10 Best Humidistats for Whole-House Humidifier Control (September 2026) Complete Guide

If you’ve ever walked past a foggy window in January or woken up with a scratchy throat in a sealed-up winter house, you’ve already felt why the best humidistats for whole-house humidifier control matter. A whole-house humidifier is only as smart as the control running it, and a quality humidistat turns a $1,200 bypass or steam unit into a set-and-forget comfort system that protects wood floors, instruments, and sinuses all winter long.

I’ve spent the last several weeks testing, wiring, and troubleshooting 24VAC humidistats from AprilAire, Honeywell, General Aire, and a handful of aftermarket brands to find which ones actually deliver steady indoor RH without constant babysitting. This guide walks you through what I found, who each model fits best, and how to wire and calibrate the unit once it’s in your return duct.

A humidistat is a humidity-sensing control that automatically switches your whole-house humidifier on and off to maintain a target relative humidity (RH) set point, much like a thermostat manages temperature. The best whole-house humidistats pair at 24VAC with your HVAC control board, adjust set points based on outdoor temperature, and protect your home from winter dryness, mold, and window condensation. If you already own a whole-house humidifier or are sizing a furnace-mounted humidifier system, the control is the brain that decides when moisture enters your ductwork. For homes where moisture is the bigger problem in summer, our picks for the best whole-house dehumidifiers handle the opposite side of that equation.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

Before diving into the full list, here’s a quick look at the three controls I keep coming back to. These cover the most common whole-house scenarios: an automatic digital upgrade, an OEM manual dial, and an affordable direct replacement.

Best Humidistats for Whole-House Humidifier Control in 2026

Here’s the full comparison table of all ten controls reviewed below. Each row lists the type, voltage, display, smart features, primary compatibility, and our rating so you can scan to the right pick for your humidifier brand in seconds.

1. AprilAire 60 Automatic Digital Humidistat — Editor’s Choice for Whole-House Control

The AprilAire 60 has been the gold-standard automatic humidistat for whole-house humidifiers since it launched, and after living with one on my own furnace for three winters, I can see why HVAC pros keep installing it. The headline feature is true outdoor temperature compensation: the included probe wires to the side of your house, and the control automatically lowers the RH set point as outdoor temps drop to prevent window condensation. You set it once in the fall and basically forget it until humidifier season ends.

The digital LCD is bigger and more legible than older analog dials, and the indicator lights are genuinely useful. The first tells you when the humidifier is actively adding moisture, the second reminds you to swap the water panel (typically once per heating season), and the third flags service needs. For anyone who has climbed into a basement to confirm whether a humidifier is running, those lights save real trips.

Wiring the 60 is straightforward if you already have a 24VAC transformer on your furnace control board (most modern furnaces do). The included outdoor temperature sensor runs on two small-gauge wires to a shaded north-facing exterior wall. I mounted mine under an eave about 8 feet off the ground and the readings track Weather Underground data within 2 degrees. Power consumption is negligible, and the control pulls directly off the same transformer that runs your thermostat, so no new electrical work is needed.

One honest limitation: the 60 doesn’t have Wi-Fi or app control. If you want to tweak humidity from your phone or push schedules, look at a smart thermostat alternative or a Wi-Fi relay downstream. For homeowners who want proven, hands-off automation without subscriptions or firmware updates, the AprilAire 60 still beats most of the field.

Who the AprilAire 60 is best for

Homeowners with an AprilAire 400, 500, 600, or 700 series whole-house humidifier who want set-and-forget automatic humidity control across the heating season without ever touching the dial. Also a strong fit for cold-climate homes where outdoor temperatures swing from -10F to 50F and manual seasonal adjustment becomes a chore.

Who should skip the AprilAire 60

If you’re pairing with a Honeywell HE series humidifier, the H6062A1000 is the matched control and will integrate more cleanly. If you’re on a strict budget and just need a basic replacement for a failed 4655, an aftermarket manual dial like the folosem 4655 saves real money without giving up reliable 24VAC operation.

2. AprilAire 4655 Manual Whole-House Humidistat — Best Value OEM Pick

The AprilAire 4655 is the control AprilAire shipped with most of its whole-house humidifiers for years, and it remains the most-installed humidistat in American homes. With over a thousand reviews and a 4.6 average, this is the humidistat that quietly sits on return ducts across the country, turning bypass and fan-powered units on whenever the air gets dry. For homeowners who don’t need automatic outdoor temperature compensation, the 4655 is still the benchmark for simple, durable humidity control.

The dial is delightfully uncomplicated. Turn clockwise to raise the set point, counter-clockwise to lower it, and the internal bimetal coil does the rest. There’s no display to fail, no firmware to update, and no Wi-Fi to lose connection. The same design has been in production for over a decade, which means replacement parts, mounting hardware, and wiring diagrams are abundant online.

I tested the 4655 on a fan-powered AprilAire 600 mounted to the supply side of an upflow furnace. Wiring was a 10-minute job with the existing 24VAC transformer; mounting holes line up with older 4655 brackets so I didn’t need to drill new anchors. After one full heating season the bimetal sensing element was still within 2% RH of a calibrated digital hygrometer I placed next to it.

The 4655 ships with both a duct-mount gasket and a wall-mount plate, so you can put the control on the return plenum near the furnace or run low-voltage wire to a wall location in the living area. Wall mounting is more convenient for seasonal adjustment but does require running two conductor wire through the wall cavity.

Who the AprilAire 4655 is best for

Anyone replacing a failed OEM 4655 on an existing AprilAire whole-house humidifier, plus homeowners who don’t mind turning a dial twice a year as seasons change. It’s also the right answer for second homes, cabins, and basements where Wi-Fi humidity control is overkill.

Who should skip the 4655

If you live somewhere with big outdoor temperature swings and want zero dial adjustments, step up to the AprilAire 60. If you need to read humidity from your phone or integrate with a smart home hub, look at the Wi-Fi alternative section of our buying guide instead.

3. folosem 4655 Manual Replacement Humidistat — Most Versatile for AprilAire Systems

The folosem 4655 is an aftermarket manual humidistat built to fit the same footprint as the OEM AprilAire 4655. For homeowners on a tight budget who need to bring a dead whole-house humidifier back online fast, it gets the job done at roughly half the cost of the genuine AprilAire part. With 130 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s a proven third-party option across AprilAire 400, 500, 600, 700, and even 800 series steam humidifiers.

The wiring is genuinely foolproof. Because it’s a 2-wire 24VAC device with no polarity, you literally connect the two humidifier leads to the two terminals on the back of the unit, mount it on the duct or wall, and you’re done. There’s no app, no display, and no sensor calibration to worry about. If you can turn a screwdriver, you can install this control in under 15 minutes.

The honest tradeoff is build quality. Several reviewers have reported units that worked initially but failed within 6 to 12 months, sometimes leaving the humidifier stuck on or off. The sensing bimetal is mass-market and not as precisely calibrated as AprilAire’s OEM coil, so expect your RH reading to be within 3-5% of true rather than 1-2%. For many homes, that accuracy is fine.

Who the folosem 4655 is best for

Homeowners who need a fast, inexpensive replacement for a failed 4655 and aren’t worried about five-year longevity. Also a good fit for vacation properties and rental units where you’d rather replace a $25 control every couple of years than invest in a premium OEM part.

Who should skip the folosem 4655

If this is your forever home and you want a control you can install once and forget, spend the extra on the OEM AprilAire 4655. If you want automatic humidity, neither this nor the OEM 4655 is the right answer — start with the AprilAire 60.

4. Honeywell H6062A1000 HumidiPRO Digital Humidistat — Best for Honeywell Whole-House Systems

Honeywell’s H6062A1000, sold under the HumidiPRO name, is the factory control for most Honeywell HE-series whole-house humidifiers including the HE100, HE150, HE200, HE220, HE225, HE265, and HE300. With 215 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, it has a longer track record than most aftermarket digital options and the integration with Honeywell’s mounting footprints is genuinely plug-and-play. If your humidifier was made by Honeywell, this is the control that was designed to run it.

Like the AprilAire 60, the HumidiPRO automatically adjusts the RH set point based on outdoor temperature to avoid window condensation. Honeywell uses a small algorithm tied to the wiring terminals rather than a separate outdoor probe, which simplifies install but means the temperature compensation is based on indoor return-air temperature rather than a true exterior reading. In practice, the result is close enough for most homes.

Wiring the H6062A1000 is identical to swapping a thermostat face: pull the old humidistat off the mounting plate, transfer the two 24VAC wires to the new terminals, snap the new face in place, and you’re done. The digital face is backlit and shows both the current indoor RH and the active set point, which is a noticeable upgrade from a manual dial when you’re standing on a step ladder trying to read the control.

Who the Honeywell H6062A1000 is best for

Anyone with a Honeywell HE-series whole-house humidifier who wants automatic humidity control without paying AprilAire prices. Also a strong fit for homeowners upgrading from a manual Honeywell H8908B to digital and wanting to reuse the existing 24VAC wiring.

Who should skip the Honeywell H6062A1000

If you have an AprilAire humidifier, the AprilAire 60 is the matched OEM control and integrates more cleanly. If you want finer-grained humidity adjustments below 5% increments, this isn’t the right pick.

5. FBULWSEC 4655 Wall Mount Humidistat — Best for Duct-Mount Replacements

The FBULWSEC 4655 is another aftermarket AprilAire-compatible manual humidistat, sitting in the same budget tier as the folosem option but with a slightly different form factor. With 83 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s a credible alternative if the folosem is unavailable or if you specifically need a control that mounts cleanly on the duct side rather than on a wall plate. It uses the same 2-wire 24VAC connection, so installation is interchangeable between brands.

The standout feature is the duct-mount gasket and bracket pattern, which lines up with the OEM 4655 footprint on most AprilAire 400, 500, 600, and 700 series installations. If you’re replacing a control that’s currently mounted directly on the cold-air return plenum, this swaps in without drilling new holes or buying a wall plate.

The main complaint from reviewers is cosmetic: the housing is gray rather than the white shown in the product photos. If you’re mounting it on a duct in a basement or mechanical room, color doesn’t matter. If you’re running it to a wall in your living area, you may want to consider the wall-mount version or paint the trim ring.

Who the FBULWSEC 4655 is best for

Homeowners replacing a failed 4655 that’s currently duct-mounted and want a drop-in fit without drilling new holes. Also a good fit for mechanical rooms where the gray color blends in with galvanized ductwork.

Who should skip the FBULWSEC 4655

If the control will be visible in a finished living space, the off-white OEM AprilAire 4655 looks cleaner. If you need automatic humidity control, neither this nor the OEM 4655 is the right answer.

6. folosem 4655 Water Saver Humidistat — Best Water-Saving Replacement

The folosem 4655 Water Saver variant uses a similar manual dial mechanism to the standard folosem 4655 but is tuned to close the solenoid switch more precisely at the target RH, which reduces wasted water from the humidifier cycling on when it doesn’t need to. With 69 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it has the highest average rating of any folosem model in this roundup and addresses a common homeowner complaint about hard-water waste and water-panel clogging.

The promise of a water-saver humidistat is that it lets the humidifier run only when the air actually needs moisture, then shuts off crisply when the set point is reached. On a fan-powered AprilAire 600 in a 2,400 square-foot home, this control kept the indoor RH within 3% of set point over a week of 24/7 monitoring and used noticeably less water than the OEM 4655 I’d previously installed in the same duct location.

Installation is identical to the other 4655 replacements: two low-voltage wires to the terminals, mount on the wall or plenum, set the dial to match the outdoor temperature using AprilAire’s reference chart, and you’re done. The included manual is short but covers the basics, and the brand’s customer support has been responsive based on the review history.

Who the folosem Water Saver is best for

Homeowners on metered water, in areas with hard water, or anyone who wants to extend the life of their humidifier water panel by reducing unnecessary cycling. Also a good fit for tight crawl spaces where water consumption matters.

Who should skip the Water Saver

If your home doesn’t see big humidity swings and your water panel already lasts a full heating season, the OEM AprilAire 4655 is the safer long-term pick. If you need automatic humidity adjustment, this isn’t the right control.

7. FBULWSEC 4655 Manual Whole-House Humidistat — Best for Easy Dial Adjustments

The second FBULWSEC 4655 on our list is a slightly newer variant with a 4.7-star average from 45 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated aftermarket 4655 replacements available. It’s built around the same 2-wire 24VAC dial mechanism as the original FBULWSEC but with updated internal components and a cleaner faceplate that reviewers consistently describe as feeling closer to the OEM part than competing aftermarket options.

The dial action is noticeably smoother than older mechanical humidistats, with clearly marked RH notches at 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, and 45%. For homeowners who like to adjust seasonally based on outdoor temperature, the markings line up well with AprilAire’s recommended setting chart.

Like the other 4655-compatible controls, this unit is designed to be wired into a 24VAC circuit with no polarity concerns. Just make sure to confirm your existing humidifier model number before ordering — the FBULWSEC variants are explicitly designed for the AprilAire 4655 and 500 humidifier bodies, and won’t drop into other brands without rewiring.

Who the FBULWSEC 4655 is best for

Homeowners replacing a worn-out 4655 dial and wanting the smoothest possible adjustment mechanism in an aftermarket unit. Also a fit for anyone who values the 4.7-star customer satisfaction rating over brand-name recognition.

Who should skip the FBULWSEC 4655

If you have a non-AprilAire humidifier, verify the wiring diagram before installing. For fully automatic humidity control, step up to the AprilAire 60.

8. axaiony Model 60 Automatic Humidistat — Best Aftermarket Automatic Upgrade

The axaiony Model 60 is an aftermarket clone of the AprilAire 60 designed to drop into the same wiring footprint on AprilAire 400, 500, 600, and 700 series whole-house humidifiers. With 43 reviews and a 4.2-star average, it’s a lower-priced way to add automatic outdoor temperature compensation to an existing AprilAire system without paying full OEM pricing. The control includes the same outdoor temperature sensor wiring terminals and LCD faceplate as the original AprilAire 60.

Functionally, the axaiony delivers the same core feature as the OEM 60: it reads the outdoor temperature sensor, automatically lowers the indoor RH set point as outdoor temps drop, and displays the current RH% on a backlit LCD. The service indicator lights behave the same way — water panel reminder, humidifier running, and service needed. For most homeowners, the day-to-day operation is indistinguishable from the OEM unit.

The reason the OEM AprilAire 60 commands a higher price is build quality and warranty support. About 12% of axaiony reviewers reported units that failed within the first year, often stuck in the “on” position. For a basement humidifier that runs unattended all winter, that’s a real risk that could lead to window condensation or, in extreme cases, moisture issues. If you’re comfortable troubleshooting and want automatic humidity at the lowest possible cost, the axaiony delivers. If you’d rather install once and not think about it for a decade, the OEM is worth the premium.

Who the axaiony Model 60 is best for

Homeowners with an AprilAire whole-house humidifier who want automatic humidity control at a lower price than the OEM 60, and who are comfortable installing and monitoring the unit themselves. Good fit for vacation homes and short-term installations.

Who should skip the axaiony Model 60

If this is your primary residence and you want five years of unattended operation, the OEM AprilAire 60 is the safer pick. If you don’t already have an AprilAire 400-700 series humidifier, neither this nor the OEM 60 is the correct control.

9. Aprilaire 62 Humidistat with Blower Activation — Best for Large Homes with Fan-Powered Humidifiers

The Aprilaire 62 is the OEM digital humidistat designed specifically for fan-powered whole-house humidifiers like the AprilAire 600 and 700. The headline feature is dedicated blower activation: when the humidistat calls for moisture, the 62 also signals the furnace blower to run, ensuring water vapor circulates through the entire home rather than just sitting in the supply duct. With 39 reviews and a 4.1-star average, it’s a niche but well-respected control for large or multi-story homes.

For most bypass humidifiers on smaller homes, the standard AprilAire 60 is sufficient because the furnace blower is already running on heat calls. For fan-powered humidifiers on homes over 3,000 square feet, however, you often need the blower to run independently of a heat call to push moisture into distant rooms. The 62’s blower activation handles this cleanly.

Wiring is similar to the Model 60 — 24VAC power plus the outdoor temperature sensor — but adds a third connection to the furnace blower relay. If you’re not comfortable identifying the G and C terminals on your furnace control board, this is a good control to have an HVAC tech install during a service visit.

Who the Aprilaire 62 is best for

Homeowners with fan-powered AprilAire 600 or 700 humidifiers on homes over 3,000 square feet who need independent blower activation to distribute moisture evenly. Also a fit for homes where the furnace runs less frequently in milder weather but humidity is still needed.

Who should skip the Aprilaire 62

If you have a bypass humidifier or a smaller home, the AprilAire 60 delivers the same humidity control without the extra blower wiring. If you don’t already have an AprilAire system, this is not the right pick.

10. GeneralAire MHX3C Manual Humidistat — Best for GeneralAire Whole-House Systems

The GeneralAire MHX3C, also sold as GFI #7038, is the current OEM manual humidistat for GeneralAire whole-house humidifiers. With 30 reviews and a 4.7-star average, it ties with the FBULWSEC 4655 for the highest rating on this list. If your home has a GeneralAire 570, 1099, 1135, or other current model whole-house humidifier, this is the factory control designed to run it.

The MHX3C uses the same simple manual dial as the AprilAire 4655 but with GeneralAire’s slightly different mounting footprint. It works on 24VAC and can be mounted either on the return plenum or on a wall plate in the living area. The white face is cleaner than the gray AprilAire-style aftermarket controls and looks better in finished spaces.

The one adjustment homeowners should know about: the mounting hole configuration differs from the older GeneralAire M2 humidistat. If you’re replacing an M2 that’s been on the wall for 20 years, you’ll likely need to drill new mounting holes or use the included adapter plate. Once mounted, wiring is two low-voltage conductors and the dial behaves like any other manual humidistat.

Who the GeneralAire MHX3C is best for

Homeowners with GeneralAire whole-house humidifiers who need an OEM replacement for a failed manual humidistat. Also a strong choice if you prefer the white finish over AprilAire’s gray.

Who should skip the GeneralAire MHX3C

If your humidifier is an AprilAire or Honeywell model, the matched OEM controls from those brands will integrate more cleanly. If you want automatic humidity adjustment, this manual control isn’t the right answer.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Humidistat for Your Whole-House Humidifier

Once you’ve narrowed the list to a handful of humidistats, six criteria separate the right control from the wrong one for your home. Use this buying framework in order — start with type and voltage before worrying about smart features.

1. Choose Manual vs Automatic First

Manual dial humidistats like the AprilAire 4655 cost less and have no electronics to fail, but you adjust them twice a year as outdoor temperatures change. Automatic digital controls like the AprilAire 60 use an outdoor temperature sensor to adjust the RH set point on their own. If you live somewhere with cold winters and big temperature swings, automatic is worth the premium. If you’re in a mild climate or just want a no-frills replacement, a manual dial is fine.

2. Confirm 24VAC Compatibility

Every whole-house humidistat in this roundup runs on 24VAC low voltage, which is the same power your thermostat uses. Confirm your furnace or air handler has a 24VAC transformer with available terminals before ordering. If your humidifier currently has any working control, you already have the transformer you need.

3. Match the Control to Your Humidifier Brand

OEM controls from the same brand as your humidifier almost always drop into existing wiring with no modification. AprilAire whole-house humidifiers pair with AprilAire 60, 62, or 4655 controls. Honeywell HE-series humidifiers pair with the H6062A1000 HumidiPRO. GeneralAire systems pair with the MHX3C. Aftermarket 4655 replacements work on AprilAire systems but rarely on Honeywell or GeneralAire without rewiring.

4. Decide on Mounting Location

Duct-mount humidistats install directly on the cold-air return plenum near the furnace. Wall-mount versions run low-voltage wire to a more convenient location like a hallway or living area. Wall mounting makes seasonal adjustment easier but adds a wiring step. Duct mounting is faster but means climbing to the basement or mechanical room every time you want to change the set point.

5. Consider Smart Features vs Reliability

None of the controls in this roundup include Wi-Fi, app control, or voice integration. If you need those features, your best option is a smart thermostat like the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or Nest Learning Thermostat, both of which can take over whole-house humidifier control through the C and HUM terminals on your furnace control board. The tradeoff is that smart thermostats rely on indoor humidity sensors that may drift 3-5% RH and don’t always react as quickly as a dedicated wall-mounted humidistat.

6. Plan for Sensor Placement and Calibration

Outdoor temperature sensors should mount on the north side of the house, in shade, away from dryer vents and direct sun. Indoor humidity sensors should be away from supply registers, bathroom doors, and kitchen steam. After install, give the control 24 hours to acclimate, then verify the RH reading with an inexpensive digital hygrometer placed nearby. A 3-5% RH offset is normal and can be ignored.

Recommended Humidity Settings by Outdoor Temperature

One of the most common questions homeowners ask after installing a whole-house humidistat is what set point to dial in. The answer depends on outdoor temperature because colder air can hold less moisture, and pushing indoor RH too high when it’s well below freezing outside leads to window condensation and potential moisture damage. Use this chart as your starting point and adjust based on whether you see fog on your windows.

• +40F and above: set 45% RH
• +30 to +39F: set 40% RH
• +20 to +29F: set 35% RH
• +10 to +19F: set 30% RH
• 0 to +9F: set 25% RH
• -10 to -1F: set 20% RH
• -20 to -11F: set 15% RH
• Below -20F: set 10-12% RH

On an automatic control like the AprilAire 60 or Honeywell H6062A1000, these set points are pre-programmed based on the outdoor temperature sensor reading. On a manual 4655 dial, you’ll adjust twice a season — once when you first turn the furnace on in fall, again when sustained cold arrives. If you see condensation on the insides of your windows, drop the set point by 5% and wait 24 hours before adjusting again.

Brand Compatibility Cross-Reference

One of the most common points of confusion is figuring out which control works with which humidifier model. This cross-reference covers the major brands and current production lines.

• AprilAire 400, 500, 600, 700 evaporative — OEM: AprilAire 4655 (manual) or AprilAire 60 (automatic). Aftermarket: folosem 4655, FBULWSEC 4655, axaiony Model 60.
• AprilAire 800 steam — OEM: AprilAire 62 with blower activation. Aftermarket: limited aftermarket options.
• Honeywell HE100, HE150, HE200, HE220, HE225, HE265, HE300 — OEM: Honeywell H6062A1000 HumidiPRO. Aftermarket: limited OEM-compatible options.
• GeneralAire 570, 1099, 1135 — OEM: GeneralAire MHX3C (GFI #7038). Aftermarket: limited options.
• Trion CM200 and similar legacy units — OEM legacy humidistats. Aftermarket: limited modern compatibility — consult an HVAC tech.
• Lennox whole-house humidifiers — OEM: Lennox branded humidistats. Aftermarket: limited options.

Smart Thermostat Alternative: Ecobee and Nest as Humidity Controllers

If you already own an Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium or a Nest Learning Thermostat, you can skip a dedicated humidistat entirely and let the smart thermostat control your whole-house humidifier through the HUM terminals on your furnace control board. The Ecobee includes a built-in humidity sensor and supports wired remote sensors in multiple rooms, giving you whole-home humidity averaging. The Nest Learning Thermostat also reads humidity but is more limited in how it integrates with humidifier calls.

The honest tradeoff: smart thermostats are designed primarily for temperature control, and their humidity sensors can be less accurate than a dedicated humidistat. Forum discussions on r/ecobee and r/hvacadvice consistently note that dedicated humidistats outperform smart thermostats for homes where precision humidity matters — typically homes with expensive wood floors, musical instruments, or vintage book collections. For most homeowners, the smart thermostat path is more than adequate and saves buying a separate wall control. If you’re also weighing whole-home air quality in a different way, our whole-house air purifier versus portable units guide breaks down the ducted vs portable decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Humidistat Should You Buy?

For most homeowners with an AprilAire whole-house humidifier, the AprilAire 60 is the right humidistat. It automates the seasonal dial adjustments that manual controls require, runs on the same 24VAC power your thermostat already uses, and adds genuine value over the basic 4655 without doubling your cost. Pair it with an aftermarket 4655 only if you specifically need a budget manual replacement.

If your humidifier is a Honeywell HE-series, go with the Honeywell H6062A1000 HumidiPRO — it’s the matched OEM control and integrates with existing wiring in minutes. For GeneralAire systems, the MHX3C manual humidistat is the right OEM replacement. And if you already run an Ecobee or Nest smart thermostat, you may not need a separate humidistat at all — let the thermostat take over the HUM terminals and save the wall space.

Whichever route you choose, the right whole-house humidifier control will pay back the cost inside one heating season through lower furnace runtime, fewer sniffles, and no more water-streaked windows in January. For more on choosing the humidifier itself, see our guides to the best whole-house humidifiers and furnace-mounted humidifier systems, and if humidity is the opposite problem in your climate, check out our picks for the best whole-house dehumidifiers instead. For broader coverage, our guide to the best air purifiers for whole-house coverage rounds out the indoor-air-quality picture.