidity levels throughout. This offers much more convenient coverage than portable models.
Keep the following criteria in mind when selecting a system:
Type – Heat exchange models use hot water and steam. Passive bypass humidifiers have evaporative wicking filters. Heat exchange types provide the most powerful and consistent performance.
Capacity – Match your humidifier’s moisture output gallons per day to your square footage for proper coverage. Undersizing leads to insufficient humidity levels.
Humidity Range – Look for automatically controlled levels ideal for comfort and health (30-50% or 40-60%).
Sensors – Humidifiers that actively monitor indoor and outdoor temp and humidity can better optimize moisture output while conserving energy.
Maintenance – Some require occasional filter pad changes which are much easier than replacing portable model wick filters.
Auto Controls – Adjustable humidistats that turn systems on/off automatically are very convenient to precisely hit target humidity levels without supervision.
Smart Features – Leading options now even offer mobile app connectivity for notifications and remote monitoring/adjustments.
Humidity Level Recommendations
For optimal comfort and health, the EPA and most HVAC experts recommend keeping home humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Going much below or above that ideal “goldilocks” zone can cause issues:
Too low (<30%):
- Respiratory illnesses
- Dry, cracked skin
- Scratchy eyes and throat
- Increased static electricity
- Wood floors and furnishings warp/crack
Too high (50-60%):
- Excess moisture and dampness
- Growth of mold, dust mites
- Musty odors
- Peeling paint and wallpaper
Some people prefer the 40-60% range if not overly prone to allergies or asthma. The best whole home humidifiers today let you easily set your target range for automatic maintenance.
Installation Tips
Most homeowners have whole house humidifiers installed by an HVAC technician as part of heating/cooling system maintenance for proper integration. But if tackling it as a DIY project, keep these tips in mind:
- Carefully follow all manufacturer instructions
- Shut off electricity to HVAC unit before starting
- Have a compatible HVAC system – furnaces with AC systems only
- Select install location with adequate clearance + drainage
- Use caution when working inside ductwork
- Connect water line and power supply hookups
- Ensure steam wands are secured pointing down
- Seal up all ductwork thoroughly post-install
- Consult HVAC professional if issues arise
Conclusion
Adding whole home humidification can make a tremendous difference in comfort and air quality year-round. Today’s options deliver automated, centralized moisture control straight from your existing HVAC system.
Top-rated models like the Aprilaire 600 and Honeywell HE360 provide the best performance and convenience fit for most homeowners. Peruse the different humidity controllers highlighted above to find your ideal fit and breathe easier!
