6 best whole house humidifiers for home furnace

Product description

Aprilaire introduced the first evaporative humidifier for forced air furnace systems back in 1954. Since that time, Aprilaire continues to lead the industry in whole home humidification systems. Our evaporative humidifiers work by piping water into the distribution tray located at the top of the humidifier. The water is uniformly distributed across the width of the tray and through a scientifically designed system of outlets. It flows by gravity over the Water Panel evaporator. Dry, hot air from the HVAC system is moved through the moisture-laden Water Panel evaporator. Natural evaporation takes place, the water is turned to vapor, and the humidified air is circulated throughout your home.



INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Installation instructions and template, humidifier with built-in bypass damper, 24 VAC transformer, manual humidifier control with sensor, saddle valve, solenoid valve, and Model # 10 Water Panel

From the Manufacturer

Aprilaire introduced the first evaporative humidifier for forced air furnace systems back in 1954. Since that time, Aprilaire continues to lead the industry in whole home humidification systems. Our evaporative humidifiers work by piping water into the distribution tray located at the top of the humidifier. The water is uniformly distributed across the width of the tray and through a scientifically designed system of outlets. It flows by gravity over the water panel evaporator. Dry, hot air from the HVAC system is moved through the moisture-laden water panel evaporator. Natural evaporation takes place, the water is turned to vapor, and the humidified air is circulated throughout your home.

• BUY WITH CONFIDENCE This humidifier was designed and manufactured in the U.S.A. by Aprilaire – the inventor of the whole home evaporative humidifier, and the leader in indoor air quality solutions
• FULL COVERAGE up to 3,000 square feet in tightly built homes with a capacity of 12 gallons per day
• MANUAL HUMIDIFIER with a single sensor built into the standard control monitors indoor relative humidity for use in manually setting the percent humidity in your home
• FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE while also preserving items in your home susceptible to damage from changing humidity or dry conditions
• HUMIDITY FOR HEALTH Aprilaire Humidifiers can help you maintain optimal humidity in your home of 35% – 45% which has been shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and symptoms related to allergies and asthma by minimizing the formation of bacteria and viruses, fungi, and dust mites. In addition, you’ll feel more comfortable while also preserving items in your home susceptible to damage from changing humidity or dry conditions

User questions & answers

Question:	Does it come with every thing need for a typical installation
Answer:	are Filters included
Question:	I have a 2600 sqft home built in 1989, and am considering getting the Aprilaire 500 vs the 600. Is that a wise choice
Answer:	It has four filters in the bottom of the unit. They do look like “wicks” I don’t see a separate wick of any other kind.
Question:	can the humidifier bypass duct be on either side ?? The pictures all show it "by passing" to the left - i need it to the right
Answer:	I am not mamiliarnwith that model
Question:	How often do you have to buy new parts? Filters? Etc. And what do they run you each year
Answer:	There should be 4 tabs on each lower housing (the housing that hold the filters), and there should also be 4 corresponding slots on each top filter housing. The lower housing should have two tabs sticking straight up in the front, and two tabs sticking horizontally out the back. The two tabs in the back are just flat tabs, and they are supposed to just slide into the two slots in the back of the top housing. The two front tabs on the lower housing are shaped such that they will "snap" into the two slots in the front of the top housing. The tabs on the back of the lower housing are used to align the top housing with the lower housing, and to help keep it in place. Check to see if the lower housings on your unit have the tabs in the back, and if the top housings have the slots for them.

Product features

Humidity for Health

Humidity of 35% - 45% is shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and allergies and asthma symptoms by minimizing the formation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and dust mites.* It can also help prevent dry skin and premature wrinkles.**

*E.M. Sterling, “Criteria for Human Exposure to Humidity in Occupied Building,” ASHRAE Winter Meeting, 1985

**www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging, content reviewed October 01, 2017

Humidity for Comfort

Whether your home is in a dry region of the country, or in an area with seasonal dryness, maintaining the right level of humidity can make all the difference in how comfortable you feel in your home.

Humidity for Preservation

Maintaining the proper humidity level can also help preserve wood floors, cabinetry, and furnishings, and anything else susceptible to warping, cracking, or other damage due to dry air or significant changes in humidity – including musical instruments.

Compact Design

Perfect for tight spaces

Manual Humidifier

With a single sensor built into the standard control monitors indoor relative humidity for use in manually setting the percent humidity in your home

Aprilaire 10 Replacement Water Panel

Designed to fit your Aprilaire Humidifier Model 500M perfectly (dimensions: 10" H x 9.75" L x 1.75" W), and to optimize the performance when changed once during the humidification season

Product description

Aprilaire introduced the first evaporative humidifier for forced air furnace systems back in 1954. Since that time, Aprilaire continues to lead the industry in whole home humidification systems – including steam humidifiers. Aprilaire steam humidifiers use electrode technology and are simple to install, operate, and maintain. With electrode technology, electrical current flows between submerged electrodes, resistance of the water to the electric current heats the water. The submerged electrodes are found in a replaceable canister. At the end of a humidifier season, the canister – including the electrodes, is replaced. No cleaning, no scrubbing, simply replace the canister and you’re ready for the next humidifier season. Electrode technology requires impurities in the water to promote the transfer of electricity. For this reason, water filtration is not required with electrode technology, minimizing the complexity of the installation and on-going operating costs. This unit will operate with water hardness between 3 and 36 grains – a very wide range. If reverse osmosis or deionized water is present, plumb the steam humidifier to a water line before the water flows through the reverse osmosis or deionization equipment.



INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Installation instructions, steam humidifier, Model 62 automatic digital humidifier control with sensor, outdoor temperature sensor, dispersion tube, steam hose (6 feet), 7/8 inch drain tubing (10 feet), hose clamps, saddle valve, mounting screws, Model 80 steam canister

From the Manufacturer

The Aprilaire Model 800 Residential Steam Humidifier features truly automatic control, so there's no need to manually control the humidifier - though it can be installed in manual mode, if desired.

• BUY WITH CONFIDENCE This high output steam humidifier was designed with electrode technology and manufactured in the U.S.A. by Aprilaire – the inventor of the whole home evaporative humidifier, and the leader in indoor air quality solutions
• FULL COVERAGE up to 6,200 square feet in tightly built homes. Choose from 6 levels of output adding 11.5 to 34.6 gallons of moisture into the air per day based on voltage and installation
• PURIFIED WATER NOT REQUIRED Electrode technology requires impurities in the water to promote the transfer of electricity. Water filtration is not recommended – minimizing installation complexity and operating costs
• AUTOMATIC HUMIDIFIER with dual sensors to monitor and respond to both outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity to deliver optimum humidity 24/7 throughout the home – simply set it and forget it.Water in steam canister, steam pipes, and dispersion tube can be as hot as 212°F (100°C)
• HUMIDITY FOR HEALTH Aprilaire Humidifiers can help you maintain optimal humidity in your home of 35% – 45% which has been shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and symptoms related to allergies and asthma by minimizing the formation of bacteria and viruses, fungi, and dust mites. In addition, you’ll feel more comfortable while also preserving items in your home susceptible to damage from changing humidity or dry conditions
• Material Type: Steel
• Included Components: Steam Hose (6 Ft), 7/8" Drain Tubing (10 Ft), Valves, Installation Instructions

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the difference between the Aprilaire Model 800 and Model 801 humidifiers
Answer:	You put it on when you want it and it stays on till you turn the UV or machine off
Question:	Any chance that a steam unit may lead to mold growing in the ducts
Answer:	Depends, if you have very hard water then this may have white dust. I use purified water, I have not noticed white dust.
Question:	I have two furnaces. One for downstairs and the other for upstairs. If I buy only one unit, where should it be placed
Answer:	it does not have a air or water filter
Question:	Using pex-a/uponor tubing and the saddle doesn't work (leaks). trying 3/4" to 1/2" line but not sure what adapters/supply lines i should use
Answer:	NO. no manual! I called Amazon and was told the instructions are the description with the item online.

Product features

Humidity for Health

Humidity of 35% - 45% is shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory infections and allergies and asthma symptoms by minimizing the formation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and dust mites.* It can also help prevent dry skin and premature wrinkles.**

*E.M. Sterling, “Criteria for Human Exposure to Humidity in Occupied Building,” ASHRAE Winter Meeting, 1985

**www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging, content reviewed October 01, 2017

Humidity for Comfort

Whether your home is in a dry region of the country, or in an area with seasonal dryness, maintaining the right level of humidity can make all the difference in how comfortable you feel in your home.

Humidity for Preservation

Maintaining the proper humidity level can also help preserve wood floors, cabinetry, and furnishings, and anything else susceptible to warping, cracking, or other damage due to dry air or significant changes in humidity – including musical instruments.

Purified Water Not Required

Electrode technology requires impurities in the water to promote the transfer of electricity. Water filtration is not recommended – minimizing installation complexity and operating costs

Automatic Humidifier

Dual sensors to monitor and respond to both outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity to deliver optimum humidity 24/7 throughout the home – simply set it and forget it

Aprilaire 80 Replacement Canister

Designed to fit your Aprilaire Steam Humidifier Model 800 perfectly, and to optimize the performance when changed once during the humidification season

Product description

Take control of your home’s moisture with the Honeywell Home HE360 Power Flow Through Humidifier. Its flow-through design keeps the unit clean and lowers the frequency of maintenance. The PerfectFLO distribution tray optimizes efficiency and water usage to save you more money on your heating and cooling bills.

From the Manufacturer

Put an end to desert-like air in your home. The average humidity in the Sahara Desert is 25 percent. In wintertime, the average humidity inside some homes can be even lower, leading to dry skin, carpet shock, cracking woodwork, and more. Reliable Honeywell whole-house humidifiers work with your home's furnace to maintain a proper, comfortable humidity level throughout the home.

• Powered flow-through humidifier
• Easy installation and best choice for variable speed and multi-stage systems in homes up to 4,200 square feet
• Easy mounting on either warm air supply or return air duct of any forced-air furnace
• Flow-through design helps keep unit clean and decreases the frequency of maintenance
• Installation kit required (sold separately)

User questions & answers

Question:	My 360 shuts down, goes off, when I turn the rheostat above 10. I need more humidit. I want about 35%. What is wrong
Answer:	This is a passive humidifier. That means that it requires the heat generated by the furnace in order to fully vaporize the water. Even so, it isn't very effective at humidifying a home. A huge amount of water goes down the drain in comparison to what goes into the air in the form of humidity. If you want real humidity you should look into an active humidifier...one that generates steam and injects it into the air.
Question:	Water flowing out of bottom of humidifier, not down tube
Answer:	Sounds like too much water flow. Drain tube should show a small amount of water flow. Make sure drain tube is not stopped up. Then, You might try throttling down the water valve feeding the unit.
Question:	Is this he360a the same as the he
Answer:	I can not be certain what changes were made, other than the name. I received two HE360a devices from Lowe's and each failed within 3 weeks of use. Lowe's graciously accepted them back and I trust returned them to Honeywell. Honeywell 'advanced customer service' had no explanation other than to say my house current must have been causing the failures. I would stay away from the Honeywell product. I will be installing Aprilaire product in the near future.
Question:	Does this come with a humidistat
Answer:	Yes. You'll get better results if you mount the humidistat in your living space (usually next to the thermostat) than in the duct. You want to sense the humidity where you are, not in the duct.

Product description

Bypass Flow Through Humidifier with Water Saving Technology

• Water-saving technology uses 30% less water than standard models
• Easy mounting on either warm air supply or return air duct of any forced-air furnace
• Flow through design helps keep unit clean of microorganisms and decreases the frequency of maintenance
• PerfectFLO water distribution optimizes efficiency and water usage
• Protects wood floors and furnishings from drying and cracking

User questions & answers

Question:	Can the 280a be mounted on a 12 inch duct
Answer:	This will not fit on a 12in duct, product dimensions are 16.25 x 18.5 x 9.75.
Question:	Is this safe for uv light
Answer:	I was looking for the answer to that also, I have a home that is almost 100 years old and I just recently updated to the Honeywell Home UV kit on my HVAC with the Honeywell Home T9 thermostat and 4 sensors in my home. I have been thinking of adding this to make the house feel warmer. So any information would be greatly appreciated.
Question:	I get 36% when I have it set to 60%. Any thoughts of wisdom
Answer:	The humidity stat setting is when it will turn off not what it will necessarily achieve. If the furnace ran long enough you may be able to get to 60 but as others noted you probably will only achieve more of a differential from outside to inside humidity.
Question:	Does it require a floor drain
Answer:	I wouldn't say require, but it needs to drain into something. I know of someone who uses a home Depot bucket and just dumps when needed until they route to there floor drain. But the water needs to go somewhere

Product description

MA1201 Features: -High density wick included. -Style: Console. -Variable three speed motor with quiet night time setting. -Auto shut off. -Check filter and water refill indicators. -Uses dual easy fill water bottles with refill hose. Product Type: -Humidifier. Finish: -White. Number of Items Included: -3. Wheels Included: -Yes. Filter Required: -Yes. Control Type: -Electronic. Portable: -Yes. Room Size: -3600 Square Feet. Country of Manufacture: -United States. Filter Indicator: -Yes. Generic Specifications: -Uses MAF1 replacement wicks. -Humidifies 3600 square feet. Dimensions: Overall Height - Top to Bottom: -21.5". Overall Width - Side to Side: -23.5". Overall Depth - Front to Back: -16.5". Filter: -Yes. Cord Length: -60". Overall Product Weight: -13.5 lbs. Filter Height - Top to Bottom: -8". Filter Depth - Front to Back: -1". WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including benzene which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

• Console-style humidifier for a whole house up to 3600 square feet
• Digital humidistat automatically maintains your desired humidity level with digital accuracy
• Automatically shuts off when desired humidity level is reached or when unit is empty
• Easy to clean - evaporative wick traps mineral deposits, smooth operation - no belts, pulleys or wheels.Voltage:120 V
• Assembled dimension: 20.5(H) x 21.5(W) x 14.5 (l) in
• NOTE:Kindly refer to the user manual provided as a PDF manual in the product description section

User questions & answers

Question:	I have had this unit a year and now the F flashes even though it's full. And it doesn't turn on consistently. Any thoughts
Answer:	There is a plastic tubular piece that should slide up and down to warn water is low (F). Lime / calcium build up and seize it or it doesn't get seated right on the switch. Im going on my third year with this unit. Beats Holmes / Sunbeam, etc. in its ability to cover my 2 bdrm apartment at 45% when its cold and dry outside. The others always end up leaking or making squeaking noises.
Question:	why does my humidifer show F
Answer:	Mine did the same thing when I received it. I called the factory in AR and they told me to turn the fan unit upside down and find a silver bar about 2" long. Spring the bar down a little so it will make contact with the water float directly beneath. Spring it ever so slightly and then a second or third time if necessary so as not to damage the switch. Once I did that the fan could be identified as F1, F2, F3, F4, or A. Be sure to plug and unplug the unit each time an adjustment is made so the machine can reset.
Question:	How often do you need to replace the filter if you run it every day
Answer:	Once in early November when I get the homie out. Replace it in January. I use both a bacteria stat and a liquid descaler which I squirt a little in when I refill the tank. Avoids smell and makes the filters work better. You can buy them premixed in liquid form. The better your wick works the less the humid will run and presumably it will last longer. I’m still using my old kenmore which I’ve had for several years.
Question:	does white dust occurs
Answer:	The "white dust" the questioner is asking about is mineral deposits from water when the water is sprayed into the air. This is an evaporative humidifier where water evaporates off of a wick, not a spray atomizer that sprays water into the air along with the minerals in the water. All of the minerals will remain in the wick of the humidifier, requiring the wick to be replaced. The higher the calcium content in your water, the more frequently you will need to replace the wick.
Question:	Aren’t these washable
Answer:	No, they are not washable...
Question:	Ma1040 superwick by essick air, i am looking for
Answer:	I think it is. I use it in my tabletop humidifier.
Question:	Will these fit the d46720 model
Answer:	It fits the tabletop model that I have which is rated for 1000 sq ft. The next size up available on Amazon is a tower model and the manufacturer info says that model uses dual (I assume that means it takes 2) 1040 filters. Hope this helps
Question:	Actual filter size
Answer:	The actual size for the filter cartridge is: H=8 1/2 by W=1 1/2 by L=8 3/4 inches. These are overall measurements of the cartridge. The actual filter dimensions are 7 5/8 by 7 5/8 by 1 1/2. Hope this helps.

Product features

Trapmax Filter Technology

The exclusive Trapmax system traps unwanted mineral deposits and cleans air naturally.

To maintain maximum efficiency, wick filters should be replaced at least once per season, or more often under hard water conditions.

Caring for Your Wick

How Often Should I Replace My Wick?

We recommend changing your wick every 30-90 days, but your water quality will ultimately dictate your wick’s replacement frequency. Areas with very hard or very soft water will typically require more frequent wick changes, since your wick is working harder to filter your water. Keeping your humidifier clean will help this.

Can I Clean My Wick?

No. Our wicks are made of highly absorbent paper, which makes them great for wicking water, but not sturdy enough to withstand scrubbing or a run through the dishwasher. Cleaning your humidifier regularly is the best way to keep your wick clean.

How Do I Replace My Wick?

Wick replacement instructions vary by model, but changing a wick is pretty easy to do. You’ll find your model’s instructions in your owner’s manual.

AIRCARE Console Evaporative Humidifier, MA1201

This evaporative humidifier from AIRCARE is sure to complement any decor. It has an easy single bottle design. This humidifier works to add invisible moisture to your environment by moving dry air through a saturated wick filter.

Benefits of Humidication

Evaporative humidifiers are a great solution for adding much needed humidity to dry indoor air. By raising indoor relative humidity levels to 43% or above, 86% of airborne flu virus particles are rendered powerless. Maintaining proper humidity levels also helps treat allergy symptoms by soothing dryness, itchiness, and irritation in the nose, nasal passages, sinuses, mouth, throat, and eyes. Many people think pet hair is the cause of allergies, but in reality, the cause of allergens from pets is actually from their dander. Adding moisture to the air reduces pet dander and other airborne allergens. Properly humidified environments can decrease or eliminate static electricity, reducing the chance of damage to sensitive electronic equipment like laptops, desktop computers, tablets, TV’s, stereo systems, etc. Evaporative Humidification not only produces comfortable/healthy air, it is also an extremely effective way to save money on energy cost. Adding humidity to the air allows you to remain comfortable at lower thermostat settings. 'The rule of thumb is that you can save about 3% on your heating bill for every degree that you set back your thermostat,' says Bill Prindle, deputy director for the non-profit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. This means evaporative humidification could save you up to 10% on your energy bill.

Product description

Bypass Flow Through Humidifier

• For homes up to 3, 000 square feet
• Easy mounting on either warm air supply or return air duct of any forced-air furnace
• Flow through design helps keep unit clean of microorganisms and decreases the frequency of maintenance
• PerfectFLO water distribution optimizes efficiency and water usage
• Protects wood floors and furnishings from drying and cracking

User questions & answers

Question:	Hi, does anyone know what is the difference between this model HE240 & HE280 ? Thanks ! Does the HE240 come with installation kit
Answer:	The 280 is slightly larger and has more output. design is the same. they have installation help. Look on web site for more info.
Question:	Can this unit be reversed so that the duct opening is on the left rather than the right
Answer:	Yes the unit comes apart and you can reverse it. There are directions on how to do this. I have mine on the left.
Question:	Does this come with a sail or pressure switch? Thanks
Answer:	Yes. You can see it on the web site for installation: https://customer.honeywell.com/resources/techlit/TechLitDocuments/69-0000s/69-2686EF.pdf
Question:	Where is it made
Answer:	China