Dry air in a zero waste home is a critical problem. It gets out of hand when the winter season approaches, especially when you need adequate cash to purchase appliances to increase humidity.
If you are dedicated to zero waste and energy efficiency, you are more likely to run out of options.
Fortunately, zero waste humidifiers exist. Great energy-efficient, zero waste humidifiers can humidify your home and save your pocket.
After extensive use and research of a wide range of humidifiers focusing on zero-waste, we have handpicked the most promising and energy-efficient ones.
The Top Zero Waste Humidifiers
After scouring the internet, here are our top picks among all the zero waste humidifiers on the market:
- Vornado Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier
- Canopy Humidifier With Aroma
- Polardo Ultrasonic Cool & Warm Mist Humidifier
- URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser
- UCAREAIR Humidifiers For Bedroom
- Germ-Free Cool Moisture Humidifier
- Objecto H9 Tower Hybrid Humidifier
- LEVOIT Humidifiers For Bedroom
- Floor Vent Rumidifier RD10
So, without further ado, let’s begin with our overview of each of these products mentioned.
Vornado Energy Smart Evaporative Humidifier
The EVDC300 Energy-Smart Evaporative Humidifier from Vornado is a blessing in disguise for anyone suffering from poor air quality.
Able to humidify a space of 750 sq. ft. and hold water up to 1 gallon capacity, this zero waste humidifier costs as low as $89.99. In addition, it comes with a 5-year warranty.
What Makes It Stand Out?
It uses an Energy Smart DC motor that involves 90% less energy to humidify a room. The tank is easy to clean and does not require as much water as you think.
The humidity control system is precise and has touch-sensitive controls. This feature also means that it does not operate for extra time consuming more units of electricity.
In Addition, Vornado is a brand with much acclaim for its air circulation and zero waste humidifier products.
| Pros | Cons |
| Saves up to 90% of energy | Leaks happen when it is not appropriately maintained. |
| Covers medium-sized spaces | Takes a long time to humidify vast spaces |
| Contains hygrometer settings | Requires regular maintenance to achieve a decent footprint |
| Comes with a warranty, thereby doubling ROI in 3-4 years | |
| It contains an auto-humidity control system that saves water and energy. | |
| Great value for price |
Canopy Humidifier w/ Aroma+
Canopy, a brand that focuses on clean technology, sells zero waste humidifiers with aroma oil and free filter for $125. The first time we used this humidifier, we were taken aback by the inbuilt technology.
The Canopy Humidifier w/ Aroma+ contains smart sensors, paper filters, and UV lights that can humidify about 500 sq. ft. Interestingly, it can run for 36 hours continuously to hydrate the space without developing mold.
Several eco-friendly features caught our sight after using the Canopy humidifier for months, including:
- The paper filter used in this humidifier leaves a minimal carbon footprint.
- It is safe to use for people of all ages.
- Extremely clean diffusion of aroma.
You can never spot mist because hydrated air is filtered and released without bacteria. It is a nearly zero waste humidifier that you should not miss to adorn your home.
As a person traveling towards a sustainable lifestyle, it is time to switch to a clean technology that incurs minimum electricity and achieves excellent ROI.
| Pros | Cons |
| Clean setup with no-mist technology, paper filter, anti-mold system | Canopy humidifiers are slightly expensive compared to their counterparts |
| Does not leak in your dream home | The availability of this humidifier is limited |
| Saves electricity and relies on clean energy to function seamlessly | |
| It gives a glow to your room and skin |
Polardo Ultrasonic Cool & Warm Mist Humidifier
Breathe better by maintaining room humidity with the Polardo Ultrasonic Cool & Warm Mist Humidifier. Holding up to four liters of water, this Polardo model is ideal in regard to noise, energy, power consumption, maintenance, and features.
We have never been kept awake due to poor indoor air quality since we’ve had a Polardo Ultrasonic at home. In addition, it does not generate sound, so you can enjoy a peaceful sleep.
There are several reasons to call it eco-friendly and a near zero waste humidifier. Made out of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, you can plug it into a power source and use it to warm or cool a space of 485 sq. ft.
This zero waste humidifier has several other features we’re keen on, including:
- You can switch between warm and cool settings with touch controls.
- The Polardo Ultrasonic contains an auto shut-off system whenever water is running low. This feature also means it saves energy whenever needed.
- It also has the potential to humidify and purify air simultaneously. Polardo promises to care for you, and it seems this product does that.
- It regularly cleanses air without needing extra units of electricity
- and has a 3+1 purification system for water, including mineral and carbon pellets.
Several users (us included) reported “low energy consumption” and “nearly zero waste” while using this product.
Therefore, it is time to switch to this amazingly developed product.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek design and function | It is an expensive product owing to its great features |
| Exciting features like auto shut off, 3+1 water purification system, and essential oil filter | Demands excellent maintenance to achieve energy efficiency and save water |
| Lowest energy consumption | |
| Multiple options to adjust the temperature |
URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser
How about an attractive-looking oil diffuser to decorate and humidify your sustainable home? URPOWER’s Essential Oil Diffuser and Cool Mist Humidifier is available at a cost-effective price of $14.99.
Made out of polypropylene, you can switch between light and mist settings based on the air quality. It is portable and has a color-changing lamp providing up to seven colors.
But that’s not everything about it. We call it a zero-waste humidifier for two reasons:
- First, the product is made using minimal materials and does not emit harmful chemicals.
- It has an auto shut-off feature to save electricity whenever it runs out of water.
The color-changing light is a significant attraction. Though it consumes additional units of electricity, you can turn it off whenever you do not need it.
In addition, it has settings to fill essential oils, humidify the air, and purify with essential oils.
This oil diffuser and humidifier from URPOWER is typically ideal for minimal usage. Carry it with you wherever you travel, and you can still be an eco-friendly hero!
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable and humidifies a small space faster | Regular use of the light feature can increase your energy consumption. |
| Consumes less energy and water when used in recommended spaces | Irregular maintenance can lead to malfunctioning |
| Maintains a whisper-free environment | |
| Settings for controlling humidity | |
| Comes with an added attraction to color-changing lights |
UCAREAIR Cool Mist Humidifier
The UCAREAIR Cool Mist Humidifier is a perfect choice for sustainable homes with kids.
It is a cool-mist humidifier that has caught our attention because of its silent ultrasonic technology and the ability to mitigate static electricity. However, it is not technically zero waste.
So why did we list it here? It does not contain a filter, which means high energy efficiency.
Developed in a portable, tiny container, the UCAREAIR Cool Mist costs $35.98 and is a great value for money.
This humidifier can save enough water since it also has an inbuilt two-liter water tank. Grab the humidifier and slide between different mist levels.
Minimize your carbon footprint without compromising luxury with the UCAREAIR Humidifier.
| Pros | Cons |
| Filterless design | Needs regular cleaning to avoid leaks and other functional issues |
| Has an automatic shut-off feature | |
| Ideal for babies as well | |
| Easy to maintain |
Honeywell Germ-Free Cool Moisture Humidifier
This zero waste humidifier from Honeywell is a must-have in your zero-waste home. It has an inbuilt water tank with a storage capacity of 1.1 gallons, and can run up to 24 hours. Isn’t that enough functionality?
Here are our other top reasons to choose the Cool Moisture Humidifier:
- Moisture is filtered and invisible.
- The comfort settings maximize luxury but minimize energy consumption.
- It does not require ample water to fill or clean each time.
Unlike other humidifiers that need regular cleaning and large gallons of water, this cool moisture humidifier is durable, aesthetic, energy-efficient, and an asset to improving indoor air quality.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to fill, clean, and maintain | You need to maintain it well to avoid mold buildup |
| Includes a germ-free technology minimizing carbon footprints | Improper use can lead to the need for repairs |
| Ideal for small spaces in terms of consumption, durability, and cost |
Objecto H9 Tower Hybrid Humidifier
Since trying it, we have been content with the air quality, functionality, and energy efficiency of the Objecto H9 Tower Hybrid Humidifier.
It is a filter-free hybrid humidifier ideal for large spaces and has numerous features like an automatic shut-off, remote controls, and run time up to 22 hours. We tried using it in an area of ~800 sq. ft., and it worked well.
We call it a zero waste humidifier as it does not involve one-time, non-reusable materials for its operations. If you need a tower humidifier for a big space, Objecto is your best bet.
After using it for quite some time, here are our favorite features:
- Filter-less forever
- Detachable water tank and contains aroma trays
- Easy to adjust mist level
- Sleek and minimal design
| Pros | Cons |
| Safe and stylish design | Requires prior handling of similar devices to maintain it properly |
| Comes with replacement aroma tabs in addition to basic aroma trays | Takes time to humidify the space, although it is energy-efficient |
| Ideal for spaces up to 800 sq. ft. | Highly expensive at $299.99 |
| Remote control included to monitor and adjust settings from any angle |
LEVOIT Classic 200 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Are you looking for an eco-friendly LED humidifier for your room? In that case, the LEVOIT Classic 200 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is the solution.
The primary reason we love this product is that it works just as promised by LEVOIT. It is easy to maintain and comes with features that can excite you.
For example, have you ever heard of a humidifier that can generate 40-hour mist? In addition, this marvelous humidifier contains a 4-liter tank and includes a 360-degree revolving nozzle!
When using a product at home, you should always go with the best. The LEVOIT humidifier is nearly zero-waste as it is BPA-free (does not contain Bisphenol-A compound), simplifies maintenance with ultrasonic technology, and provides long-lasting effects with just a 4-liter tank.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unbelievable 40-hour mist functionality with a 4-liter tank, thereby minimizing water consumption | Needs regular maintenance to avoid leaks and potential damages |
| Has an aroma tray | |
| It is priced at $33.78, which is a steal if you are looking for a long-term humidifier | |
| Humidifies the room quickly, lowering energy consumption |
Floor Vent Rumidifier RD10
We have chosen humidifiers for all kinds of needs, from small to big spaces and floor vents. And when it comes to floor vents, we can’t stop thinking about how humidity fluctuates most of the time.
Introducing the Floor Vent Rumidifier RD10, a promising, energy-efficient humidifier that is compact and ideal for all kinds of spaces.
We love the Rumidifier model for three reasons:
- It includes anti-microbial filters eliminating microbes and debris in the air.
- It promises a sustainable economic future as it does not need electricity.
- The operating cost of Rumidifier is ZERO. Yes, we know it is hard to believe, but it is true.
- It is the perfect choice for every home as it can be used for multiple purposes, including plant stand and much more.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sold at a nominal price of $44.95 | Customized needs might incur additional expenses on appropriate accessories |
| Does not need electricity to operate | |
| Guarantees microbe-free clean air and saves energy |
How To Save Water With Your Humidifier
Using a humidifier is synonymous with water wastage. Yet, how many of you thought of this? Your logic is probably not aligned with the choice of products and the implementation aspect.
You can save tons of water with your humidifier by following these steps:
- Go for a centralized humidifier that maintains the humidity in all rooms simultaneously.
- Recycle and reuse water instead of draining it.
- Choose a product based on its Energy Star rating.
- Install products like WaterSavor that can lower water wastage and improve energy efficiency.
These approaches can save at least 70% more water. Practice them regularly, and you can go zero-waste sooner!
What Are Alternatives To A Humidifier?
We recommend choosing humidifier alternatives over buying a humidifier when you want to go zero-waste on all aspects.
Want to humidify your home without a humidifier? Here are our solutions for each part of your sustainable home:
- Include houseplants that can regularly humidify your living spaces.
- Use a stovetop to humidify your kitchen.
- Set up cross-ventilated windows that can circulate, humidify, and purify indoor air.
These are perfect alternatives that are zero-waste, energy-efficient, and free of cost.
Do Humidifiers Need To Be BPA-Free?
Buying a BPA-free humidifier takes you one step closer to the vision of a sustainable home. However, you can diffuse BPA (bisphenol A) from your humidifier when you need it.
Conclusion
The air quality of a sustainable home is often underestimated. In this article, we have presented nine of the best eco-friendly and energy-efficient humidifiers to help improve it.
However, despite our recommendations, ideally we suggest using humidifier alternatives as those truly are zero waste.
List your needs, choose the product/idea for a humidifier, and then go for it! Once you do, you can breathe better and more naturally!
