Top 3 AirCare Humidifiers: Our Expert Reviews

AirCare is a company dedicated to keeping your home humidified, so much so that they offer multiple ‘Whole House Consoles’ on Amazon. This line of humidifiers is designed to cover large areas, so they make a perfect edition to your home if you are in desperate need of some moist, clean air. I found three of good quality—they are all evaporative, give off a cool mist, and have digital input/output systems; so you have all the bells and whistles. However as nothing in this world is entirely flaw-free, the question I would like to ask and answer is: Which AirCare evaporative keeps pet dander levels low in your home?

• AIRCARE MODEL EP9 800
• AIRCARE MODEL 4DTS 900
• AIRCARE MODEL MA1201

AirCare Model EP9 800

How Does it Work?

This may look like an intimidating piece of machinery, however it’s very easy to assemble and use! Water is funneled into the reservoir via a port in the front of the unit. This can be done with a water bottle, pitcher, or jug, whatever is easiest per your personal preference. The water is then absorbed by the ‘wicking filter’, completely saturating it. Once the unit is turned on, the fan inside pulls air in using negative air pressure. The outside air then passes through the wicking filter, and the resulting air that comes out of the humidifier is a cool, fine, ‘evaporative mist’.

The Pros

This humidifier is perfect for large areas in the home as it can cover up to 2,400 square feet. With a 3.5 gallon tank, the unit can run up to 60 hours without a water refill! The digital panel above the water door gives you an accurate reading of the desired/input humidity level, and in addition also tells you how much humidity there is in the air. You can also set the fan speed to suit your preference as there are 9 speed settings.

The tile on top of the unit can also be replaced with any 12 x 12″ tile to better match your decor if you are into that, too. And it auto-shuts off when the desired humidity level is reached, or when there is no more water.

Additional benefits from using this humidifier include: reducing the ability for the flu virus to survive, reducing static electricity, and alleviating allergy symptoms (i.e. scratchy throat, itchy eyes, dry skin).

It also protects wood flooring, furniture, and items (such as musical instruments). Moisture promotes the maintaining of shape; when the air is too dry, wooden items warp!

You can also reduce your energy bill because the moisture from the humidifier helps the house retain heat. According to AirCare, some of the Department of Energy studies show that, “[…] you save around 3% on your energy bill for every 1-2 degrees you reduce your thermostat”.

Having this humidifier is also beneficial to your pets! They can suffer from dry skin like we do, and when they scratch it sends fur and dander (what we’re allergic to) into the air.

The Cons

The only real complaint people seem to have is noise, which every humidifier makes at varying degrees of annoyance much to the dismay of those expecting a ‘whisper-quiet’ effect. One gentleman said he had the fan setting on 3, and still found it to be a bit loud for his taste. Especially when he was sitting on the far end of the couch from it, trying to watch T.V. Others agreed, stating to me that anything above the 2nd setting sounds like a jet is taking off in their home.

However, if noise is actually helpful to you when you are trying to catch some additional Zs, then this might not be an issue for you. It just depends on whether or not you find it bothersome.

FAQs Section

• Q: Which filter do I use with this humidifier, and how long do they last?

  A: You need to order the AirCare 1043 Filter, which is compatible with this model. The longevity of the filter depends on the type of water used to fill the tank (tap/distilled), and how often you use the humidifier. AirCare recommends changing it out every 3-6 months with the water type and use time factored in. To be safe, I would check it at least once a month just to ensure nothing is growing in there (i.e. mold, algae, bacteria).

  Depending on where you live, the filter can last for an entire winter season before it needs changing. How often you use the humidifier and other irritants in the air (i.e. smoke, dry air, pollutants, dust, pet hair) also play a factor. If you use tap water rather than distilled you might need to replace it more often, especially if you live in a hard water area.

  To take the guesswork out of it, an alert light lets you know when it’s time to switch filters. It will come up as ‘CF’ which means, “Check Filter”.

• Q:Can you use oils or aromatherapy pads?

  A:No, unfortunately this humidifier was not designed for aromatherapy pads or essential oils.

• Q:Does it use a lot of electricity?

  A:No it doesn’t; I have not noticed a change to my energy bill, and there’s only a small fan running inside of it. However if it is exact wattage you are after, you might want to double-check with the manufacturer.

• Q:How many gallons of water can this unit hold, and how do you fill it?

  A:The tank is designed to hold approximately 3.5 gallons at a time. To fill it, simply locate the small door in the front of the unit. A light inside ensures you can see what you are doing, and the unit comes with a funnel.

---

AirCare Model 4DTS 900

How Does it Work?

The 4DTS 900 model is basically the EP8 900 all over again in terms of function, however there are some differences.

Instead of the water being added in the front through a funnel, this model has two tanks. Using a pitcher, bottle, or jug is something I definitely recommend as you’d probably have a more difficult time trying to haul these back to the humidifier full of water!

The water enters the base of the humidifier, and completely saturates the ‘wicking filter’. When the unit is turned on the fan inside pulls dry outside air into the filter using negative air pressure. The result is an‘evaporative’ cool mist that is dispensed into the air.

The Pros

If you have a large space or home that needs humidified air, the 4DTS 900 will make your day as it covers up to 3,600 square feet! It features a 5.7 gallon water tank, which has an output of approximately 11.5 gallons a day, and can run up to 48 hours without needing a refill.

This ‘smart’ machine includes a digital touch-screen panel from which you can control various settings (such as your desired humidity level), and the speed of the fan. The built in Hygrometer measures humidity levels in the home for you, and the automatic Humidistat adjusts the humidity level via an outside sensor. And you have a 9-speed motor to control the speed of the fan, using only 240 watts of power!

The unit also auto-shuts off as soon as the desired humidity level is reached, or when it is empty of water.

Additional benefits include: eliminating 86% of airborne flu virus particles, easing allergy symptoms, and protecting wood furniture and items in the home. You can also save up to 10% on your energy bill as every time you run your humidifier the moisture helps your home retain heat.

And if you have pets, you are in for a real treat (as are they). When the air is too dry, our fur babies experience the same uncomfortable symptoms we do, which includes dry skin. Their answer is to scratch, which in turn sends pet hair and dander into the air. Pet dander is what we are allergic to, so by running the humidifier, we’re not only helping relive our dry skin issues but also theirs, too!

The Cons

Again, noise is the main design flaw here, specifically with the fan. Several people have stated that they can only get the fan to run quietly on lower settings as anything higher results in a rattling sound.

FAQs Section

• Q:Which filter should I use, and how often should I change it out?

  A:For this model, you’ll need the AirCare1014 Filter, which is compatible.

  How often you need to change it depends on what kind of water you’re using (tap/distilled). Tap sometimes has mineral deposits, especially in hard water areas, whereas distilled is completely clean. A filter for this model can usually last for the majority of if not the entire winter before it needs to be changed. Also, for a natural cleaning solution, I recommend using a water and vinegar mixture on the filter. Soaking or rinsing it will help to keep it fresh and bacteria free! At least, until you need to buy a new one.

• Q:How do I clean this? Can I use antibacterial cleaning solutions?

  A:The only part you need to clean are the tanks. I would not recommend using antibacterial cleaners as they are extremely toxic, and not safe for use around your loved ones, including pets. Instead, consider using vinegar cut with water; it is a natural, safe way to clean the tanks. You could also use mild soap and water, just make sure the tanks are thoroughly rinsed out!

---

AirCare Model MA1201

How Does it Work?

As with the previous models, the MA1201 is an ‘evaporative’ humidifier, which means it uses a ‘wicking filter’ to add moisture to the air. It begins with water, which is added to the tank on the right-hand side of the unit (far left illustration above). The water then fills the reservoir and saturates the filter while the fan draws in outside air using (you guess it) negative air. The resulting moisture comes out in an ‘evaporated’, cool fine mist.

The Pros

The MA1201 was designed with large spaces and homes in mind; it covers up to 3,600 square feet, and the 3.6 gallon tank ensures that you’ll breathe comfortably for 36 hours before needing a water refill!

It features a digital display which not only tells you how much humidity there is in your home, but also allows you to set your humidity level preference, and fan speed (with 4 different options). The humidifier has ‘smart’ technology, meaning it auto-shuts off any time the programmed humidity level is reached, or the unit runs low/is out of water. And a built-in indicator will let you know when to check and refill your filter, which helps take guesswork out of the equation.

Comes with four casters (wheels) so that you can easily transport it from one room to the next, too!

Evaporative moisture in your home not only protects wood flooring, furniture, and items (guitar, piano, etc.) but also promotes clean air that helps combat allergy symptoms. You also save between 3-10% on your electric bill as this unit is energy efficient!

Best of all, if you have pets you’re going to love this model. Humidified air not only moisturizes your skin, but also your pet’s skin as well! When our pets have dry skin, they scratch just like we do. The side effect is that it sends their fur and dander into the air, which activates allergies. With this machine, you can easily reduce if not eliminate pet dander levels!

The Cons

The top complaint most people have regarding this unit is that (much like its predecessors) it makes too much noise, even on the lowest setting.

As I have mentioned before in other humidifier articles, noise tolerance is something that varies from each person, so the noise from the fan may not necessarily be a turn off for you especially if it helps lull you to sleep.

FAQs Section

• Q:Can I use essential oils or aromatherapy pads?

  A:This model was not designed with aromatherapy in mind; however someone mentioned adding a few drops to their filter and said it worked. Though AirCare urges customers not to use anything “harsh” on the filters, I don’t believe a drop or two of essential oil would ruin it.

• Q:How do I fill the tank, and is it difficult to clean it?

  A:Filling the tank is easy, just follow the steps below:

  1. Detach the tank from the side of the unit.
  2. After you’ve unscrewed the cap, fill the tank with water.
  3. Reattach the cap and place the tank back in the base.

  This model is plastic, so it is very easy to clean! I recommend cleaning the unit/base once every two weeks. You can soak the filter in vinegar and water to remove any mineral deposits that may be on it and give it a longer life span. However, you will need to change it, and you’ll want to do that every 3-4 weeks depending on the type of water (tap/distilled) and how often it’s used.

• Q:Is it safe to use around pets?

  A:Absolutely! The addition of a humidifier in your home will do wonders for you, children (if there are any), and your pets. When the air is too dry, our skin becomes itchy and irritated—so does your pet’s. And although scratching helps relieve the itching, it sends pet hair and dander into the air. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, thus enabling better breathing with the added benefit of moisturized skin for all!

• Q:What kind of filter do I need?

  A:As with the previous models, the MA1201 uses a wicking filter to sift out debris or minerals from the water in the tank (especially if you’re using tap). The one you need is the AirCare MAF2 Filter.

---

But Which Humidifier is Better?

An article written for the Harvard Women’s Health Watch states that, “Stale indoor air and heating systems can increase the amount of allergy-inducing dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores circulating through your house”. Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard -Medical School Dr. Nicholas BuSaba added that most allergens are, “odorless”, meaning you are not aware that there’s a health problem other than the symptoms allergens can trigger (i.e. asthma, fatigue, sleepiness, and even digestive issues).

Good news though: you can combat if not control allergens in your home with a humidifier!

Since, “Mold, dust mites, pet dander and pest droppings or body parts can trigger asthma”, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a humidifier as one way to help lessen the exposure to indoor allergens. However, when dealing with cool mist humidifiers–such as the EP9 800 and the MA1201–the EPA urges you to ensure that they are cleaned regularly per the manufacturer’s instructions. They also recommend re-filling the tank daily especially if you are susceptible to having allergy/asthma attacks!

So then, which AirCare humidifier is best suited for pet dander problems? The answer is all three of them are as they are designed to handle pet dander and other allergens. However choosing one for your home all comes down to personal preference.

If you want a humidifier that can be cleverly ‘hidden’ in plain sight by adding a plant on top, and give you a longer running time before refilling the tank, you might consider the EP9 800. If you have a portable in mind, you could go with the MA1201 as the casters allow the unit to become mobile. If a larger tank with a higher output is what you’re after, you would probably want the 4DTS 900.

No matter which one of these units you choose, you’re going to have a better breathing experience. This is especially true since all the models here are evaporative, which the EPA says makes them one of the healthier options since the likelihood of ‘white dust’ from water minerals is significantly lower, “[…] evaporative humidifiers are not expected to disperse substantial amounts of minerals.”

Happy Shopping!