The Holmes Company has been making humidifiers since 1982 and offers both cold and warm mist options along with their ultrasonic line. Their 1Tough, AccuSet, AccuTemp, and FilterCheck technology includes rigorous six-point testing on all their humidifier models. They also feature automatic shut off models and CoolTouch for safety and convenience. This information was gathered from the Holmes Company website.
To keep moisture in cold and dry climate conditions, or where fireplaces run continually, using a humidifier to keep humidity at the 30% to 40% level is essential to avoid sinus, allergy problems, nose bleeds, colds and flu. In dry or cold climates, the humidity in your home can drop a whopping 20% that can deprive lungs and respiratory systems of the required moisture they need. Holmes humidifiers claim to combat these problems creating a healthier environment.
Holmes Humidifiers
With so many models and features to choose from and this company’s LifeLong filter technology (which means replacing the filter less often), this company offers different models that vary by tank size and options.
Cold Mist Humidifies
Their cool mist humidifiers range from models for small areas to large areas and most models will run throughout the night on one filling. All of their cool mist models have their registered Microban and Arm & Hammer embedded within the filter and some have digital outputs with filter change reminders or manual controls allowing the consumer to adjust the output flow. There are also automatic humidifiers that adjust themselves to the humidity content in the air—no manual adjustments required. Their upper line of cool mist humidifiers offer their 1-Touch Humidistat feature and can run up to 36 hours before tank refill is needed. The disadvantage to most of their cool mist units is the need to purchase filters. This can cost you anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00 per filter, depending on model. Their Permanent Wick Humidifier is one of their models that does not require filter replacement and is equipped with a lifelong filter. Another disadvantage to the Holmes humidifier is the noise they produce according to some customers and others complain that Holmes recommends adding anti-bacterial solutions with each tank fill-up. Last, the design of the tanks and how you refill them was considered poor and models with wheels often had problems with wheel malfunction, such as falling off.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
The Holmes line up of warm mist humidifiers is small at only four models. All of them have permanent filters, a nice feature if you don’t like buying replacement filters. They also offer two speed settings and tanks will operate up to 24 hours with only one filling. Two of their models offer the manual humidistat option that allows the user to set the desired humidity level. Consumers are not fond of the Holmes warm mist humidifiers because of tank size at only one gallon, even though they claim they have an output of 2.5 gallons of water mist—this means a lot of refilling. Customers also say these units are hard to clean and while they liked the auto shut off when the tanks were empty, they found these units to be hot at the base. Consumers also found these Holmes warm mist humidifiers hard to clean and rid of build up and debris. Noise levels were adequate, however.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Holmes offers two models of their Ultrasonic humidifier for small and medium sized rooms. The tower design is attractive and these don’t require filter replacements. They have variable mist controls and run up to 24 hours per filling. Compared to other ultrasonic manufacturer models, the Holmes model was not well received by customers with complaints from everything from leaking to the units leaving a white dust on everything in the room. While they were quiet, most felt the quality was not as high as their warm and cold mist units or other manufacturer’s models.
Where to Buy
You can buy Holmes Humidifiers at any home improvement store, most large discount retail stores, hardware stores, and on eBay. Many online companies also sell these units as well as the Holmes Company website.
