The Best Eco-friendly Humidifier for Winter [2024]

Last updated on December 25th, 2023 at 02:39 am

In the winter, as the air gets colder, it also gets drier. This is simply because cold air cannot retain as much moisture as warm air. So, your best option to prevent your indoor air from getting too dry is to get a humidifier. This post lists out some of the best eco friendly humidifier models in the market.

Want recommendations?
The Best Overall Humidifier: Canopy Humidifier with Aroma
The Most Affordable Humidifier: Pure Enrichment MistAire Humidifier

There are many ways to increase the indoor humidity with humidifiers, but if you’re looking to dehumidify your indoor space, here are some of the best small dehumidifiers.

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The Need for Humidifiers in Winter

The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50% (as measured by a hygrometer). When humidity levels drop, due to cold, dry air (especially with the use of electric heaters), we end up facing health issues such as allergic reactions, sinus congestion and dry skin. This can be prevented simply by increasing the humidity levels to the healthy range. And that’s where humidifiers come in. 

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Advantages of Using a Humidifier

Your skin and nose will thank you. A well-humidified room will help you breathe more easily, have less dryness in your nose, less static in your hair and clothes, and more healthy, hydrated skin. No more itchiness and chapped lips. 

Now, most humidifiers aren’t very eco-friendly – they are made up of a lot of plastic parts, or use up a lot of energy to run. Sometimes humidifiers waste a lot of electricity. They can add to your electric bill, as well as your carbon footprint, simply by dint of being an electronic gadget. 

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How to Choose the Right Humidifier

Depending on how critical your need is, you could try to naturally increase indoor air humidity first, before looking into humidifiers. But if you do need a humidifier, make sure you get one that is:

• 1 / Appropriately sized for your space
• 2 / Energy-efficient
• 3 / Easy to clean and maintain
• 4 / Filter-free, or with paper filters     

So, how do you keep your humidity up in the winter? We have some suggestions, but the most effective way is to invest in a good humidifier. And, of course, the more eco-friendly it is, the better! 

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Humidifier Vs. Diffuser 

Humidifiers and diffusers differ in their functions: humidifiers release water vapor into the air, and diffusers emit essential oils in tiny water droplets. 

So, if you want to increase the moisture in the air, then you need a humidifier. If you want to add a nice aroma to the air through essential oils, then you should go for a diffuser. 

It’s important to note that diffusers do not hold enough water to affect the humidity levels in the air either way. So if you switch on a diffuser and wonder why your nose still feels raw and dry, this is why. And you will then need a humidifier. Of course, there are humidifier and diffuser combos, such as the Asakuki Aromatherapy Humidifier. But this post only looks at humidifiers.

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Best Eco-friendly Humidifier for Winter

These humidifiers listed below are the most eco-friendly: they use paper filters, have energy-efficient technology, and automatic controls (which makes them more efficient).

1 // Best Overall Humidifier: CANOPY HUMIDIFIER WITH AROMA 

Price: $150

Smart sensors | Paper filters | embedded UV lights | | Up to 500 sq. ft.

Canopy can work for up to 36 hours of running time. It has some cool anti-mold and UV sensor technology that helps keep the air clean. Besides, it only uses paper filters.

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2 // Best Humidifier for Small Spaces: MISSED GLOBAL’S STELLA

Price: $85

Wireless | portable power bank | nano-mist adjustable sprays | Up to 150 sq. ft.

Stella is a wireless humidifier with a 12-hour runtime. It’s ideal for small spaces, but you can also take it along on your trips, and you’ll be able to charge it with a wireless USB charger. It’s super quiet, low maintenance, and very easy to clean.

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3 // Best Humidifier for Large Spaces: Dyson Purifier Humidify + Cool 

Price: From $800

UV-C Tech | sealed HEPA filtration | control with remote, app & voice | Up to 400 sq. ft.

The Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool comes in two models: formaldehyde and autoreact. They have UV-C humidification technology to destroy bacteria growth, and gases and pollutants, with full machine sealed HEPA filtration. It’s a nice looking machine too, and ideal for any large enclosed space.

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4 // Best Energy Smart Humidifier: Vornado Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier

Price: $79.99

auto-humidity control | water-level sensing | energy-efficient | Up to 750 sq. ft.

Vornado’s eco-friendly EVDC3000 model uses 90% less energy than a traditional humidifier. It comes with an impressive auto-humidity control, as well as a solid warranty.

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5 // Best Zero Waste Humidifier (Filter-free): Objecto H9 Tower Hybrid Humidifier

Price: $300

No filter needed | remote control | automatic shut off | removable water tank | Up to 800 sq. ft.

Objecto’s H9 Tower Hybrid Humidifier is as close as you will get to a Plastic-free humidifier. It’s a filter-free option, so there’s no single-use, disposable items. It has an impressive 22 hours of run time. And it looks so fancy!

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6 // Best Zero Waste Humidifier (Zero Energy Cost): Floor Vent Rumidifier RD10

Price: $45

No power needed | silent operation | goes over vents | Up to 1000 sq. ft.

The Rumidifier models have “zero operating cost,” because they don’t require electricity. They work with a floor or wall vent to bring moisture into the room. It just re-uses the existing air flow from forced air furnaces. Due to its simple and safe design, this is a great humidifier to keep in your children’s room (or near pets). 

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7 // Best Travel Humidifier: Fancii Cool Mist Personal Humidifier

Price: $79.99

Battery-operated | cordless 

Frequent traveler? The Fancii Cool Mist Personal Humidifier is a lightweight, no-fuss must-have. The tank is a water bottle placed upside down. It’s got an 18-hour battery life, a timer, and an automatic shutoff when the bottle is completely empty. 

Another lightweight option is the Hunter Ultrasonic Personal Air Humidifier. It can humidify a space of up to 25 sq. ft. 

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8 // Humidifier That’s Easiest to Sterilize: Carepod One

Price: $225

Stainless steel design | ultrasonic cool mist | three mist settings | up to 600 sq. ft. 

This award-winning humidifier was designed by a medical doctor to be easy to clean and sterilize. The three parts of the Carepod need to be boiled in water to get a 99% germ-free device. It’s also filter-free.   

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9 // Best Humidifier-Purifier Combo: Brondell Revive

Price: $500

Dual True HEPA air filtration | touch control panel | allergy setting | up to 1885 sq. ft. 

The Brondell Revive is a 2-in-1 True HEPA air purifier and True HEPA humidifier, and works as an air moisturizer offering protection against airborne contaminants. It is super-efficient and good at maintaining consistent humidity levels. It comes with a white noise option. 

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10 // Best Budget Humidifier: Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Price: $39.99

Easy-fill tank & auto shutoff | up to 250 sq. ft.

This humidifier’s ultrasonic cool mist technology safely and quickly moisturizes dry air for up to 25 hours of continuous operation (How good are ultrasonic humidifiers?). Bang for the buck.

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11 // Best Humidifier for Kids: Crane Adorable Elephant Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Price: $54.99

Energy-efficient | filter-free | space-saving | Optional demineralization filters available | reduce mold and bacteria growth up to 99.6% | up to 500 sq. ft.

This cute, award-winning, child-friendly humidifier is perfect to get relief from cold and flu symptoms for your little ones. 

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12 // Best Mist Humidifier: TaoTronics Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier

Price: $89.99

remote control |  AUTOMATIC HUMIDITY MONITORING | humidity levels | timer | up to 753 sq. ft.

Want both warm and cool mist in one humidifier? This 1.58 gallon TaoTronics device has a low-noise operation, and you can also use your favorite essential oil to take your room to the next level. 

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Where Not to Put a Humidifier

You can’t place a humidifier anywhere you feel like – it could be a safety hazard. Here are the places where you should avoid placing a humidifier:

1. On or near the floor:

• Cool mist humidifiers need to be elevated to allow the mist to disperse properly.
• Placing them on the floor or carpet can lead to wet surfaces, potential mold growth, and reduced effectiveness.

2. Within reach of children or pets:

• Prioritize safety by keeping humidifiers out of reach, especially warm mist humidifiers that contain hot water.
• Accidental spills or burns can occur if children or pets can access them.

3. Near air vents or radiators:

• Hot air from vents or radiators can interfere with the humidifier’s humidity readings, causing it to run longer than necessary.
• This can lead to excessive humidity and potential condensation on walls and windows.

4. Close to electronic devices:

• The moisture released by humidifiers can damage electronic devices, potentially causing short circuits or corrosion.
• Keep a safe distance to protect your electronics.

5. In direct sunlight:

• Sunlight can promote algae growth inside the humidifier’s water tank, potentially releasing harmful particles into the air.
• Choose a shaded location to prevent this issue.

6. In corners or against walls:

• Corners have limited airflow, hindering the humidifier’s ability to distribute moisture evenly.
• Placing it too close to walls can trap moisture and lead to mold growth or damage to paint or wallpaper.

7. Near wooden furniture or decor:

• Over time, excessive moisture from a humidifier can damage wooden furniture or decorative items,causing warping or cracking.
• Maintain a distance to preserve these items.

General tips for optimal placement:

• Position humidifiers on a flat, sturdy surface, ideally a table or nightstand, at least a few feet off the ground.
• Place it in a central location within the room for better airflow and moisture distribution.
• Regularly clean and maintain your humidifier according to manufacturer instructions to prevent mold growth and ensure optimal performance.

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Humidifier FAQs

1 / Are Glass Diffusers Better Than Plastic?

Glass diffusers are often preferred for essential oils as they won’t leach chemicals, but they are fragile and pricier. Plastic is durable and affordable, but some oils can break down the material.

2 / Are Aroma Humidifiers Safe?

Most aroma humidifiers are safe when used as directed. Choose BPA-free models and avoid adding essential oils to steam humidifiers.

3 / What Humidifier Is Best For Dry Air?

Warm mist humidifiers add moisture quickly to dry air, but can raise temperature. Cool mist or ultrasonic humidifiers are quieter and avoid temperature changes.

4 / Is A Diffuser A Humidifier?

Not all diffusers are humidifiers. Diffusers primarily disperse essential oils with little moisture added. Humidifiers primarily add moisture to the air, although some models can also diffuse oils.

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This post was about eco friendly humidifier options

If you’re looking to purchase an eco friendly humidifier, we hope this post was useful! Stay healthy this winter, and do all the things that make your sinuses happy. Including increasing indoor humidity. BTW, you can try indoor plants to increase humidity, too!

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