This is our buying guide on the best humidifiers for Colorado’s Climate. Below is a quick summary of our top recommendations. Scroll further down to read our in depth, hands on reviews, for each humidifier.
LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Rooms
- Large 6-liter water tank
- Almost 50-hour runtime
- Over 750 sq-ft of coverage
- Maximum mist volume of 500 ml/hr
- Best in class humidification
- Fully adjustable mist speed/volume
- Auto humidity control offered
- Impressive cool/warm mist mode
- Aromatherapy function
- Cleaning brush, aroma pads, and absorption pads included in the box
- Remote control available
- Budget-friendly (kinda)
Ledonti Ultrasonic Cool & Warm Humidifier
- 4-liter water tank
- 20-hour runtime
- Adjustable mist volume and speed
- Auto mode is also available
- 300 sq-ft coverage
- Cool/warm mist functions
- Ultrasonic mechanism for water diffusion
- Quiet operation
- Auto shutdown feature
- Timer function
- Remote control
- Wi-Fi enabled
- App controls available
- Ceramic water filter
- Use active carbon and mineral pellets to filter water
- Removes odors
- Aroma tray
Elechomes
Humidifiers
- Large, 5.5-liter water tank
- 55-hour runtime
- 755 sq-ft coverage
- Up to 600 ml/hr mist volume
- Fully adjustable mist volume, speed, etc
- 3 different preset mist volumes
- Auto mode actively regulates the humidity
- 360-degree adjustable mist nozzle
- Best in class humidification
- Sleek design
- LED display upfront
- Touch and remote controls
- Barely any noise at all while operating
- Cool/warm mist options are available
- High-performance filter available
- Replacement filters are relatively inexpensive
Welcome to my recommendations for the top-notch humidifiers suitable for Colorado’s unique weather conditions.
Living in Colorado, I’ve personally experienced the dry, cool climate we deal with all year round. Add to that the minerals in our notoriously hard tap water, and it becomes clear that we need a top-tier humidifier to meet these challenges.
With the emergence of high-end humidifiers, the market has become flooded with options. The downside? It’s become incredibly tough to distinguish the worthy choices from the duds!
But don’t worry, you’re in the right hands. I’ve poured a lot of time and effort into researching and testing these machines, to bring you the cream of the crop. So you can be confident that your money will be well spent.
Stay with me as I delve into my top picks for the best humidifiers suited for Colorado.
Ledonti Ultrasonic Cool & Warm Humidifier
OVERALL BEST
I’d like to introduce you to my top choice: Ledonti’s ultrasonic humidifier. This gem is loaded with features that we Coloradans can really appreciate – a large water tank, substantial coverage, and even smart Wi-Fi integration.
Let’s start with the basics. The water tank on this humidifier is substantial, coming in at around 4 liters. That’s more than enough to meet our average needs. When I put it to the test, it gave a whopping 20-hour runtime on the regular mist setting.
What does this mean for you? Fewer refills, extended continuous running, and sustained humidification for your home.
It’s not just about the long runtime though, this humidifier offers a variety of adjustments that make it a real winner. Equipped with 3-speed levels for the mist, I found it effective for quickly humidifying a space.
Mist volume adjustment is a must at this price point, and the Ledonti delivers. The volume ranges from 200ml/hr-300 ml/hr, giving you the flexibility to tweak the relative humidity between 40%-90%. Personally, I found anything above 60% to be a bit much for my comfort.
If you prefer a hands-off approach, there’s an auto mode to take care of everything for you.
While the coverage could be a little better, it still gets the job done. With a rating of around 300 sq-ft, it comfortably covers any bedroom, nursery, or living room, and even larger spaces.
Moving onto the more unique features of this humidifier, I particularly love the warm and cool mist modes – an absolute must for Colorado weather.
The warm mist will likely be your go-to, helping raise the temperature while easing stuffy noses and coughs. And having the option of cool mist is a lifesaver during those unexpected heat waves.
The Ledonti is truly the Swiss Army Knife of humidifiers for us in Colorado. I’ve found the timer incredibly useful, allowing me to set the unit to turn off automatically after a specific interval. If the tank does run out, the auto shutdown feature steps in to prevent damage to the internal workings.
Speaking of the internal mechanism, the ultrasonic mechanism for water diffusion is impressive. It produces a fine mist that disperses well without causing discomfort.
And you’d hardly know it was there – this humidifier is so quietly unobtrusive. If, like me, you prefer to sleep with your humidifier on, this one won’t interrupt your precious rest.
But the list of features doesn’t stop there. I’ve loved having an aroma tray to diffuse my favorite essential oils while humidifying my space. Plus, the adjustable nozzle allows me to direct that fragrant humidity wherever I please.
And how can you control all these features? Either with the handy remote included or, if you’re tech-inclined, via the app. The perks of a Wi-Fi-enabled humidifier, right?
What really takes the cake, though, is how easy this humidifier is to maintain. The top-lid refill design and ease of cleaning make it a breeze to manage.
But the real cherry on top is the ceramic filter. I’ve found these filters far superior to traditional ones for filtering water, removing irritants and minerals, and keeping a space fresh and comfortable.
The filtration process uses active carbon and mineral pellets to remove contaminants, odors, and other unwanted elements. It’s perfect for us here in Colorado, where hard water rich in minerals can be a challenge.
Pros
- 4-liter water tank
- 20-hour runtime
- Adjustable mist volume and speed
- Auto mode is also available
- 300 sq-ft coverage
- Cool/warm mist functions
- Ultrasonic mechanism for water diffusion
- Quiet operation
- Auto shutdown feature
- Timer function
- Remote control
- Wi-Fi enabled
- App controls available
- Ceramic water filter
- Use active carbon and mineral pellets to filter water
- Removes odors
- Aroma tray
Cons
- The water tank could have been even larger
LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Rooms
BEST BUDGET
Let’s talk about a humidifier that’s marketed as ‘budget-friendly’ for Colorado, though it won’t necessarily save you a ton of money compared to others. But the value you get from this one is hard to deny, given its large water tank, abundant adjustability, and all the comforts you’d want in a humidifier.
This model boasts a generous 6-liter water tank, about as big as they come in humidifiers. As a result, the runtime is seriously impressive.
In fact, the stamina of this humidifier is twice that of my top pick, providing around 45 hours of continuous use. That’s even at higher mist volumes, so this baby won’t let you down anytime soon.
Naturally, this means you’ll get fully adjustable mist volume settings. I measured the maximum mist volume at around 500 ml/hr, one of the highest I’ve encountered. The outcome? Achieving high humidity feels effortless, even if you’re residing in the higher elevation areas of Colorado.
Space coverage is another strong suit of this unit from Levoit. It’s rated to envelop just over 750 sq-ft, giving you the freedom to set it up in your living room, dining area, or any other large space at home or the office.
Auto humidity control does make a cameo here, but I have to be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled with this feature. It tended to under-humidify.
In auto mode, I constantly found myself wishing for a bit more humidity. Interestingly, other users reported no such dissatisfaction, leading me to think the sensor on my unit might have been faulty.
Cool/warm mist modes are available, which I consider non-negotiable for a Colorado humidifier. The warm mist function, in particular, deserves a shout-out as it delivers warmer, more effective humidification than many other units I’ve tested.
As a matter of fact, you won’t be dealing with compromises or shortcomings regarding this humidifier’s features. It offers the same aromatherapy functions as other units. It even comes with a cleaning brush, aroma, and absorption pads, enhancing the value you get.
You can manage all these features via the included remote control. However, notably missing is app control.
Now, let’s address this humidifier’s Achilles’ heel. You might’ve been thinking this ‘budget-friendly’ option is even better than my top pick. After all, it offers superior runtime, improved coverage, and most of the same functions.
However, it has one glaring shortcoming: this humidifier opts for a filter-free design. Usually, that’s a big plus since you’re spared the regular filter replacements. But here, it becomes a problem.
As I’ve mentioned, Colorado’s tap water is rich in minerals, meaning it’s hard water. While I recommend filling all humidifiers with purified or distilled water (read more on why here), not all Coloradans may have this option.
This is why I suggest high-performance humidifiers that effectively filter hard water and deliver safer humidification. With this one, I would strongly urge you, if you’re in Colorado, to use purified or distilled water. This does add to the running cost and the overall hassle, so it’s something to consider.
Pros
- Large 6-liter water tank
- Almost 50-hour runtime
- Over 750 sq-ft of coverage
- Maximum mist volume of 500 ml/hr
- Best in class humidification
- Fully adjustable mist speed/volume
- Auto humidity control offered
- Impressive cool/warm mist mode
- Aromatherapy function
- Cleaning brush, aroma pads, and absorption pads included in the box
- Remote control available
- Budget-friendly (kinda)
Cons
- Filter-free design is not suitable for hard water in Colorado
Elechomes Humidifiers
OVERALL BEST
Last but not least, let me introduce you to the Elechomes humidifier. This model sets the gold standard, offering every feature you could ever dream of. Greater coverage? It’s got it. High runtime? Absolutely. Sleek design? You can bet on it!
The water tank of this unit, while a tad smaller than the Levoit’s, is still substantial at 5.5 liters. Fitting such a large tank into a compact design like this one is nothing short of impressive. It’s no surprise, then, that it boasts the longest runtime among all the models I’ve reviewed — and by a significant margin.
When you set this little trooper on less demanding settings, you’ll get over 55 hours of continuous operation from just a single tank of water.
The coverage and mist volume settings are equally impressive. The mist volume can reach a maximum of 600 ml/hr — almost unheard of, even in this premium price range. The payoff? Fast, consistent humidification, even in the most expansive spaces.
And by ‘expansive,’ I mean it. Elechomes claims coverage of over 750 sq-ft, a figure that aligns with my own tests. You can comfortably set this unit up in your den, living room, or anywhere else that needs a quick humidity boost.
Plus, with a 360-degree adjustable mist nozzle, you can direct the mist wherever it’s needed, even in larger spaces.
Now, let’s talk looks. This humidifier, with its sexy, all-black exterior, is a sleek and well-crafted machine. It’s a bit taller than others in its class, so while it might not easily fit under a shelf or in tighter spots, that’s not much of an issue.
Even with its larger capacity and high mist volume, the noise levels from this unit are almost negligible. Even the quietest humidifiers emit a dull hum or drone when you’re close, but not this one. It’s the ideal choice for adding moisture to the room without disturbing your sleep.
On the design front, this humidifier also features a large, easily visible digital display. It provides readouts of various settings. To control those settings, you can use either the on-device touch controls or the provided remote.
In terms of features critical for Colorado’s dry winters, this model includes a cool/warm mist option that works quite effectively. More customizability would have been nice at this price point, but it wasn’t to be.
For those in Colorado who have to use hard water in their humidifiers, the Elechomes comes equipped with a robust filter system that substantially reduces the water’s mineral content.
Best of all, this model’s replacement filters are affordable and a breeze to install. This is definitely a plus since, if you’re using the unit in Colorado, that filter will be working overtime!
Pros
- Large, 5.5-liter water tank
- 55-hour runtime
- 755 sq-ft coverage
- Up to 600 ml/hr mist volume
- Fully adjustable mist volume, speed, etc
- 3 different preset mist volumes
- Auto mode actively regulates the humidity
- 360-degree adjustable mist nozzle
- Best in class humidification
- Sleek design
- LED display upfront
- Touch and remote controls
- Barely any noise at all while operating
- Cool/warm mist options are available
- High-performance filter available
- Replacement filters are relatively inexpensive
Cons
- Tall design may not fit under very low shelves
Why Are Humidifiers Needed For Colorado’s Climate?
As someone who recently moved to the majestic state of Colorado, you must’ve noticed how some regions can be quite dry and cold. Let me take you through why a humidifier is almost an essential in the Coloradan climate.
Talking about the Elevation
Colorado, it sits higher than most other parts of the country. This means the air is thinner and makes breathing a tad more challenging. Trust me, regardless of whether you’re new here or have been all your life, you’ll feel the effects of this high altitude, particularly during the colder months and at higher elevations. That’s where a humidifier steps in, helping alleviate some of the symptoms tied to high altitude.
Now, Let’s Discuss the Average Temperature
The high altitude and thinner air translate into a lower average temperature. Even during summer, Colorado can treat you to some crisp, cool days, and it only gets chillier in winter. I’ve found that humidifiers significantly affect the ambient temperature of a space. This impact is even more profound if you use a warm mist humidifier; it can actually help bring a cozy warmth to your bedroom, living room, or other spaces.
Touching upon Low Humidity
The relationship between ambient temperature and relative humidity is direct – the higher the temperature, the more water vapor (or humidity) there is in the air. It makes sense then that Colorado, which remains cold year-round, would have drier air. In fact, Colorado’s average relative humidity sits at about 33%. For perspective, most folks feel most comfortable between 30%-50%. So, if the average is around 33%, you can bet it’s even lower at higher elevations, which can be a source of discomfort.
Enter the high-quality humidifier. It’s an effective tool against the symptoms of low humidity and dry air, such as coughing, dry throat and nose, sinus issues, dry skin, and chapped lips. Plus, it reduces snoring, improves sleep, among a host of other benefits.
Wondering What to Look For in a Humidifier for Colorado?
To combat the extreme cold weather in Colorado, your humidifier needs certain special features. Keep these in mind:
Hybrid Humidifiers: These devices offer both a cool and warm mist function. Though you might be inclined to get a warm mist humidifier considering Colorado’s cold, trust me, there are times of the year when a cool mist is just as pleasant. Come August, most Coloradoans will vouch for the cool mist.
Large Water Tank Capacity: Keeping in mind that the goal is not just to add humidity but maintain it, you’ll need a constant, steady running of the humidifier. If your unit has a small water tank, you’ll have to refill it frequently, leading to unexpected stops and, overall, lesser effective humidification.
High Mist Volume: For faster and more effective humidification, go for a humidifier that supports a higher mist volume – that’s the amount of mist produced per hour. The greater the mist volume, the quicker you can humidify a space. Plus, it helps to maintain the humidity of a space more effectively.
Filter Humidifiers: Colorado’s high altitude means that the tap water here tends to be hard and rich in minerals. Such water in humidifiers can lead to mineral buildup in the unit, reducing its efficiency, and potentially causing mold. In extreme cases, the minerals and other contaminants might be released into the air, leading to health problems. So, for Colorado, a unit with a filter is your best bet.
Now you might be thinking, ‘Wait, didn’t you recommend both filter-free humidifiers and ones with a filter?’ Well, I plead guilty! The fact is, some filterless humidifiers are too good to ignore, so they made it to the recommendation list! But I did mention that you should use distilled or purified water instead of tap water with a filter-free humidifier. Frankly, no matter where you live, you should be using distilled or purified water in your humidifier.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, you shouldn’t face any issues with mineral buildup in the unit. However, minerals being released into the air can pose a serious problem, so please proceed with caution.
