This machine does the job, however, it takes white noise and raises it to an all new level of annoying. I suppose we'll get used to it, however, if you are looking for something you can't hear, this humidifier isn't for you. I know most of them are considered loud, but I have had at least 4 models over the years and the VICKS one we have in another room is far quieter, although quiet isn't the word I would use to describe it. I guess you would have to deal with the noise with any machine, but this one is louder than most.
I'm really scientific about stuff and it was no different when it came down to finding something to add more humidity to the air in my townhouse. I looked at three main options, the vaporizing or misting humidifiers, the filter/evaporation type humidifiers, and the types you install in your central air conditioning system.
I owned a couple vaporizing or misting humidifiers. I did not find them to be the best because they will pump water vapor into the air constantly with no regulation. Therefore you can easily get too much humidity. Also, they vaporize whatever impurities are in the water so those are also put into the air. Because the Jarden unit and similar types draw air over a wet filter and require evaporation to occur, as the humidity level rises less and less evaporation will take place. So they kind of self regulate. This Jarden unit has a hygrometer type sensor in it though, so you can set the humididty level. I tested the accuracy with an external calibrated hygrometer and it was fairly accurate.
The last type of humidifier is the type that installs in your home central air system. These are expensive and much more difficult to install and for those reasons I did not go that route.
Buy Jarden Consumer Heater SCM1866-UM Sunbeam Cool Mist Humidifier, 1.5-Gallon Now
I also bought this from Jarden. Since it's getting colder and winter time's around the corner, turning the heat on makes my nostrils and mouth really dry. So, I wanted a humidifier to help me out! I've been using mine for 5 days now and I love it!
Pros:
-$16
-I can feel it working-the cool mist
-The water definitely goes downso I know it's working...
I like the choice of settings: low and high, and % of moisture/humidity
Cons
-bit loud, but it's fine on a low setting. I watch TV before going to bed anyway, and I dont really hear it.
But Im used to it now,
Read Best Reviews of Jarden Consumer Heater SCM1866-UM Sunbeam Cool Mist Humidifier, 1.5-Gallon Here
I bought this unit from JardenStore when it was on sale. After two weeks use, this unit is now collecting dusts in my basement. It works OK on blowing mist, but WAY too noisy even at lowest speed setting. And worse, if you set it to run at automatic mode to maintain a humidity, it comes on and off in every tens of seconds bad design I would say.
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Lasts longer than others, has multiple speeds...a little heavy to carry, but love that it last's for as long as it does.
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We've had several of these in the bedrooms of our house for several years and they have worked very well for us. You can see how well the mineral pads work after just a month because they become brown and stiff with mineralization. I have yet to notice any of the white dust other humidifiers can leave behind. I believe that the ultraviolet light must also work because the water in the tanks has never gotten musty or stale. Overall I would definitely recommend this humidifer (actually I have). The two large tanks will usually last for at least 48 hours when the humidifier is set to medium so you don't have to fill them every day, which is nice. I have never had to do an in-depth vinegar cleaning as described in the other review and they have worked just fine for us. I have also never had to replace the ultraviolet light bulb (which is kind of pricey but can be purchased here). (There is an indicator light which will tell you when it needs to be replaced.)