Filtered vs. Filter Free Humidifiers

Kevin Busse Feb 16, 2025
0 People Read
Humidifier Filter

Looking for a humidifier for your piano?

When looking for humidifiers, you’ll find that you’ll have to decide between a humidifier with or without a filter.

Humidifiers with filters require more maintenance, create an extra hassle, and filters aren’t initially appealing to deal with. But why are they necessary? Well we’ll talk more about that in this article!

Humidifiers without filters require less maintenance, appear more appealing to work with, and some people love them!

Let’s dive into the details to establish the differences between both kinds.


Humidifiers without filter

It’s important to understand that before your purchase, non-filter humidifiers run constantly. They fan the moisture from the water in the tank upwards, causing constant noise and are less effective at humidifying.

Venta Humidifier

The Venta 600sq ft. filterless humidifier is written about in our article titled the Best Humidifiers for Musical Instruments On Amazon [Top 3].

Pros

  • Less Maintenance

  • Reduce recurring filter costs 

  • Most appealing for a quick purchase

  • Generally look better

Cons

  • Constant energy drain

  • Less effective at humidifying

  • Perpetually generate small levels of fanning noise

Are humidifiers without filters worth it?

In my opinion, humidifiers without filters are not worth it. Considering the constant fanning and large contrast of effectiveness when comparing the two, I would not purchase a humidifier without a filter.


Humidifiers with Filter

Whereas, filtered humidifiers only run when the humidity goes below a certain level and then effectively humidify the room in brief intervals. After then, they go into a dormant mode that monitors for lower humidity fluctuations in case it should kick on again to return humidity to optimal levels.

Humidifier with filter

The AirCare 2,400 sq ft. filtered humidifier is written about in our article titled the Best Humidifier for Piano Room: Low Maintenance/Heavy Duty.

Pros

  • Far more effective

  • Humidifies whole room in short bursts

  • Uses less energy

Cons

  • Added chore to replace the filter

  • Reoccurring filter cost

  • You could accidentally order the wrong filter

Humidifier Filter

(Humidifier filter after a year of use)

If you need to replace your filter for the AirCare humidifier, see how to replace it here: AirCareHumidifier Filter Replacement

Are humidifiers with filters worth it?

Yes, after changing the filter once, you'll realize how easy it is. The fact that these humidifiers with filters are far more effective are worth the time and money spent. Plus, it's satisfying to know that it's working effectively.


Humidity Control Information for Piano

Best Humidifiers for Musical Instruments on Amazon [Top 3]

AirCare Humidifier Filter Replacement

Accurate Hygrometer to Monitor Relative Humidity/Temp for Pianos

Piano Dehumidifier: Why Control High Humidity?

How to Replace Dampp Chaser Pads: Installation Instructions

Piano Dampp-Chaser Humidity System: Pros and Cons

10 Things To Know About the Piano Life Saver System