This is a review of the Honeywell HE240 Whole House Bypass Humidifier. Honeywell is one of the top reviewed dehumidifier brands and we recommend several of the models they produce.
The HE240 is an easy-to-install and easy-to-use humidifier is one of the best whole-house models you can choose for maintaining humidity and air quality in average-sized homes. It comes from a trusted brand, equipped with the necessary features for a reasonable price. So if you’re in search of a whole-house humidifier to attach to your furnace, air ducts, or another location, then keep reading to find out if Honeywell 240 is the best choice for you.
Honeywell HE240 Overview

Humidifier Type: Bypass
Coverage: 3,000 sq ft.
Maximum Daily Output: 16 gallons per day
Dimensions: 15.75 x 9.5 x 15.75 inches
Weight: 5 Pounds
PROS
• Easy to install
• Simple to use
• Affordable price
CONS
• Requires floor drain
• One-year warranty
Check price and availability on Amazon or Sylvane.
Honeywell HE240 Main Features
Humidifier Design and Size
Firstly, Honeywell HE240 Whole House Bypass Humidifier covers up to 3,000 square feet of space to deliver a maximum of 16 gallons of moisture to your home per day. This whole house humidifier mounts on either warm air supply or the return air duct of your forced-air furnace to add moisture to your indoor air.
Measuring 15.75 x 9.5 x 15.75 inches and weighing 5 pounds, it can be placed anywhere in your basement or furnace room. If you have the necessary tools, you can easily mount the unit onto an air duct and connect it to a drain line. The HE240 also includes an easy-to-use humidity control that monitors relative humidity and activates the humidifier as needed.
Noise Level
There isn’t exact information indicated about decibel levels produced when the humidifier operates, but just like other models, it can be much louder than the portable humidifiers most people are familiar with. However, this is usually not a big deal since this type of device is installed in the basement or far away from your living space where you’ll barely hear any noise.
How a Whole House Bypass Humidifier Works
Dry air pulls moisture from everything. It can dehydrate your skin, irritate your eyes and nasal tracts, and even shrink wooden materials in your home over long periods. To help maintain optimal humidity level throughout your home, whole-house humidifiers add moisture to the air that circulates through your vents.
There are different types of whole-house humidifiers, but they all work by taking moisture from a water supply and evaporating it into a warm airstream coming from the furnace or warm air supply. Water is supplied to the humidifier through a saddle valve and you control the water flow by adjusting the humidity setting on the humidistat, which further controls an internal mechanism so that the right amount of water is fed into the humidifier.
The water inlet on top of the humidifier delivers water to a tray which distributes water evenly across the evaporator pad. Warm air blows over the wet evaporator pad to create vapor, which is then released through your air ducts.
The Honeywell PerfectFLO distribution tray ensures thorough saturation and uniform distribution of moisture for optimum energy efficiency and water usage. Although, note that you’ll need a floor drain to provide drainage for the condensate. Honeywell’s unique design helps keep the unit clean by routinely rinsing and draining itself instead of collecting stagnant water inside the machine.
Bypass humidifiers like the Honeywell HE240 are the least expensive type of whole house humidifiers since they don’t come with a fan or steamer. They are connected to the return duct of your furnace and rely on the blower motor to push the heated air, causing some of the moisture to be lost in the process. However, a bypass humidifier typically makes less noise since there’s no fan inside. There are also fewer moving parts, so it requires less maintenance.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Most whole house humidifiers come with all the necessary components for installation on your furnace system, but for DIYers it may require a few other tools and equipment, as well as some experience in ductwork. If you’re not absolutely certain you can do it properly, then it’s best to hire an HVAC professional for a safe and proper installation of your humidifier.
Once installed and in operation, these humidifiers require little to no maintenance since the furnace heat prevents mold growth. Most of these humidifiers also have a filter or evaporator pad to eliminate white dust buildup from mineral deposits. You may need to replace the filter at least once to twice a year, or simply do as instructed in your owner’s manual.
To reduce the risk of fire or damage to humidifiers, only use cleaning agents specifically made for humidifiers. Never use flammable, combustible or poisonous materials to clean the unit, and do not put hot water inside. Even if it seems to be working just fine, have your unit checked yearly to make sure everything is working properly.
Alternative Option: Honeywell HE360A

Although Honeywell HE240 is still available in most online stores, further production has been discontinued on the Honeywell Store. As an alternative, consider the Honeywell HE360 Flow-Through Humidifier. It covers areas as large as 4,200 square feet with a maximum output of 18 gallons per day. The included humidistat can be mounted on the duct or wall for easy humidity control.
This easy-to-install HE360 whole-house humidifier does not require bypass ducting. You can mount the system directly onto your forced-air furnace using the included installation kit and instructions. PerfectFLO technology evenly distributes water over the humidifier pad, and the dry-heated air collects moisture to circulate it throughout your home. The HE360 flow-through design helps keep the unit clean for longer. Although, you’ll still need a floor drain for the condensate. Like most Honeywell products, this whole-house humidifier comes with a one-year warranty.
FAQ
What humidity level should you set your whole house humidifier at in the winter?
When outdoor temperature drops to 10°F to 20°F, adjust your humidity setting to 25% RH. If your dehumidifier does not feature automatic controls, set the humidity around 40% to 50% RH, then adjust the setting when you start to notice condensation on your windows and walls.
How much does it cost to install the Honeywell HE240 whole house humidifier?
At the time of writing, the HE240 is one of the cheapest whole house models, at around $120, while larger models go up to $300. Depending on the add-ons you want to purchase, including accessories and professional installation, the costs can rack up to over $500.
How long does the Honeywell whole house humidifier last?
With proper care and maintenance, your humidifier can last five up to ten years.
Conclusion
Whole house humidifiers are a very effective way to add moisture throughout your home and prevent potential harmful effects of low humidity. While portable or personal humidifiers are a lot cheaper and easier to use, you’ll need at least one unit for each room and most of them usually last for shorter periods. If you decide you need a whole house humidifier, the Honeywell HE240 Bypass Humidifier is one of the best options for homes with up to 3,000 square feet total area. As you have learned above, it’s affordable, easy to install and use. If you’re interested, check the price or see more reviews on Amazon or Sylvane.