AIRCARE - SPACE SAVER 836000HB

I quite like my aircare console humidifier. It's more than you need for one room, but I'm sure there are smaller ones. You're looking for an evaporative humidifier. They're dead simple devices. A reservoir of water, a fan, and a wick to get wet and blow the air across. You need to keep them clean but they require less frequent cleaning than any ultrasonic units and they don't spread contaminants from the water into the air since they just allow the water to evaporate itself rather than physically atomizing it into the air. You also want to make sure you get the treatment chemical and add the right amount when you fill it. It doesn't take much and lasts a long time so it's not a big expense.

So I'm in Canada, [this is the one I use.](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/aircare-space-saver-evaporative-humidifier-for-2300-sq-ft-spaces/1001565672?eid=PS_GO_140203__ALL_PLA-526641&eid=PS_GOOGLE_D29A_Vendor-Funded_GGL_Shopping_Major-Appliances_Major%20Appliances_PLA_EN__PRODUCT_GROUP_pla-297068452945&pid=1001565672&store=7032&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19073043979&gclid=CjwKCAjw49vEBhAVEiwADnMbbKt3KN3ckqYjLh8ulWcbgMko7CH5YEgbABm0U8HYaskPNmVslVrb7BoCXU4QAvD_BwE) It very effectively covers my 1100sq ft apartment in the very dry winter and I find the reservoir lasts about 4 or 5 days. I'm not sure what's available where you are.

It's definitely overkill but I have the 6-gallon Aircare for my 1br apartment. I probably should have gotten the smaller one, but if you have a larger space the 6-gallon should do it.

We run two, pretty much 24/7. I have an Aircare 6 gallon evaporative that uses the 1043 wick, white, upright. I think it's in its 3rd season. I also have an old large Bemis H-12, the similar new model console type are now Aircare, brown ugly, large. I just looked up my order. It was purchased 2004! Neither of these are quiet but do the job, one on each of two floors with woodstoves. Low speed is tolerable but speeds 2 and 3 are intrusive (to me). They both have a humidistat so I don't think it's necessary to hook up to smart controls. The newer 6 gallon is easier to fill (top fill direct dump in water) and more compact, so easier to clean - I roll them to a shower. The old one has a 2 gallon plastic insert that has to be brought to a sink where a hose type thing is pressed under a faucet and run to the insert, then the 2 gal insert is lugged back to the giant 'hamper'. I use Bestair water additives so they don't need much cleaning. However, the wicks need either careful soaking to clean or replacing monthly to 6 weeks with our hard well water. The 1043 wick gets replaced in a frame where the older model's wick comes framed. The frameless is delicate to clean (soak in XL dishpan vinegar/water 50:50). New wicks are about $23. Like most plastic things with fans the designs suck as far as nooks and crannies around the fan. Impossible to be dust free and you need small hands to occasionally wipe the fan blades. Same problem cleaning the grill-like coverings. edit: to remove product link

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.

I run an Aircare Evaporative whole house humidifier, uses a giant wick, works well but is loud and pretty cheap (the plastic sides can be bent). No need for a smart switch because it auto-cycles-off when your target humidity is reached.

Ultrasonic humidifiers need distilled water. Otherwise it ejects white powder everywhere. For kids who might be senaistive to dust this could become an issue. Evaporative humidifiers do not risk burns either since it relies on wicking filters and they don't cause powdery residue. I personally made the switch to evaporative ones. Honeywell has smaller units for smaller rooms but I use larger 6 gal ones by Aircare for living areas.