Dry air got you down? Sometimes, we can relieve dry air symptoms with creams, lotions, eye drops, and other over-the-counter products. But these products only treat the symptom, not the cause! 

Dry air is typically caused by low humidity levels, so if humidity issues are behind your family’s biggest health and comfort concerns, it’s time to gain control—humidity control!

Which Humidifier is Best? The Difference Between Whole-House and Portable Humidifiers

At a glance, the differences are apparent. Take this visual below for example:

Portable humidifiers only deliver humidity control in one, limited space and often come at a higher cost for very little benefit. With an AprilAire Whole-House Humidifier, you can help your central HVAC system deliver balanced humidity throughout your entire Healthy Home!

But the answer to ‘which humidifier is best?’ truly becomes clear when we compare capacity, maintenance needs, energy efficiency, and more.

Which Humidifier is Best? Breaking Down Capacity

Personal humidifiers, which include portable humidifier units, add moisture into your air by blowing a fan over a wick of cold water or by using a heating element to help create steam. Portable humidifiers only work if there’s water present in the tank, so its need for daily maintenance and capacity to only humidify small spaces doesn’t get you much bang for your buck.

AprilAire Whole-House Humidifiers blow hot air from the furnace over a water panel to deliver moisture evenly throughout your home as it heats itself up. Because whole-house units connect to the water supply in your home, there’s no water tank to limit your unit’s capacity! Similarly, steam units plumbed directly to the water supply provide whole-house capacity in homes without central heat.

So, which humidifier is best when it comes to capacity? AprilAire Whole-House Humidifiers reign supreme!

Which Humidifier is Best? All About Maintenance

Like mentioned previously, portable humidifiers require daily maintenance to remain safe and operational. Since personal humidifiers only work when water is in the tank, consistent replenishment is needed. Beyond that, because of their tank design, portable humidifiers tend to be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, requiring even more attention.

With the convenience of an AprilAire Whole-House Humidifier, your unit only needs to be maintained once or twice a heating season. Typically, this easy maintenance consists of changing your water panel.

Which humidifier is best for low-maintenance homeowners? AprilAire Whole-House Humidifiers win again.

Which Humidifier is Best? Avoiding High Costs and Loud Noises

A portable humidifier is typically placed near a bed or in a living space. While it makes sense for personal humidifiers to be close by when in use, the bubbling and fan noises they emit can be intrusive. 

Because AprilAire Whole-House Humidifiers are attached to your home’s HVAC system (typically in your basement or in a closet), they’re out of sight, out of mind—so noise is never a worry!

Which humidifier is best in terms of noise control? Whole-house humidifiers.

While personal humidifiers would be required in every room of your home to reap the full benefits of whole-house humidity control, it can become costly. But, utilizing the operation of your furnace, a whole-house unit can humidify your entire home using less energy than portable humidifier units in each room.

In the spirit of finding which humidifier is best when it comes to energy and cost savings? Whole-house humidifiers come out on top once again.

So, Which Humidifier is Best?

Portable humidifiers can’t measure up! AprilAire Whole-House Humidifiers are specifically designed to meet the needs of your family—targeting the dry air that impacts your health, comfort, and wallet. Your local AprilAire Healthy Air Professional can help you make the switch.

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