Originally published February 8, 2021. Updated September 2026 with a summary, next steps and answers to common questions.
There’s no pretending that we’re living anywhere except a desert. Not only is the air dry here in New Mexico, it’s incredibly dry. And while we might not be worrying about frizzy hair because of humidity, there are several issues that come with full-time desert dwelling, including dry skin and irritated throats. Thankfully, there is a way to fake your way out of the desert, at least while you’re at home: Whole-home humidifiers.
More powerful than the smaller one-room humidifiers most of us are familiar with, the market today has incredible humidifiers that are capable of adding much needed moisture to desert air at home. Covering upwards of 1,000 square feet, the best whole-home humidifiers work exceptionally well, are easy to maintain, and come in a variety of styles that fit the look and feel of your home.
Some of the best whole-home humidifiers to consider for New Mexico life include…
1. The AIRCARE 5 Gal. Evaporative Humidifier, which is surprisingly affordable and available and most big-name stores, including Walmart and Home Depot. This specific model can create more moisture in the air for homes up to 4,000 swore feet and is portable, too.
2. The Aprilaire 800 Whole Home Steam Humidifier is significantly more expensive than the AIRCARE model, but it’s easy to use and humidifies an impressive 6,200 square feet. This specific model mounts to your furnace and doesn’t require that you use purified water, which most models specify.
3. The AIRCARE H12600 Copper Night Digital Whole-House Console-Style Evaporative Humidifier also has great reviews (although some note it’s a little loud). But because it can humidify close to 4,000 square feet and looks attractive, many consumers still choose this model and just place the console in a room that is used less frequently (not your bedroom, for example).
If you decide to invest in a whole-home humidifier (which you definitely should here in New Mexico!), make sure you read the reviews and double check that the model you’re looking at can cover the total square footage of your home.
Whole-home humidifiers are more powerful units designed to add moisture to the air in spaces 1,000 square feet or larger. There are different styles of whole-home humidifiers available today, including freestanding units and furnace-mounted models. No matter which style you choose, be sure the humidifier is large enough to handle the square footage of your home.
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