This humidifier works like a charm...IF

...you do what the instructions say. I cannot stress this enough as the previous reviews seem to harshly criticize this model despite the fact the reviews at consumer guide for a model below this one were stellar. I went ahead and bought this model based on these same reviews and only found out later while sifting through the web that people had trouble using this machine.

To be honest, although this device looks like a floor standing model and some vendors advertise it as this, it quite simply is not that type of humidifier.

When I first started using this device the level of humidity in the room would barely reach 30%, far shy of the 50% ideal mark. I put the machine on a plastic stepping stool (about 12" high) thinking that would be more than adequate. What I did notice was my carpeting around the humidifier became damp. This prompted me to read the instructions thoroughly (what most men don't do) and clearly stated was a paragraph stating that a this machine had to be at least 2 feet off the ground.

I went ahead and used an ordinary stool (3 ft) and made sure it was NOT positioned next to heat vents, windows or doors in the corner of my master bedroom. There after my humidity quickly rose to 52% and the water consumption to maintain that level of humidity (doors closed) was very economical. I fill it once every two days now.

Filling the humidifier tank is best done in the bath tub and did not prove to be as tricky as mentioned from the two other individuals. Frankly it was not the height of ease but neither was it as complicated as they make it out to be.

The unit is very silent and works like a dream under its default mode. The panel symbols are a little convoluted but this is to be expected. I do not feel my central thermostat is any easier to figure out.

I bought this humidifier as my new born was all stuffed up and my pediatrician recommended I get one for the winter months. He had a very good point. So this model is one of the better ones in terms of cleanliness and bacteria prevention.