The 7 Best Humidifiers For Winter – (Reviews & Guide 2021)

Discover the best humidifier for winter and determine which model is right for you.Humidifiers are wonderful inventions that can significantly improve our quality of life during all seasons. However, the winter season can wreak havoc with our immune systems. And cold weather increases the dryness in the air both inside and outside of our homes.

As such, the best humidifier for winter could you be all you need to stay comfortable and cozy. But first, what exactly are the benefits of using a humidifier in winter?

The Benefits of Using a Humidifier For Winter

Using a humidifier for winter is very beneficial for many reasons. Raising the humidity level indoors can make up to 85% of airborne viruses completely harmless. This significantly reduces the chances of either you or one of your family members becoming ill during these colder months. 

Snoring is a common issue that can make sleeping a real problem, for both the person who snores and those in their vicinity. It is caused by a partially blocked airway. And when you make the air you’re breathing in at night more moist, these airways will relax and open up. This is beneficial for your general health, since breathing is an essential part of the body’s vital mechanism, and it will also ensure you get a good night’s sleep. 

Dry skin is always a nuisance, but it is a lot more common during the winter months. The cold, brisk winter air makes the sensors on our skin go into a kind of metaphorical shock mode. Think of it like your skin becoming anxious or panicking. Moreover, your skin is more likely to crack and become irritated when cold weather is a constant and the air becomes more dry. Therefore, humidifying your home ensures your skin will remain moist and supple throughout the year. 

Allergies in winter are also something that can be helped with the use of a humidifier. Anyone prone to allergies may find that the summer is more detrimental than the winter, but reactions can still occur. Increasing the moisture levels of your indoor environment will keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of any allergies coming to the fore. 

Humidifiers are great for your health, but they’re also great for your home. Overly dry air can damage both soft and hard furnishings; particularly wood. During the winter, the air becomes even dryer.  So it’s important to ensure your home has the appropriate humidity settings to protect both you and your personal belongings. 

Now that we’ve discovered the benefits of using a humidifier in winter, let’s find out what humidifier setting you use:

What Humidifier Setting Should I Use in the Winter?

It should be noted that humidity levels should be modified throughout the different seasons due to the changes in weather. The ideal humidity level depends on the specific climate conditions in your area. If you live in an area that has very cold winters, too much moisture can cause condensation to build up in your home. However, this condensation is due to the natural humidity levels as well as the temperatures. In fact, you could have dry, cold air, or humid, cold air. 

If the air feels heavy, it is more likely to have a higher moisture content. Add to this the effectiveness of the heating system you’re using, and you will get a variety of different moisture levels in different places. A common complaint during the winter is everything feeling very dry. Nevertheless, you need to be wary of too much moisture because moisture build-up in the home is also bad for your health.

The best thing to do is invest in a hygrometer. This is the device that measures the humidity in the air. Aim for a level of between 30 to 40% to cater for the potential condensation issue, but be willing to adapt and modify the level if things still feel too dry and cause minor health issues. Over time, you’ll be able to identity the perfect humidity level for you and your home. It should never be above 50% during the winter, even if the cold weather in your area is leaving the air very dry.

Best Humidifiers For Winter Comparison Table

What’s the Best Type of Humidifier to Use During Winter?

This is entirely up to you and depends largely on personal preference. There is no humidifier that is better than all others in all areas. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. One common problem with some types of humidifier is what’s known as ‘white dust’. This is when contaminants in the water used in the humidifier convert to a fine dust.

The dust isn’t dangerous, but it can further contribute to allergy or skin irritations. Thus, the best recommendation is to select a humidifier that impresses you in terms of your priorities (price, appearance, convenience, and so on) and look out for features that reduce or eliminate white dust.

Best Humidifier For Winter Reviews (Updated List)

1. Honeywell HWM705B Filter Free Warm Moisture HumidifierBest for Quiet Operation

Honeywell HWM-705B HWM705B Filter Free Warm...
  • Warm Mist Humidifier: This Ultra Quiet Filter Free Humidifier Produces a Soothing, Visible Warm Mist to Make You & Your Home More Comfortable. It Helps Counteract the Effects of Dry, Harsh Winter Air by Adding Essential Moisture to Any Medium Size Room
  • WARM MOISTURE FOR HOME OR OFFICE: This top fill humidifier features a 1 gallon tank & can run up to 24 hours. It features high & low settings & a reset light that indicates when filling is required. Comes with a medicine cup for use with liquid inhalants
  • Honeywell Humidifiers; Humidity levels in your home between 40 to 60 percent can make the air feel warmer & improve your breathing comfort, sleeping, nasal congestion & dry skInches Dry air can cause static electricity, damage wooden furniture & irritate health issues
  • HUMIDIFIERS FOR BABIES, CHILDREN, ADULTS: Humidifiers diffuse moisture into the air, and many find that a humidifier for the home, bedroom or nursery becomes an essential part of a good nights sleep when the air is dry, in allergy season, or when sick
  • HONEYWELL QUALITY: Improve humidity levels in your home & improve your comfort with a Honeywell humidifier.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for an effective humidifier to keep the air warm and comfortable during winter, you might want to try the HWM705B model from Honeywell. This warm moisture humidifier will heat the mist before sending it into the air, making it much more breathable during the cold season.

Featuring a 1-gallon tank, Honeywell HWM705B can operate 24 hours for every refill. Plus, since it doesn’t have any filters, you do not have to worry yourself with replacements always. It is perfect for medium-sized rooms, and due to its compact design, you may easily carry it from one room to another.

This unit also has a very quiet operation. So, it a great choice to use during the evening as well. Plus, you may choose between the two moisture output settings.

If you are looking for a quiet, versatile humidifier that can be used during the winter season, you might want to consider giving the Honeywell HWM705B a shot. 

Pros

  • The absence of the filter allows for easier use
  • Very efficient in warming up the air during winter 
  • Perfect for medium-sized rooms

Cons

  • Not a good option for bigger rooms

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

2. LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room Bedroom 

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LEVOIT Humidifiers for Bedroom Large Room Home, 6L...
  • 𝙃𝙄𝙂𝙃-π™€π™π™π™„π˜Ύπ™„π™€π™‰π˜Ύπ™”, π™π™Šπ™ π™’π™ƒπ™Šπ™‡π™€ π™ƒπ™Šπ™ˆπ™€: It provides humidification speeds 4Γ— faster than others, which can quickly cover 753ftΒ² of the area and last up to 50 hours. You can customize the target humidity you need, and feel hands-free with auto mode.
  • π™‹π˜Όπ™π™€π™‰π™ π™’π˜Όπ™π™ˆ π™ˆπ™„π™Žπ™ π™π™€π˜Ύπ™ƒ π™π™Šπ™ π˜½π™€π˜Ώπ™π™Šπ™Šπ™ˆ: It raises RH 10% in 20mins, providing greater relief from symptoms caused by dir air. Near-silent noise levels and all lights off help you sleep undisturbed
  • π™‹π™€π™π™π™€π˜Ύπ™ π™π™Šπ™ π™‡π˜Όπ™π™‚π™€ π™π™Šπ™Šπ™ˆπ™Ž: With a mist output of up to 500 mL/hr, it can easily handle spaces as large as 753 ftΒ² / 70 mΒ². The large 6-liter tank allows you to humidify continuously for up to 50 hours, saving you the trouble of frequent refills
  • π˜Όπ™π™π™Šπ™ˆπ˜Όπ™π™„π˜Ύ 𝙏𝙐𝙍𝙉 π™Šπ™‰ & π™Šπ™π™: With a built-in sensor, Auto Mode adjusts mist levels according to your settings to maintain a healthy humidity level
  • π™ƒπ™π™ˆπ™„π˜Ώπ™„π™π™” 𝙐𝙋 π™π™Š π™”π™Šπ™: You can customize the ideal humidity percentage for your house plant, baby, or beloved guitar

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are not sure whether you want a cool or a warm mist humidifier, you might want to give this one a go. Featuring ultrasonic technology, LEVOIT Humidifier is very quiet, allowing it to be used even during the night. Your sleep will not be disturbed this way. 

This unit also features an aroma box where you may add your essential oil of choice. This way, a simple air humidifier can turn into an aromatherapy tool. Bear in mind that for the essential oils to diffuse properly, you might want to add them into the aroma box and not the water directly. 

With a 1.5-gallon tank, this unit can run for as long as 36 hours on the lowest level. Plus, considering that the unit is made from ABS plastic, it is very durable and won’t break even if you drop it. 

If you are looking for a good humidifier for large rooms, this might prove a suitable choice for you. 

Pros

  • Very easy to use
  • Fairly easy to operate
  • The design is modern and fits with every home
  • Allows you to switch between warm and cool mist 
  • The aroma box turns the unit into an aromatherapy tool
  • It can humidify the room for a prolonged amount of time 

Cons 

  • You can’t place it on wooden surfaces or floors directly
  • It needs quite a bit of maintenance

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

3. Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier

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Elechomes Humidifiers for Bedroom (6L),...
  • 6 Liter Capacity: Featuring a stunning 6L large tank and 360Β° adjustable dual nozzles, this amazing humidifier is perfect for large rooms and spaces – humidifying up to 750 sq ft. All your worries to do with frequent refilling are gone – each refill lasts up to 60 hours of continuous work.
  • Suitable for Home, Baby and Plants: You can finally breathe properly with this ultrasonic humidifier, giving you moister, tender skin. The cool and warm mist function balances air quality in your baby’s room – your baby will get the perfect and sound sleep. Placing the device in the garden your plants will also thrive.
  • Enhanced Sleep Mode: Does it really annoy you when background noise exists with a strong LED light, keeping you awake - especially when you’ll need to go to sleep and take a long comfortable nap. You’ll be happy to know that interrupted sleep will no longer be an issue! Set the humidifier to sleep mode and it’ll run quietly and the LED screen will turn off.
  • Ultrasonic Cool & Warm Mist: The cool mist further moistens the air for better breathability and sleep while the warm mist provides extra heat and comfort in the winter. Stay cozy, relaxed, and comfortable whilst breathing properly all year round.
  • Intelligent Humidity Sensor: The built-in humidity sensor is smart and efficient, and will quickly and conveniently adapt to your room environment. The versatile UC5501 humidifier automatically adjusts to your humidifying requirements – breathe and live healthily just the way you like it.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for a humidifier that you can constantly access from any point of the room, you might want to give it a try. Since it comes with remote control, you may set it to work in every way you want. 

It is perfect for winters, mainly since it releases a warm mist. If you prefer the mist to be cool and fresh, you also have that option. The humidity level will still be brought at a comfortable level, making the air seem much warmer.

Considering the galore of features, Elechomes UC5501 is quite affordable. Plus, its operation is also very quiet – making it an ideal choice to be used during the night. You may even use it as a diffuser for aromatherapy if you add the right essential oils. 

If you are looking for something very easy to use, you might want to give this unit a try. It is quiet, and you can easily access all of its features.

Pros

  • Very attractive design
  • Quite easy to clean and maintain
  • Has many convenient features that can be accessed remotely
  • The filters are optional
  • It releases both warm and cool mist

Cons

  • The sleep mode may affect the performance of the unit
  • If you use hard water and don’t add a filter, you may damage the unit

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

4. Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

Heat Storm Wall Gray HS-1000-WX Deluxe Indoor...
  • EFFECTIVE HEAT - Our infrared space heaters warm objects instead of just the air! This will help your room stay warm even after the heater turns off.
  • SAFE TOUCH GRILL - That’s because our grills are made out of material that doesn’t burn skin. Our heaters also automatically shut off power if it tips over.
  • MODERN DESIGN - wall mount design means you don't lose floor space. Perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices and more
  • ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT - LED display shows you what the ambient temperature is and helps regulate the temperature efficiently. (goes to dark mode after 5 minutes of no activity) Included remote control allows you to control the temperature with ease
  • COMPACT - Uses less than 2 square feet of wall space and plugs into a normal 110v outlet. When installed over the outlet, you can hide the cord behind the heater.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you a fan of cool mist during winter? In this case, you might want to go for this Honeywell unit. Featuring a sensor that will check the humidity, Honeywell HCM350W can release enough mist to bring it at normal levels – therefore, allowing the air to feel much warmer. 

The unit may not be the smallest of humidifiers, but at the same time, it is very easy to carry. This means that if you have to use it in another room, all you have to do is pick the large tank handle and carry it wherever you need it.

If you are looking for a durable product that you know can do a good job humidifying every room, then the Honeywell HCM350W should certainly be on your top list. It is also a good choice if you prefer a cool mist instead of warm.

Pros

  • Very easy to carry from one room to another
  • The water tank is easy to fill
  • The unit is very easy to maintain
  • It comes with various accessories

Cons

  • The humidifier is rather bulky
  • It does make some noise, even on the lowest setting

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

5. Steamfast SF-920 Warm Mist Humidifier

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Steamfast SF-920 Warm Mist Humidifier and Steam...
  • AUTO SHUT-OFF β€” Equipped with 2 steam settings, 3-minute heat up time, and auto shut off for peace of mind
  • LARGE CAPACITY TANK β€” 0.8 gallon removable water tank with integrated handle provides up to 2 gallon output every 24 hours
  • FILTER-FREE β€” Easy top-fill design with max-fill indicator for easier refills, low maintenance, and filter-free humidification
  • AROMATHERAPY READY β€” Add your favorite essential oil to the oil ring to release your favorite aroma
  • SUPERIOR SUPPORT β€” When you choose a Steamfast product, you’re investing in superior performance and design that will deliver total satisfaction. If not, we’ll replace it, for 2 years. Supported by a customer service team based in Andover, KS.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for a humidifier to warm up your winter air, but do not have a lot of money to spend, then you might want to give this unit a try. With its ability to release warm mist in the air, not only can it kill the germs, but it can also warm up the cold air with ease. 

This Steamfast unit is also aromatherapy ready. All you need to do is add your essential oil of choice into the oil ring, and it will fill the room with your favorite aroma. The tank capacity is also very large, with the ability to handle 2 gallons of water every 24 hours.

If you are looking for a winter-appropriate humidifier that is not very expensive but is still very efficient, this unit might prove very useful. 

Pros

  • Quite an affordable price
  • Large tank capacity that can humidify even larger rooms
  • Easy to use and maintain
  • Energy-saving design

Cons

  • Auto shut-off feature that is not always reliable
  • Fairly noisy at the higher settings

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

6. Vicks VWM845 Warm Mist Humidifier

Honeywell HWM-705B HWM705B Filter Free Warm...
  • Warm Mist Humidifier: This Ultra Quiet Filter Free Humidifier Produces a Soothing, Visible Warm Mist to Make You & Your Home More Comfortable. It Helps Counteract the Effects of Dry, Harsh Winter Air by Adding Essential Moisture to Any Medium Size Room
  • WARM MOISTURE FOR HOME OR OFFICE: This top fill humidifier features a 1 gallon tank & can run up to 24 hours. It features high & low settings & a reset light that indicates when filling is required. Comes with a medicine cup for use with liquid inhalants
  • Honeywell Humidifiers; Humidity levels in your home between 40 to 60 percent can make the air feel warmer & improve your breathing comfort, sleeping, nasal congestion & dry skInches Dry air can cause static electricity, damage wooden furniture & irritate health issues
  • HUMIDIFIERS FOR BABIES, CHILDREN, ADULTS: Humidifiers diffuse moisture into the air, and many find that a humidifier for the home, bedroom or nursery becomes an essential part of a good nights sleep when the air is dry, in allergy season, or when sick
  • HONEYWELL QUALITY: Improve humidity levels in your home & improve your comfort with a Honeywell humidifier.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you need to humidify the air constantly during the winters, you might want to give this unit a try. Featuring a very wide tank, Vicks VWM845 Warm Mist Humidifier is easy for you to clean or fill after every use. 

This unit features a convenient technology called β€œdual scent pad.” These pads through which the mist is passed have healing vapors, making them the perfect choice if you get nose congestion during winter. Thanks to the warm mist, the viruses and bacteria going through the air will also be tackled. 

If you tend to have quite a lot of health issues during winter and need a humidifier to relieve your nasal congestion, then you might want to go for this unit.

Pros

  • Very easy to fill and maintain
  • Has a large tank capacity
  • Dual scent pad technology that makes it perfect for keeping your health

Cons

  • There are not many details on the display

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

7. Honeywell Top Fill Digital Humidistat Tower Humidifier

Honeywell Top Fill Tower Humidifier, Digital...
  • FILTERED COOL MOISTURE: This top-fill humidifier quietly produces an invisible cool mist that helps make you & your home more comfortable. It's designed for large sized rooms and features a digital humidistat that displays current & set humidity levels; 12 Hour Timer
  • COOL MOISTURE FOR HOME OR OFFICE: This humidifier features a removeable top fill tank that's easy to fill at the sink or with a water pitcher. Space saving slim tower design is optimized for high moisture output & can run for 24 hours with auto shut-off
  • HONEYWELL HUMIDIFIERS: Humidity levels in your home between 40-60% can make the air feel warmer & improve your breathing comfort, sleeping, nasal congestion & dry skin. Dry air can cause static electricity, damage wooden furniture & irritate health issues
  • HUMIDIFIERS FOR BABIES, CHILDREN, ADULTS: Humidifiers diffuse moisture into the air, and many find that a humidifier for the home, bedroom or nursery becomes an essential part of a good nights sleep when the air is dry, in allergy season, or when sick
  • HONEYWELL QUALITY: Improve humidity levels in your home & improve your comfort with a Honeywell humidifier.

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you live in quite a small place and do not have a lot of space for a standard-sized whole house humidifier, you might want to try the Top Fill tower humidifier from Honeywell. Looking pretty much like a coffee maker, it barely takes any counter or table space.

The tank is very easy to fill, regardless of your strategy. You may either fill it directly with a cup of water or remove the tank and take water from the sink. The unit is as easy to maintain as it is to clean, and you may also set it on a timer to save energy.

If you cannot spare a lot of room in your home, then you might want to try this Honeywell model. Since it can efficiently increase humidity, it can make the air feel much warmer. 

Pros

  • Energy-saving features that allow you to lower your power bill
  • The tank and humidifier are very easy to clean
  • Compact and perfect for small apartments

Cons

  • The filters needed for maintenance are quite costly

CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Humidifier for Winter 

The factors that you consider depend largely on your specific needs. If the entire house is dry, for example, you might want to decide between a whole house humidifier or separate small humidifiers for each room. Cost is always a factor, no matter what you buy. Although, cost may be lower on the list than say, features or convenience.

Some types of humidifiers require filters. These filters need to be changed occasionally. Thus, if you’re someone who likes to buy something with very little afterthought or maintenance, you will probably prefer a humidifier that doesn’t need a filter. Alternatively, you might like the idea of having a filter to purify the mist emitted by the humidifier. 

Once you’ve figured out what exactly you need from a humidifier, there are a number of factors you should bear in mind before purchase. If you like a nice smell in your home, you might want to introduce essential oils into the humidifying process. In this case, you will need one that has added features required to use essential oils with ease and convenience.

If you’re away for most of the day but want to maintain a comfortable air environment, you might look for a large water capacity tank in the humidifier of your choice. In this scenario, one with an auto-ff feature will give you peace of mind to leave it running when you’re not around. 

These are just some of the many factors to consider when choosing a humidifier for the winter months. 

Is Cool or Warm Mist Better for Winter?

Warm mist humidifiers are better for winter because they heat the mist slightly before release. This enables the humidifier to kill a large proportion of the bacteria in the water. However, as previously stated, increasing the humidity level alone is already a powerful way to reduce the chance of illness in your household. Therefore, if you find a cool mist humidifier that really impresses you in other areas, it will still be almost as effective in keeping those germs at bay. 

Other Ways to Humidify Your Home During Winter

There are things you can do around the home to humidify it during winter. However, be aware that making the air too moist is probably just as bad (if not worse) for your health.

Humidifying appliances usually include settings that will tell you the current humidity level of the chosen space, so if you’re doing things yourself it’s not recommended to do so unless you have a hygrometer handy. You should measure the humidity levels once a day and reduce or increase the amount of things you do accordingly.

Other ways to humidify your home during winter include adding house plants, leaving the shower and bathroom door open after a hot shower, leaving bathwater in the tub to cool down after taking a bath, boiling a pot of water on the stove, and leaving bowls of water near window areas.

Most of these actions are effective because they involve the chemical reaction of evaporation. Water will be released into the air, even during the colder months. You don’t have to boil water in order to achieve some degree of water release. It’s more effective, of course, but only boil the water on stove when you’re cooking anyway. These are just some of the little things you can do around the home in order to improve the quality of your indoor air.

Conclusion

Evidently, the best humidifier for winter is a beneficial appliances that improve both our health and the longevity of the belongings in our homes. They are relatively inexpensive and will last a long time. Moreover, humidifiers are also easy to use and clean. So it’s no surprise that humidifiers are a welcome addition to any modern home during the winter and all year round.

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AUTHOR
Melanie Mavery is an aspiring HVAC technician who is fascinated by the trends and opportunities in the HVAC industry. She spends most of her day writing content on home improvement topics and outreaching to prospects. Β She's always looking for ways to support HVACs!