A bit Noisy but it does the job!

I bought the VICKS V3500 Cool Mist Humidifier last year and this is the second year I’ve used.

I have a digital hygrometer which I bought from Radio Shack. It tells me when the humidity gets to a low level. This year I ignored the fact that the humidity in the house was below 30, and into the 20’s. Not good! Optimal humidity is 40 – 50%. Humidity above 50% is not good as it can promote the formation of dust mites and mold.

When this happens I suffer nose bleeds as well as respiratory problems. I was a bit lazy this year plus the fact I had stored the humidifier somewhere in the house and didn’t know where--either in the garage or the basement. Actually I have two that I use in the house--an older Hunter and this newer VICKS V3500.

When I recently developed a bout of bronchitis I immediately searched for those humidifiers. The Hunter I keep in the bedroom, and the VICKS V3500 I’ve set up in the living room, mainly because the Hunter is more quiet, and well the VICKS V350 is noisy at the higher speed.

The output on both is pretty good. I have a digital hygrometer in both rooms and it seemed in a matter of a day or so the humidity level rose upward into the 30’s.

The VICKS V3500 performs 24 hours straight per filling. That’s what it says on the box, except I did not find that to be the case. I filled it yesterday morning and by night time the container was almost empty, or at a pretty low level. I probably could have gone a few more hours, but I don’t think it would have gone the entire 24 hours. And I did have it on a lower setting.

I find that cleaning and maintenance with this humidifier is relatively easy to do. I simply take off the tank and refill it. There is water in the holding part of it and what I occasionally do is empty that water out, dry the unit and then reassemble.

I picked up a new filter – WF2 Replacement Filter – at Walgreens yesterday. The cost was about $5.00. It says these filters should be changed every two months. This one will probably take me through to April. Replacing the filter is easy. It is a circular paper filter that slips right onto its based inside the unit.

Again the unit is noisy but only at a high speed. If I put it on the low speed then you can barely hear it, which I guess makes it good for bedroom use. What I suggest is put it on high when not in the bedroom and lower it when you retire at night. I have it on High now in my living room, and would not be able to watch TV at that speed. Once I put it on low, then there’s no problem.

FEATURES:

Three (3) output setting – High for maximum moisture or larger rooms.
Medium to maintain a comfortable humidity level in average rooms.
Low works best for small to average room (and for sleeping.)

Easy to carry tank design is stable when turned upside down for filling.

Wicking filter helps clean mist as it humidifies, trapping minerals, and pollutants. Water-evaporating technology ensures no over humidification of room Filter is bacterially treated for prolonged life.

Large opening with easy to grip cap. Easy access for cleaning. Tank floor designed to drain completely, no standing water.

All in all I paid no more than $30 dollars for this unit. I feel it does a relatively good job at boosting the humidity levels in my home, especially if I keep it at the higher speed.

I’ve not had any nosebleeds since putting this unit on, and I’m just about over the bronchitis, although I think it will take another week to fully recover.

Plus by using this unit I feel the house feels warmer and in turn helps with heating costs.