Unistar 4-in-1 Swamp Cooler with Ionic Air Purifier, DF268.

pros:

saves you in energy bills since it can cool the room instead of using the ac

filters are washable

the included remote gives you controls even in bed

the 30 min interval timer feature is great specially when it gets too cold at night

cons:

the ionizer feature is more of a display light than anything

needs a weekly maintenance. water mineral builds up at the bottom, if you let it sit for more than a week, taking it out posts a problem.

if you even find the time to actually clean the insides of the fan and and take out the dusts and water deposits, it would take a lot of patients since the machine wasn't designed for easy disassemble. (you'll need a thin long screw driver to take out some of the screws.)

bottom line:

machine is great as an alternative humidifier and room fan. It is a high maintenance machine make sure you clean it every week or two.

The air conditioning in my building has not been working, so it has been about 80-85 degrees in our cubicles. With this product, I am actually able to be comfortable. It was very easy to set up and get going and the water lasts a long time between fill ups. I do add ice to the top for more cooling. Three people have bought one since they have seen mine, and others stop by to cool off. I shopped around, and this cooler was about the best price and, as I said in the title, it is also kind of "retro" and cute, as well as functional.

Buy Unistar 4-in-1 Swamp Cooler with Ionic Air Purifier, DF268. Now

This unit has been perfect for my intended use.

My co-workers prefer to keep our office building a bit warmer than I am comfortable. I have set the Unistar Swamp Cooler in the door of my office, and it effectively keeps my office several degrees cooler than it would otherwise be. I wasn't sure when I bought it whether it would work in a humid region, and have been very happy that it does. Nor does it make the environment uncomfortable humid. I assume that if the primary central A/C went out, this thing wouldn't do much of anything, though, in South Carolina.

Also, the manual is a joy to read. Honestly, I've read it cover to cover at least three times. It is an excellent and humorous example of non-native translation. Example: "Attention: Any parts of the control panel should be forbidden to be stained with water." Well, it amuses me, anyhow. . .

~~~

UPDATED 1 September 2011

I've had this swamp cooler for 2.5 years now. I use it every business day. It still performs well. As for maintenance, I had to take it apart to clean it after about a year and a half, and just today had to give it its second cleaning. It takes about twenty minutes to take apart, clean, & put back together -so less than an hour of maintenance time for 2.5 years (in addition to occasionally wiping down the ice basin & rinsing the filter). It's made out of plastic which I would imagine will only stand up to two or three more overhauls, but it's not cheaply made to the extent that it should lose a star. This thing is really a champ.

Read Best Reviews of Unistar 4-in-1 Swamp Cooler with Ionic Air Purifier, DF268. Here

This is a great fan, nice looking, quiet and effective. I use it in my garage apartment and provides a nice comfort level. It is easy to operate and fill in with water. 8 gallon tank requires re-fill every other day. It comes with 4 ice packs. I use 2 at a time with the other two in the fridge and replace the ice packs every day. The top of the unit also has a compartment, where I add ice daily. The only thing that could make this fan better looking is to have a choice on the color. White is great, but would be nice to have a choice for the side light green color.

Want Unistar 4-in-1 Swamp Cooler with Ionic Air Purifier, DF268. Discount?

Bought this unit for a study (warmest room in the house). Very pleased with the item, seems to lower room temp by about 3-5 degrees. Very easy to use. Low noise level.

Save 33% Off

Jarden SWM5251-UM Sunbeam Warm Mist Humidifier

My sinuses and eyes get really dry in the winter when the heater is running. I bought one of these exact same models (the 5251) 6 years ago under the Holmes brand name. I wasn't expecting much since many reviews of different sorts of humidifiers out there where often pretty bad. It seemed like many humidifiers require expensive filter replacements, difficult cleaning processes, and they often don't work for long. I am glad to report that after six years, this humidifier is still working flawlessly. It's really easy to clean (I just rinse out the sediment left after boiling off all the tap water). Very helpful with my dryness. I would never live through another winter again without a humidifier, and I've been very happy with this model.

Last year, I decided to get a second one (of the same model, the SWM5251) after moving into a new place with a bigger bedroom. The newer one is this exactly the same but under the Sunbeam brand name instead of Holmes. It's the exact same thing as my old one, so Sunbeam must have bought the technology rights from Holmes or something. Anyway, the Sunbeam is working well now on its second winter, and I expect it will continue to work for several more years just like my first Holmes unit has been doing.

As I expected, this machine works.

I've had a few really good warm mist humidifiers, but this one really isn't one of them. Basically what this one does is it boils water, and to an extent is enough for a small room, but honestly I get more steam from my tea kettle. A little disappointed, but it does work and it's easy to clean and refill.

If you have to settle on this, it will workit may not produce as much as I would like, but it does it's job.

Buy Jarden SWM5251-UM Sunbeam Warm Mist Humidifier Now

I was really frustrated the first couple of nights I used this humidifier. It would NOT run until empty. As a matter of fact, it was only running about 15 minutes, and I was following all the direction, letting it sit for a while, etc. I figured out, that if the floor isn't perfectly level, the boiling area won't actually refill from the tank. Once I tipped the humidifier a couple of degrees, slanted so that the vents were below the handle, the humidifier worked great. Especially if you're going to be placing this on carpet be aware of this issue. I uses a folded up shirt that I placed under one edge to achieve the desired tilt.

Another thing to be aware of us is the noise. Even on low this thing can put out some noise. If you're a very light sleeper, this might not be for your. The noise is erratic as well, so it's not easy to tune out.

Oeverall, I love the amount of water it puts out into the air, and I love that it actually warms the room up a bit by putting the steam into the air. Probably by a whole degree, maybe even 2.

SUPER EASY TO CLEAN!!!!

Would buy again!

Read Best Reviews of Jarden SWM5251-UM Sunbeam Warm Mist Humidifier Here

The only negative is when you put it on high it runs through the water quickly. I wish it would last longer then7 hours (a whole nights sleep). Plus it is a little noisy and was hard to get used to.

Want Jarden SWM5251-UM Sunbeam Warm Mist Humidifier Discount?

I love I don't need to put a filter in every few months. When put on low setting the water can last in the reservoir for at least three nights. The high setting can last one night. It is quiet and barely noticeable.

Munchkin Arm & Hammer 3 Piece Nursery Fresheners with Brackets

The product itself is fine. I ordered this particular set for the brackets. I wanted to stick them in the lid of our diaper pail. Our pail is really a kitchen trash pail and doesn't have a place for deodorant disks. The adhesive on the brackets is pretty weak. So they fell off after a few opening and closings of the lid.

I placed two of these in my son's nursery. I have noticed that there is not any foul orders in the room but it does not really give a fresh scent to the nursery either.

Buy Munchkin Arm & Hammer 3 Piece Nursery Fresheners with Brackets Now

These Munchkin Arm & Hammer Fresheners get a 3.5 star in my opinion because they aren't a good "value" and the holders aren't as strong and I had hoped.

The holders are good for fixed surfaces (tables, walls, dressers, etc.) but if you're trying to affix them to the underside of the lid of a Diaper Genie like I was, they don't have enough stick to keep the holder in place and unless you put additional doublesided tape on the back of the freshener, then you'll likely loose it into the bag after a few diaper disposals because the holder doesn't grip the Freshener pack strong enough.

I like the little Fresheners and I recommend the bulk packs as a much better value. And if you really need a few holders then I guess this is your only option besides doublesided adhesive tape.

Read Best Reviews of Munchkin Arm & Hammer 3 Piece Nursery Fresheners with Brackets Here

These little guys are great I put one on my toilet, one by my kitty litter box, and one by the kitchen trash can. They do a great job of soaking up smells!

Want Munchkin Arm & Hammer 3 Piece Nursery Fresheners with Brackets Discount?

Just bought these at Target. First of all, the air freshener does not stay in the clip, it falls right out. Second of all, the fragrance isn't strong enough to make a difference. Right now I have it sitting on top of the diaper pail, just to see if I can smell it (I put it on the inside of the pail & it fell out) and I smell nothing. These are going back to the store.

Save 20% Off

20x25x5 (20x24.75x4.38) MERV 8 Honeywell Replacement Filter

• Nominal size 20 x 25 x 5.
• Actual size 20 x 24 3/4 x 4 3/8.
• 98% efficient filtration media.
• High efficiency filter media collects small dust particles before they can collect on your coils.
• No assembly required...no combs needed...filter just slides right in!

These generic filters have all the right stuff to do what filters do and they do it. What more can I say. They are cheap, but they work. Enjoy the savings.

Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers, 500cc

I am unsure if I received a defective product. The OxyEye was pink inside of the sealed up bags. After I used the oxygen absorbers in my canning jars I noticed that the OxyEye was still the same colorpink. It is still pink now, a day later sitting on the counter. No color change. I am wondering if all my oxygen absorbers were exposed and no longer good. That would be frustrating considering the time it took to seal up all my jars and vaccumm pack it.

I emailed the seller and am waiting to hear back. Will update the review once I do.

**Update** I still have not heard back from the seller, Seal & Store, LLC. I received a new bag of Oxy absorbers from another site, a reputable company. I left one absorber out of the bag on the counter to see what happenedit got hot! Like they are supposed to when they are absorbing oxygen. Also, the oxyeye turned purple to indicate it had oxygen contact.

This DID NOT happen with the oxygen absorbers that I purchased from Amazon. I left 2 out of each bag and they never even got warm. I am sure I received a defective product. Both OxyEye indicators stayed pink. Neither turned purple.

I am now lowing my rating to 1 star.

The indicator did nothing when I opened package and no change in color for weeks now. I've heard the packets get a little hot when working properly. No change in temp ether, I'm wondering if my food is ok. I think I will buy another brand open my bags and throw in another absorber or two. The other reviews say they work great, how do they know?

UPDATE: I compared the indicator with an unopened package again and I do see some change in color. Perhaps they are working, Also did find another vender that appears to be professional selling the same product so I feel better about the situation. The other vender gave instructions for testing these things. Tape it to the bottom of an empty jar, turn the jar upside down and place it on a pie plate with water. If the absorber is working it will pull some water up into the jar. start the test over each day for about a week. It should keep working for a few days.

Buy Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers, 500cc Now

These are amazing and really work well. I use them for everything from storing food, ammunition, etc. Whatever you want to store for a while in a sealed container and want all the oxygen out of it. They work great. I had to open a bucket the other day that had these in them, and I had a hard time getting tiop off because of the seal. Hihgly recommended.

Read Best Reviews of Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers, 500cc Here

I have seen other reviews about these types of product getting to people and they are not good any more. These both came in just perfect no problems at all. The sensor looked good.

Want Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers, 500cc Discount?

I give it a 4 star , they work quickly , you can tell once you have sealed the bag. I recommend this product.

Save 83% Off

Living Pure 8756 Living Pure 4-In-1 Heater and Air Purifier

I purchased this heater to replace a Lasko ceramic heater which I have no complaints. The room I use it in has many windows and is over my garage that it not heated. Unfortunately this is my bedroom and it gets drafty and requires supplemental heat. The living pure heater heats evenly and I can use it at a lower temp than the Lasko. I enjoy the added benefit of the humidifier & purifier. It has made it easier to breathe and I dont need the ionic breeze and a humidifier that had to use. I use it about 6-8 hrs at night and I do need to refill the water tank daily. The timer feature is nice too. I dont know if my electric bill will be less but I am using 2 less products and dont use this as many hours as the previous heater.

I ordered this heater thinking that it would work great. Is it just okay. It does work and it gently warms the room. There is no fan, no air blowing out of it. Just passive heat. When you order it, what you get isn't a model 8756, but rather model 9000; so I wish Amazon would update the item description. I don't know whether a fan actually exists inside the unit, or whether mine is broken. I looked inside and cannot see any fan inside.

What is important for this heater to work, at least for me, is the humidifier. Water vapor carries the heat so the small amount of humidity helps spread the heat throughout the room. If you don't use water, then it doesn't feel like the room gets warm at all.

It is overpriced. If the heater was around $120 or so, that would be a good price. But for over $300 it is too expensive for what it delivers. If I could return the heater for a full refund without having to pay for shipping, I would.

I bought a Vornado heater that seems to work a bit better. Although it doesn't have the UV air purifier or humidifier, it actually blows warm air, which in essence is what everyone basically wants to feel.

Buy Living Pure 8756 Living Pure 4-In-1 Heater and Air Purifier Now

I bought a similar model to this one from Living Pure.. Model 9000

Bought Three:

1. First one opened, then Power switch is broken

2. Open 2nd one, the top lid is broken where it is attached via screws. Plus the Side Door is not attached, popped out.

3. 3rd One, one of the four wheels is broken. Also the side door also popped out.

It was a bit difficult, but I managed to pop back in the side doors for both.

Thinking that I bought it new, I should not have a problem getting help from Woot (where I bought as brand new items). However, Woot said that they don't have any in stock to replace the purchase, and I have to call the manufacture.

I called the Manufacture, they told me that I have to ship them back (which is fine). However, I have to pay for the ship cost to ship to them, and also pay the shipping cost for them to send the 3 heaters back to me. Now, I just bought them brand new, and received them as broken items, I am really upset that I now have to put out additional $$$ to have them replaced (for all I know, the replacement might be just as broken one way or another).

If this is an indication of their confident in their product, I will never buy another item made by Living Pure.

(side note: Also, I would not buy any expensive items from WOOT again since they do not any responsibility for defect on arrival).

Read Best Reviews of Living Pure 8756 Living Pure 4-In-1 Heater and Air Purifier Here

I recd this heater as a gift from my father, he thought it would heat my family room area with very high ceilings. It only heated the area directly in front of the heater. Also it appears this was not a new product because we found someone elses return information in the box.

Want Living Pure 8756 Living Pure 4-In-1 Heater and Air Purifier Discount?

The machine arrived DOA. The flimsy switch on the back of the machine was broken. I called support and they said they would only take it back for replacement if I paid for shipping. I am now trying to replace the switch to get it working. Needless to say, I am not happy and would not recommend this machine.

Save 52% Off

3M COMMERCIAL OFC SUP DIV Replacement Filter, For OAC200

This is a great 3M product. We run the air cleaner 24/7 in our front smoking room. It keeps the air fresh and the rest of the apartment from smoke. We get 3 months on each filter, as the instructions say the filter gets better as it gets dirtier. The filters are a bit expensive but they deliver as promised and then some. Highly recommended. We have been using the air cleaner and filters for about 4 years.

Save 42% Off

* Humidifier Replacement Filter for HCM-750

it's exactly what I needed. Would order again. HOW MUCH MORE INFO DO YOU NEED. THIS SHOULD BE PLENTY.RIGHT...

ok

perfect was the right one for it. I bought a couple of boxes so I would have them on hand.

Buy * Humidifier Replacement Filter for HCM-750 Now

Honeywell C Premium Replacement Humidifier Filter - HC-888-TGT for Honeywell HCM-890 Series

These are hard to find in summer. We will make sure next fall to stock them in for summer. The price of these raised in the summer also

This waas a well made replacement for my humidifier as they wear out fast with my hard water and very good quality.

Buy Honeywell C Premium Replacement Humidifier Filter - HC-888-TGT for Honeywell HCM-890 Series Now

Kaz Incorporated V3900 Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier

We used to have a Crane duck humidifier (that worked really well) in our toddler's room, but it broke when I dropped it earlier this winter. I bought this Vick's humidifier as a replacement because it "Sanitizes the water with UV Technology while reducing up to 99.9% of bacteria, mold, and spores". This was a big selling point for me, and I thought it would be worth the cost. We have been using this humidifier for 2+ months, and I am very disappointed for the following reasons:

1. We need a humidifier because the winters are very dry here. My son's skin tends to be dry, his nose especially. It does not seem like this humidifier is helping at all. His skin and nose are just as dry. This humidifier puts out "invisible, moisture-balanced air", so it just feels like a cool fan blowing, and you can't actually see the mist. I'm not sure if being able to see (or not see) the mist makes any difference, but something isn't working because it is still too dry in his small room.

2. There are three levels: High (max moisture), Medium (moisture maintenance mode), and Low (sound sleeping mode). So yes, this humidifier is pretty quiet, but only on the "Low" setting. I thought I could just crank it up to "High" to put more moisture in the air, but on that setting the humidifier is too loud and my son is unable to sleep through it. So I tried "Medium", which is a little loud, but still not helping with the dryness. I have tried "High" during the day/"Low" at night, and also "Medium" all the time, but it is still too dry in his room.

3. We use a sound-only baby monitor in our son's room. When the humidifier setting is on "Medium" or "High", we are unable to hear anything through the monitor except the humidifier. It's not that big of a deal for us (because we don't really need to use the monitor for our toddler), but take this into consideration if you are buying this for an infant's room.

4. This 1-gallon tank is supposed to last for up to 24 hours. It does, but only if you leave it on "Low" all of the time. When left on "Medium", it has to be refilled every 16 hours, approximately.

On the plus side, it is easy to fill, and the reservoir does seem to stay cleaner than the Crane did. These are the only reasons that I did not give it 1 star. I really wished that this worked better for us because the idea of a humidifier that helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in the air is really appealing.

When I received this humidifier, I was very pleased with the design, how efficiently it used water, and the fact that the UV light killed 99.9% of the germs. The noise emitted from the humidifier was minimal, but I found the blue light on the dial annoying. Still, that complaint was minor. All things appeared well until I awoke this morning to find that the towel the humidifier was sitting on was soaking wet. I've always been careful with placing a humidifier on furniture and never had a problem with one leaking. That all changed with this unit. Not only do I have a faulty unit, but now the top of my good wood furniture is ruined! I believe this humidifier hasn't been out too long, and I would recommend waiting to purchase it until all the kinks have been worked out!

Buy Kaz Incorporated V3900 Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier Now

Bought the Vicks 3900 humidifier (with the UV light) and used it every night. The instructions suggest replacing the filter once every 1-3 months. The filter developed mold and dirty buildup within about 1 month. The unit began to to emit a moldy smell soon after. The humidifier basically becomes a mold growing and spraying unit unless you keep up with cleaning and buying new $12 filters every few weeks.

Read Best Reviews of Kaz Incorporated V3900 Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier Here

Bought one of these for baby's room, had it for a year, no problems. Just bought 3 more. Have a humidistat, these do in fact raise the humidity, I've measured it. Though keep in mind a humidifier is not going to cure your baby's nasal/respiratory completely and may not help at all...but these do provide humidity. Never had any problems. Some reviews mention "leaking"...the only way this will leak is if you somehow get water in the fan assemble inside, then it drains out some holes on the bottom(did this accidentally while cleaning it--there are signs telling which way to drain it to avoid this), otherwise there is no logical way these can leak...it has to be user error.

Want Kaz Incorporated V3900 Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier Discount?

We have gone through a bunch of humidifiers. This one si great. It isn't totally silent, but quiet enough that our 20 month old sleeps through it. The tank is also one of the easiest I have seen to fill. The filters are relatively cheap. $20 for three at amazon.

Save 8% Off

Sungold Ionizer Humidifier - childrens

This is a great product and it's easy to clean. I don't have to worry as much about mold buildup because of the germ killing ionic light and no filter! This won't get slimy like other humidifiers do. I just clean it with vinegar and water and shake it around the tank, feel inside for a squeaky clean, and done! Enjoy it! It took a long time for me to research just the right one and this really seems to be it! :)