Fuel saver

I read somewhere that increasing the humidity in your house enables you to turn down your thermostat and still feel warm. I verified this with a meteorologist and then began my hunt for a humidifier of some sort. I used this HWM-450 to raise the humidity in the main areas of my house from 30% to 40%, and have found that I feel warm even though I lowered my thermostat 3 degrees F. I'm looking forward to seeing the savings on my propane bills!

To choose a model, I looked at what was available in my area. I noticed that most humidifiers produce either cold or warm steam. Since I am using it in the winter, warm steam seemed logical. I also noticed that cold steam humidifiers need replacement filters, unlike warm steam units. I also felt very comfortable with warm steam units since these are the type that I grew up with and am thus familiar with the routine of cleaning the heating element with vinegar, and the reservoir with hot soapy water.

Next, I considered the size of the unit. The boxes indicate the size of the room that the unit is designed for. I noticed that some brands, like this HWM-450, state the number of gallons that they can use per day when running at maximum capacity, NOT the number of gallons that their tanks hold. Thus, this unit uses up to 4 gallons of water per day when operating at maximum speed, but this unit's tank only holds 1 1/2 gallons of water. The box specifies that it is sized for a "large room, 850-1400 sq. feet". I am using it in a room that is 500 sq. feet but it has no doors, thus the unit can affect 1,300 sq. feet of adjacent space. The humidistat that is located 25 feet from the unit confirms that the humidifier has raised the humidity by 10%, though the number that it shows is 7% higher than the number on this unit.

I found this unit at Home Depot. My local store had several of these units in taped up boxes, apparently returned. Their return policy is so generous, I felt safe taking one home at the risk that I might have to return it if I found anything wrong with it. I'm glad I took that chance.

It was time to set up the unit. The tank was easy to clean and fill. I could reach my large hand in easily to wash it out before filling. The cap screwed on easily. The cap did not leak at all when I turned the tank upright and carried it from the kitchen to the living room. The box did not contain an instruction manual (yes, this unit was clearly returned) so I played with the buttons, referred to the pictures on the box, and quickly got it up and running. It produced steam in just a few seconds, as the box claimed. It was as quiet as the other warm steam humidifiers I have used. The only items in the box that I got were the humidifier and 3 sets of mineral absorption pads. Place one set of pads on the heating element.

Other specs:
automatic shut-off for if the unit tips over or the tank is removed. I tested it. It works in both cases. It even works if you just jiggle the unit.

stainless steel heater

compact, space-saving design: 9" wide, 13" long, 14" tall

removable medicine cup disperses soothing vapors, is dishwasher safe

humidistat indicates the room's humidity; the two-digit number is 3/8" tall and lit for easy reading during day and night. You can set the humidity in 1% increments from 25% to 65%. I set mine at 40% for my comfort.

an indicator light above the humidistat shows when the unit is not running because the humidity has reached the set level.

My understanding is that this unit is tall so that the steam cools before leaving the unit, thus preventing scalding

2.3 amps. At 120 volts, this is 276 watts. I used a Kill-A-Watt and found that the unit uses up to 450 watts, and mine uses around 9 Kwh per day.

The box states that it "instantly provides bacteria-free vapor", "produces moisture in seconds!", "Up to 3 times faster than other warm mist humidifiers". I have no reason to argue against these claims.

You can set the timer in 1 hour increments from 1 hour to 18 hours.

empty tank indicator light

power on indicator light

5 year limited warranty - the best I've found!

Updated 1/2007:

I liked this humidifier so much, I bought another one. Then, I lightly bumped one of the tanks and it cracked and became unusable. I tried to order a replacement from Honeywell, and the customer service rep told me that the unit and its tanks are no longer being made. He told me to return the whole unit to the store for a replacement. I had to hunt around to find a store that still had them in stock. They easily replaced it.

This happened a second time. I bought and returned several units because they were missing parts or malfunctioning. Now, I treat the tanks like thin glass.

Still, I can't find a better unit. I want a third one.

I tried a Honeywell cold mist unit and found that it caused a draft and was noisy. WalMart easily took it back.

Cleaning: I clean the tank every day or two, when the inside feels less than squeaky clean. I clean the heating plate, its cover and the mineral pad weekly. I simply soak them in vinegar until the heating plate is shiny like new. This usually takes around six hours. I have hard water.