7 Fresh Whole-House Humidifier Reviews: Breathe Freely In 2024

This model is one of the most sought-after humidifiers on the market. A lot of users we contacted praise it for its effectiveness and reliability. It definitely gets the job done, keeping the household optimally humidified.

The Aprilaire 700M works with your cooling or heating system and it can humidify up to 4,200 square meters. It’s fan-powered and has evaporation capacity of 0.75 gallons per hour. This practically means the Aprilaire 700M can give around 18 gallons of mist per day – more than enough to keep you happy.

Well done there.

As far as the design is concerned, the manufacturer kept it simple. We can’t say this is the most visually appealing humidifier out there because it’s not. It’s like a mini AC unit.

But for many users, this wasn’t a problem. Actually, owners of this unit really like the basic, straightforward design of this humidifier. The most important thing is the product is reliable.

What else?

The Aprilaire 700M is installed on your HVAC system. It has a built-in fan to pull the air, and the unit can complement all HVAC systems, which means you’re covered.

Now, since we’re mentioning the HVAC system, it’s important to note this. When it comes to these types of humidifiers, be sure to hire a professional to install it for you.

It may seem simple and easy, but it’s not. You need to know a lot about electricity, plumbing and HVAC systems. So many people we contacted told us they regret even trying to do this on their own.

So, to avoid any unnecessary headaches – play it safe and hire a professional. This is also important when it comes to maintenance. A trained HVAC professional will do the job much faster, and you won’t have to worry about anything. Just a little word of advice there…

If you just one a simple, single room, plug in and go type model, check out some of these we reviewed right here.

Okay, back to features...

The Aprilaire 700M uses a water panel for humidification, and this part should be replaced twice a year. The display is easy to read, so you don’t have to worry about that. You will always be able to read the indoor humidity level. And if you add to this the 5-year warranty, it’s a pretty good humidifier, overall.

Mind you, in order to activate the warranty, you’ll have to fill out this form.

A couple of minuses, though.

Some find it a bit noisy. The noise comes from the fan motor and you practically can’t hear when the unit’s operating slowly. But when it’s in full swing, it’s loud.

This doesn’t have to be a problem per se, because it’s expected from a humidifier of this power. Nevertheless, wanted you to know this… But this is a major complaint coming from most users of the Aprilaire 700M. They simply didn’t expect it to make so much noise.

Overall, this is a great product so many users praise. It’s effective and gets the job done.

USER MANUAL

FEATURES

• 16 x 16 x 12 inches; 11.7 pounds
• fan-powered
• built-in fan
• evaporates 0.75 gallons per hour
• covers 4,200 square feet
• 5-year warranty

This is a console humidifier that can cover up to 3600 square feet. It releases around 11.5 gallons of mist per day, and it keeps the whole area optimally humidified.

The unit has a 3.6-gallon water tank. Once it’s filled up, the humidifier can run for 36 hours.

But this is just the beginning.

What most users admire about this humidifier is it’s practical. We’ve already discussed this in the buyer’s guide, how important it is for a humidifier to offer practicality as one of its main assets. Well, the AirCare MA1201 definitely has that quality.

How come?

First of all, it has a digital control and a display that’s very easy to read. The unit has a 3-speed motor, with sleep mode and auto mode. Another great feature is the automatic shut-down. This enables the unit to automatically shut down once it reaches the desired level of humidity (or when it runs out of water).

Due to the automatic shut-down, you will actually save energy and pay less for electricity.

Owners absolutely love this feature.

In addition to this, the AirCare MA1201 is easy to clean and maintain. Because of the wick traps it uses, the unit is able to catch all mineral deposits. And it’s really easy to operate.

So many users we talked to told us the humidifier is a great choice because of its ease of use. Also, what they love is the neat, simple design of the humidifier. It doesn’t stick out, and it can blend into any type of background perfectly.

The humidifier can also be moved around easily. It weighs 14 pounds, which would be a lot if you had to lift and carry it a distance. But with its casters, mobility is a lot simpler and you shouldn’t have problems handling it.

That being said, there are some issues.

Many users find the AirCare MA1201 too loud. The noise coming from the unit is not a lot bigger compared to other humidifiers – but it can definitely be annoying to some people. For example, one user put the humidifier in the kitchen – set on the lowest setting – but the noise could be heard in the living room.

To be honest, the noise is not unbearable, but it can’t be eliminated. This can especially be a problem if you like having the humidifier close to your sleeping area.

So, if you are “allergic” to noise, bear this in mind.

Also, an issue most users pointed out is the inaccurate humidity reading.

And when we say “inaccurate”, we really mean it.

It’s not just one or two percent – but more like ten.

The humidity level rises too fast, and users claim it’s definitely not the best solution. In order to be sure about the real humidity level, you might need the help of a hygrometer.

Some users thought the problem might have something to do with the distance. But even when they put their hygrometer close to the unit, the measurements didn’t match.

Not the best of features, unfortunately.

And finally, the filter wick on the unit needs to be changed every couple of months. This is especially important if the humidifier is used constantly. We’re not sure whether this should be qualified as a con, per se, because it’s just the way it’s constructed. However, it’s good for you to know, prior to making your purchase decision.

All in all, we can’t say the AirCare MA1201 is a bad humidifier, but it has its flaws. It will do the job, but because of the noise and inaccurate readings, some users find it off-putting.

It has a 2-year warranty on the unit and a 30-day warranty on wicks and filters. More information here.

USER GUIDE

FEATURES

• 14.5 x 21.5 x 20.5 inches; 14 pounds
• covers 3,600 square feet
• runs for 36 hours
• 3.6-gallon water reservoir
• 11.44-gallon daily moisture output
• digital humidistat
• automatic shut-down

Most owners of this model we contacted agree the Aprilaire Model 500M is definitely worth the purchase--it does its job well.

There are several reasons for this.

First of all, the unit has a great drainage system. The drainage system enables it to remove all deposits within stay clean and operational. All excess matter is flushed away from the system.

Then, there’s the bypass damper. Because of the bypass damper, the installation is much easier. Plus, fewer parts need to be installed. There’s not a single owner who didn’t appreciate this feature because it saves so much time.

The Aprilaire Model 500M controls the humidity level well and it gives accurate temperature readings. The evaporation capacity is 0.50 gallons per hour, and the unit can cover around 3000 square feet.

But that’s not all.

On the practical side, this humidifier is also worth the purchase. It really requires little maintenance, so you won’t lose a lot of time around it. Once it starts working, you’re free.

It will also save you electricity because it operates at 120 watts. And finally, in case you need to move it around, it only weighs 6.1 pounds.

No worries there!

In our research, we asked the users about a feature on the Aprilaire Model 500 M they especially like. So many of them told us what sold them on this humidifier was the change-over for right or left discharge. Users praise this as a wonderful, practical feature.

So, what else makes it good?

Basically, the Aprilaire Model 500M works really well, keeping the entire household optimally humidified. We asked dozens of users would they consider returning the unit and they all said – no.

Moreover, they all agree this humidifier beats any portable humidifier out there.

By a long shot.

Like all Aprilaire models, 500M also has a 5-year warranty from the installation date, which is great. The manufacturer’s got you covered there as well.

Now…about the drawbacks.

What most users pointed out the Aprilaire Model 500M still makes some noise, although the manufacturer says it’s practically noiseless.

Apparently, this isn’t true. Ugh.

That’s one of the biggest complaints, for sure. A user pointed out the noise is there because of the solenoid, in charge of turning the water on and off. One user, in particular, complained about this, saying it can definitely be heard.

And on top of all that, the product may be prone to leaking – “may” being the operative word here. Not all users had a problem with this, but a few cases have been reported.

So, is it any good?

The Aprilaire Model 500M will definitely get the job done, that’s for sure. And if you can accept a few issues that go with it, there’s no reason not to like this humidifier.

USER MANUAL

FEATURES

• 16 x 11 x 13 inches; 7.5 pounds
• covers 3,000 square feet
• has a built-in bypass damper
• evaporates 0.50 gallons per hour
• right or left discharge change-over
• comes with a drain to flush minerals

This is one of those whole house humidifiers that add a touch of elegance to your household. It releases 7.4 gallons of mist daily and it can humidify up to 2400 square feet.

As far as the features are concerned, the AIRCARE EP9 800 has a digital thermostat, which is a great little addition. With it, you can control the humidity level in your household through nine fan settings.

But there’s more.

The AIRCARE EP9 800 has a 3.5-gallon water tank and – listen to this – the unit can run for up to 60 hours! The users we contacted love the fact this humidifier can last for so long between two refills.

And more…

This humidifier is also very easy to move around. Don’t let the size and build fool you – portability is a no-brainer here. With its castors, the unit can be manipulated easily, if you want to change its “working position”. Although it weighs 27 pounds, moving it around won’t be a problem.

What about the performance?

The AIRCARE EP9 800 is praised for its performance and reliability. The control panel is simple and intuitive, so you can’t mess anything up (always good to know!).

The digital display shows the humidity level, as well as the fan speed and the desired humidity level. The three buttons next to the display are properly labeled, enabling you to control power, speed, and humidity. The unit has automatic shut-down, immediately after it reaches the desired humidity.

Another great thing…

Here’s something so many users mentioned, because they love it. It’s the pour-in fill door, just below the control panel. It’s so simple to use, and it really makes the filling-up so much easier. You just open it up and pour water till maximum level.

After you’ve filled up the water tank, simply close the door and set up the unit. That’s that. And there’s also a refill reminder – when the humidifier is out of the water, you will notice an F flashing on the display. It kind of takes care of itself that way.

An interesting addition…

Thanks to its design, the AIRCARE EP9 800 can easily blend into “the surroundings”, which is a great asset in any household. It has a nice color and can pass part of your furniture without any problem.

Furthermore…

The cleaning is a breeze because you just take out the wick and wash the inside of the humidifier, where it holds water. The wick is also easy to handle, as you can remove and change it easily. No one wants to lose too much time around this and with this humidifier – you won’t have to.

What users also love is that they can position this humidifier almost anywhere without it seeming out of place. That being said, bear in mind this humidifier takes up space.

It’s not the smallest of units, so don’t expect it to be invisible. Yes, you can easily place it between two pieces of furniture, but first, make sure there’s enough space for the humidifier.

The wick should be changed seasonally (at the beginning of every season). However, if you live in an area with hard water, it’s recommended you change the wick more often. It will simply work much better with a new wick.

Are there any other issues with it?

There are a couple of issues users pointed out.

First of all, we need to mention the inaccurate humidity readings. Some users told us the readings were five percent more than the actual readings. Some doubled this number. It turns out, the unit is not very accurate when it comes to this.

It can also be a bit noisy, especially above the fan speed of 4. Some users say it becomes really noisy even after speed 2. So, there’s the noise – be aware of that.

There’s one more thing, though.

And this one bothers so many users…

The blue light on the display is very bright. If you keep the humidifier in your sleeping area, or can’t stand this amount of brightness, it may be a problem.

WARRANTY INFO

USER MANUAL

INSTALLATION GUIDE

FEATURES

• 18 x 18 x 27.2 inches; 27 pounds
• covers up to 2,400 square feet
• 3.5-gallon water capacity
• lasts up to 60 hours when full
• 9 fan speeds
• automatic shut-down (when it reaches desired humidity or when it’s empty)
• control panel with digital display

The humidifier is famous for its “vortex action” circulation system and its small build, so it doesn’t take up too much space.

Because of its small size, this humidifier is ideal for almost any household. Users love the fact that it’s not bulky and that it can be moved around with ease.

What makes it effective?

The Vornado Evap40 uses its “vortex action” to circulate the humidified air around. Because of this signature system from Vornado, the whole area can be humidified equally.

The unit’s water tank can take in four gallons of water, and it will run for 24 hours with ease. You can control the level of humidity via the humidistat knob.

Also, you have three speed options – high, medium and low. Several users told us the high speed is the best solution for larger rooms. So, if you have a large area to humidify, be aware low or medium speed won’t get the job done. However, the low speed is ideal for night-time use. If you plan on using the Vornado Evap40 in your sleeping area, we suggest you go with the low-speed option. It’s enough for smaller rooms and it doesn’t produce a lot of noise.

Anything else?

This humidifier can cover up to 1,000 square feet. It’s easy to clean, as most users pointed out, and the Airlock water tanks are easy to refill. When it comes to handling, there are no issues. None of the users we contacted complained about the handling of the Vornado Evap40. It’s long-lasting, and the manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty. More information here.

Anything bad?

To be totally honest, this humidifier doesn’t have the best design. It’s not awful or anything like that, but the manufacturer could have done a much better job – that’s for sure.

Many of the users we contacted told us the same thing. Something along the lines of “no, it’s not ugly, but it’s definitely not the prettiest of sights”.

Kind of a bummer…

So, if you want your humidifier to be a beautiful addition to your household, this unit might not be the best solution. We’re just pointing it out, mind you. You’ll make the final choice. After all, this is strictly subjective, but so many users have told us the design could have been much better.

But there are bigger issues here.

The unit tends to be noisy, especially at high speed. On the other hand, when it’s in low speed – it can’t humidify the room enough. To make the best of it, you need to set it to high speed. The low speed is only good for smaller rooms.

Furthermore, the wicks tend to wear off very quickly. The unit works with two wicks and they need to be replaced once a month, as many users pointed out.

For many people, this is too much and they don’t want to be bugged so often. This is probably the biggest drawback of the Vornado Evap40.

And finally, it only covers up to 1,000 square feet, as we mentioned earlier. This can’t qualify as a flaw, because that’s how the humidifier was constructed – but it’s good to emphasize. If you have a larger area you want to be humidified, this won’t cover you because of capacity issues.

USER MANUAL

FEATURES

• 10.5 x 19.5 x 13.5 inches; 9 pounds
• Vortex Action circulation
• covers up to 1,000 square feet
• a 4-gallon water tank
• continuous humidification up to 24 hours
• adjustable humidistat
• 2 wicks
• 3 speeds

Here’s one of those humidifiers that stands out because of its design and visual appeal. The AirCare 696 is made to keep your household humidified, but also serve as a nice little addition to your furniture.

This model is also known as “credenza” because it resembles a small cupboard, and that’s precisely why so many users love it. It can complement your room in a nice way and blend perfectly into the background. If that’s your must-have when it comes to a humidifier, the AirCare 696 will deliver.

But there’s a lot more!

This humidifier can produce close to 12 gallons of mist per day, making it a champion in this category. It can cover an area of up to 3,600 square feet. The 5.6-gallon water tank is easy to fill, and the entire process is quite simple.

But know this – the water tank actually consists of two smaller 2.8-gallon tanks, which are removable. Each tank has a refill hose, to simply the refill process for you. You just fill the tanks with water and set the humidistat to the humidity level you want.

The AirCare 696 functions as an evaporative humidifier, which means that it draws dry air inside through the back, then moisturizes and passes it via the wick. The whole evaporation process takes place inside the unit, which means the wick retains any residue. Really clever.

The wick needs to be replaced seasonally i.e. at the start of every season. However, if you’re living in an area with hard water – the wick will need to be replaced more frequently.

The controls are very intuitive.

The airflow and humidity level can be easily adjusted – a lot of the users we contacted praise this feature. The unit has nine speeds and you can set it according to your currents needs. It ranges from the night-time mode to the high-level operation, and you can make your choice.

Also, there is an automatic humidistat, which means you don’t have to turn the fan on and off. The humidistat does all the work on its own. In addition to this, we should mention the refill light. This little addition will let you know when it’s time to refill the water tank, so you don’t have to worry about it.

We’ve already mentioned the humidifier looks nice. With the light oak hue on the finish, the humidifier will fit your home just like that. It can easily pass as a piece of furniture, which is one of the reasons why so many users love it.

A couple more things to point out.

The AirCare 696 is very easy to move around, because of its easy-roll casters. For a humidifier of its size, it’s very portable – in case you want to change its location!

Okay…it’s great so far. What about the drawbacks?

Yup, a couple of them. First of all, we’ve had users complain this humidifier does come with a bit of noise. Not only that, but out of all nine speeds eight will make noise. Basically, only the first speed is noise-free.

Also…

For some users, the float that signals when the unit is out of water doesn’t work properly. Oftentimes, it simply fails to do its job and lets the humidifier run without water. Definitely not a good thing.

And finally…

It appears the humidifier is cheaply made because so many people pointed out the bad plastic parts. The parts are not molded well and the fan can sometimes rattle.

And you only get a 2-year warranty.

So, what’s the verdict?

The AirCare 696 will definitely keep your household humidified. It can cover a large area, as long as you don’t have a problem with a bit of noise and the often unreliable float. It’s not the best of products, but not the worst, either. It’s right there in the middle.

USER MANUAL

FEATURES

• 15.5 x 28.2 x 23.8 inches; 23 pounds
• evaporative humidification
• 12-gallon daily output
• 5.6-gallon tank capacity
• covers up to 3,600 square feet
• adjustable humidistat
• refill indicator
• casters

The humidifier is designed for large spaces and multi-room areas. It can easily cover up to 2,300 square feet.

The unit is round-shaped and nicely designed. What’s immediately striking is the weight. The Honeywell Cool Moisture weighs 20 pounds, which more than many average humidifiers of its size.

However, despite the weight – it’s still very portable. The casters and its built-in handle make it very easy to move around, so no problems there…

Moving on.

The unit has a dual 9-gallon water tank and it’s very easy to use. Each part of the tank can be removed, filled and put back separately, which really simplifies the whole process.

Now, what’s really great about the Honeywell Cool Moisture is you can keep one of the tanks in place, while you refill the other. Therefore, you don’t have to switch the unit off when refilling. Smart and practical.

Also, the switching between tanks is a breeze. When you remove one tank from the unit base, the other one will start supplying water to keep the humidifier running.

In addition to this…

The humidifier is very easy to clean and maintain. It also goes for the wick, because it’s reusable. The good thing is you don’t have to replace the wick every time you’re cleaning the humidifier.

But there’s another great feature.

We’re talking about the Protec Antimicrobial Cleaning Cartridge. This cartridge (some also call it “filter”) absorbs the water coming from the water tank. the unit then draws the dry, indoor air and captures all the dust and dirt. The air that goes out is clean and fresh.

This feature has been praised by so many users who had problems with allergies or breathing in dry air. They simply love it, so it’s worth pointing out!

Now, about the drawbacks….

Although this humidifier is advertised as being 30% less noisy than the competition, most customer reviews don’t agree with it.

For example, one user told us it’s impossible to put the humidifier in the bedroom because there is too much noise. And when the unit is in low speed, there is a lot of rattling.

Why?

The reason for this is the whole construction of the humidifier is a bit flimsy and prone to rattling. The water tanks are also flimsy and, if you want to fill them in the sink, you have to hold them. They are simply designed that way.

So many people have complained about this because they can’t simply leave the tanks in the sink and let them fill. Moreover, if you’re not careful, the tanks can crack easily.

However, these are definitely not the biggest of issues because the Honeywell Cool Moisture works really well. The majority of users agree that, in spite of the issues, this humidifier will get the job done and keep the house air fresh. It has its flaws, that’s for sure, but when it comes to humidifying it’s rock-solid.

There is a 3-year limited warranty. More information here.

USER MANUAL

FEATURES

• 23.1 x 15 x 17.5 inches; 20 pounds
• covers up to 2,300 square feet
• casters for improved mobility
• runs up to 24 hours after filling
• Antimicrobial Cleaning Cartridge
• 9-gallon water tank (with 2 smaller removable tanks)
• reusable wick