Choosing the Right Humidifier: Go Big or Go Small?

You may be thinking the answer’s obvious.
 
Big house = big humidifier. Small house = small humidifier.
But when you list the pros and cons, it’s more complicated than that, because the answer has nothing to do with the size of your house, or even humidifier features for that matter. It all centers around one simple variable: you. What are your humidity needs? Do you have plants and pets? A busy lifestyle? How you live matters more than where you live.
 
Instead of choosing a humidifier based on the size of your home, you should decide based on your preferences and needs as a unique individual.

First, why does humidity matter?

Let’s do an experiment. Read the next few words and keep track of the images that immediately come to mind.
Refreshing.
 
Soothing.
 
Relaxing.
 
What images came to your mind? I’m willing to bet they were things like iced drinks with little umbrellas or an hour of quiet at the spa. Maybe you thought of sounds, too, like the pitter-pattering of rain or a trickling stream.
 
As the human body is 50–60% water, it’s no wonder water imagery is such a natural comfort to us. Hydration is essential for our organs, our hair, and our skin. Yet sometimes we forget that we need water in our air as much as we do in a glass.
 
Consistent indoor humidity is ideal for our daily comfort and a general feeling of well-being. When the air is too dry, it can lead to discomfort from things like flaky skin, irritated respiratory systems, and chapped lips—the opposites of soothing relaxation. That's where humidifiers come in, playing a key role in refreshing the space we call home.

Big vs. Small Humidifiers

Convenience

When adding any gadget to our households, the first question is usually: How much time and effort will I have to put into the maintenance of this item?
 
This is where your schedule comes into consideration. If your days are usually jam-packed with meetings, errands, social events, or family activities, then a humidifier with a big tank may be the most convenient choice for you.
 
Larger humidifiers have longer runtimes and require fewer refills, whereas small humidifiers must be refilled more often. Levoit’s largest humidifier, the Levoit Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier, can humidify for up to 72 hours (about 3 days) before needing a refill. It can also be refilled straight from the sink, freeing up space in your cabinets by eliminating the need for purified or distilled water.

Targeted Humidity

If you’re a pet or plant parent, small humidifiers may be the easiest way to customize humidity by room. And when I say ‘customize’, we’re not necessarily talking about settings and features (our large-room humidifiers can be personalized, too).
 
We’re talking about when special rooms or spaces need targeted humidity treatment. For example, say you have an idyllic, sunlit space where you grow your indoor plants. You’d probably want its humidity level to be a little higher than other rooms in the house. Similarly, if you have a pet that thrives in higher levels of humidity, such as cats, dogs, or tropical animals, then a small humidifier in their sleeping area may be beneficial for their well-being.

Aesthetics

Yes, when it comes to household appliances, we should value function over beauty. However, what you see daily can impact how you feel.

Remember that experiment with words we did earlier? If any of those peaceful words brought an image of billowing mist to mind, then one of Levoit’s smaller ultrasonic humidifiers may be great for you.

If you have a large space and prefer no mist, Levoit’s large evaporative humidifier may be just what you need. Its contemporary design looks great in any interior style.

Large vs. Easily Portable

If you like to travel with a humidifier, may be the way to go. You can take it on road trips, use it in the office, carry it up and down stairs, and easily transfer it from room to room.

On the other hand, Levoit’s large evaporative humidifier is perfect for open floor plans and homes without stairs. You can fill it up at the sink and wheel it back to any spot in the house with ease.

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Levoit’s Best Large-Room Humidifier	Levoit’s Best Portable Humidifier
Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier	Classic 150 Mini Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
SHOP NOW	SHOP NOW

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are whole-house humidifiers worth it?

Yes, they’re worth it if you live in a large home and want consistent humidity levels throughout. Whole-house humidifiers efficiently maintain optimal indoor air quality and moisture levels.

Can a single humidifier cover a whole house?

Wide-coverage humidifiers, such as the Superior 6000S, are designed to cover an entire single-story home, working with your heating and cooling system to distribute moisture evenly. However, their effectiveness depends on the home's size and the humidifier's capacity.

Do portable humidifiers work?

Absolutely. Portable humidifiers are effective for adding moisture to specific areas, such as a bedroom, office, or any room where you spend a lot of time. They are especially useful for targeting dry air problems without needing whole-house systems.

What is the most efficient type of humidifier?

The efficiency of a humidifier depends on your specific needs. Evaporative humidifiers are especially efficient for wide-coverage applications, using the home's airflow to distribute moisture. For personal or room use, ultrasonic humidifiers are efficient and quiet. They can provide fine mist without using a lot of electricity.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Whether you opt for a big or small humidifier, each has unique advantages for improving indoor humidity. Large humidifiers offer a comprehensive solution for large homes, ensuring consistent humidity levels. Portable humidifiers provide flexibility and are perfect for addressing specific areas or smaller spaces.

Important Note

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used in medical emergencies or for diagnosing or treating any medical condition. It's crucial to consult a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. External links are for informational purposes and do not constitute endorsements. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of the information provided herein.