In an effort to test the air purifier's ability to... purify air..., we at Mediocre labs did what we usually do and set up an experiment (the scientific accuracy of which is up for debate). This was also a great excuse to use the fog machine that someone sent us during the Seligman experiment.
Is it a permanent filter? I don't see the filters listed as a buy option on amazon which is a bad sign that they are impossible to get but I'm too lazy to look.
i wanted to buy the little one after seeing it a few times up and now you got a big one i am not buying this one, where was the test like this for the other filter?
@VivaDaWolf Are you having a lot of pillow fights where the pillows bust and everyone laughs and laughs and laughs? If so, this filter probably won't help.
@cengland0 Thanks for catching that. I see that some of the specs vary between the two (despite Walmart's use of the same images for both). Given that the model numbers differ only by the "C" appended to this one, I'd have expected them to be the same (apart from the "Claritin" branding, which I assume the "C" signifies).
Can't believe I am asking - but my hubby won't stop asking me - so the question is - when will you sell the LED light bulbs again? I didn't buy enough last time and he wants more.. Lol😳 I personally would love the pillows again - those are awesome! Or the meh socks..lol
@ajernst I got 4 of the LED floods for my kitchen. Great investment. They were sold out of the bulbs by the time I got here and would love another chance as well.
@ajernst@w_a_w@kyletgephotoguy Well well well... ill have all three of you know that you're in luck! I have 5 of the non-dimmable floods just sitting around unopened. 3 buyers and 5 bulbs... hello sweet supply and demand! Nah, i wont price gouge here... first to pay me $30 a bulb gets them. OK FINE, $5/bulb. Sans VMP benefits, 'cause these mofos ain't cheap to ship!
Some Air Purifiers have an independently controlled ionizer, which, when turned on, releases negative ions into outgoing filtered air. Ions are tiny particles that carry a positive or negative charge. These ions exist naturally around us, in the air, water and ground. Both positive and negative ions are colorless, odorless and completely harmless. Negative ions help the air purification process by attaching themselves to very small airborne particles in the room. You may also note after extended use, that dust may have collected around the grills or front panel. This is from the ionization affect caused by the negative ions exiting from the air outlet. This is additional evidence of the air cleaning effectiveness of negative ions. The dust can be easily removed with a clean, damp cloth or soft brush. Finally, using your ionizer may result in an occasional popping or cracking sound. This is a normal sound, generally caused by particles of dust that are interrupting the flow of ions, causing a small build-up of ions that, when discharged, cause the popping or cracking sound. NOTE: It is important to replace the HEPA filter at the recommended intervals in order to maintain optional air quality.
@brhfl@mehbee Thanks but I think it's awkward to word it as "Optional ionizer" if it comes with one but it's selectable on/off. They should have worded that differently.
Both of your pieces of information neither confirms nor denies that it actually comes with one but the fact I cannot find one to buy is a good hint that it's not an optional product for purchase.
@cengland0 I agree it's awkward, but I guess they just mean it's not always on. Looking through the manual (PDF) describes operating the ionizer, but no mention of buying an additional part or attaching it… pretty sure it's built in.
Darn. I could really use one or more of these- might help with my horrible allergies and asthma. Bad timing though, because I am totally broke at the moment. >.< Maybe (hopefully) they'll come around again when I have the money.
Great timing Meh. I was just allergy tested again on Tuesday. Was thinking my tiny Holmes needed an upgrade. Done! Although I'm bummed I missed the grab bag sad face
I've opted to get some filters from the website as well. It appears with the BOGO sale +8.50 shipping it's cheaper than what I can find on ebay and amazon. Here are two compatible filters. Make sure you actually order 2 to see the discount. :-)
@cengland0 I didn't know. I compared it to others by using the model number for the filter. So I should say the "HAPF30AOCS" and the "HAPF300AHCS" filters are cheaper. I'll find out soon!
@cengland0 Got them about a week ago. The allergen filters are 12 months, the odor filters are 4 months. The filters just have a sticker on them saying when to replace.
My husband is going to gently bitch at me and say another air purifier ? And then say , Will this one please , suck up the dog farts. And then I'll say, I hope so darlin.
Have not made a purchase from MEH in14 days starting to get dissapointed , wondering if this site is all about baby helicopters filters and amps and headphones ...some new shit meh in the 10-20 dollar range ty in advance
Glad I stayed awake last night. It's so gratifying when something sells out, and I got it. Like shirts, and fukus, and this, my brunette-ruby-observation
@OldCatLady It's quite silly how superior I feel when I get something (fukus and shirts, for example) that sell out quickly. I jump up and yell "in yo face" to my cat. He doesn't find me amusing.
Got this today. I was so excited (I have horrible allergies), but it doesn't work. I know there's power to the unit because when I push the button to reset the filter, it comes on, but the unit won't power on.
Any suggestions? If I have to, how do I return this thing and where do I return it? Meh or the mfg. ?
@Tadlem43 That's not cool! When you have an issue with a product from meh, the first place to start is the top of the page. The first comment in a product thread will always be the specs, and the warranty information is in those specs. In this case, you would contact:
For this product, it's a pdf copy of JCS's standard warranty, usually it's a contact page for the vendor/manufacturer. Poking through this one came up with:
How to Obtain Warranty Service In the U.S.A. If you have any questions regarding this warranty or would like to obtain warranty service, please call 1-800-253-2764 and a convenient service center address will be provided to you
Looks like that's your best bet. I hope they take care of your issue!
@Tadlem43 Mine did the same thing. I took the back panel off / the cover over the filters and snapped it back in. It wasn't quite in place. After I put it back on it worked. Try that if you haven't...
@uwacn Thank you! I just opened the back and snapped it right back on, but after your post I took the cover off and one of the air filters was in backwards and upside down! Turned it around, snapped in the back...and IT WORKS!! Thank you to all who responded! (it takes a village! lol)
Is anyone else having theirs give off a weird rattling and almost high pitched noise? It started rattling on setting 1 after running for half of today, and also makes a weird noise. I can't have it on while I'm in the room as it's too irritating a pitch.
It's NOT just an air flow or fan noise...my Holmes filter doesn't make any noise but a nice sound of air being blown around. This filter's sound is different (even though it actually uses the same filters as the smaller Holmes).
@OldCatLady Hmm I guess it's not that bad on 1. There's a weird low whirring noise that my Holmes doesn't make. On 3 it sounds like an airplane taking off...lol. Let me know how the Holmes is and then I might call :) If you don't mind I'd greatly appreciate it!
@Zypher After 3 days of using the Holmes, 1 is okay to be in the same room, and 3 sounds like a jet taking off. OTOH, even on 1 it puts out a LOT of air, and on 3 it blows newspapers across the room. It's staying on 1 all the time. Very acceptable.
@OldCatLady Thanks so much for posting! It must be like the one I have then. Setting 1 is okay, but still noticeably noisier than my small Holmes on setting 2.
Mine arrived Saturday, and it worked straight out of the box on every speed plus ionizer. After an hour I turned it off, and it never worked again. I removed the back cover, re-inserted the filters, re-seated the cover a dozen times- nothing. The light was off for good. Today I called 1-800-253-2764, spoke with an awesome service rep, and after determining that the unit is still in warranty (look at the plug; there's a letter & number code they need), the rep asked me whether I wanted to try to find another one (this model is out of production) or whether the Holmes HAP716-U (their sister company) would be acceptable. The Holmes uses the same filters, BTW, so I'm scavenging them. It's on its way to me. I was so impressed with the four minute TOTAL phone call that I voluntarily answered a phone survey, and I hate those things. They didn't want this unit back, thankyouverymuch.
@OldCatLady The Holmes unit arrived today, and while speeds 2 and 3 are too loud for everyday use, 1 is very acceptable, and that thing puts out a good air stream. I may try putting it up to 3 while I'm out of the house; the manual says it is designed to run 24 hours a day. So far, so good.
Mine arrived on Monday, and at first it worked great. However, after a day of using it, when I set to level 1, it doesn't work, while it works great at levels 2 and 3. I know level 1 worked when it arrived as I tested all the buttons. Since the sound is quite excessive when I turn to 2 or 3, not having 1 working is quite a bummer. After installation, the machine has not suffered any damage and it was not relocated from the original spot.
Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? I've went through the manual and took a look at the filters, too, but no solution has come up. Should I call the number on the manual (1-800-253-2764)?
@albertjklee Mine worked briefly, then wouldn't turn on next time I tried. Do call the company, but do it before 8 PM. I called on Monday about 1015 EST, and got good customer service. A check today shows that my new unit should be shipped by Friday, no charge since the old one was under warranty.
@albertjklee At speed 1, mine turns on for 15-20 seconds and then the fan stops blowing. If I turn the fan off, then wait a while (minutes? hours?), when I turn it back on, speed 1 will work again.
@pyip001 that's exactly what mine's doing. If I let it cool down for a few hours and turn it on at level 1, it does work for a few seconds, then starts making a small rattling sound with the fan off, just as you have described. I will call the number tomorrow - thanks everyone!
Update: I called the number, and I will be getting a new one (Bionaire® BAP520-UH HEPA-type Tower Air Purifier) at no extra charge, and the service rep didn't mention anything about returning the old one. Now I have two air purifier towers!
Update #2: Instead of the Bionaire air purifier tower (see the update above), I have received a Holmes HAP9422-NUA. It seems to cover more square footage (165), but it still covers less than what was promised of the original Claritin Bionaire one (208) that we've all purchased from Meh. Quite a bummer, but the Holmes one operates more quietly, so I'm satisfied with this.
The fan is too loud at setting 2 and 3, so I tried keeping it on 1. After about 20 seconds of slightly-rattly air, the unit stops blowing but keeps on buzzing. Settings 2 and 3 still work during this time but when I switch back to 1, I get no airflow, just rattle.
I left it on setting 1, rattling, but not blowing air, for a while and the top of the unit got warm and there was a bit of .. electrical smell. Maybe it's a stalled motor?
Anyone else have this problem, or should join the ranks and make a phone call to the friendly customer service reps at 1-800-253-2764?
Apologies if this comes out wrong, but why wouldn't you start with the number in the manual? That is the most logical place to start. It seems like wasting your own time to post here, asking if you should call the number, when you could call the number and see if they can help you.
@Thumperchick I was having the exact same thought as @pyip001 and wanted to fix it myself in case it's something that takes seconds to fix, rather than going through the customer service, who probably deals with customers of hundreds of different products. But I do get your point, and since it appears that there is no easy fix to this issue, I will be calling the service rep tomorrow.
@Thumperchick No worries, I guess I'm wondering if anyone else in the meh had the same or similar issue, and knew of a fix, which is info I wouldn't have gotten from calling the 1-800 number.
A lot of times, the person answering the phone is trained to do customer service and may not have detalied technical knowledge about the product. I'm cool with opening up the thing and fixing it if I can, and I figured the forum would be a better source.
Also, I got that meh.com 1st year email, and it made me feel that my amount of posting was inadequate.
@pyip001 FTR- I called Monday to report mine was dead, and I just got shipping info for the 'Holmes® Allergen Remover Air Purifier Tower with True HEPA Filter' they are sending me, no charge. Nice.
@OldCatLady Can you provide the model number of the Holmes they sent as replacement? The only model they would offer me was a Bionaire BAP1412. It looks totally different, black and silver. They are sending a prepaid label to send defective unit back. I can wait to see if the original model comes back in stock. Apparently my customer service experience is a bit different.
I was pretty happy with mine until after running for maybe 6 hours it started emitting the smell of burned band-aids. Had to fire up the old 3M FAP02 to clear the stench. Haven't called customer service yet.
Had to call customer service to get mine replaced, which went well enough, but the new unit only has the warranty date of the original unit, which is 3 years from date of manufacture, which was 2012 December for the unit I received. Normally the warranty would be good from the date of purchase but they won't accept the order details pages that Meh.com generates. Beware if you need to replace yours!
Cheers to @gstamper for saying this before and jeers to me missing it.
I just got off my lazy butt and called them up to have mine replaced since it refuses to turn on. I was told that I came in just under the wire for warranty. They are shipping me a new Bionaire brand air purifier. I am not sure what the model number is.
If you have any issues with yours, call and get it changed out!
@bruceoite Generally for warranty, you likely won't get a new one. They will send you a refurbished one and when you send yours back, they will refurbish it to like new and send it out to the next person. If you're not having a problem, I wouldn't risk sending it out to get one with a real problem.
@bruceoite The replacement they sent me works like a champ. They didn't want me to send the bad one back, so I cannibalized the filters and donated it to an unlucky charity. I feel bad, but not very.
@toniajberkshire I know nothing about this product, BUT if it is anything like many air cleaners I’ve used in the past, make sure the filter is “all the way in”… they usually have a little tooth that presses a switch to keep the fan from running when the filter is removed.
(if that is not the cause… scroll up to the description on this page and click on the warranty link for info on warranty replacement but I think you are about a year and 5 months out of warranty if you bought this in 2015)
Specs
Condition: New
Warranty: 3 Year JCS
Estimated Delivery: 7/22 - 7/24
Shipping: $5 or free with VMP
What’s in the Box?
1x Air purifier
2x Filters
Pictures
Front view
Filter replacement
Retail box
So much fun to be had
Price Comparison
$249.99 at Amazon
Find a relevant price comparison? Please share it in a comment in this thread
Warranty
90 days
In an effort to test the air purifier's ability to... purify air..., we at Mediocre labs did what we usually do and set up an experiment (the scientific accuracy of which is up for debate). This was also a great excuse to use the fog machine that someone sent us during the Seligman experiment.
WHY WOULD YOU SELL THE SMALLER ONE FIRST HOW CAN I JUSTIFY BUYING BOTH
SOB
@HELLOALICE You just got MEHHHED!
The hepa cats will be all over this...
@eeterrific I see what you blah blah…
Do we get to guess how many will be sold again?
@jsh139 You can always guess that! Guess away!
@brhfl Hmm, in that case, I guess 342! :)
Kind of annoyed I bought the small one now. I would have much rather had this big one. Oh well.
@cjrhoades Seriously. :(
Is it a permanent filter? I don't see the filters listed as a buy option on amazon which is a bad sign that they are impossible to get but I'm too lazy to look.
Also how loud is it?
I don't really need another though...
@bph Not permanent, it uses the Holmes AER1 filters. It suggests you swap them out every year
@bph The compatible filters are listed in the manual linked above. And @Moose's video shows that it mostly plays jaunty music.
i wanted to buy the little one after seeing it a few times up and now you got a big one i am not buying this one, where was the test like this for the other filter?
Do air purifiers like this help with fur/feathers in the house? And I see one with a similar model number on the actual website for about $90.
@VivaDaWolf They do a decent job at keeping pet dander levels in check, but not a substitute for regular vacuuming since most pet hair isn't airborne.
@VivaDaWolf Are you having a lot of pillow fights where the pillows bust and everyone laughs and laughs and laughs? If so, this filter probably won't help.
@bakeyoural Cuz all the laughs clog it up?
@sligett Precisely.
$99.99 at Walmart's website
@Rowsdower You got the wrong one. This is it: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bionaire-True-HEPA-Air-Purifier-Black/26524564
It's only $97.50
@cengland0 Thanks for catching that. I see that some of the specs vary between the two (despite Walmart's use of the same images for both). Given that the model numbers differ only by the "C" appended to this one, I'd have expected them to be the same (apart from the "Claritin" branding, which I assume the "C" signifies).
The replacement filters for my current air filters cost $99, I'm in for 3.
This is not for fur/feathers - think more along the lines of dander/dust/things so small you can't see them - at least that's how I see it.
Again
@Stallion
Can't believe I am asking - but my hubby won't stop asking me - so the question is - when will you sell the LED light bulbs again? I didn't buy enough last time and he wants more.. Lol😳 I personally would love the pillows again - those are awesome! Or the meh socks..lol
@ajernst I got 4 of the LED floods for my kitchen. Great investment. They were sold out of the bulbs by the time I got here and would love another chance as well.
@ajernst Hope that happens again too. I could use some too.
@ajernst @w_a_w @kyletgephotoguy
Well well well... ill have all three of you know that you're in luck! I have 5 of the non-dimmable floods just sitting around unopened. 3 buyers and 5 bulbs... hello sweet supply and demand! Nah, i wont price gouge here... first to pay me $30 a bulb gets them. OK FINE, $5/bulb. Sans VMP benefits, 'cause these mofos ain't cheap to ship!
@troy I got 4 of the floods last time but want the regular lamp bulb LEDs now. Thanks for the offer though.
Anyone know where to get the "Optional ionizer"?
@cengland0 Do you have to buy it, or is it a setting? I couldn't find anything on Amazon about it.
@cengland0 I found info on the Walmart listing. I think that's one of the the three settings.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bionaire-True-HEPA-Air-Purifier-Black/26524564#about
@cengland0 Best I can find is on Bionaire's FAQ:
(I assume this confirms what @mehbee said)
@brhfl @mehbee Thanks but I think it's awkward to word it as "Optional ionizer" if it comes with one but it's selectable on/off. They should have worded that differently.
Both of your pieces of information neither confirms nor denies that it actually comes with one but the fact I cannot find one to buy is a good hint that it's not an optional product for purchase.
@cengland0 I agree it's awkward, but I guess they just mean it's not always on. Looking through the manual (PDF) describes operating the ionizer, but no mention of buying an additional part or attaching it… pretty sure it's built in.
I knew the small ones were too small; these are going to be perfect (I'm in for 2). Thanks meh!
Darn. I could really use one or more of these- might help with my horrible allergies and asthma. Bad timing though, because I am totally broke at the moment. >.< Maybe (hopefully) they'll come around again when I have the money.
@Pony buy two and sell the other on Amazon or eBay for twice what you paid. And then you'll break even :)
Seriously. It's selling for 250 on Amazon and 100 at Walmart so it shouldn't be too hard to do.
@daveJay Um... that would require having the money to buy them. I did say I'm totally broke...
@Pony oh. Sorry. Good for you not going into debt :) that's very wise and responsible of you
@daveJay Hahaha more like been there done that not allowed to have credit cards anymore. ;)
in for one
@pyip001 disgustingly-close-meat?!
@pyip001 What is that, brisket?
@w_a_w @brhfl cajun crazy horse beef jerky, apparently
@pyip001 Horse beef jerky? Tell me more!
Anyone know how this does with cigarette smoke?
@phillalexander Walmart has some good info and it mentions the CADR rating for smoke.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bionaire-True-HEPA-Air-Purifier-Black/26524564#about
@mehbee @phillalexander You know, that CADR rating for smoke is the second line item in the specs on the very top of this page:
CADR rating: Tobacco Smoke: 133 | Dust: 134 | Pollen: 135
No need to go to the Walmart website for that data this time.
Great timing Meh. I was just allergy tested again on Tuesday. Was thinking my tiny Holmes needed an upgrade. Done! Although I'm bummed I missed the grab bag sad face
Got the other one. Seems like it works. Probably doesn't. So, heroic-modest-mead.
I've opted to get some filters from the website as well. It appears with the BOGO sale +8.50 shipping it's cheaper than what I can find on ebay and amazon. Here are two compatible filters. Make sure you actually order 2 to see the discount. :-)
@one_two3456 How do you know if those are the 4 month filters or the 1 year filters? I ask because of this little snippet from the owners manual:
@cengland0 I didn't know. I compared it to others by using the model number for the filter. So I should say the "HAPF30AOCS" and the "HAPF300AHCS" filters are cheaper. I'll find out soon!
@cengland0 Got them about a week ago. The allergen filters are 12 months, the odor filters are 4 months. The filters just have a sticker on them saying when to replace.
@one_two3456 Thanks for following up with this. I didn't buy the machine because I had too many questions and then it was too late.
sneaky-morbid-gnome
I haven't been able to find the wattage/energy-draw of this unit, has anyone else come across this info?
How loud is this when it's running?
My husband is going to gently bitch at me and say another air purifier ? And then say , Will this one please , suck up the dog farts. And then I'll say, I hope so darlin.
I have this, my air seems much more pure.
903 will be sold. What do I win
This same model seems to be at Walmart for 97 bucks. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bionaire-True-HEPA-Air-Purifier-Black/26524564 ...still not a bad deal though. We'll see if I regret this or not in about a month I suppose.
Have not made a purchase from MEH in14 days starting to get dissapointed , wondering if this site is all about baby helicopters filters and amps and headphones ...some new shit meh in the 10-20 dollar range ty in advance
@mellowirishgent it's actually more about knivesandspeakerdocks.com
Glad I stayed awake last night. It's so gratifying when something sells out, and I got it. Like shirts, and fukus, and this, my brunette-ruby-observation
@OldCatLady It's quite silly how superior I feel when I get something (fukus and shirts, for example) that sell out quickly. I jump up and yell "in yo face" to my cat. He doesn't find me amusing.
Meh-people: Thank you for discussing and explaining the capacity and all the nuances of room size.
Got this today. I was so excited (I have horrible allergies), but it doesn't work. I know there's power to the unit because when I push the button to reset the filter, it comes on, but the unit won't power on.
Any suggestions? If I have to, how do I return this thing and where do I return it? Meh or the mfg. ?
@Tadlem43 That's not cool! When you have an issue with a product from meh, the first place to start is the top of the page. The first comment in a product thread will always be the specs, and the warranty information is in those specs. In this case, you would contact:
For this product, it's a pdf copy of JCS's standard warranty, usually it's a contact page for the vendor/manufacturer. Poking through this one came up with:
Looks like that's your best bet. I hope they take care of your issue!
@Tadlem43 Mine did the same thing. I took the back panel off / the cover over the filters and snapped it back in. It wasn't quite in place. After I put it back on it worked. Try that if you haven't...
@Zypher I thought I tried that, but I'll check it again. Thank you!!
@Tadlem43 There is a power interlock switch that a pin on the filter cover must press; if it's not just right, it won't power on.
@uwacn Thank you! I just opened the back and snapped it right back on, but after your post I took the cover off and one of the air filters was in backwards and upside down! Turned it around, snapped in the back...and IT WORKS!!
Thank you to all who responded! (it takes a village! lol)
Thank you very much! I'll call them tomorrow.
(I'll pay more attention to the warranty info next time. Shame on me!)
Is anyone else having theirs give off a weird rattling and almost high pitched noise? It started rattling on setting 1 after running for half of today, and also makes a weird noise. I can't have it on while I'm in the room as it's too irritating a pitch.
It's NOT just an air flow or fan noise...my Holmes filter doesn't make any noise but a nice sound of air being blown around. This filter's sound is different (even though it actually uses the same filters as the smaller Holmes).
@Zypher I think I'm getting the same model Holmes as a warranty replacement; glad to hear it's quiet.
@OldCatLady Was yours rather noisey as well? I'm thinking I may call them.
@Zypher On 1 it was fairly quiet, but on 3 I didn't want to be in the same room.
@OldCatLady Hmm I guess it's not that bad on 1. There's a weird low whirring noise that my Holmes doesn't make. On 3 it sounds like an airplane taking off...lol. Let me know how the Holmes is and then I might call :) If you don't mind I'd greatly appreciate it!
@Zypher Gladly.
@Zypher After 3 days of using the Holmes, 1 is okay to be in the same room, and 3 sounds like a jet taking off. OTOH, even on 1 it puts out a LOT of air, and on 3 it blows newspapers across the room. It's staying on 1 all the time. Very acceptable.
@OldCatLady Thanks so much for posting! It must be like the one I have then. Setting 1 is okay, but still noticeably noisier than my small Holmes on setting 2.
Mine arrived Saturday, and it worked straight out of the box on every speed plus ionizer. After an hour I turned it off, and it never worked again. I removed the back cover, re-inserted the filters, re-seated the cover a dozen times- nothing. The light was off for good. Today I called 1-800-253-2764, spoke with an awesome service rep, and after determining that the unit is still in warranty (look at the plug; there's a letter & number code they need), the rep asked me whether I wanted to try to find another one (this model is out of production) or whether the Holmes HAP716-U (their sister company) would be acceptable. The Holmes uses the same filters, BTW, so I'm scavenging them. It's on its way to me. I was so impressed with the four minute TOTAL phone call that I voluntarily answered a phone survey, and I hate those things. They didn't want this unit back, thankyouverymuch.
@OldCatLady Thank you for this. I have issues with mine as well and am glad they are taking care of it.
@OldCatLady The Holmes unit arrived today, and while speeds 2 and 3 are too loud for everyday use, 1 is very acceptable, and that thing puts out a good air stream. I may try putting it up to 3 while I'm out of the house; the manual says it is designed to run 24 hours a day. So far, so good.
Mine arrived on Monday, and at first it worked great. However, after a day of using it, when I set to level 1, it doesn't work, while it works great at levels 2 and 3. I know level 1 worked when it arrived as I tested all the buttons. Since the sound is quite excessive when I turn to 2 or 3, not having 1 working is quite a bummer. After installation, the machine has not suffered any damage and it was not relocated from the original spot.
Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? I've went through the manual and took a look at the filters, too, but no solution has come up. Should I call the number on the manual (1-800-253-2764)?
@albertjklee I'd start by calling the number in the manual.
@albertjklee Mine worked briefly, then wouldn't turn on next time I tried. Do call the company, but do it before 8 PM. I called on Monday about 1015 EST, and got good customer service. A check today shows that my new unit should be shipped by Friday, no charge since the old one was under warranty.
@albertjklee At speed 1, mine turns on for 15-20 seconds and then the fan stops blowing. If I turn the fan off, then wait a while (minutes? hours?), when I turn it back on, speed 1 will work again.
@pyip001 that's exactly what mine's doing. If I let it cool down for a few hours and turn it on at level 1, it does work for a few seconds, then starts making a small rattling sound with the fan off, just as you have described. I will call the number tomorrow - thanks everyone!
Update: I called the number, and I will be getting a new one (Bionaire® BAP520-UH HEPA-type Tower Air Purifier) at no extra charge, and the service rep didn't mention anything about returning the old one. Now I have two air purifier towers!
Update #2: Instead of the Bionaire air purifier tower (see the update above), I have received a Holmes HAP9422-NUA. It seems to cover more square footage (165), but it still covers less than what was promised of the original Claritin Bionaire one (208) that we've all purchased from Meh. Quite a bummer, but the Holmes one operates more quietly, so I'm satisfied with this.
My problem is sort of similar to @albertjklee
The fan is too loud at setting 2 and 3, so I tried keeping it on 1. After about 20 seconds of slightly-rattly air, the unit stops blowing but keeps on buzzing. Settings 2 and 3 still work during this time but when I switch back to 1, I get no airflow, just rattle.
I left it on setting 1, rattling, but not blowing air, for a while and the top of the unit got warm and there was a bit of .. electrical smell. Maybe it's a stalled motor?
Anyone else have this problem, or should join the ranks and make a phone call to the friendly customer service reps at 1-800-253-2764?
@pyip001 I had the same problem. Call them up and get a replacement sent.
@gstamper Thanks, just did that today. Looks like I am getting a Holmes something or other as a replacement.
Apologies if this comes out wrong, but why wouldn't you start with the number in the manual? That is the most logical place to start. It seems like wasting your own time to post here, asking if you should call the number, when you could call the number and see if they can help you.
@Thumperchick I was having the exact same thought as @pyip001 and wanted to fix it myself in case it's something that takes seconds to fix, rather than going through the customer service, who probably deals with customers of hundreds of different products. But I do get your point, and since it appears that there is no easy fix to this issue, I will be calling the service rep tomorrow.
@Thumperchick No worries, I guess I'm wondering if anyone else in the meh had the same or similar issue, and knew of a fix, which is info I wouldn't have gotten from calling the 1-800 number.
A lot of times, the person answering the phone is trained to do customer service and may not have detalied technical knowledge about the product. I'm cool with opening up the thing and fixing it if I can, and I figured the forum would be a better source.
Also, I got that meh.com 1st year email, and it made me feel that my amount of posting was inadequate.
@pyip001 Makes perfect sense.
@pyip001 FTR- I called Monday to report mine was dead, and I just got shipping info for the 'Holmes® Allergen Remover Air Purifier Tower with True HEPA Filter' they are sending me, no charge. Nice.
@OldCatLady Can you provide the model number of the Holmes they sent as replacement? The only model they would offer me was a Bionaire BAP1412. It looks totally different, black and silver. They are sending a prepaid label to send defective unit back. I can wait to see if the original model comes back in stock. Apparently my customer service experience is a bit different.
@Stumpy91 They have shipped me a Holmes HAP716-U, which uses the same filters, and it's due here on the 28th.
@OldCatLady @Stumpy91 they offered me a different one as a replacement: HAP1702
@pyip001 It looks like you may get the double upgrade; that one says 'up to 300 sf'. Did you take it?
@OldCatLady yup! should be arriving soon.
I was pretty happy with mine until after running for maybe 6 hours it started emitting the smell of burned band-aids. Had to fire up the old 3M FAP02 to clear the stench. Haven't called customer service yet.
@Stumpy91 Ah, the classic ol' Fap. I remember back in the day, I had my Fap on 24/7. Good times, good times.
Had to call customer service to get mine replaced, which went well enough, but the new unit only has the warranty date of the original unit, which is 3 years from date of manufacture, which was 2012 December for the unit I received. Normally the warranty would be good from the date of purchase but they won't accept the order details pages that Meh.com generates. Beware if you need to replace yours!
Alright-- Be honest folks, How many people (like me) bought this just to have a cool looking helipad for their quad copter? I feel like such a victim.
Cheers to @gstamper for saying this before and jeers to me missing it.
I just got off my lazy butt and called them up to have mine replaced since it refuses to turn on. I was told that I came in just under the wire for warranty. They are shipping me a new Bionaire brand air purifier. I am not sure what the model number is.
If you have any issues with yours, call and get it changed out!
@bruceoite Generally for warranty, you likely won't get a new one. They will send you a refurbished one and when you send yours back, they will refurbish it to like new and send it out to the next person. If you're not having a problem, I wouldn't risk sending it out to get one with a real problem.
@bruceoite The replacement they sent me works like a champ. They didn't want me to send the bad one back, so I cannibalized the filters and donated it to an unlucky charity. I feel bad, but not very.
Who can I contact for help if my Bionaire cbap520 will not even power on
@toniajberkshire I know nothing about this product, BUT if it is anything like many air cleaners I’ve used in the past, make sure the filter is “all the way in”… they usually have a little tooth that presses a switch to keep the fan from running when the filter is removed.
(if that is not the cause… scroll up to the description on this page and click on the warranty link for info on warranty replacement but I think you are about a year and 5 months out of warranty if you bought this in 2015)