Hmmm, permanent filter... disposable unit?

**** Most recent update 01May2006 ***
So I purchased a second unit to replace my initial unit that failed as described below in original review. Was pleasantly surprised to find some minor design changes improved on this new unit. Anyway, after little more than 6 months of service (nearly continuous service), found my unit dead this morning. This time, it appears that something in the actual electronics has failed (no lights, no display, nothing). I did some basic electrical troubleshooting but could not find any obvious simple fixes for the unit. So an otherwise perfectly good humidfier is now useless due to some electronics glitch. I still very much like to cool-mist humidifying method, the permawick filter, and overall design of this unit as compared to competitors, but what good is all of that if the unit doesn't function. That's now 2 dead units in as many years. I know the unit comes with 5-year limited warranty, but I'm not much for haggling with customer service, just to package and haul the unit, and hassle with shipping back to factory for repair or replacement.
I guess I'll have to research other competitor's models more closely for a replacement. But this was my experience and hopes it helps others to evaluate a purchase.
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Original Post ----
Submitting this as my Hunter 34357 (3.5gal Care Free Plus)just died after about 14 months of continuous service.

Two very important things I learned from my first ever humidifier purchase:
1 -- There's no such thing as "care free". By its very nature you must clean the unit and components regularly to prevent problems with mold and mildew. Despite all the fanfare of antimicrobial properties with materials on this unit, mold and mildew will flourish without proper and regular cleaning.
2 -- Make sure to also disassemble the "Permawick" filter housing as part of the regular cleaning regiment.

Overall, I still consider my experience with the Hunter 34257 Humidifier a positive one and just ordered a new one for replacement. My unit failure was due to seizure of the fan motor. This seems to be a common problem with these units from reading other reviews on different sites.

*** Update ***
Further investigation of my humidifier has revealed that the pump seized up -- The fan and motor are actually still working. Once I disassembled the fan, motor & pump assembly, I found that the fan and motor worked just fine. The pump had locked up and subsequently stopped the motor and fan. My humidifier failed the first time I tried to run it after a week and half break while on I was on vacation. Since I have hard-water (mineral & sediment) from the tap used in my humidifier I suppose it has accumulated over the past 14months inside the pump. Then it all turned into a dry cake that basically froze-up the pump impeller. More information added at the end of my original review ***

But at roughly $60-$70 unit cost, if I can get 12-14 months of use from these units then I consider it a positive because the alternatives are at least as costly. If taken care of properly, the Permawick filter unit can be used at least as long as the unit is otherwise functional apparently. Other brands use wicking methods that must be replaced regularly, and at $10-$15 per filter I would probably spend at least $40/yr and possibly upwards of $60/yr just on those disposable filters for my year-round operation.

So, even though my first unit only lasted for 14 months, I consider that $60 no loss compared to any other comparable units on the market. Just throw it out and get another one if it breaks - and hopefully it will last at least a year again.

Otherwise, the unit performs very well as a humidfier and has good design features in my opinion. The removable tank is easy to carry, refill and replace. Never any problems with leakage of the tank running the unit throughout the 14 months of its lifespan.

So in summary:
Pros -
- Works very well to humidify the air
- Good design for operation, refill and cleaning
- Auto-shutoff feature is nice when empty
- Humidistat is nice for self-regulated operation
- Permawick Filter saves money if properly maintained
Cons -
- Fan is definitely noisy on high fan speed
- Unit must still be cleaned and sanitized regularly
- Fan motor failure seems to be common problem
Recommendations -
- Try to limit tank refills for no more than 2 days operation. This will help limit the mold and fungus growth keeping fresher water in use at all times;
- Thoroughly empty and clean the entire unit at least once a month. Once mold and mildew establishes on the Permawick filter then it's pretty much ruined;
- Use an antibacterial/antifungus water additive with each tank refill to help further prevent any mold, mildew and fungus problems;
- Also disassemble the Permawick filter housing during cleaning. The housing base is a favorite area for mold and fungus to grow if unchecked.
*** About every 4-6 months (depending on water source used), or before storing the unit away for the season, make sure to submerge the pump base in a solution that will dissolve and clean any lime, mineral, or other deposits built up inside the pump housing.

*** Addtn'l update info ***
I ended up completely disassembling the pump on my humidifier while investigating -- I just couldn't resist being the engineering goober-type that I am. But noticed that it is also possible to just remove the base cover of the pump (undo the plastic clips) to open it fairly easily for cleaning / inspection. After I soaked the pump in a vinegar solution, a tremendous amount of sediment gunk came out of the pump and now my humidifier is working once again. At the very least, this proves the importance of keeping the pump clean as part of regular maintenance.