The Bottom Line
Although this humidifier does have some negative features, it does maintain the desired humidity level and is very easy to set and fill. Since it requires economical wick replacement filters and given that the unit is reasonably priced, this humidifier is a good buy and it can provide the desired moisture to a large room.
Pros
- Nice size - filling lasts 2-3 days depending on fan setting
- Can select humidity level and it maintains well
- Reasonably priced
- Does provide sufficent humidity
- Easy to fill; large opening
Cons
- After filling, fill cap must be tight to prevent leaks
- Blows cool mist out the front - position away from sitting area
- Quiet only on low setting
Description
- Cool Moisture Humidifier - 4 gallon or 24 hours on a filling, sized for a large room 850 - 1400 sq. ft.
- QuietCare™ - Up to 30% quieter
- Multiple humidity control options. You can set a humidity level or run on continuous. Fan speeds: Low, Medium and High.
- Protec™ Pure Moisture System - fresher, cleaner mist and extended life filter
- Electronic EasySet™ Controls
- 3 Year Warranty. Questions at: 1-800-477-0457 or www.kaz.com
- Filters: HAC=504AW or HAC-504 Honeywell Antibacterial Filter, or filters for Honeywell HCM-645. Filter life: 1-3 mths
- Replacement Protec™ Cartridge is PC-1, PC-2.
Cartridge life: Approximately 30 days. - For tips on changing a wick filter: How to Change a Wick Humidifier Filter
- For Humidifier Buying Tips:
Before You Buy a Portable Humidifier
Buying a Portable Humidifier - Video
Guide Review - Review of Honeywell QuietCare Cool Moisture Humidifier HCM-645
The Honeywell® QuietCare™ Cool Moisture Humidifier, Model HCM-645 is a 4 gallon unit recommended for a large room of about 850 - 1400 sq. ft. This humidifier was tested in the living room to monitor how its operating noise would impact conversation and television viewing, as well as how it maintained humidity levels against a hygrometer.The humidifier controls are well lit and easy to set. It did maintain the desired humidity level as set, cycling on/off as needed, and required filling every 2-3 days. You can also run it on a continuous basis, but filling will be more frequent. Filling is easy; it has a large opening. Although the manufacturer recommends not to tighten the fill cap, I found that it must be tight, otherwise it leaked.
It is quiet as stated, but only on the Low setting. On higher speed settings which may be necessary to achieve and maintain a certain humidity level, it was difficult to hear conversation or the television. It is not quieter than other humidifiers as stated, on these higher settings.
Having a fairly large footprint, which is to be expected with a 4-gallon unit, you need to select a proper location for it, away from heat sources. The cool mist, which can feel like a very cold draft, comes out the front of the unit, so it's best not to place it where it will blow towards someone sitting in the room.
This Honeywell Model HCM-645 has a Protec™ Cleaning Cartridge which freshens the water and prevents mold and bacteria build-up. This is a nice feature.
Overall, the unit does achieve proper humidification, albeit a little noisier than expected and has a nice fill capacity.
It should be noted that Honeywell® has several QuietCare™ humidifiers on the market. Some models have certain features while others don't, so it's wise to check all the fine print before buying.
