Lack of humidity in your home could causes a high degree of discomfort. And in those summer months, this gets even worse. Here is one of the things that move people into active search for the best whole house humidifier reviews. Besides clarifying the core features of top-rated models, we’ll bring you the best affordable whole home humidifiers under $500.
As a result of budget constraints, some people go first for small portable humidifiers. But eventually, they find out this isn’t serving their peculiar needs.
If you don’t have time to read all the reviews in this buyer guide and you are specifically interested in cheap humidifier price between $100 – $300, check out Aprilaire 700 automatic, AirCare MA1201 or Honeywell HE360A.
Best Whole House Humidifier Buying Guide
For experienced users of this type of home electronics, you may not need a detailed guide as much. So you can skip straight to these whole home humidifier reviews below to find the best options that will suit your budget and preferences. But in the case that you are a first time buyer, these tips will help to make your decisions practically easier before you click that order button.
And please note that all of these products were selected from the best selling humidifiers on Amazon. That means you can move from the product links here to order from a globally trusted brand you know.
Types of Humidifier – Obviously, there are different types of humidifiers that you can find in the market. Before now, you are most likely to have one of these types in mind. Regardless of what it is, let’s look at some of them. This will make it easier to pinpoint the one you want without wasting time at all.
- Cool Mist – for an interesting number of prospects intending to buy humidifier online or offline, here is the main type that brings them to market. In line with this, some people are specifically searching in Google for ‘best cool mist humidifier reviews’. This type works with evaporative wick system to emit cool moisture into the air. The said evaporative system sets it apart from others and it is considered the best for babies. Under this type, you’ll find options like evaporative, ultrasonic and impeller models.
- Warm Mist – Unlike the one mentioned above, it uses a heating mechanism that releases the steam from heated water into the air. This is how it actually makes the room to be warm. However, it is usually done in a very mild way. People that live in colder weather conditions find this one to be the best option. Based on the fact that there is no fan usually involved, warm mist humidifier is considered the most quit type. In some circles, this one can be referred to as vaporizers and or steam humidifiers.
- Furnace Humidifier – Here is another type that you are likely to find in the market. This particular type is usually installed on top of your home’s heating and cooling system. So in those moment when dry air tends to cause things like respiratory ailments, cracked lips and scratchy throat, this is the best low maintenance humidifier you can buy.
Room Size Consideration – In this whole house humidifier buying guide, this is another important factor that ought to be considered thoroughly assuming this is your first time. The size of the room where you want to use it is what I am talking about. Generally, most people start their search with words like small and large room humidifiers. In specific terms, the measurement could be found between 50 and 1000 square feet.
Cleaning And Maintenance – Without proper and regular maintenance, the moisture that this tool generates in your home could start breeding bacteria which is bad for your health. The main thing is to follow manufacturer’s instruction to clean thoroughly before and after each season of usage. However, the differences in functional systems often means that some are easier to clean than others.
Whole House Humidifier Price – Price is another important consideration that people take into account when looking for where to buy whole house humidifier online or offline. While affordability is always an important factor, the cheapest is not always the best. Interestingly, the best models, including the ones reviewed here are priced between $50 and $500.
Whole House Humidifier Reviews And Comparison
As you are reading through these reviews, try to think through comparison on your own. Possibly, if you find one that suits both your preferences and current budget, you can click the appropriate links and move to Amazon’s order page. Please endeavor to test everything completely after arrival in your home or office. This will give you enough time to return and replace if required.
AirCare MA1201 Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier (White)
Whether you are aware of this fact or not, there are some mineral deposits that often exist in the air. This is where the evaporative wick system of this product comes into play. It traps every form of unseen deposits while delivering optimum level of humidity. The digital humidistat system makes it easy maintain precise levels of desired humidity. And then it shuts off when desired level is reached.
AirCare MA1201 has 3.6 gallon capacity to give you that desirable levels of humidity. Impressively, the absence of wheels, belts and pulleys ensures smooth and quiet operation.
Specifically, this model is meant to serve home space of up 3500 square feet. So if you are looking for the best whole house humidifier for large house, consider this one.
According to some past users found through our research, this product can give you up to 36 hours of run time.
As for this, you may need to change the filter at least twice per season. And please remember that you should have it cleaned properly after each instance of storage. The small caster wheel under it makes AirCare M1201 very easy to move around as you like. In some certain hours of the day, you may choose to adjust the speed which reduces the noise level.
Just in case you now have a question in your mind regarding the types of humidifiers mentioned earlier, take note of the fact that this a cool mist model. The weight is just about 14 lbs.
Thinking about AirCare M1201 price, it is priced slightly above $100. This price point makes it pretty much affordable for everyone.
Pros
- Very easy to move around
- Serve large room sizes
- Priced under $200
- Long run time
Cons
- Noisy when you choose the highest speed setting
Aprilaire 700 Automatic Humidifier
Assuming you did a search or asked people you trust for the best automatic whole house humidifier, this is one of the most affordable models in this category. First, observe that this is a fan powered humidifier.
When you compare Aprilaire 700 automatic vs manual, this model has powerful sensor that monitors and responds to outdoor temperature as well as relative indoor humidity. This is the feature that makes its delivery of round the clock optimum humidity very much possible without your involvement.
Example of the model that has manual operation mode are Aprilaire 600M and 700M. If you need fan powered manual humidifier, consider these models.
Higher than the one reviewed earlier, this particular Aprilaire 700 was built with a capacity to serve 4200 square feet spaces. People that have large houses should take note of this one. In some sense, you may think this is a clunky giant machine. But the opposite is the case. The actual weight is just about 15 pounds while dimension stands at 16 x 11 x 18 inches.
With the digital control system, you can see humidity level in percentage, the when the machine is running, when water need to be changed or when servicing is needed.
These features make it very much easy to be used by anyone at home, both old and young.
According to the manufacturer, the evaporation capacity is about 0.75 gallons per hour. In most case, this one requires annual maintenance. However, the water panel need to be checked on monthly basis. Warranty on this model is only 5 years for part only, not labor. But please note that you should keep your receipt intact.
Pros
- Serves large houses
- Auto sensor for indoor and outdoor adjustment
- Five year parts warranty
- Among the best under $300
Cons
- Thermastat without backplate
Venta LW45 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier And Air Purifier
If you are specifically interested in Venta whole house humidifier under $500, give this one some considerations. While it is not from a popular brand, it has modest features to deliver exactly what you want and at a modest price. So let’s look at Venta LW45 features.
Perhaps, from the name stated above alone, you should be aware that this is a 2-in-1 machine that has both humidifier and purifier function built in together.
This is one of the few machines that has such features.
So in addition to humidifying functions, it adds extra value by removing allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander. Here is where it gets interesting. You already know that too much moisture can create problem in the home. However, if you add allergens to unnecessary level of moisture you could have even bigger problem.
That’s exactly how 2 in 1 humidifier and air purifier can give that desirable level of comfort in your home and at all seasons. For some reasons, this model was built to serve only home spaces of 800 square feet.
On the other hand, you’ll won’t be needing any kind of filter or some other frequent replacement parts to keep it functioning as long as you want. In practical terms, that means maintenance cost will be lower on this one. The cold evaporation technology used in this model ensures that it doesn’t expel white dust during operation.
It has total tank capacity of 3-gallon. Like some others in the same category, it has adjustable speed options. Venta LW45 is a light weight machine weighing about 13 pounds.
Beyond what is obtainable from other competing models, this one offers 10 year-long warranty. Now remember what I said earlier about brand popularity.
In my opinion, offering really long warranty like in this case is a clear depiction of the confidence they have in the product. In line with that, around 89% of past and current users found through our research confirmed that it delivers good value for money.
Let me reiterate that this model as well as every other product reviewed here can be found on Amazon by following the appropriate links where indicated. But please don’t forget to test everything immediately after arrival. Long warrant is not an excuse for defects.
Also worth of note is the fact that this product has 200 and 400 square feet options that are practically cheaper than this one.
Pros
- 2 in 1 functionality
- Good value for money
- Remains quiet even at maximum speed level
- Easy cleaning and low cost maintenance
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Best Evaporative Humidifier: AirCare HD1409
For one reason or the other, many people come into the market searching specifically for the best Aircare humidifier reviews. Fortunately, if you are one of these people, Aircare HD1409 comes out at the top. Even when it is compared side by side with great models from other brands, we still found some interesting points that makes it outstanding.
Among other things, the coverage capacity of the machine is the first thing consideration that many people think through. As for this particular model, the stated coverage capacity is up to 3000 square feet. In addition to this, it comes with 14 gallon per day service capacity.
The stipulated maximum run time is about 55 hours. For people that put serious consideration into where it was made, this was manufactured in US.
With regard to standard and older model humidifiers, it is hard to tell when refill is needed without constant checks. With the Aircare HD1409, there is a refill indicator that works for this purpose. Unlike some others, the weight on this one is 28 pounds. In terms of the fan settings, you’ll have options like high, medium and low whispering options.
Because it is a bit heavier than others in the same category, there are casters underneath that makes it very easy to move around.
Depending on your options, you can find it in both light and brushed nickel. At the very point of purchase, this product was confirmed to come with filter.
Please note that only the first two speed settings are quiet during operation. However, it doesn’t make too much noise when you are using it in your home. Moreover, take note of the fact that this was made of plastic body. But it delivers really high satisfaction level among current users.
Pros
- Lightweight plastic material
- Sturdy and outstanding design
- Best Aircare humidifier under $200
- Lower energy consumption
Cons
- No warranty information
Best Furnace Humidifier: Aprilaire 500
Probably, you’ve used one before and found great satisfaction. And that made you to have a preference for Aprilaire furnace humidifier. Whatever the reason, this particular model is very much likely to meet all of your preferences. For one thing, it is one of the top rated models that priced under $200.
So if you are not looking for large room humidifier beyond that price point, give this one a real consideration. NOTE – you can click the appropriate link here and move to Amazon’s order page.
First you get 12 gallons per day capacity for serving large rooms up to 3000 square feet.
The automatic features of this machine makes it possible to set and forget the humidity level you want to maintain in your home. Moreover, you don’t have to attend to it when the desired humidity level is reached. The auto sensory system makes that to happen when you want.
Both within the home air and the unit itself, the drainage system gets rid of all the deposits that could cause respiratory issues.
As a compact furnace humidifier, this can be installed in the ductwork or central cooling system in your home. However, this often requires expert services in most cases. In other words, you may need to services of an expert to install properly.
Another important consideration is the power consumption. Specifically, Aprilaire 500 operates on 120 watts to deliver 24 – 30 hours run time. In terms of price, this one is slightly price under $150. On a higher level, the models that are meant to serve 4000 – 4,200 square feet spaces can be found between $190 and $300.
Assuming you want to buy Aprilaire 500 on Amazon, you’ll have the options to choose between 3000, 4000 and 4,200 square feet at different price points. For first time buyers, it is worth noting that this product is made in USA.
With the Blower Activation feature, you can set the machine to run continually or when the furnace is on.
Pros
- Built in bypass damper
- Efficient evaporation capacity
- Very low maintenance requirement
- Practically easy to install
Cons
- Makes minimal noise while in operation
Levoit LV550HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier
As noted in the beginning of this buyer guide, there is a slight difference between warm mist and cool mist humidifiers. However, this brand just took things to a higher level with this hybrid model. The interesting thing is that Levoit LV550HH can be used to control humidity in your home or office both in warm and relatively hot weather. In specific terms, you can use same to cool relatively hot air or moisturize dry weather.
With the adjustable dual nozzles, you can disperse mist very easily in any direction of your choice. This model has a large 1.45 gallons of 5.5L capacity which powers 36 hours run time without attending to it.
According to the statements of past users found through our research, this one is known to have high mist diffusion rate ranging up to 450ml per hour.
Looking at Levoit LV550HH price, it has earned an outstanding position as the best ultrasonic humidifier with humidistat while selling under $150. That means you don’t have to spend bigger amount of money to enjoy those hybrid features packed into this air control machine.
Moreover, this particular model has touch control system and remote access. This offers you up to 5 cool and warm mist settings. So as you experience changes from one weather condition to the other, making adjustment even when you are on the bed becomes very easy. This is convenience at its best. And you can’t find that in many of the competing models in the same category.
Unlike many others among the best whole house humidifier reviews here, this manufacturer clearly stated that 1-year warranty is what you get. However, endeavor to test everything completely after arrival.
Sometimes, there could be factory defects. So you need to do your return and replacement within the duration of time allowed. Don’t buy and keep for future use.
NOTE – do not let water to enter the air vent while cleaning it.
The water filter needs a single cleaning for every six months. As for the machine itself, you may need to clean every week. And there is a brush that comes with it.
The other warm and cool mist humidifiers in the same category includes Elechomes UC5501, PowerPure 5000 and Boneco U700.
Pros
- Cool and warm hybrid machine
- Very light 2.92 lbs weight
- Stronf absorption pad
- Good for large and small room spaces
Cons
- Shuts off sometimes during operation
Conclusion
At this point, if you spent time reading through the best whole house humidifier reviews here, you now have great options to choose from. And in the case that you have specific features or budget in mind, one of the top rated models reviewed in this buyer guide will definitely match your preferences.
So whether you are looking for ultrasonic, furnace or hybrid humidifier to buy online or offline, moving from here to Amazon will give you even greater options.
Finally, narrowing your choices will make it easier to find what you want while saving good amount of time. You can as well ask question or read other people’s pre-purchase questions and answers before you click the order button.