# Humidifiers: Portable Or Whole House? > Humidifiers help make your home more comfortable during a cold, dry Massachusetts winter. Whole-house or portable? Check out the options. ![types of humidifiers, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/humidifier.gif)Dry air in the home can cause discomfort as well as respiratory problems for occupants within the home. Ideally you’ll want to strive for a 30 to 50 percent humidity level. This is where humidifiers enter the picture to help maintain that ideal humidity, particularly in cold, dry Massachusetts winters. ![types of humidifiers, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/humidifier.gif) The decision between a whole-house humidifier and a portable one can be difficult. Here are a few pros and cons to help in the decision: **Whole-house humidifiers:**  Whole-house humidifiers never need to be filled with water because they draw water from the home’s plumbing supply. They only require a one-time set up. They also help control the humidity in the entire home, and are virtually noise free, thereby contributing to even greater comfort in the home. Whole-house units aren’t as easy to bring home as portable units. They also require a fairly high level of know-how for installation, and expert installation is recommended. The systems tend to pick up mineral deposits from the water supply, but they can be cleaned out at the end of the heating season with a diluted water-and-vinegar solution. **Portable humidifiers:**  Portable units are nice just because they are convenient. They can be moved around easily and some units are manufactured with wheels. Desktop models are available to maintain a level of comfort while working at your desk. Portable humidifiers, because of their size, are only capable of humidifying a small area such as one, or maybe two, rooms. You’ll have to make sure that the unit has an ample water supply at all times, as the water is self-contained on these units. Some units have a removable water reservoir, while others will require you to bring the water to the unit either with a hose or a bucket. Use purified or distilled water to help keep the inner workings of the unit clean. In Massachusetts, [contact Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://www.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html) to discuss your home humidifying needs and find which option is best for you and your family. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* *humidifiers **and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** *Photo courtesy of [Shutterstock](http://www.shutterstock.com/).* ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. 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