8 Best Humidifier with Humidistat Reviews 2021

Whenever you’re buying a new humidifier, it is advisable to consider one with a humidistat. Although you can purchase a hygrometer (also used to measure humidity levels) separately, most HVAC experts recommend a humidistat because it provides additional control features, whereas a hygrometer only measures humidity. 

This guide explores why you should consider a humidifier with an onboard/built-in humidistat, how these humidifiers work, how to use/set the humidistat, and how to maintain a humidifier with a humidistat. First, though, let’s take a look at the top eight humidifiers with built-in humidistat function. 

8 Best Humidifier with Humidistat Reviews 2021

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

  1. Honeywell Cool Mist Console Humidifier

Honeywell Cool Moisture Console Humidifier
  • MULTI-ROOM COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER: Need a humidifier for large rooms? Want to add moisture to your whole house? This 3 gallon, easy fill humidifier console with a humidistat & auto shut-off can help control humidity in your home. It runs for 24 hrs. on low
  • FILTERED COOL MOISTURE: Evaporative Technology blows moisture off a wicking filter, helping it evaporative into the air quickly. It's not possible to over-humidify with evaporative technology because you can't add more moisture to the air than it can hold
  • 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

A large-room humidifier that can also serve multiple rooms (up to 2,300 Sq. Ft), the Honeywell Cool Mist Console-style humidifier is an easy-to-fill, 3-gallon humidifying unit with auto-shutoff and a built-in humidistat. 

The humidifier, which can run for 24 hours on Low mode, delivers cool moisture while taking precautions to prevent over-humidification. The Evaporative Technology blows moisture off a wick filter and is designed to maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%. There are three-speed settings to choose from, with the lowest speeds offering ultra-quiet performance. 

The Honeywell has two large tanks with openings for easy cleaning and refilling. To protect you and your family, wick filter removes impurities from water, thus reducing white dust as well as delivering clean moisture output. For quality performance, all year round, use only genuine Honeywell replacement filters.  

Pros

  • Adjustable humidity control
  • Multiple output settings
  • Runs up to 24 hours per filling
  • Cool, filtered, invisible moisture

Cons 

  • Requires regular cleaning

 

2. AirCare MA1201 Whole-House Console Style Evaporative Humidifier

AIRCARE MA Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative...
  • Console-style humidifier for a whole house up to 3600 square feet. Standalone Type : Cool Mist Evaporative
  • 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
  • Assembled Dimension: 20.5(h) x 21.5(w) x 14.5 (l) in

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

Another evaporative humidifier, the AirCare MA1201, is sure to complement any décor while delivering invisible moisture to your interiors round the clock. 

As with other evaporative humidifiers, the AirCare moves air through a saturated wick filter. The easy to clean wick traps mineral deposits to ensure that the moisture entering your home is clean and free of harmful microorganisms. The unit has a check filter and water indicators and uses one 3.6-gallon, easy to refill the water tank. A refill hose, as well as a refill water bottle, are included.

Other features of the AirCare include automatic shut off/on and a digital humidistat that automatically maintains desired indoor humidity levels without additional effort on your part. The MA1201 is designed for spaces up to 3,600 square feet and can run for 36 hours on Low setting. It has four-speed settings. 

Pros 

  • Digital control, including shutoff/on
  • Designed for large spaces, up to 3,600 Sq. Ft.
  • Four fan speeds with Auto Mode
  • Customizable humidity settings
  • Caster wheels for easy mobility

Cons 

  • A bit heavy (wheels included though)

 

3. BONECO Warm or Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier 7135

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As indicated in the name, the BONECO 7135 is an ultrasonic humidifier, meaning that it doesn’t use a wick filter but rather produces moisture through high-frequency vibrations that turn water into micro-fine moisture particles. A replaceable demineralization cartridge removes lime and mineral reside from the water, and an included Hydro Cell ensures constant freshness. 

Whether you want the moisture hot or warm is up to you. Alternatively, through Auto Mode, you can allow the humidifier to automatically detect indoor air conditions and select the best settings on your behalf. 

Other features of the BONECO include digital control, a digital display with built-in hygrostat, essential accessories (including DMC and EZCal), and whisper-quiet operation. EZCal is a cleaner and descaler that cleans mineral buildup for continuous high performance. 

Pros

  • Warm or cool mist
  • Digital control and digital display
  • Replaceable demineralization cartridge included
  • Uses Hydro Cell that keeps water fresh and moisture healthy

Cons 

  • Smaller 1.7-gallon water tank
  • Only great over 650 Sq. Ft.

 

4. Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier

Sale
Vornado Evap40 4-Gallon Evaporative Humidifier...
  • OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE — Deep-pitched blades pull large volumes of dry air through two humidifying filters, and then circulate the humidified air throughout the room using Vornado's signature Vortex Action, providing complete and uniform humidification in spaces up to 1, 000 sq. ft.
  • LARGE CAPACITY — The 4-gallon capacity provides up to 4-gallons of water output in 24 hours when operated continuously on high, allowing for long, uninterrupted operation and fewer refills.
  • SIMPLE CONTROLS — Control panel allows you to select your fan speed (low/750 RPM, medium/1150 RPM, or high/1600 RPM) and your desired humidity level using the humidistat dial.
  • LOW MAINTENANCE — Two spill-proof and leak-free removable tanks are simple to clean and easy to refill.
  • INTELLIGENT HUMIDIFICATION — Evap40 senses how much humidity and circulation is needed to maintain your ideal environment and makes adjustments automatically. Made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts.

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Evap40 is a whole-room humidifier designed to serve spaces up to 1,000 square feet. The Vortex humidifier creates a comfortable, perfectly humidified living space by pulling in large volumes of dry air through two humidifying filters and evenly distributing the resulting moist air throughout the room. It’s 2 x 2-gallon water tanks allow for up to 48 hours of continuous humidification when on Low setting. 

Similar to other products on this list, the Vornado is digitally controlled. It comes with a built-in humidistat as well as an easy-to-use control panel that allows you to quickly input desired humidity levels and select the optimal fan speed.

Other features of the Vornado include quick and silent operation, consistent, intelligent comfort, three fan settings, an adjustable humidistat, airlock water tanks, and a 5-year limited warranty.  

Pros

  • Adjustable, built-in humidistat
  • 4-gallon water tank for uninterrupted operation
  • Airlock, easy-to-fill water tanks
  • Five-year warranty

Cons 

  • Large and relatively heavy (9 Lbs)

 

5. Aprilaire 700 Automatic Humidifier

Sale
Aprilaire 700 Automatic Humidifier
  • Has an evaporation capacity of 0.75 gallons per hour—among the highest capacity humidifiers sold
  • Humidifies tightly constructed homes up to 4,200 square foot in size
  • Features truly automatic control
  • Delivers optimum levels of humidity control with the Automatic Digital Humidifier Control. You never have to monitor your settings or wait until you feel uncomfortable
  • Provides vital service, temperature and relative humidity indicators in manual mode as well

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

One look at the digitally controlled AprilAire 700 reveals a humidifier built to deliver not only consistent moisture but also complement your interior design. Capable of efficiently humidifying a 4,200 space, it is, by far, the biggest (in terms of moisture output). 

The Aprilaire boasts an evaporation rate of .75 gallons per hour – one of the highest in its category. Put differently; it delivers .75 x 24 = 18 gallons of moisture every single day. That’s more than any humidifier on this list. 

Other features of the Aprilaire 700 include; a digital humidistat that automatically detects indoor air humidity levels and communicates with the humidifier to add moisture to your rooms as appropriate. The digital display indicates current temperatures and relative humidity, even in manual mode. 

Pros

  • Produces up to 18 gallons of moisture every 24 hours
  • Designed to serve spaces up to 4,200 square feet
  • Minimal maintenance needed
  • Digital control and monitoring

Cons 

  • It’s the most expensive option on this list

  6. Honeywell HEV685W Top Fill Console Humidifier 

Honeywell PUR HEV685W Top Fill Console Humidifier,...
  • COOL MOISTURE HUMIDIFIER – Honeywell Easy-to-Care Cool Moisture Console Humidifier (HEV685W) produces cool, invisible moisture to ensure proper humidity levels. Indoor humidity levels between 40-60% can help relieve cough and congestion and more.
  • EASY TO USE – Designed for high moisture output, this humidifier has two 1.5 gallon top fill tanks. It also has a humidifier filter treated with Protec which helps keeps off the growth and migration of water bodies and on the filter.*
  • COUGH AND CONGESTION RELIEF – Humidifiers for home can be helpful during cold and flu season, when it’s difficult to sleep with cough and congestion. A humidifier or vaporizer can provide temporary relief by adding necessary moisture to the air.
  • HUMIDIFIERS FOR BEDROOM AND MORE – A cool moisture humidifier fits perfectly into any room, making it a great choice for your whole family. Use them when the air is dry, in season, when sick or even just to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels.
  • A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Honeywell has been keeping families comfortable in their homes for over hundred years with our full line of humidifiers, filters and more.

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

We’ve already mentioned one Honeywell on our list, and the HEV685W is another option you should consider if looking for a humidifier with in-built humidistat control.

The first thing you need to know about the HEV685W is that it’s a dual-tank system, with each tank maxing out at 1.5 gallons. There are two ways to fill the water tank; you can either fill it with a refill bottle (included in the package) or remove the tank and fill at the sink. Both tanks are easy to dislodge and come with ergonomic handles. 

In terms of performance, the humidifier comes with a humidistat and digital monitor for easy climate control. A Protec Cleaning Ball is included to keep your humidifier fresher for longer. It kills 99% of odor-causing bacteria. For quality, long-term performance, only use approved Honeywell replacement filter HC14 (Filter E). 

Pros

  • Runs continuously for 24 hours on Low setting
  • Two, removable, translucent top-fill water tanks
  • Automatic shutoff
  • Antimicrobial filters

Cons 

  • Weighs an enormous 18 pounds – with empty water tanks

 

7. BONECO Air-O-Swiss (AOS) Warm or Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier 7147

Air-O-Swiss 7147 Ultrasonic Humidifier
  • High Output: Up to 3 gallons/24 hours for rooms up to 600 sq ft
  • Auto Mode for fully automated operation
  • Whisper-quiet in operation
  • Optional warm or cool mist
  • Digital display and programmable hygrostat

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

Big, bold, and beautiful, the BONECO 7147 is another highly efficient ultrasonic humidifier on this list. It uses high-frequency vibrations to generate mist, which is then blown into your rooms. Mist from the AOS 7147 evaporates within seconds of entering the indoor atmosphere, thus reducing the risk of dampness in the home.

As with other AOS humidifiers in this category, the 7147 is a cool and warm mist humidifier. It has a pre-heating feature that, when turned ON, instructs the unit to release mist at a pleasant 104F. Auto Mode is also available that automatically selects the best humidity setting depending on prevailing conditions. 

Other features of the AOS 7147 include a demineralization cartridge that prevents the release of minerals in the air, a Hydro Cell designed to keep the water in the tank fresh throughout, and the AZCal cleaner and descaler. 

Pros

  • Warm or cool-mist humidification
  • Digital humidistat and controls
  • Fast, quiet, ultrasonic performance
  • Demineralization cartridge, Hydro Cell, and EZCal

Cons 

  • No self-cleaning mode

  8. Honeywell Top Fill Tower Humidifier with Digital Humidistat

Honeywell Top Fill Tower Humidifier, Digital...
  • COOL MOISTURE HUMIDIFIER – Honeywell Top Fill Tower Humidifier (HEV620) produces cool, invisible moisture to ensure proper humidity levels in your home. Indoor humidity levels between 40-60% can help relieve cough and congestion, keep throat hydrated and more.
  • QUICK AND EASY TO USE – This humidifier features a removeable top fill tank that makes it easy to fill at the sink or with a pitcher. It has a space saving slim tower design that is optimized for high moisture output, and can run for up to 24 hours.
  • COUGH AND CONGESTION RELIEF – Cool moisture humidifiers for home can be helpful during cold and flu season, when it’s difficult to sleep with cough and congestion. A humidifier or vaporizer can provide temporary relief by adding necessary moisture to the air.
  • HUMIDIFIERS FOR BEDROOM AND MORE – A cool moisture humidifier fits perfectly into any room, making it a great choice for your whole family. Use them when the air is dry, in sensitiviy season, when sick or even just to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels.
  • A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Honeywell has been keeping families comfortable in their homes for over hundred years with our full line of humidifiers, filters and more.

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

Finally, the Honeywell Top Fill Tower is another striking digital humidifier worth considering if you’re looking for a unit with in-built humidistat. Mostly available in white color, the Honeywell Tower is a cool-mist humidifier that offers reliable, filtered invisible moisture round the clock, with the unit designed to continuously deliver sufficient moisture to your rooms for 24 hours when in Low Mode.

One of the main advantages of the Tower is the ease of refilling the tank. You can easily refill the reservoir without removing it from the humidifier. Or, you can detach it from the rest of the unit and refill it at the sink. 

A humidity display monitor is located at the top of the Tower for easy access. It even includes a timer. To protect you from external microorganisms, the humidifier uses a Protec Cleaning Ball that eliminates 99% of odor-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial wick filter also boosts indoor air quality by removing dust particles from the air.

Pros

  • Features a space-saving slim, tower design
  • Easy to refill and clean
  • Digital control and humidistat
  • Protective technologies ensure moisture quality

Cons

  • Single-tank configuration is limiting

Best Humidifier With Humidistat Buying Guide

With the reviews covered, let’s now get down to how to buy the right humidifier with a humidistat. The whole process begins with you understanding what a humidistat is and how it works.

What is Humidistat?

A humidistat, sometimes called a hygrostat, is a small measurement instrument that homeowners can use to monitor and maintain the desired relative humidity of air in a given space. 

In Home-Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), a humidistat is often used alongside a humidifier to set and maintain preferred humidity levels indoors. Indeed, most humidifiers come with a humidistat – either built into the humidification unit or included in the package as a separate device. Whichever is the case, such humidifiers are wired or wirelessly connected to the humidifier and can be used to command the humidifier. 

This, however, doesn’t mean that there are no stand-alone humidistat units. On the contrary, there are many small humidistat units sold independently. These units don’t come as part of a humidifier or any HVAC package. It’s important to understand that most stand-alone humidistat units operate as hygrometers. 

Humidistat vs. Hygrometer; Is There a Difference?

humidistat vs hygrometerYes, there is. Although both instruments measure the relative humidity (quantity of moisture in indoor air as compared to outdoor air), the two devices are also slightly different. 

A hygrometer is designed for measuring the level of moisture in the air – full stop. It doesn’t do anything beyond that. A humidistat, however, goes way beyond measurement.  With a humidistat, you can also manipulate the humidifier. For example, you can set the desired humidity level and even change the settings as you wish, and the humidifier would adjust its operations accordingly to attain and maintain the set humidity levels. 

How Does a Humidistat Work?

A typical household humidistat comprises a relay amplifier and sensing element made of a material that is sensitive to moisture. In most humidistat units, the sensing material is made from human hair or silk. Both of these materials are able to absorb and expel water multiple times without significant damage. 

If the level of moisture in the home increases or falls, the sensing material (after absorbing or losing moisture), tightens or becomes loose, thus strengthening or loosening the electrical resistance between the two attached metal conductors. The relay amplifier tracks these changes. 

The relay amplifier, in turn, is wired to the humidifier and thus communicates current moisture levels, causing the humidifier to slow down or amp-up operation as needed.   

Advantages of Humidifiers with Humidistat Function

There are three main reasons you should consider a humidifier with humidistat function. These are;

  • Ideal comfort: The reason we invest in home heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in the first place is to achieve ideal indoor comfort. Unfortunately, without a means to control how much moisture the humidifier releases into your room, you may end up with too little or too much indoor moisture. A humidistat allows you to maintain perfect indoor moisture round the clock.
  • Health reasons: Too little or too much moisture in the air can cause various health issues for you and your family. Too much humidity creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, both of which are triggers for allergic reactions. Overly dry conditions, meanwhile, can cause dry nasal passages, resulting in nosebleeds and cold symptoms. A humidistat allows you to maintain the right humidity levels so you can avoid these issues.
  • Furniture health: Finally, a humidistat is also vital for the health of your furniture and other valued items. The mold and mildew often experienced under overly moist conditions, for instance, can damage furniture, leather, clothing, and even books. On the flip side, if the air in your home is too dry, you risk having cracked floors, plaster, leather, and furniture. A humidistat allows you to prevent either extreme. 

Setting the Humidistat for Perfect Year-Round Comfort

Controlling a humidifier with humidistat using a phone

Setting a humidifier with a humidistat should be easy. Automatic humidifiers, in particular, don’t even need your intervention. As long as the thermostat is working effectively and you’ve set the right indoor temperatures, the humidistat will automatically “read the room” and adjust relative humidity to optimal levels. 

However, if your humidistat is not automatic, you’ll need to feed in the settings manually. This, too, shouldn’t be difficult. Essentially, when you’re home, turn the unit “ON” and set the thermostat to the desired temperature. If going away for an extended period (such as on vacation), all you have to do set the humidistat to a slightly lower reading. 

For manually-operated humidistat units, when you’re home, the recommended setting for the summer is 35 to 45 percent. Since the colder season can be drier, the recommended humidity setting for winter is about 55 percent. All these are Relative Humidity (RH) values. Also, remember that you may need a higher RH if there are more people in the room. 

Cleaning and Maintaining the Humidifier

For the optimal functioning of the humidistat, the humidifier must work without any issues. Keeping the humidifier clean and well-maintained, therefore, is imperative. The following cleaning and maintenance tips should help;

  • Only use distilled or demineralized water: Tap water contains mineral traces that can create deposits in the dehumidifier and promote bacterial growth. Some of the minerals might even find their way into the air you breathe, causing health complications.
  • Change the water regularly: For small, portable humidifiers, the water should be changed daily. For larger humidifiers, the water can be changed once every two weeks or as recommended by the manufacturer. 
  • Clean the humidifiers often: Small, portable humidifiers should be cleaned at least once every three days with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Rinse the water tank with tap water after cleaning.
  • Change the filters regularly: The manufacturer manual will tell you how often to change the filters. If you can’t find any directions on that, change the filters once weekly, unless it’s a washable/reusable filter.

Wrap Up

If you can follow the above guide, finding and buying the right humidifier with a humidistat shouldn’t be difficult. We want to stress two things. First, always consider humidifiers where the humidistat is in-built or included as part of the package. Stand-along humidistat units create new, unnecessary challenges. Secondly, consider automatic humidistat units. They make humidity and indoor climate control more convenient.

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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.  She's always looking for ways to support HVACs!