Looking at the reviews, I wouldn’t be comfortable buying this (even if it weren’t refurb) without good return policy. Ive never had to deal with returns on woot–how is it?
I bought one, and yes it is virtually silent, but it also stopped working after about 2 months of use.
Anyone know if it’s okay to use essential or aromatherapy oils in the water with this unit?
Addatives such as aromatherapy oils will ruin the ultrasonic mechanism and kill your unit. If you want aromatherapy just light a candle.
I bought one, and yes it is virtually silent, but it also stopped working after about 2 months of use.
You do realize that you ought to clean the ultrasonic plate every couple of weeks. The brush for that is in one of the side compartments. Also, running some dilute vinegar can be used as a system wide cleaning.
If none of these steps help, contact PureGuardian about warranty repair or replacement.
I purchased one of these from Costco at $90 at the beginning of winter and love it. It is silent, no filter and works great. Would highly recommend.
I have one of these purchased through Costco. It has lasted for 3 years and no issues.
Noise level: Very low hum, not audible unless you are close to it.
Energy efficiency: Very good at the cool setting on medium mist. No noticeable change in electric bills. It uses a little bit more when you turn up the mist all the way, but I don’t see a use for that unless you are trying to make your floor wet.
Mist: At medium mist strength, it creates a very fine mist that increases the humidity in an area approximately 500sq ft by about 5%. I use mine close to a heat vent in the winter so it spreads the moist air throughout the house a lot easier and keeps the nearby couch and carpet from getting too wet.
Maintenance: If you are using it on COOL Medium mist 24/7, you will have to refill the container about every 5 days. When you add the water, I HIGHLY recommend that you also clean it! After about a week, there are visible signs of growth around the vibrating mister and inside of the chamber tube that takes the mist out of the cap. You can use a vinegar product to clean it. Avoid any harsh chemicals/soaps or bleach. I also advise that you remove the silver misting cap (at the top) and take it apart to clean about every couple of weeks. For some reason, mine has red growth on there on occasion. This unit cleans up fairly easily by comparison… if you are OCD like me, it might take you 5+ minutes to make sure it’s totally cleaned out. I’ll even swish around a small amount of vinegar in the water container once in a while.
I’ve heard that using the WARM mist setting cuts down on bacterial growth. Like I said though, I don’t use that as much, so I can’t testify to it.
Overall, it is worth the price when your house gets dry. I wish they made larger units like these… something that would last about 2 weeks without refilling.
To add to my review…
Durability: I just dropped it, face first onto my hardwood floor while I was trying to put it away for the season. Busted the front plate right off, exposing the wiring and circuit board and all… well I popped the plate right back on and it still works! Whew!