Holmes HWF100 Humidifier Replacement Filter, Set of 3 Review

{NOTE: the Holmes HWF100 and Bionaire BWF100 are interchangeable}

I bought a bionaire humidifier that uses 2 of these wicks.They're a necessary evil, because the humidifer wont work without them.

My humidifier (a Bionaire BCM645) is basically a glorified self-refilling water bowl, with a pair of wicks dangling down into the water in the lower backside of the unit ... the wicks absorb water upwards, and the humidifier (basically a vertical tube with an exhause fan up up equipped with a humidistat) draws airflow in crosswise through the body of the wicks down below in order to blow humidified air out the top ... it's a simple design that sorta works.

The problem is that mineral deposits build up in these glorified (and overpriced) sponges, and they lose their ability to wick water upwards fast enough to keep up with the rate of evaporation ... the result is that they become dried out and crusty (and slowly stained with mildew), and only stay wet on the part that's dipped in the water.

Now, here's the annoying part, and why I only gave this product 3 of 5 stars ... they're needlessly fragile by design.The manufacturer WANTS you to keep reguloarly buying replacement sponges, just like inkjet printer manufacturers want to keep selling you overpriced ink cartridges.Even though I have fairly soft water, and use a carbon block filter, these wicks only seem to last me about 2 weeks per pair, by default, before they lose their ability to absorb/wick moisture and/or fall apart.Perhaps someday someone will make longer-lasting reuseable cloth replacement filters, but as of this writing, there dont appear to be any available ... because it's against the manufacturer's fiscal interests to make and sell such.

You can save money 2 ways:

1) SHOP AROUND:you can save as much as 50% by shopping around for the cheapest supplier, and scoffing at any implied manufacturer product loyalty.How ?The replacement filters for Holmes (HWF100) and Bionaire (BWF100) are functionally identical and interchangeable.They come 6 to a package (3 pairs).

2) RINSING: These wicks are rather fragile - resist the urge to wring them out when rinsing them, or you'll damage them. Instead, fill a sink with body-temperature water, let them soak for 5-10 mins (to let the deposits soften & par-dissolve), then gently press them flat (while submerged) a few times. Then drain them (dont wring them) and reinstall. That should extend their performance by another week or so. Each subsequent rinse will yeild only half the benefit though.At best, you'll be able to double their lifespan.

Bottom line: I dont really recommend these wicks ... but if your humidifier requires them, there isnt much choice.However, if you use the tips I listed above, you can save up to half the cost, and make them last as much as twice as long.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Holmes HWF100 Humidifier Replacement Filter, Set of 3

Product Description:
Maintain healthy indoor air quality with this three-pack of replacement humidifier filters. They install easily and feature a reinforced outer layer for extra durability. To help humidifiers run more efficiently, the filters trap mineral deposits from the water, plus they come treated with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection for enhanced performance. A new humidifier filter should be installed at the beginning of each season and replaced every two to four weeks depending on usage. The filter works with Bionaire humidifier models BCM4600, BCM645, BCM646, BMC5520, BCM5520RC, BCM5521, BCM4600, BCM5520RCU, BCM6000, BCM6010, BCM6010RC, BCM6610RC, BCM7203, BCM7203RC, BCM7204, BCM7205, BCM7207, BCM7305, BCM7305RCB, BCM-7305RC, BCM7306, and BCM7307. It also fits Holmes humidifier models HM729, HM729G, HM630, HM7204, HM7305/RC, HM7306, HM6000, HM6000RC, HM6600, HM6005HD, and HM4600/HD. The three-pack of humidifier filters measures approximately 5-3/5 by 4 by 7-4/5 inches.

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Hunter 33257 Carefree Humidifier Plus with Permawick Review

We bought this Hunter 34357 and had it for a month.Note:Amazon's return policy is incredible.So, read my review with the qualifier that you should probably try it yourself.

Out of the box:All the parts and components arrived intact, and everything worked.

Setup:Easy to set up, instructions were clear, up and running within about 15 mins.

Operation:This humidifer runs using a fan to disperse the moist air.We had this unit in our livingroom, which is about 25' x 15'.From a humidifier standpoint, it covered this room well.However, it couldn't cover an adjoining office or guest bedroom effectively, even though it was rated for 1600 square feet.I would give it an effective coverage of maybe 1/2 that.In addition, the unit fan was noisy.When I say noisy, I mean louder than the microwave in the kitchen.I mean so loud that we had to turn up the TV.In my opinion, too loud.

We returned it and bought an Air-O-Swiss ultrasonic.(Actually, two of them.)We've been happier with those.

I rated this a 3 because of the noise.Based on noise, it's a 2, based on humification capability, I'd give it a 4.3 seemed appropriate.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hunter 33257 Carefree Humidifier Plus with Permawick

Product Description:
Hunter's Care Free Humidifier Plus with Permawick filter that never needs replacement.2.2 gallon output for up to 1350 sq ft coverage.Easy-to-fill tote away tank.Auto Shut off.Refill light.Digital humidistat

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Air-O-Swiss 32838 Ultrasonic Humidifier Review

I've owned this humidifier for a couple of months now.The features that I like best about it are: it regulates the ambient humidity (i.e. the unit has a humidity sensor for the room) when it reaches the desired level it automatically stops the mist; also it gives you an indication when the unit needs to be cleaned (pretty simple process); and most important the unit stops when there's not enough water (again a little indicator flashes for your attention) - furthermore, the unit is very well designed and has a very contemporary look - highly recommended!

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Product Description:
Warm Or Cool Mist, Ultrasonic Humidifier, Quietest Type Of Humidifier Available, Replaceable Demineralization Cartridge, Ionic Silver Stick Effectively Kills Odor Causing Bacteria, Digital Controls For Easy Operation, Intelligent Temperature Control Helps Maintain Constant Ideal Humidity Level, Up To 3.5 Gallon Output Per Day, Suitable For Rooms Up To 860 SQFT.

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Quietcare 3 Gallon Review

My wife and I have been using our new Honeywell Quietcare 3 Gallon humidifier in our bedroom for a month now.
It has delivered all the benefits the doctor ordered.The manner in which the health and comfort benefits are deliverd though make it special. It is practically silent, has the capacity to deliver all night even during our weekend "sleep-ins", has more than sufficient combinations of comfort adjustments, and effectively raises the humidity in our 500 square foot bedroom, even with the door to the rest of our home left open.
And it was unbelieveably inexpensive!

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Product Description:
Honeywell Quietcare 3 Gallon

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Honeywell HWM-500 UV Warm Moisture Humidifier Review

***Approximate measurement***
Entire unit: 14x11x7 (inches)
Tank:14x7x7(inches)***10/31/2007***

This is my first humidifier, but I am extremely satisfied with it.
The instruction is very clear and easy to follow.
It is easy to put together, simply attach the tank to the bottom.
All suggest to me that this is a very efficient machine for a warm mist humidifier(well, at least to me):

1.Within 30 minutes of use, it works and I can feel the difference.
2.No leaking.
3.No noise (slight bubbling sound is actually soothing to me, not noisy.)
4.Sturdy construction.
5.Humidity adjustable (many options, not just 2).
6.Large tank and easy to refill.
7.Low maintenance. (No filter required if you have regular tap/city water.)
8.Easy to clean. (With ultraviolet lights, cleaning isn't required on a weekly basis.)
9.For cats owners: My cats don't get scared of or hurt by it.

I don't think I could ask for more.

***Well...11/5/2007***

It's still great, although I did notice some issues:

1.A bit too much work and too heavy when refill:
For men, this might NOT be an issue, but for women like me, it might be.
To refill, the tank needs to be turned upside down because the tank cap is at the bottom of it.When I am to flip a full tank of water over and put it back onto the base, I do worry. It's quite heavy, and it gets a bit tiring since I do need to refill it every day.There is no easy access!

2.Frequency of refill:
Quote: "It requires no messy filters to replace and runs up to 24 hours each filling."I do need to refill it every 12 hours every day when I:
(1)have it on the highest humidity level
(2)have it on most of the time (12 hours)

So I do refill it every day I get up and every night before I go to bed.I assume it would last up to 24 hours like it says only if the humidity level is set at the lowest, which probably wouldn't cause an obvious difference to the room's humidity.

In all, it's still a good buy. It does help! I notice that I don't wake up with the driest skin in the morning anymore.

**A little tip**
A teaspoon of salt helps it evaporate more moisture, although it makes the water run out faster.

**I attached a picture of mine with my Treo next to it. The ratio should give a brief idea of how big the machine is.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HWM-500 UV Warm Moisture Humidifier

Product Description:
Honeywell HWM-500 UV Warm Moisture Humidifier produces up to 99.999% Germ Free Humidification - kills bacteria, mold & spores.

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Enviracaire Warm Mist Humidifier With UV Protection EWM-220 Review

I recently purchased three different humidifiers (Venta 370 @$200, Venta VS207 @$100 and Enviracaire EWM-220 @$90) for various rooms in our house. Below are pros and cons of each of these three units:

VENTA 370:
Pros: Quiet operation - perfect for bedrooms, vaporizes tank contents in approx 24 hours to provide ideal humidity, flexibility of cool or warm mist operation
Cons: Leaves a white dust like residue on objects nearby(perhaps an unwanted side effect of ultrasonic vaporization), Expensive $$$, Heavy on refill.

VENTA VS207:
Pros: Quiet operation (like Venta 370), vaporizes tank contents in approx 24 hours, Significantly less expensive than VS370 for comparable performance, Has cool vs warm mist options.
Cons: Heavy on refill, No handles for convenient handling during refill. Leaves a white dust like residue on objects nearby.

ENVIRACAIRE EWM-220:
Pros: Two separate water containers with side handles - convenient to refill water, Vaporizes both tank contents in approx 24 hours, UV light and boiling supposedly destroys germs/microbes in water (can't verify manufacturer's claim).
Cons: Noisy (continuous sound of boiling water from the unit - feels like I am sleeping with a kettle on the stove nearby) - I kind of got used to it after a while, but may be a problem for light sleepers. Unit warns of hot steam emanating from the unit - can potentially be hazardous with little kids in the house.

Overall, for price and performance, the Venta VS207 is the best product. Only wish it had more convenient carrying handles.

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Product Description:
Germ Free Warm Mist / Adjustable Humidity Control / 24 Hrs Per Filling / For Small & Medium Rooms Unit Dimensions -14.25x 13.25 x 14 Manufacturer's 3-year limited warranty

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Air-O-Swiss 7144 Review

My family and I moved from Southern California (where we slept with the windows open nearly year round for wonderful, well rested sleep) to Phoenix, Arizona (where the humidity hovers at most to 15% in my house according to my hygrometer.) After a month (and before we got the humidifier), my kids (3 and 1) were absolutely suffering. During the night, they were choking and hacking, wheezing and just plugged up. I was no different. Needless to say, our sleep was badly affected. I knew it was the air situation. After 3 nights of researching the different types of humidifiers, I finally settled on buying two Air O Swiss 7144 units (one for each kid's room). Although it was expensive, I buy things for the long haul and figured better to spend up front then have problems with cheaper models down the road. I have since turned it on absolutely every single night for them and the difference is short of miraculous. Here are some points: 1- a full tank lasts two nights running at 8 hours a night with the windows closed and the door nearly shut (about an inch ajar at most)

2- tank is not difficult to fill. I use one 3 gallon water bottle
(normally used for my drinking water dispense) to completely fill up both humidifier units

3- to maximize space and thus get the most water into the humidifier, I removed the demineralization cartridge and use only reverse osmosis drinking water for my unit. I have had ZERO WHITE DUST. The R.O. water is purified enough that there are no remaining minerals to be churned out as white dust. This trick also saves me from having to replace the cartridge. (BTW, our tap water is VERY hard so I didn't want to use it even with the demineralization cartridge because why make the machine work harder than it has to?) R.O. water is perfect and again, NO WHITE DUST AT ALL!!!!

4- It's so quiet, it's ridiculous. I LOVE that.

5- The warm mist feature is perfect. It does not raise the temperature of the room so it's never like a sauna. The air leaving the machine even at warm mist feels somewhat cool (and the first night I kept checking in on the kids to make sure I wasn't freezing them) but the unit actually heats the water to 104 degrees which isjust the right temp at maintaining room temp (no moist saunas!!) and/or preventing steam burn to your finger in case a curious little one chooses to wave his/her hand in the mist.

6- I've religiously used the units each night for the last 3 months with absolutely no problem.

7- The buttons don't light up or create distracting glows. Important for me because I wanted the kids' rooms to remain relatively dark as that's what they're used to.

8- There is no leaking or condensation on the unit. The mist is so fine that it evaporates before it touches the little folding dinner tray table that I have each unit placed on. The carpet underneath doesn't feel soggy or anything. It truly produces an ultrafine mist that dissipates almost immediately.

9- I can adjust the flow and humidity to my liking (to get 2 nights' worth of output from one tank, I set it on warm mist at the lowest air flow at 55% humidity)

10- It automatically shuts off when it runs out of water. There is a blinking light that indicates that the machine is on "On" but there's no water. I usually press the off button the after the second night's use. If I forget to press off and fill the tank up on the third night, I noticed that since the machine is technically "on" (even though there's no sound or movement indicating that), as soon as I put the filled tank back on the unit, it immediately starts working on the settings I last set it on.

11- I have yet to use the cool mist (since it's still winter) but I read that it actually helps to maintain (at the very least) or slightly lower the room temp which is convenient in summer months.

All in all, I love this machine. By the way, on a few occasions when my older child needed me to sleep next to him until he fell back asleep (usually a nightmare woke him up), I noticed within 10-15 minutes that my breathing was VERY different in his room where the unit had been running for several hours into the night. No clogged sinuses or difficult inhalation. Once he was appropriately tucked in and I would go back to my room, within 5-10 minutes, my breathing would get adversely affected. That's how dry the air is in our house. So, that's why after 3 months of enjoying how well it's worked in the kids' rooms, my husband and I are looking forward to our own good sleep after just purchasing our 3rd machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Air-O-Swiss 7144

Product Description:
Humidification System This Digital Ultrasonic humidifier uses high-frequency vibrations to generate a micro-fine mist when blown into a room immediately evaporates. Choose the pre-heating function and mist exits the appliance at a pleasant 104 �F. �ITC�� technology (Intelligent Temperature Compensation) monitors the temperature and automatically adjusts the output when conditions change. A replaceable demineralization (Ag+ Ionic Silver Technology) cartridge ensures water mist

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Essick Air 427-300 2-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier and Air Cleaner Review

Up here in the deep north it is essential to have humidifier if you have musical instruments, or anything made out of nice wood.I have tried several different options, and evaporative humidifiers are the best.This one has enough nice features to warrent an excellent rating.The main great feature is that it is easy to add water to the system.The tanks remove easily, and can be filled from the kitchen sink (they are too tall for filling in a bathroom sink).In the dead of winter expect to fill it daily, but fortunately this is big enough to only need filling once per day.Other nice features include a fan speed control (pump humidity in fast because you were gone all weekend and its dry), or quiet.At low speed settings you barely know its on.I also like the optional air cleaning evaporator.It apparently slows down air flow, but that seems trivial since the fan can simply be turned up.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Essick Air 427-300 2-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier and Air Cleaner

Product Description:
Console style whole house evaporative humidifier, contemporary style, automatic humidistat maintains optimum humidity level, variable speed control, quiet nighttime setting, refill lights, automatic shutoff, 12 gallons of output per day, humidifies 2500 sq ft.5.5-gal. water-holding capacity, easy-fill dual water bottles with refill hose, 2-stage air-care filter traps airborne particles and eleminates odors, removeable power pack for easy cleaning, ez-roll casters, 28x133/4x22, 28lbs, Color-Oak Burl

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Honeywell HCM-300T QuietCare 3-Gallon UV Tower Humidifier Review

The only positive thing I can say about this humidifier is that it looks better than those big boxy ones.Oh, and I guess the fact that ours hasn't leaked on the floor (like some other reviewers have had) could be considered a positive.It usually doesn't even last a whole night before running out of water - and it's not like I live in the desert...our house can't be THAT dry.Yet, the room is still dry and we still wake up with sore throats and dry skin.We've had other humidifiers that worked fine, and I'm noticing that those usually shot the humidified air out the top (you know...into the air!).This one shoots the humidified air out near the floor, so it would take 3 days for the room to fill with humid air.The thing rarely shuts off unless the outside air is more humid on that particular day.Speaking of shutting off...doesn't this thing have an automatic shut off when it runs out of water??Ours NEVER shuts off, so when it runs out of water the fan dries up the filter (which you aren't supposed to do).So every night I have to refill the tank and re-soak the filter (which you're also not supposed to do, but I'm not putting in a new $10 filter every night).We haven't been bothered by the noise...it's what you'd expect from any other fan.It's just a constant hum that we kind of like since it drowns out other outside noises.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HCM-300T QuietCare 3-Gallon UV Tower Humidifier

Product Description:
Keep your home properly hydrated with Honeywell's HCM-300T QuietCare tower humidifier, which features UV technology to reduce up to 99 percent of water bred germs, bacteria, and mold. A humidifier is helpful in introducing moisture to your home in order to help you avoid dry skin, chapped lips, dry nasal passages and static electricity as well as keep your wood floors and furnishings in good shape.
Recommended for medium to large rooms (up to 1050 square feet), the HCM-300T uses UV Germicidal technology to treat the water as it enters from the tank to reduce 99 percent of germs. The Protec Antimicrobial Treatment helps prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and bacteria on the filter. It also features three moisture settings, an independent humidity control to maintain your desired comfort level, and a 24-hour run time per fill in the 1.6-gallon tank. And this slim, space-saving QuietCare model is 30 percent quieter than other tower models. The HCM-300T measures 24.6 by 9.8 by 4.3 inches (HxDxW) and weighs just under 9 pounds. It uses HAC-504/HAC-504AW replacement filters.

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Honeywell HCM650 4-Gallon QuietCare Cool Moisture Humidifier Review

It was hard to find a humidifier that wasn't terribly expensive and would get the job done. This is certainly one of them. It has worked great, and its interface is simple. Three buttons to set up power (lo, med, hi), timer, and desired humidity (from 25% to 65%). It comes with a ProTec cleaning cartridge, which protects against Bacteria, Mold, Fungi & Algae. Filling up the humidifier is not difficult, but you do have to do it everyday, as it only has a 4 gallon tank. One thing to mention is that it is not as quiet as I expected it would be. At full power it emits sound like a regular fan, and at low power you can still hear the fan, but it's low enough to sleep with. This feature almost made me put 4 stars instead of 5, but I must say that all in all, this is a good humidifier.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HCM650 4-Gallon QuietCare Cool Moisture Humidifier

Product Description:
Keep your home properly hydrated with Honeywell's compact HCM-650 4-gallon-output-per-day humidifier, which is designed for rooms between 850 and 1400 square feet--ideal for living rooms and larger bedrooms. A humidifier is helpful in introducing moisture to your home in order to help you avoid dry skin, chapped lips, dry nasal passages and static electricity as well as keep your wood floors and furnishings in good shape.
This QuietCare model has a fan that blows out invisible, moisture-balanced air, and is 30 percent quieter than other models. The EasySet Digital Controls feature individual controls to set desired speed and humidity and a 1- to 18-hour programmable timer. The Protec cleaning cartridge helps reduce mineral build-up, while the antimicrobial-treated filter helps prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and bacteria on the filter--both contributing to a fresher, cleaner mist and extend filter life.
The HCM-650 has a 1-1/2-gallon tank capacity, 3 moisture output settings, lighted display, a humidistat that maintains desired comfort level, and an auto shut-off function that occurs when desired humidity level is reached or tank is empty. It measures 8 by 13-3/4 by 16 inches (WxHxD), is backed by a 3-year warranty, and uses HC-14 replacement filters.

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Honeywell HUT-102M Quietcare Ultrasonic Mini Tower Humidifier Review

First of all, this humidifier is quiet.I keep it next to my bed and the very faint noise doesn't bother me at all.I use only distilled water in it.That's a little expensive, but I can get one-gallon jugs at Wal-Mart for sixty four cents, so it's better than having white dust all over the room.This model has a "white dust" filter, but most such filters are iffy at best.

Now for the problems.Filling is a pain.If it's not completely empty, water remains in the base, which tends to drip and spill when you lift the tank off for re-filling.So I carry the whole unit to the sink just to make sure I don't get water all over my carpet.(Water can spill if you don't keep the unit level.)Further, the refill opening is on the bottom, so you have to turn the tank upside down to fill it.The tank top is slanted, so you can't set it down.You have to hold the tank with one hand, and fill with the other.It's a very clumsy process.

The last thing I have to say is the blue light is incredibly annoying.It lights up your whole bedroom and can't be turned off.I wrap a towel around it.What were they thinking?Sure, it looks cool, until you try to go to sleep.

Overall,though, it works nicely and has been quiet, which is exactly why I bought it and am keeping it.If you are elderly or arthritic, the girations you need to go through to fill it may cause you to look elsewhere.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HUT-102M Quietcare Ultrasonic Mini Tower Humidifier

Product Description:
Offering a space-saving tower design, the Honeywell HUT-102M Quietcare humidifier features quiet ultrasonic technology that silently provides visible cool moisture. It's ideal for rooms up to 350 square feet. A humidifier is helpful in introducing moisture to your home in order to help you avoid dry skin, chapped lips, dry nasal passages and static electricity as well as keep your wood floors and furnishings in good shape.
Water is atomized by ultrasonic sound waves and propelled in the air by the HUT-102M's small fan, and these silent ultrasonic pulses produce a visible mist. And with Honeywell's ultrasonic Quietcare technology, this humidifier is 95 percent quieter than other humidifiers. Other features include auto shut-off when tank is out of water, variable moisture settings, easy grab handle for convenient carrying, removable water tank, and an illuminated tank window that allows visibility to water level and doubles as a nightlight.
It has a 1.2-gallon-output-per-day and it can run for up to 12 hours per filling. The unit comes with 1 demineralization cartridge, which is designed to last for between 1 to 2 months of normal use (depending on the mineral content of the water used); the replacement cartridge is model DC-102. It measures 10 by 7 by 15 inches and weighs 8 pounds. It's backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

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Germ Guardian H1000 TableTop Humidifier Review

I was very disappointed with this product. Initially, it appeared to be exactly what I was looking for.A small, attractive, filterless humidifier for a baby nursery that had natural antimicrobial properties.

Prior to purchasing, I read a number of online reviews.Like most products, there were mixed results, but overall the impressions seemed positive.I had read a review by Paul here who claimed that the product didn't work.I assumed his review was hyperbole.Turns out Paul was right.It just plain doesn't work.

We ran this humidifier in our baby's nursery for 16 hours straight (refilling so the tank was never empty).In 16 hours, the humidity went from 33% to 34% !?!?It just plain doesn't work.

Now, I should also state some obvious stuff. We used the product in what should have been an appropriate environment.The room is very small 9'x9' and the door was closed to eliminate loss of humidity.Also, my experience can not be explained away as a single faulty unit.I had ordered two (another for the master bedroom), so we retested with a second model with identical results.Both produced a visible mist immediately above the unit, so they were 'working'.

This product has great features in theory.I was excited by the nano silver technology which in theory should make for a clean and low maintenance experience.

I returned this product and purchased a well known brand.While it didn't have all the flashy features of this Germ Guardian, it just plain works.I installed it 10 minutes ago and the room humidity has climbed more than 5%.

Bottom line.This product doesn't work.If you plan to purchase it despite these warnings, make sure you keep your receipt for the return.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Germ Guardian H1000 TableTop Humidifier

Product Description:
The Germ Guardian Table Top Ultrasonic Humidifier is virtually silent when it runs.Nano-silver technology is used to stop mold and bacteria from growing in the tank so you can humidify clean water for a healthier breathing environment.Small and compact at only eight inches tall, it has a 875 ml tank capacity and runs continuously for over eight hours.

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Germ Guardian H-3010 Ultra-Sonic Humidifier Review

Humidifier

As I write this there have been numerous reviews of this product.Some of them very glowing and some of them quite negative. I will try to avoid either extreme and focus on some things I haven't seen reviewed yet.

*SIZE:When I opened the box I was truly surprised. In the photos this looks to be the size of a table radio.Wrong! It is easily twice the size and not easily placed on most night stands.

*SOUNDS:As claimed, the unit is virtually quiet in operation.

*VISUAL: Nice very heavy-grade plastic construction, nice packaging. Most drug-store humidifiers are very thin all plastic, this unit feels well built and solid.Cool retro look to it.

*CONTROLS:Everything you would want or need, EXCEPT for one.Read on for details.

*USER MANUAL:Pretty basic. Misses a lot of important details, like what is that center column and do you remove it to fill the tank, because it seems to want to be removable for some reason. And the chrome thing at the top ... is it supposed to rotate to direct the mist in different directions?Wouldn't it be nice if the manufacturer told us it was okay to do that?

*MISTING:After all, that's what you buy a unit like this for.Well, it's true that some very cheap units can put out a stronger mist, but remember this is an ultrasonic unit, which has numerous benefits (like no wicking filter). The mist can be adjusted from "just barely there" to a heavy mist that honestly scared me every time I entered the room that I was seeing smoke from a fire.

*EFFICIENCY:I filled the tank and had it on the entire first night.In the morning it looked like the tank was empty and I thought that's just about what I would expect. However, looking at the tank again I realized that the water level had only gone down slightly.It turns out the tank is so large that I have only had to fill it a couple of times a week. I consider that excellent.

*GOOD THINGS:I have had several humidifiers and was disgusted by the mold and mildew that grew on the wicking filter. This is healthy?Ultrasonic humidifiers work a different way and tend to be cleaner.This unit takes that one step beyond and I have confidence I am breathing air that is as clean as possible out of a humidifier, especially if I clean it out occasionally.

*BAD THINGS:The evil BEEP sound every time you push a button!If you have a sleeping partner they will NOT sleep for long if you need to make any adjustments.That goes for people trying to sleep anywhere in your house. The beep volume should be 2% of what it is.Since the manufacturer was thoughtful enough to include a mode that turns the disco lights off if you prefer while sleeping, they should have included a switch to turn off the beep. This is not unique to this product, several Chinese-made consumer electronics products ranging from toasters to food steamers to clothes irons have a beeper that all seem to made by one diabolical company who also makes industrial smoke alarm beepers.The volume and tone are unnecessarily loud.This humidifier doesn't even need to beep at you in the privacy of your bedroom, the status lights are enough.

*EASE OF OPERATION:Why does EVERY humidifier have to have a tank that you remove, turn upside down, and try to fill under a faucet?What is wrong with a fixed tank and a cap like the gas cap on your car that you twist off and use a pitcher to fill? There would be far less chance of leakage, and it would be much easier to fill. Kudos to the manufacturer on this one in that the tank is made of heavy-duty plastic with a strong, secure carrying handle.But once you get it to the sink, that carrying handle makes it impossible to hold or lay flat, so you somehow have to try to balance the entire tank while filling it, without dropping it as it gets increasingly heavier. Then there is that flimsy spring valve that every humidifier seems to have.There just has to be a better way.The good news is that mine hasn't dripped more than a few tiny drops and is totally drip-free in operation.

*DOES IT WORK?After a few nights running it at a medium speed with the bedroom door closed, I find I wake up with less of a dry throat and breathing easier.I feel more rested as well. I live in one of the driest places in the country and I think this is a very effective humidifier.I am considering buying another for the office where I spend much of my day.

SUMMARY:WAY larger than it looks. Excellent cold and warm misting.Extensive controls.Premium construction.Large water tank.Cool, retro styling, doesn't look like a medical device. Virtually silent operation.Sketchy instruction manual. Insanely loud function beeps when buttons are pushed. Could be easier to fill.

RATING:Having researched humidifiers extensively I rate this as a solid 4. What kept it from a 5 is primarily price ... this is at the stratosphere of the market and, while you get more value that the cheap drugstore units, no humidifier should cost over a hundred. I also feel it is necessary to deduct a point to give the message to the manufacturer that the loud confirmation beeps are not necessary and they are really annoying.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Germ Guardian H-3010 Ultra-Sonic Humidifier

Product Description:
The Germ Guardian Humidifier uses nano-silver technology to prevent microbial growth within the unit, stopping mold growth for a healthier breathing enviroment. The ultrasonic technology with option for warm or cold humidification set this humidifier above the rest. Warm humidification maintains an 80 degree temperature to kill low-temperature bacteria. This unit offers you a low water indicator that lets you know when it's time to refill the container, a variable spray function allows you to adjust the volume of spray output. The quiet operation makes this a great humidifier for any room.

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Crane Drop Shape Cool Mist Humidifier, 0.9 Gallon Review

I didn't want a humidifier with a filter because those are nasty and the filters are expensive and hard to find. I hate the look of a white plastic humidifier as they stick out like a sore thumb. This Crane teardrop humidifier looks funky by itself against a white background online but in a room it really blends into a decor. They should do a bigger range of colors and include some neutrals like brown but I think the green would work in any room. We have one in the nursery and in our master BR. It is a very effective humidifier but doesn't run out of water too quickly so it's efficient. It gets smelly/dirty as they all do, but we clean it out a couple times a week plus put a bit of vinegar in the water which is naturally antibacterial and healthy to breathe. If you don't put too much vinegar in you won't smell it in the air. I put about a tablespoon of vinegar in the tank. It is quiet. Makes a gurgling noise once in a while. We had the frog one before for the nursery and this one is better IMO, for those looking for a humidifier for a baby room.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crane Drop Shape Cool Mist Humidifier, 0.9 Gallon

Product Description:
Crane Cool Mist Humidifier provides additional comfort to cold symptoms, dry itchy skin, and chapped lips. The whisper quiet humidifier operates on a low power consumption providing min. 10 hours of moisture from a removable water tank. Includes an automatic shut off safety feature when water tank is empty.

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Hunter 34357 3-1/2-Gallon CareFree Plus Humidifier with PermaWick Filter Review

We bought one of these Hunter humidifiers a few years ago.I liked the big tank, low-maintenance and no consumables (no wicks or filters to buy).The only problem was, as others have mentioned, that often when it switched off, a gallon or more of water would promptly dump onto my floor.I finally called Hunter to complain about it, and I have to say I'm incredibly impressed with their customer service, and with the simple fix (new design for the tray) which appears to fix the problem completely.This is now a very competent humidifier, and we're really happy with it.You won't see a cool plume of water vapor spewing from this unit, but it does work really well, and it's very easy to keep clean (just throw parts of it in the dishwasher, and use vinegar and water to de-calcify the other parts).

For those who are shopping for a humidifier, you first have to decide what's important to you.For me, the ultrasonic ones are a no-go because they spew white powder all over my room (mineral dust from our hard water).The hot steam ones are a no-go because they get all nasty from bacteria, fungi, etc.I don't want to breathe that stuff in.And while the fan is far from silent, we actually like it at night, it's a nice gentle drone that helps lull us to sleep.

Nice job, Hunter, on fixing the original design flaw, and on supporting the product so well.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hunter 34357 3-1/2-Gallon CareFree Plus Humidifier with PermaWick Filter

Product Description:
Cool mist humidifier with low maintenance.Hunter Fan's exclusive Permawick filter that never needs replacement. 3.5gallon output for up to 1600 sq feet coverage.Antimicrobial properties are incorporated into the plastic parts and wick.Regulated water release system.Dishwasher save pan and tray. 2 Speed fan.

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Crane Crane Tear Drop Humidifier Review

I bought this humidifier about a month ago because I play an instrument that needs to be in a properly humidified environment.It's wonderful!Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it's super quiet.I use distilled water and I don't have to refill it often at all.It's perfect for my small room.There haven't been any problems with leaks, dust, or damage, and I love that I don't have to worry about filters.100% satisfied!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crane Crane Tear Drop Humidifier

Product Description:
Our Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier ' Dragon by Crane is an important nursery item. It aids your child's breathing during the cold and flu season, protect him from dry skin, chapped lips, nose bleeds and is proven to help children sleep easier at night. The Crane humidifiers operates with just cold tap water and are easy to use.

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Honeywell HCM-6011i QuietCare 11-Gallon Console Humidifier with Air Washing Technology Review

I bought this unit in mid-november for my 2 bedroom apartment. Overall it does a good job of maintaining a comfortable level of humidity typically around 45-50%. However the unit is constantly ON. It never cycles and this is with the humidistat set at just off of it's lowest setting and the fan speed on the mid setting which will give you tolerable noise level. What has caused me concern is how quickly the filter has gotten mouldy and that the air out of the unit smells like musty. I have changed the the Protec cartridge as recommended every 30 days and cleaned the filter several times per the instructions in the manual. I phoned the manufacturer (Kaz not Honeywell) and they say the filter will only last 1 to 3 months and that it needs to be cleaned every week. I pointed out that no where in the manual does it state that frequent a cleaning period nor such a short filter life and that in-fact it states that the filter should last one season. She said sorry and that there is nothing they can or will do other that tell you where you can get a new filter for $11.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HCM-6011i QuietCare 11-Gallon Console Humidifier with Air Washing Technology

Product Description:
Keep your home properly hydrated with Honeywell's HCM-6011i 11-gallon-output-per-day humidifier, which is designed for rooms up to 2300 square feet. A humidifier is helpful in introducing moisture to your home in order to help you avoid dry skin, chapped lips, dry nasal passages and static electricity as well as keep your wood floors and furnishings in good shape.
This model features Honeywell's exclusive Air Washing system, which uses a unique pre-filter in combination with an ionizer helps capture dust, dirt and pollen while freshening the air. The console's independently controlled ionizer releases negative ions into outgoing humidified air, and these negative ions attach themselves to very small airborne particles to form larger particles that are then more readily captured by the filter system.
Easy to clean, carry and fill, the HCM-6011i runs up to 24 hours on one filling. This QuietCare model has a fan that blows out invisible, moisture-balanced air, and is 30 percent quieter than other models. The Protec cleaning cartridge helps reduce mineral build-up, while the antimicrobial-treated filter helps prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and bacteria on the filter--both contributing to a fresher, cleaner mist and extend filter life. Other features include a 3-1/4-gallon tank capacity, 9 gallons of humidity output per day, 3 moisture output settings, adjustable humidity control, and automatic shut-off. The HCM-6011i comes with caster wheels for easy movement around your home. It measures 21 by 17-1/2 by 13 inches (WxHxD), is backed by a 3-year warranty, and uses HC-14 replacement filters.

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Crane Demineralization Filter Cartridge for Crane Frog, Cow, Pig, Panda, Penguin and Elephant Cool Mist Humidifiers Review

I bought the Crane Penguin humidifier about 2 months ago. The filter arrived about a week later. My experience applies to people using HARD TAP WATER. So far I've found that, although the filter helped with keeping the humidifier a bit cleaner (I clean it once a week with diluted bleach for the tank and vinegar for the base), it only seemed to work to reduce white dust (from hard water minerals) for just over a month, using the humidifier at a low or medium setting. I'm considering using distilled water instead - it might work out cheaper than having to replace the filter every couple of months. I would definitely advise to keep the original cap for the tank and try the humidifier with and without filter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crane Demineralization Filter Cartridge for Crane Frog, Cow, Pig, Panda, Penguin and Elephant Cool Mist Humidifiers

Product Description:
Demineralization Filter Cartridge helps reduce white dust, which is a deposit of minerals caused by hard water. For best results replace filter after every 30-40 fillings under normal use or 1-2 months or when the humidifier has not been operated for an extended period of time. This filter cartridge works with Crane Frog, Penguin, Cow, Pig, Panda and Elephant Cool Mist Humidifiers.

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Kaz PersonalMist Ultrasonic Humidifier Review

This is a wonderful item.We have tried every kind of humidifier from tabletop ones to the HUGE multi-tank "whole house" type that have 2-4 large tanks and roll around on wheels.My main problem was that I was the only one strong enough to fill and carry the tanks, so I was on permanemt "water carrier" duty.For the huge ones on wheels I hooked up a hose to the faucet and dragged it to the humidifier to fill it.What a pain!This Kaz personal is by far the best choice.

It does have a small tank, but it's so light that my elderly mother or the kids can fill and carry the tank themselves.It's also cheap enough to put one in every room.And it's great for travel; just pop it in your luggage and use it in hotels or wherever.We have 1 in each bedroom, and in the living room, kitchen and office.They last almost 2 years then it will just stop steaming.The larger, more pricey ones last about the same amount of time but are way more expensive to replace.On low setting it will go almost 10 hours so the size really isn't an inconvenience.

Kaz used to change the style every year, but hopefully they'll stick with this one.The first Kaz Personal took a 1 Liter plastic bottle instead of a tank.A great idea, but the thinness of the bottle you use affected the steam; too thin walls and the water would run out, too thick and nothing happened. I found myself in supermarkets squeezing bottles as if I was picking a ripe melon.Now the Kaz Personal has its own small tank and it is absolutely the best!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kaz PersonalMist Ultrasonic Humidifier

Product Description:
Kaz personal ultrasonic humidifier in blue

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Honeywell HWM450 Quick Steam Warm Moisture Humidifier Review

Don't mean to be a humidifier geek but researched A LOT of them before settling on this one so maybe the reviewer before me should have given it another chance before returning it.At night if you set it to low there is no loud gurgling/boiling noise, and if you have the tank reasonably full there are never any distracting noises.Also wanted a "pure" clean mist, easy maintenance, and of course effectiveness.I liked the features, functionality, and design of this one over the others, so I paid a bit more and got it even though the size and all the features are gravy as far as I'm concerned.

What sets this system apart from the others is the following:A large LCD display shows the current humidity level and there are three separate digital controls - output level, moisture, timer - each of which you can set exactly.What makes this efficient is you can DIGITALLY set the humidity to your EXACT preference - anywhere from 25 to 65.If you want it to shut off when you leave for work, set the timer - 1 to 18 hours.A four gallon output and 1400 square foot range makes it convenient.

It's warm mist so no filters ever need to be puchased but in due course you'll need to get new mineral pads which sit over the stainless steal heating element.I think Honeywell has or is getting a patent for the heating element.Humidifiers are almost always used during winter so why did they invent cool mist ones anyway?

It looks good, works well, is compact, and so far satisfied with the operation and paying a bit more for this model.Maybe Honeywell is trying to be serious about the quality of its products *shrug* who knows.The only non-critical issue is a light indicator should turn on when the desired humidity level is reached but it doesn't.Don't like when I buy something and even the simplest stated feature doesn't work, but in this case will let it slide as no other functionality is affected.

Bottom line - even if all you need is a simple, small humidifier, with few features, you might be happier getting this one instead.

UPDATE, November 28, 2005
Reviewer: B. Ahmed "lazer30" (Mars) - See all my reviews

Just an update to my previous review. Exchanged the unit since the indicator was not turning on when the desired humidity level was reached. Seems it was a burnt out bulb. When the desired humidity is reached the indicatior does in fact go on, the humidifier stops discharging, then when the room falls below the desired humidity level the unit starts back up again.

Another thing: it's a good idea to clean this unit regularly - perhaps once a week. I read another guy's post where he used CLR in the cleaning routine. Might try that as the heating element can never be cleaned to look like brand new without using something. Honeywell writes in the manual there will be some stains left on the heating element but this should not affect performance.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HWM450 Quick Steam Warm Moisture Humidifier

Product Description:
Quick humidification for large rooms

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Crane 2.1 Gallon COOL Mist Humidifier Review

Okay so this is my third cool mist humidifier.This one is worth its weight in gold!The water lasts several days when on the middle setting, there is no filter, it is easy to clean, and it is silent.I bought this with just one review.I was cautious but the review was glowing, and I have used it for 3 months and love it.You do have to use this on the counter instead of the floor because there is not a high speed fan that will push the air up.You can adjust the beak to any direction and direct the air flow.The reservoir is a little hard to fill but just take off the beak and it will balance in the tub.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Crane 2.1 Gallon COOL Mist Humidifier

Product Description:
Crane Cool Mist Humidifier provides additional comfort to cold symptoms, dry itchy skin, and chapped lips.The whisper quiet humidifier operates on a low power consumption providing min 18 hours of moisture from a removable 1.5 gallon water tank. Includes an automatic shut off safety feature when water tank is empty.

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Honeywell HAC-504AW Replacement Filter for Honeywell Humidifiers, Single Review

We run two humidifiers all year round here--it's dry in the desert--and these filters are MUCH better than the reg ones. It's worth a little more to get these. That blue stuff on the outside helps them last longer and filter the air better.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HAC-504AW Replacement Filter for Honeywell Humidifiers, Single

Product Description:
Keep your Honeywell natural cool moisture humidifier in good working order with this single replacement filter (model HAC-504AW). The Protec Antimicrobial Treatment helps prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and bacteria on the filter. The filter material is reinforced for maximum efficiency and longer filter life, plus the Dry Lift Handle helps to keep hands dry and clean while changing your filter. This filter is also equipped with an Air Washing prefilter to help trap dust before it enters the filter.
It fits the following Honeywell humidifier models:

HCM-1000 Series: HCM-1000C, HCM-1010
HCM-2000 Series: HCM-2000C, HCM-2001, HCM-2002, HCM-2020, HCM-2050
HCM-500 Series: HCM-530, HCM-535, HCM-540, HCM-550, HCM-560, HCM-551
HCM-600 Series: HCM-630, HCM-631, HCM-635, HCM-645, HCM-650
HCM-300 Series: HCM-300T, HCM-315T
enviracaire Model: ECM-250i

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Graco 4 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier Review

I purchased this product from Babies RUS on promotion with a 20% discount and gift cards.However, to date, I've spent the purchase price on this unit on filters (albeit cheaper at amazon with amex wishlist discount).

PROS:
This unit is quiet (on quietmist setting), does humidify a large space, and has a convenient humidity setting/readout, not to mention a large 4gallon tank.So yes, it does its job as it's supposed to.

CONS:
and this is a big CON job.Have you ever wondered why this 4-gallon humidifier is ~$70 when 1-2 gallon quiet mist tanks are going for around the same price? THIS IS WHY:The filters cost about $10 and you'll know it's time to change it when you smell a dead rat every two weeks - you can't cop out and pretend it's not there b/c whatever that filter does soaking in water, it really puts out some foul smell when it's "time to change".Say you'll need a humidifier to operate for 4 months in the winter (most likely way longer), that's 8 x $10 = $80 just to keep this thing going. Moreover, if you read the description of this item, it recommends you clean it EVERY DAY - sorry dudes, I've got a job, wife and kids, i don't need to add a humidifier to the family feeding and cleaning schedule.

I've "downgraded" to a 1-gallon humidifier that lasts the night in a 400sq foot room - that's ALL you need people.Forget the 4-gallon filter-guzzler.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Graco 4 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier

Product Description:
Graco Programmable Cool Mist Humidifier - 4.0 Ga 2H02Recommended Use: Graco's 4.0-gallon Cool Mist Programmable Humidifier is for use in any room in your home.Graco's high-performance 4.0 gallon Cool Mist Programmable Humidifier automatically maintains your pre-set humidity level so your baby breathes easier. Designed with convenient features for moms and dads, its dishwasher-safe tank and tray make sanitary weekly cleaning a snap. And its EasyFill tank does just what it says, making filling fast and easy. Plus you might only need to refill it once for 24 hours of operation. Ideal for the nursery, bedroom or larger rooms, it covers a 1200 square-foot area. Other superb features include the exclusive QuietMist setting that lets your baby sleep peacefully, an easy-to-replace drop-in filter and TrueAir technology for reliable performance.Care & Maintenance: Wipe the fan enclosure, control panel, and cord with a damp cloth or sponge. Each day, lift off the fan enclosure, remove the filter and empty the water tank and tray into the sink, rinsing to remove any dirt or sediment. Wipe clean, then dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, reinstall and refill the water tank with cool tap water. Once a week, remove scale caused by hard water deposits by cleaning tank and tray in a dishwasher or washing by hand. Inspect the filter each week. If it becomes hard to the touch, or shows discoloration (caused by mineral deposits or mold/mildew buildup), it should be replaced.

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HONEYWELL ENVIRACAIRE HWM910 Warm Moisture 2 Gallon Humidifier Review

I used to buy more expensive humidifiers that required replacement filters that cost essentially as much as this humidifier.This one puts out a warm mist with no white dust. I rinse the water dish with vinegar once a week, wipe it down and it's clean. I have a two-story house with a furnace humidifier, but I still run two of these humidifiers on low 24/7 in winter. We never have sore throats or colds. The money we save on cough drops and cold meds and doctor visits more than pays for these humidifiers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HONEYWELL ENVIRACAIRE HWM910 Warm Moisture 2 Gallon Humidifier

Product Description:
Warm Moister 2 Gallon Humidifier. Outputs up to 2 gallons water per day. 400-700 Square Feet of coverage. Low / High Output Settings. Remove & Rinse tray for easy cleaning. Mist Breaker Safety System - shuts unit off automatically if tank is empty removed or tipped over.

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Vicks 1.0 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier Review

I have purchased and thrown away at least 3 other humidifier's prior to this one.I really like this one.The maintenance is so much easier and so far no scaly build-up like I had with the others.I love that the basin tray can go in the dishwasher.I put the filter in the sun to dry out weekly.I am very pleased with this item and haven't experienced any of the problems others have mentioned.Very happy!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Vicks 1.0 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier

Product Description:
Cool Mist action for relief of cold and flu symptoms, pure natural moisture through cool mist wicking filter.

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Essick Air H12-400 3-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier, Oak Burl Review

I like the design and operation of this humidifier. In fact, I have two of them. Ace Hardware gave me extra-fast delivery -- no complaints with Ace. The machines humidify very efficiently, put out a lot of moisture, and (unlike many others) are reasonably easy to maintain. Normally it will run fine on low or medium fan settings. Forget about the high fan speed; it sounds like a helicopter taking off.

The first one I bought worked fine some of the time, but generally would not start up again after the humidistat controller automatically shut it off. Through much trial and error, I figured out that you have to center the wick precisely on its hanger rail that runs along the inside of the water chamber so the float aligns correctly. Great -- problem solved, although poorly explained in the brief instruction sheet.

Then, at the beginning of the second winter dry season here on the high plains, the motor began to squeal, seize, and stop, especially at low speeds. On high, it would slowly start and then scream for a while and finally run -- except it practically shook the unit apart and made it dance along the floor. After a day or so, it would no longer start at all. Clearly the bearings in the motor were shot.

I was about to junk it, when I thought to check the warranty. Sure enough, the warranty ran for a year. I had eight days left!!

I contacted Essick Air via email and a very nice customer service rep put me onto the person in charge of the warranty work. This second person sent form emails that were curt and blunt, but, in fairness, did address my problem. Getting the return papers could not be done via email, and took about two weeks to arrive by snail mail.

Alas, I would have to return the fan power head (they call it the "chassis") to them for repair. This, even though an authorized repair shop here in Denver is less than a half-mile from my condo.

I bought a large shipping box, packed the unit well, and lugged it on my back five blocks to UPS. $33.00 to send it to the factory (in Georgia, I think?), but they promised to reimburse me (and did).

About a month later, with no communication, the chassis arrives back here in my original packing, repaired with a new motor. However, I open the carton, take out the chassis, and it falls apart in my hands! Yup, it's repaired, but not screwed back together. The screws are lying loose in the bottom of the box and all four screw holes are stripped. The electronics have fallen out and are dangling from their wires.

The prospect of sending it back yet again is now so daunting that I take it into my little work closet and actually reassemble it myself, more or less, and screw it together with larger screws. It was one of those two-hour deals where you wish you were four-handed with long, narrow, double-jointed fingers. I have no idea if all the inside pieces are back in their actual slots or not, but it seems to work OK for now. Pray it does not catch on fire some day.

I contacted Essick Air's customer service rep just to tell them about the poor repair and got a very passionate apology and a promise to take it up with higher-ups and get back to me. I did not ask for it, but thought I might actually get a new "chassis" out of the deal. I'm not really comfortable with my backyard repair job.

Of course, after that I heard nothing ever again. The higher ups had obviously ducked the problem.

Maybe it's the fact that I am a retired marketing executive and know better myself, but it amazes me that a national company with a famous brand name would not treat me a little better when fulfilling the terms of a warranty. The customer service person could not have been nicer, but after that the treatment was suspicious, curt, abrupt, and, well, unsophisticated.

The documents I was sent were full of warnings and self-protective disclaimers, but showed little concern for my broken product or my work returning it: if they found that I did not really have a warranty claim, I would have to pay for shipping both ways ($33.00 out, and, were I so foolish to want a broken fan unit, another $33.00 back). Or I could pay for repairs in advance.

All this "attitude" and they had not even looked at my problem yet. The unit as I described it to them was pretty clearly broken, it was obviously a burnt out motor bearing, it must have happened more than once. I felt strongly that they were trying to get me to give up on the warranty. The whole approach implied that I was nuts for even bothering them and probably trying to cheat them. All this for a $10 motor!

From my point of view, of course, it's about a $150 item that ought to last longer than a year. Much longer.

Oh, yeah, that second one I bought? It arrived, brand new, with a squeak in the fan that even I can hear -- and I'm partly deaf. Not quite loud enough to send back though, so we use it on a lower floor. Could never use it in the bedroom. Other than the squeak, it works great. Will it last a year? Stay tuned!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Essick Air H12-400 3-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier, Oak Burl

Product Description:
Console style whole house evaporative humidifier, contemporary style, full-size performance in a midsize humidifier.Midsize makes this humidifier popular, automatic humidistate maintains optimun humidity level, refill light, automatic shutoff, 12 gallons of output per day, humidifies 2500 sq ft.3-speed fan ,5.0 gal water-holding capacity, easy-fill water bottle with refill hose, Bemis patented super wick, removebale power pack for easy cleaning, ez-roll casters, 24x131/2x22, 22.5lbs. Color-Oak Burl

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Lasko 1115 3-Gallon Evaporative Recirculating Humidifier Review

I have been through about 4-5 humidifiers in the last couple of years.My main complaints were noise (especially the boiling sound of the warm mist types), dirtiness after a few days of operation, and difficulty cleaning units. I decided to take another gamble with this humidifier--and it really paid off.I was afraid that the recirculating feature would be just another gimmick, but I can certainly tell the difference.

Pros:
Easy to fill
Easy to clean
Weekly cleanings are fine--could probably even go longer
The machine doesn't seem to get very dirty--recirculating water keeps deposits from forming
Humidifies the air well
Quiet operation (just the sound of the fan)
Long filter life

Cons:
Can't really think of any other than I can't buy the filters locally

I highly recommend this product!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lasko 1115 3-Gallon Evaporative Recirculating Humidifier

Product Description:
Indoor air can get especially dry in the winter months, especially with heating systems in full force. This three-speed recirculating humidifier makes it easy to maintain personal comfort levels in larger-size bedrooms or other spaces up to 800 square feet. Water continuously circulates through the unit, which not only keeps the filter moist for clean, long-lasting performance, but also for increased efficiency, using the entire filter surface for maximum, evaporative-moisture output. Continuous circulation also eliminates standing water, helps remove water contaminants, and won't re-circulate airborne particles. A fan blows across the moist filter, allowing water to evaporate and disperse throughout the room as cool, clean, invisible moisture, without white dust or over-humidification. The humidifier offers a 1-3/4-gallon water capacity and provides a 3-gallon output-capacity per day. Other details include a transparent water compartment, a convenient fill door, a large output grill, an on/off indicator light, and a patented, cascading waterfall that shows it's working. One evaporative filter pad (THF 15) comes included. The UL-listed humidifier measures approximately 16 by 12-1/2 by 13 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Air-O-Swiss AOS Ultrasonic Humidifier - 7135 Review

I got this to humidify my kids room. Previously we had been using the old vick vaporizer but it only put out for about 6 hours and had some other issues with getting the mineral content of the water just right.

Anyway this is without a doubt the best humidfier I've ever used. Setup was a little confusing at first (where little parts went. The tube hole through the tank was a little disconcerting but after I understood its function I saw it wasn't going to slosh water everywhere.

For a humidfier it has a amazing number of options.

Warm Mist vs Cool
I had always used "warm mist" but my wife wanted "cool mist", this was the only one that had both. Warm and cool are relative terms however. When I think of warm mist I think of the Vicks which can scald you if you get to close. It heats the room up in operation. This device the warm mist is sort of warm. It takes a few minutes to warm up and if you put your hand over the output you can feel its warm but not hot. It goes to warm by pre-heating the water before it hits the vaporizer. In cool mist it just vaporizes.

Output-
You have two output controls, relative humidity and mist volume for lack of a better term. Think of it as fan speed (but no fan)You set the humidity and it spits out water as needed. I don't know where the sensor is but the position of the output nozzel can really affect its reading.

The tank seems to hold enough water for 24 hours of output or 2-3 nights of use. The output is plenty adequate for a bedroom.

Controls-
Lots of controls on/off, heat/no heat, humidity, output, timer, auto mode and more. This is the big difference betwen this and the lower end model. Someone finally figured out how to put a timer on a humidifier (imagine that). So it runs as many hours as you set it. The sleep mode sets all settings automatically and runs 8 hours. I love it.

Noise-
What noise, this thing is silent. No bubbling or hissing or fan noises.

Filling the tank-
Take it out, flip it, unscrew the deminerlization cartridage and fill er up. Not the most stable but it works. Carry handle makes it easy to take back.

Its everything you could possibaly want in a humidifier. Low maintence, easy enough to fill, quite, lots of settings for any need.

Beats the heck out of the old vicks and some fan based whicking mold catching filter units I've used. The closet thing I ever had was a drugstore one that spit out the good stuff for 15 minutes and then broke. This is a quality product (and price) and should last (I've had it 2 weeks at the time of writing). It may be expensive but it does what you want and will outlast many of the others. If you've got the money its worth it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Air-O-Swiss AOS Ultrasonic Humidifier - 7135

Product Description:
Warm Or Cool Mist, Digital, Ultrasonic Humidifier, Quietest Type Of Humidifier Available, Replaceable Demineralization Cartridge, Ionic Silver Stick Effectively Kills Odor Causing Bacteria, Digital Controls For Easy Operation, Intelligent Temperature Control Helps Maintain Constant Ideal Humidity Level, Up To 3.5 Gallon Output Per Day, Suitable For Rooms Up To 600 SQFT.

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Honeywell HCM-6009 QuietCare 9-Gallon Console Humidifier with Air Washing Technology Review

One might think from the product literature that you are buying a humidifier that has a 9 gallon water tank capacity. Not true. You are buying a humidifer that has the capacity to output 9 gallons of water per 24 hours. Since each water tank is only 1.5 gallons, this means you have to fill the tanks six times (three times each tank) to get the maximum output. Not very practical for a home humidifier.

To refill the water tanks you must turn them upside down. Unfortunately the bottom (i.e. the top turned upside down), is not flat. This requires a fair amount of juggling when you refill the tanks as they will not stand up by themselves. The engineer who designed this product must have missed the class on ergronomics.

Since you can not see in the water tanks when they are in use, and there is no low water indicator on the machine, you can not judge how much water is left by looking. You have to pick up the tanks. Again ergronomically challenging.

This product is very noisy on the high setting, similar to a window fan on high. Because the water tanks do not fit well, they vibrate when they are near empty.

If you place this product on a wooden floor, it will warp the floor from the humidity.The product also leaks when you refill it.

Best to pass this product by.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Honeywell HCM-6009 QuietCare 9-Gallon Console Humidifier with Air Washing Technology

Product Description:
Keep your home properly hydrated with Honeywell's HCM-6009 9-gallon-output-per-day humidifier, which is designed for rooms up to 2300 square feet. A humidifier is helpful in introducing moisture to your home in order to help you avoid dry skin, chapped lips, dry nasal passages and static electricity as well as keep your wood floors and furnishings in good shape.
Easy to clean, carry and fill, the HCM-6009 runs up to 24 hours on one filling. This QuietCare model has a fan that blows out invisible, moisture-balanced air, and is 30 percent quieter than other models. It features an Air Washing pre-filter that helps to trap dust, dirt and pollen before it enters the main filter.
The Protec cleaning cartridge helps reduce mineral build-up, while the antimicrobial-treated filter helps prevent the growth and migration of mold, fungus, algae and bacteria on the filter--both contributing to a fresher, cleaner mist and extend filter life. Other features include a 3-1/4-gallon tank capacity, 9 gallons of humidity output per day, 3 moisture output settings, adjustable humidity control, and automatic shut-off. The HCM-6009 comes with caster wheels for easy movement around your home. It measures 21 by 17-1/2 by 13 inches (WxHxD), is backed by a 3-year warranty, and uses HC-14 replacement filters.

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Air-O-Swiss AIR-O-SWISS 7145 Ultrasonic Humidifier Review

I bought this after reading a review of vaporizers / humidifiers in Good Housekeeping magazine, http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/reviews-tests/appliances-electronics/best-humidifiers. This Air O Swiss model is different than the one recommended by GH, but it is AWESOME.

It's a cold mist, so it's safe for kids / pets; I only need to fill it once a day; it is designed so that it won't grow mold or harbor germs / viruses; very fine mist & leaves no powdery residue.VERY EASY to USE!AWESOME!

BONUS -- much lower energy costs than other humidifiers / vaporizers AND much more effective.

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Product Description:
Humidification SystemThis amazingly compact Cool Mist Ultrasonic creates a comfortable environment in any room. Efficient air humidification technology uses high-frequency vibrations to generate a micro-fine mist, and a replaceable demineralization cartridge ensures the water mist is without mineral residues. The AIR-O-SWISS tri-band microbial protection system prevents microbial growth in the water base, which is particularly important when the humidifier is not used for some time w

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Duracraft DWM250 2-1/2-Gallon Warm-Mist Humidifier Review

My grandparents had a cabin in Canada, and their "humidifier" was a shovel full of snow in a big pot on the wood stove.Ah...those were the days.Fast forward to the present, in my home without a wood stove, to a complaining wife and stuffy newborn.What I thought was a seemingly easy task turned into a nightmare, thanks to the internet and Amazon reviews.

The type was easy.Cool mist is too moldy (unless they are kept clean, and let's be realistic, who actually cleans humidifiers?) and filters are pricey, ultrasonic has the added benefit of the "white powder" in the air and settling on everything, and the whole-home kind that are attached to the furnace ducts aren't really made for small heat pump HVAC like I have in my house.So, warm mist it was, and I started on my journey to find the perfect one.

And it was a journey.I found fancy ones with all sorts of features, and cheap ones that made steam.All had one thing in common, those that hated them and gave them one star, and those that loved them and gave them more stars.

Meanwhile, my wife borrowed her mother's humidifier, which happened to be a many year old version of this particular one.It's the same humidifier we've borrowed every year since my wife and I got married five years ago.After playing with the idea of a UV lighted, mineral pad soaking, multi-gallon capacity, built-in hygrometer monster, I decided to get two of these units instead--at a cheaper price.Why?

For one, my mother-in-law's unit still runs like a champ after all this use.We really only use it at night for sleeping.The trick is to fill it up and run it on high while getting ready for bed, and then turn it on low when going to sleep.The water lasts all night and it increases the humidity nicely.

For two, many of the features offered on more expensive models are all but useless.So many people complain about filling the things--is it really that hard to walk to the sink once a day?In order to kill airborne germs, a lot more is needed than the tiny UV light offered in other humidifiers.If the built-in hydrometer is out of whack, too bad!Mineral filtration pads?Unless a person is unlucky enough to live in a "liquid rock" area, a good wiping with paper towel soaked in vinegar once a week is all that's needed to clean the heating element.

Sometimes, less is more, and I believe this is definitely the case with humidifiers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Duracraft DWM250 2-1/2-Gallon Warm-Mist Humidifier

Product Description:
Breathe easier and sleep more comfortably with this warm-mist humidifier. The unit provides bacteria-free vapor for small- to medium-size rooms up to 700 square feet, offering year-round relief from the drying effects of air conditioners and heaters, including dry nose, throat, lips, and itchy skin. The humidifier's removable water tank supplies an easy-grip handle and a transparent design, which allows for monitoring water levels at a glance and convenient transport to the sink for filling. The tank holds up to 0.67 gallon of water at a time, which will produce up to 12 hours--or up to 2-1/2 gallons--of warm mist before needing to be refilled. Choose from two speed settings, low or high, depending on personal preference. For safety, the humidifier will shut off automatically if turned on with an empty, removed, or tipped-over tank. Furthermore, the base of the unit can be removed and washed by hand in the sink or in the dishwasher for quick cleanup as needed. A medicine cup comes included for dispersing soothing vapors--a nice option when recovering from a cold or the flu. The warm-mist humidifier measures 11 by 5 by 11-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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