Saturday, December 28, 2013

14909 Sears Kenmore Humidifier Wick Filter (2 Pack)

14909 Sears Kenmore Humidifier Wick FilterThese filters will work, but they were not what I expected. I thought they were Sears brand, but they are a cheaper knock off packaged in flimsy plastic bags.

Vornado Evap3 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier

Vornado Evap3 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex HumidifierVornado makes the best humidifiers. The Evap3 is quiet and it puts out very much humidity. The older Vornado humidifiers were also great. Makes me wonder why all the models aren't still available? You will not be disappointed with the Evap3.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this humidifier. I could list all the pros, but let's just say that everything works as it should.

My one complaint is this: the unit doesn't turn off when empty. When the tank has drained completely, the fan just keeps going, indefinitely apparently. I looked in the manual and there's no mention of what's SUPPOSED to happen...so I assume this is just how they designed it. I have another humidifier (MoistAir HD1407) and when it's empty, the fans stop, and it displays "F" on the screen to indicate that it needs to be filled. On this Vornado humidifier, I have no way of knowing it's empty. What SHOULD happen, is when the tank is empty, the fan should stop and it should beep every few minutes until filled (like a smoke detector with a low battery). That way it wouldn't waste power by running the fan continuously (which serves no purpose when the reservoir is dry), and the room wouldn't dry out without my knowing.

Like I said, I'm still pretty happy with it. I just have to be sure to check on it regularly.

Buy Vornado Evap3 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier Now

This Humidifier was great when we first bought it (I love the easy compartment for filling the water) but after the first week the fan started to get louder and louder until it is too noisy to leave on while we sleep

Read Best Reviews of Vornado Evap3 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier Here

I have had lots of different humidifiers. I like this one the best. The ultrasonics leave white dust all over my electronics. And, you have to remember to replace the ultrasonics' demineralization and antibacteria cartridges on a schedule, because the end of their useful life is not always obvious. For this evap humidifier, you have to change the humidifier filters occasionally, but when they are no longer useful, you know it. Personally, I like the Vornado evap humidifiers much better than the ultrasonics, because I find them to be much less maintenance while working just as well or better. This is Vornado's best humidifier.

Want Vornado Evap3 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier Discount?

This humidifier works really well and the air actually feels better and smells better when it's running. The only drawbacks are that it can be a little bit noisy, but it doesn't run all the time. It only kicks on when the humidity isn't where you put the setting (30%, 40%, 50%, etc). The only other feature they should have but don't is something that warns you when it's out of water. I realized it wasn't kicking on all day and when I checked, it didn't have any water. So a sensor or something that warns you about that would be good. Otherwise, it's really a great humidifier!

Save 20% Off

Friday, December 27, 2013

Whynter 5 in 1 Evaporative Air Cooler (HAC-100S)

Whynter 5 in 1 Evaporative Air CoolerI bought this based on the other 2 user reviews, and now I'm convinced these were created by the manufacturer.

There's nothing positive I can say about this product, but as for the negatives...

It has barely any effect on the room temperature when set to air-cooling mode.

It's extremely loud and obnoxious. Seriously, it sounds just like an idling lawn mower.

Emits a nasty, exhaust-like smell.

Save yourself the time and money, you really don't want this product at any price.

EDIT (6/10/11): My suspicions about the other 2 reviewers (Ken Manning, Dave Martin) at the time of my purchase can be confirmed by their reviewing and tagging history. Look for yourselfBoth have only reviewed this product (with a raving positive review of course), and have tagged every Whynter product with an assortment of positive/descriptive adjectives. Ken Manning even went so far as to tag several competing products as "defective" and "not cold". Well, I know what brand NOT to trust now.

I bought this,and it really does suck, it broke after 4 months and did not work that well in the first place, and it was really loud. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY

Buy Whynter 5 in 1 Evaporative Air Cooler (HAC-100S) Now

After reading the other reviews, my story is hardly unique here. The product worked (marginally, I might add) for about 3 weeks before beginning one night to emit a deafening, grinding noise. I disassembled the whole thing to see if I could figure out the problem. Didn't help. I emailed Whynter customer service and after several back and forth exchanges with basically useless ideas to fix it, I got a return authorization to send it back. I heard absolutely NOTHING from them for over six weeks until I basically hounded them about the whereabouts of my unit. After TWO MONTHS of waiting, it finally arrived again. I plugged it in and was greeted by...THE SAME HORRIBLE NOISE! After over two months, they fixed absolutely nothing. It sucks. They suck. Do yourself a favor and DON'T BUY THIS GARBAGE!

Read Best Reviews of Whynter 5 in 1 Evaporative Air Cooler (HAC-100S) Here

Whynter Air Cooler/Heater/Humidifier

Timeframe: 2 months

My usage conditions: 51F to 78F, Humidity 60% to 80%

Functions used: Heater, evaporative air cooler, humidifier.

Design:

I selected this primarily for the design and color scheme. I did not want another white/beige appliance or some psychedelic blue or pink candy painted device. Conventionally shaped and subtle in overall appearance. Top marks.

Functionality: The Whynter air cooler is a misnomer, while it does a solid job cooling a 150square foot space, it does a whole lot more than cool. The heat was nice to have when the temperature dipped and the humidity control is very useful when dealing with dry air resulting from heater use. Intuitive and easy to control. The water tank at the base take a bit of jiggering to slide in and out but otherwise I do not have any issues with it. The filters built into the unit do provide some degree of purification. My room air purifier lasted about 30% longer before the indicator light came on. It is light weight and portable, but be careful when you move it with the water tank filled.

Quality:

Well built with softtouch controls. The remote control was responsive and fit nicely into the attached holster on the unit. Material is were primarily plastic. Easy to clean and maintain. Pre-filter is easily removed and cleaned. No fuss device.

Price:

Quite reasonable for all that it does. I would take this over 3 or 4 separate devices any day.

Overall:

One of my better purchases this year. top scores across the board.

Want Whynter 5 in 1 Evaporative Air Cooler (HAC-100S) Discount?

Whynter Eco-Friendly 5 in 1 Evaporative Air Cooler (HAC-100S)

Never quite experienced an air cooler before, it is decidedly a good product that does well for the price. This unit does a good job cooling at a fraction of the cost of an air conditioner and without the power consumption or setup needed. Don't expect the room to cool down significantly, air coolers don't work that way. This provides superior comfort in a 15ft radius.

In fact, I prefer to have this on compared to an air conditioner on dryer days.

I'm not an uber technical person but from my understanding, what it does is to use water to and the cooling effect of an evaporative process. This is especially useful for sensitive or dry skin. Currently used in the bedroom but am adding an additional unit in the den.

Not real setup is required, just fill the unit with water and set it on, it makes an odd noise when the water bucket is empty but just fill it up again and you'll be fine. The louvers are a little flimsy but can be popped back into place quite easily. It's easy to move around and small enough to put in most spaces. Oh, and it comes with handy heater mode too.

Save 4% Off

AGW-835 Robitussin Humidifier Wick Filter

AGW-835 Robitussin Humidifier Wick FilterI didn't expect to find filters for my machine so when They arrive just in time for the seasonal sniffles I was ecstatic!

These filters do not seem to work well-certainly they do not wick nearly as well as the originals. Try to reuse the old ones.

Buy AGW-835 Robitussin Humidifier Wick Filter Now

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier

Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint DehumidifierI received this unit free of charge because my old unit failed AND because I registered that purchase online at the Frigidaire website.

I originally purchased the Frigidaire 50-pint humidifier (Model FDF50S1) in June of 2009 [i.e. the 2009 version of this product] through Amazon.com. The unit worked perfectly for two years then stopped dehumidifying. The unit would power on, one could change the fan speed, but the unit would not dehumidify even though the unit was set to Continuous (CO) and a hyrgrometer showed the basement room to be at 49% humidity.

After contacting a local Frigidaire authorized repairer, I learned these units are considered "throwaway" meaning there are no serviceable parts (except the filter). The units are less expensive to replace than repair, so the manufacturer does not sell any replacement parts (except the filter). My 2009 system had a one year full warranty (long past) and a Years 2-5 "Sealed System" warranty (the sealed refrigeration system).

I called Frigidaire (eventually directed to Electrolux Home Appliances, the actual manufacturers of Frigidaire dehumidifiers), and was expecting to have to pay some cost to get my unit replaced. The rep told me that since the dehumidifier system failed (within the five year warranty) the unit would be replaced with a new 50-pint unit FREE OF CHARGE. Frigidaire arranged for me to pick up a new unit (this unit) at Lowe's at no cost to me.

Since my unit was REGISTERED ONLINE AT FRIGIDAIRE.COM at the time of purchase, I did not have to submit any receipts nor send the old unit back.

Therefore, I have two summary points:

1. These dehumidifiers only last a few years

2. Make sure you register your Frigidaire dehumidifier purchase on-line after you buy. It will make the replacement process alot easier.

FIRST REVIEW (2 stars):

1) The dehumidifier function seems to be quite effective. Our basement was really dank. After a few days, the difference is quite improved.

2) The machine does NOT drain into a hose. I tried all of the suggestions seen in other reviews without success. I was really hoping that I could drain directly into the sump pit, but that is not to be. The water does collect in the tank, so a trip to the basement is required every two days. Not the end of the world, but not as advertised either.

UPDATE Frigidaire is sending me a modification to the dehumidifier. Per their email of today, "We are pleased to announce we now feature a kit that once installed should totally eliminate the drainage issue. We are mailing the kit along with installation instructions direct to your residence. Please allow 7-10 business days."

So, if you are having the drainage problem, you need to contact Frigidaire via their web site and request the kit.

I will let you know if it works...

UPDATE # 2 Frigidaire got the parts to me in 3 days. There is a plug for the drain which leads into the tank, diverting the water. The other part is an adaptation for the threaded drain on the back. Installation of both required less than one minute.

Viola! Water is now coming out of the hose!

Although one must wonder why they don't include the modification kit with the original product package, I'm quite impressed with Frigidaire service.

Buy Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier Now

I use this in my finished basement, and it does an excellent job of keeping it dry. I used it when it was 98 and humid and it did its job. I had to empty it out about two times a day. When the temperature dropped to the 70s and humidity dropped, I emptied it out about once a day. I can be away from my house a couple days at a time, so I hooked up a hose. Initially, it did not drain out of the hose, but instead continued to drain into the bucket. I took off the rear two wheels so it tips back a bit, now it drains through the hose.

If you are considering purchasing this, I would look elsewhere to a product that was designed correctly instead of needing to make an adjustment. If you already purchased this, want to use continuous draining, but do not want to return it, either put some cardboard at the front of the dehumdifier, or take off the rear wheels so it will drain from the hose instead of into the bucket. Hopefully there are no other design errors with this product, since it keeps my basement dry.

Read Best Reviews of Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier Here

The two dehumidifiers I have had running in the basement started staying on longer and longer and producing less and less water even while the humidity was increasing one of them actually stopped producing completely.

When I plugged in the Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier, I was first amazed at the noise level. Practically nil compared to the other two units and also much more airflow with the squirrel-cage fan vs the standard bladed/rotating fans on the others.

I had a full bucket of water within 6 hours! I ran it through two more full bucket-cycles over the next 24 hours before I made the decision to keep it. After that, I put it on a raised platform (3 feet) and connected a hose down to the furnace condensate removal pump. Works like a charm!

A word about the hose connection. I had no issues as other reviews have mentioned. This must be an improved model. All I had to do was unscrew the cap on the outlet and connect a hose. No "kit" was required as some others noted.

It is important to make sure the unit is level or tipped back slightly for the hose drain to work properly as there is no pump in the Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier it is strictly gravity that moves the water out the hose or into the bucket.

Another note regarding this: Most basements have a slope built into the floor! Either towards a standard floor drain or to the outside perimeter. Do yourself a favor and put a level on top of your Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier and shim it level or slightly back and to the right to get the best performance.

Oh! Delivery was 3 days with Prime instead of the normal 2 day Prime delivery. I was notified of this extra day at time of purchase. No big deal for me but it may effect your buying decision.

Update: I have to rescind my comments about not needing a kit for hose drainage. Seems that a "plug" needs to be inserted in the hole that empties into the bucket. Frigidaire is sending me a one of these plugs so I think that all will be fine in the end. I am keeping the five star rating as the customer service was top-notch. They are even sending me an additional kit to "fix" the second Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier I ordered over the weekend (it shipped today). Why don't they send the "kit" with every dehumidifier? I doubt they cost more than a few cents each, but I'm sure they have their reasons. I'll update if the kit fails to fix the issue (but I am confident that won't be necessary).

Want Frigidaire FAD504DUD 50-Pint Dehumidifier Discount?

I've got a Whirlpool dehumidifier that has run ALMOST continuously in my basement for 6 years and a Kenmore dehumidifier that has run pretty much continuously in my garage for 8 years. Throw a little bleach in the water bucket every now and then ... that's all one has to do with these two appliances.

I bought THIS Frigidaire dehumidifier for my bathroom just SIX WEEKS AGO! The electronic control panel has been "sketchy" a couple of times since then but tonight it quit working completely. I should have known better (but, alas, I thought lightning did not strike twice in the same place) because I bought ANOTHER Frigidaire dehumidifier (which I've also reviewed on AMAZON) just a little over a year ago and its electronic control panel ceased to work just a few days after the one year "warranty" expired.

So, I will never buy another Frigidaire or Electrolux (who now owns Frigidaire) product again for as long as I live. Govern yourselves accordingly with regard to these poorly engineered products.

Save 14% Off

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

EUV-13B Enviracaire Germ Free Humidifier Bulb

EUV-13B Enviracaire Germ Free Humidifier BulbThis bulb arrived broken. Considering how much it cost you would think a bit more care could have been taken with it. If I do not receive a replacement bulb that works I will never order from this company again.

The company is reshipping another bulb free of charge.

I will update my review upon receiving a working bulb.

Unbelievable.

The replacement bulb was also broken.

NEVER ORDERING FROM AGAIN.

It must be good; it's still working. Not to expensive and I only plan on useing it for the winter season.

Buy EUV-13B Enviracaire Germ Free Humidifier Bulb Now

Humidity Bead System® (Extra Large, 65% RH for up to 300 Cigars)

Humidity Bead System®this is a great unit for humidifying a large area for cigars. I use it in a 48 quart cooler and it holds humidity at 63-65%. Easy to recharge, simply dip in distilled water and shake off excess. Only charge 75% of the beads, these both release and absorb humidity.

the plastic brick is sturdier than most and has a fairly small footprint. would have been 5 stars but the shipping costs are a little high. If you're having trouble maintaining humidity in your humidor beads are the solution.

A lot smaller than I expected we will see how it works but I expected it to be much larger.

Buy Humidity Bead System® (Extra Large, 65% RH for up to 300 Cigars) Now