AIRCARE - Horizon HD3120DCN

The humidifier you found on the Grainger site is actually an Aircare brand humidifier. I own that exact one and it is excellent. The only problem is that the Aircare filters come with a warning that they contain chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects. Because of that, I have been buying replacement filters through [mynaturalbreeze.com](http://mynaturalbreeze.com) . My other recomendation is to buy a huge water jug like this one from Igloo to fill it up [https://amzn.to/3Qzl9kk](https://amzn.to/3Qzl9kk) \- I put this in my kitchen sink, run the water into it and set a timer for three minutes while I do something else, and then this is the easiest way for me to fill up the humidifier. I do this every morning and every night. It's a pain, but worth it to keep the house humidified. Overnight I run the fan on high. During the day, I'll run it on low or medium, depending on the weather.

u/jeremyjava I just realized that you bought the Valiant model and actually I have one that looks similar on the outside but mine is called the Horizon and the inside is much different. Looks like the Horizon is currently out of stock. Sorry if I confused or misled you! This is the one I have [https://aircare.com/humidifiers/horizon-hd3120dcn/](https://aircare.com/humidifiers/horizon-hd3120dcn/) Yours uses HDC12 filters which are available from Natural Breeze in the re-usable filters which I tried but did not like. You can look for another company that sells the same size in a high quality paper. Wish I could be more help. I actually just bought the Levoit one because it's back in stock and it got here today. I'm planning on setting that up and eliminating an ultrasonic humidifier that I've been using for awhile.

There are a few high end brands that might be superior, but most are very similar, within their categories. No BIFL humidifiers, and better ones will be costly. For longevity, evaporative seems to be the best type. I suggest you narrow it down to what will work for you and check reviews online. I wanted to add one lower priced gallon size evaporative model for my kitchen area and concluded they all suck and don't last too long. I'm guessing you're looking for a room size, vs whole house. First consider the type: warm mist, ultrasonic, evaporative. Warm mist will cost the most to operate. Ultrasonic often leaves a white dust on surfaces. Evaporative can be noisy due to the fan. Ease of use is key - filling and cleaning, lugging to sink, capacity. Every stinking plastic contraption that deals with air has a ridiculous amount of nooks, crannies, and fins that can be impossible to clean. Check consumables for cost of replacement wicks, filters. I use two whole house evaporative humidifiers along with water additives to inhibit bacteria. One is twenty years old, a Bemis hamper style, now AirCare. In winter they run 24/7 along with woodstoves. Wicks need cleaning or replacing monthly, $25 each. Some can hold up to a vinegar soak to give it another month.

my dumb whole house humidifier is on all the time. to make it smart, this video helped [AIRCARE Large Evaporative Whole House Humidifier is good. but here's how to make it great!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qp7Ak0-T2M) basically, a smart plug to monitor energy. if power is low, the unit stopped, time to fill it with more water.

I used to love our evaporative humidifier by Aircare. It's just a bin of cold water, a filter to wick up the water, and a fan to pull the moisture out and blow it into the room. The fan has a nice drone to it to create a white noise effect.

They are, but I have had two running for multiple years between them. I had a large Air Care - i’m not sure why - but the fan mechanism leaked all of its lubricant and corroded badly. I assume user error haha. But even it lasted 3 years! Now I have my ~5yo Air Care running in our upstairs, and we got a new Vissani 6 gal this past year.

I’ve had the best luck with evaporative humidifiers for big rooms. Ultrasonics are quiet, but most just can’t keep up in a large living room. If you want something that actually moves the needle: AirCare / Essick evaporative models not pretty, but they work. Can handle large spaces, no white dust, and the fan noise is more like steady white noise (no gurgling). Downside: big footprint. Venta LW series (used or on sale) very quiet and dead simple to clean, great overnight. Expensive new, but worth it if noise + maintenance matter more than max output. Levoit LV600S solid if you really want ultrasonic; quiet and convenient, but you’ll refill more often and it may struggle if the room is truly large.