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Author Topic: Evaporative humidifiers  (Read 4590 times)

shewhorn

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Evaporative humidifiers
« on: February 21, 2008, 11:25:43 pm »

Can anyone recommend a decent evaporative humidifier (and where I can purchase it). Only folks around here that seem to have 'em are Sears and the Kenmore that they sell is notorious for having unreliable motors.

Room humidity is down to 23% right now. I need to get it to 40%. The room size is about  12'x15'.

I don't want an ultrasonic model or anything that's going to spew dust.

Cheers, Joe
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DarkPenguin

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Evaporative humidifiers
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2008, 11:46:14 pm »

Do you have forced air?  Have you considered a whole house humidifier like an april aire?
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shewhorn

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« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2008, 12:38:11 am »

Quote
Do you have forced air?  Have you considered a whole house humidifier like an april aire?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=176570\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

We do but with our particular system (really poorly implemented) it's not the best option without a major  $$$ overhaul of the system.

I've heard that name before though. Seems to be popular.

Cheers, Joe
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Peter Frahm

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« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2008, 12:41:13 am »

The best one around for evaporative is the Venta-airwasher. They are very quiet, efficient, wickless and east to clean. They are also expensive as hell. But, they work better and last a long time.
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Dale_Cotton

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« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2008, 08:19:03 am »

I have a Holmes HM5081 small room model. Water lasts 20 to 24 hours in my situation. No problems at all and seems easy to clean. So far as I know all room humidifiers need frequent cleaning due to mineral deposit build-up.
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digitaldog

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« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2008, 09:37:33 am »

Venta-Sonic don't need cleaning (I have two). You do have to refill this goodie about twice a year ($12). Puts out a very cool stream of moisture which is nice, makes no sound at all. I do notice from time to time, a "film" on some plastic (like the cover on my 4800) but then, sometimes its fine, not sure what that's all about. VERY dry where I live, especially in winter so this helps.

http://www.amazon.com/Venta-Sonic-Ultrason...03690953&sr=8-2

No problems with the product working (as some report above) after about 2 years.
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Craig Murphy

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« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2008, 09:55:14 am »

I went to Lowe's and purchased the biggest 'Moist Air' unit they had.  I have 1900sq ft of space.  Works fine.  Loud when on high but once you get the humidity level up low is quite enough for me.    I've been adding the pink colored Humidi-Treat water and scale treatment to the water.  It seems to help with the wick's lifespan.  Certainly made a difference with the amount of nozzle clogging.
« Last Edit: February 22, 2008, 09:55:59 am by Craig Murphy »
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CMurph

DarkPenguin

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Evaporative humidifiers
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2008, 09:57:03 am »

Quote
We do but with our particular system (really poorly implemented) it's not the best option without a major  $$$ overhaul of the system.

I've heard that name before though. Seems to be popular.

Cheers, Joe
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=176575\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Ah!  I put mine in when I did a major overhaul of my system.  (94% efficient and sized correctly for the house.  Woo!)  Keep them in mind, tho.  The whole house humidifier and the nice filtration system were almost enough to make me happy the old system died.
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shewhorn

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« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2008, 12:16:07 pm »

Quote
http://www.amazon.com/Venta-Sonic-Ultrason...03690953&sr=8-2

No problems with the product working (as some report above) after about 2 years.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=176637\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Problem with the Ultrasonic humidifiers (even the ones with filters) is that they vaporize everything in the water. This particulate ends up creating a dust build up in the room. Not the best for printers or people with allergies. For this reason I'm specifically looking for an evaporative humidifier.
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digitaldog

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« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2008, 12:21:48 pm »

Quote
Problem with the Ultrasonic humidifiers (even the ones with filters) is that they vaporize everything in the water.

That's why I'm testing the unit with Vodka!

Actually this is true. Some reviews state that the water quality plays a role.
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shewhorn

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« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2008, 12:55:35 pm »

Quote
The best one around for evaporative is the Venta-airwasher. They are very quiet, efficient, wickless and east to clean. They are also expensive as hell. But, they work better and last a long time.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=176576\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


Thanks Peter. I'm going to get the LW24. My GF has a 20% off coupon for Bed Bath and Beyond. Turns out she already bought one for herself and returned it because the thermostat died within a week. She wasn't impressed but... they have a 10 year warranty. I don't think they'd offer that unless they had a relatively low rate of failure so I think she was just unlucky. I'm not too worried.

Cheers, Joe
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digitaldog

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« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2008, 01:08:34 pm »

FWIW, Consumer Reports did a mini review of the LW-14 & LW-44in Feb 08. They said it wasn't so hot at removing dust and smoke and was efficient at adding moisture but lacks a sensor which they recommend. They claim that unit has a $90 a year cost for water additive solution!
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Peter Frahm

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« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2008, 01:17:54 pm »

They are an excellent product and they support their products, you get what you pay for in this case. I've been through the rounds on these things and their system of rotating "discs" is very smart. They have an excellent concept that increases the evaporative surface area on a set of rotating plastic discs. They work and the evaporative system makes the most sense, especially when you don't have to deal with a wick system. I'm sure Vodka would work quite well in this system. Beer?
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Peter Frahm

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« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2008, 01:44:13 pm »

Venta sells a solution in little packets. It's supposed to be an anti bacterial/mold inhibitor and a wetting agent that aids evaporation by sheeting the water instead of beads (taking full advantage of the surface area). If you decide to use the solution you'll spend around 18 bucks for about 5 months worth. For me that's about the length of the humidifier season in my area. Right now I don't use the stuff and things seem fine. There is a product you can get at WALmart in the hunidifier section, that will inhibit the mold bacteria issue. 10 bucks or so a bottle. Seems fine. I wash the discs in my dishwasher once a year. Everythings cool.

Venta obviously wants to sell the packets...they highly recommend it, go figure. We know that lots of companies make the big bucks on the accessory juices. If you need to humidify all year round and want to buy the additives then you could spend some bucks.
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shewhorn

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« Reply #14 on: February 22, 2008, 02:53:06 pm »

Quote
FWIW, Consumer Reports did a mini review of the LW-14 & LW-44in Feb 08. They said it wasn't so hot at removing dust and smoke and was efficient at adding moisture but lacks a sensor which they recommend. They claim that unit has a $90 a year cost for water additive solution!
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=176693\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Good point on the lack of a humidistat. I'll have to look into an external unit. I'll have to stop by one of the local piano dealers to see what they recommend.  As for an air cleaner I have a BlueAir AV501 so I'm not too worried about that.

Cheers, Joe
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