Seamlessly Modern Home Comfort- Luma Comfort HC12W Humidifier Review/Giveaway

***I received the following product as part of the Luma Comfort Brew Crew blogger ambassadorship program. All opinions and images contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2014.

Momma Told Me: It's not pretty, but it's functional.

Growing up we had a very ugly appliance that was a staple in our condominium- it was an off brown color, hard textured plastic, and reminded me of my training potty in shape and stature. It sat on Momma's nightstand, on my bedroom dresser when I was sick with the flu, and even on the living room coffee table during especially dry Southern California months (which there are many of.) Humidity, and the lack of moisture in Southern California (valley) air was  big issue for my family. As a child my skin and lungs were prone to various dehydration conditions and Momma, recently in remission from a battle with cancer that had claimed a large portion of her lung capacity, struggled to breathe on most dry hot days. As a tween my family later moved towards the ocean for a more humid climate; but the memories of that hauntingly ugly, and loud, humidifier, still remain.

While I still live fairly close to the Southern California coasts today, I am awful about hydration and even find myself with a bloody nose from dry sinuses on particularly dry days. Yes, I track and drink water to help with hydration, but there's simply no way to combat the Santa Ana winds- which resemble the dry (allergen infused) winds of the Mojave dessert. Just walking outside to get the mail on a Santa Anas day leaves my cheeks chapped and my skin dry. Luma Comfort's HC12W and HC12B (the black finish version) Cool Mist humidifiers are truly the answer to the age old dilemma of ugly humidifiers versus dry climates and skin. Not only does the cool mist operation more efficiently distribute a finer particulate of moisture into the atmosphere, but has a whisper quite operation that sounds like a soft bubbling 'white noise.'

Unpacking our Luma Comfort HC12W Cool Mist Humidifier was simple- the base houses the actual mechanical portion of the unit, while the tank is houses in the secondary (middle) portion, and 3 varying lengths of flute are provided to help alter the height of humidity distribution. The unit is cleverly designed to look like a modern vase for discreet decor integration and all pieces snap on top of one another. We did have some trouble visually getting the seams to disappear on a few pieces, but found the parts eased into one another over time and use. The generous 2.5 gallon tank can treat up to 650 sq feet for up to 45 continuous hours on the lowest of the 8 intensity settings.

The HC12W's thoughtful design doesn't stop with a sleek exterior and space saving vase inspired footprint- design is a key element throughout the unit's operation. The unit may be turned on or off via a touch sensitive button located on the front, and remote operation allows the owner to adjust the intensity of humidification via the light weight 'drop' shaped remote. The Luma Comfort HC12W offers visual and audio cues to help indicate the tank's status and the coll mist humidifier's operation level (one of eight.) I was tickled to discover the 'do-rey-me-fa-so-la-te-do' scale like tones of the humidifier's operation. For every level of intensity you go up tone is emitted in the next higher scale, and backwards in tone for decreasing intensity. Check out my Instagram video below! 

Each of the HC12W's unique flutes offer a different dispersion of humidity through either a narrow neck or internal guides that help break up the flow of the mist's direction.Standing at almost 4', at it's tallest assembly, the highest humidity level rose over 5' in the air and dispersed into the atmosphere well before falling. With several hours use on medium-high we noticed a little moisture in the basin of the unit's collection pan (house internally) and a fine layer on nearby plant's leaves. It certainly wasn't enough to alarm us or pose a damage threat.

While my inclination of the design and 650 sq ft treatment capacity, says that the Luma Comfort HC12W cool mist humidifier would be best visually suited by a fire place or high traffic area, this humidifier would be equally great in a master bedroom or nursery. So many modern nurseries are going with a crisp, clean, design and the HC12W would look amazing next to a rocking chair n a chevron rug! Currently the HC12W is sold online through the Luma Comfort website, Amazon, and other fine retailers, so order yours now in time for the holiday season. The brand is always innovating something new in home comfort so also be sure to follow them on Facebook, where they even share seasonal and home living content!

What Daughter Says: Great technology doesn't take away from great decor. Don't compromise, choose modern comforts that are practical and stylish.

 

Check out a video of the Luma Comfort HC12W Cool Mist humidifier in action, and enter to win an HC12B (Black) Humidifer of your own!
Luma Comfort HC12B

Tips For First Time Water Cooler Buys Featuring The WCD-210BK

This post was sponsored by Luna Comfort's B.R.E.W. Crew. All opinions below are original and mine alone.

Momma Told Me: And everyone would gather round the water cooler.

Before I existed, Momma worked a 9-5 office job assisting with copy-writing for a marketing firm. I wasn't around,  but I hear many stories, growing up, of how her and her office-mates would gather round the water cooler and dish about the latest gossip and what was on the television the night before. I never really quite understood the magical effects of this simple appliance, but I knew, someday, I wanted a water cooler of my own. Of course, the water dispensers of my time are a bit more advanced then those quick draining cabinets of Momma's work years. They are also becoming increasingly popular inside consumer homes.

Whether you're considering a water cooler to simply offset the cost of filter pitchers and individual bottles, or have a high traffic area in your home where it's required, there are several things to consider. My first suggestion is to buy a water cooler outright from a manufacturing company, such as NewAir, that does not have a stake in which water you use, or how long you own the appliance. Buying an affordable model, such as the WCD-210BK NewAir water dispenser will allow you to choose your bottles sizes (2, 3, or 5 gallon) and refill at your own convenience through delivery or a refill station.

While all water dispenser makes and models might seem identical at face value, small thoughtful features, such as the WCD-210BKs 'Spike Seal Puncture' means you can easily install a sealed water bottle without the worry of water overflow and spills. Many modern models still require you to remove the water bottle's wax-like seal and quickly turn the heavy bottle upside down, as installing. This particular unit also has the benefit of hot or cold dispensing with a temperature range of 41F - 201F; which can turn your water cooler into a hot water dispenser during those blustery Fall and Winter months.

You will also want to consider the materials your water cooler is made of; as plastic water basins can sometimes add an aftertaste to dispensed water. This particular unit has a thoughtful stainless steel drum which not only keeps the unit operating more efficiently, but eliminates aftertastes and added plastic flavors.

Many first time water cooler buyers worry about the convenience of the system setup, and consequential continued operation. Back in my childhood there were two primary methods of refilling your water cooler; a costly delivery (to your door) service, or hauling the empty jog down to a spout-fill station. These days there are affordable and eco-friendly options, such as branded refill stations where you can receive a recycling credit for used bottles, refill owned bottles, or buy an entirely new filled and sealed bottle. Naturally, how you choose to keep your water dispenser full will be determined by how often you drain your jugs, and if you have a water brand preference.

When it comes to setting up your brand new water dispenser; don't be intimidated. NewAir offers a wide range of water coolers direct to your door. The WCD-210BK requires little to no initial setup. Simply be mindful not to place the unit in direct sunlight, and ensure that it is stored on a flat, stable, surface. You'll spend more time deciding whether to put it in the garage or rec room!

What Daughter Says: Create a hub everyone will buzz around in your home, with an in-home water dispenser.

Outfitting Your Fan Cave With A NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser

*I received the following product as part of the NewAir Brew Crew in hopes I would share my honest opinions on setup and operation. Any thumbs up on YouTube towards my setup video will go towards account as a vote in a Brew Crew competition.

Momma Told Me: Your father is the only man I know who could actually overdose on water.

My father is a camel. Okay, so that may not be one of the more flattering analogies, as we lead up to Father's Day, or even the right comparison, but it's been typed and we're not going back. What I mean is that my father will drink water all day long, and in as large of a quantity as he can get. As a young girl I remember marveling at the 64oz (soft drink) jugs he'd bring home from the gas station to fill with his filtered water. And, just like some people are in tune with wine or the finer notes of a good beer, he is a water snob. He can detect the most minute of imperfections and even 'flavoring' of water from it's source. Having fresh, clean, tasty (yes tasty) water on hand at all times within his home is a must. So, naturally, having a water dispenser is a logical step to the continuation of his Fan Cave.

When I was a little girl my father spent most of his time home in his office. Now an eligible bachelor with no children in the house his 'office' has turned into his living room (Shhhhh, you didn't hear that from me.) And that's understandable since it's filled with some of his favorite things, mementos of the Red Sox, La-Z-Boy recliners, and a 75" HD Flat Screen television that puts off enough heat to warm the entire room in the Winter. But my father is picky about what goes into his home- no 'unsightly' appliances sit on counters or out in the open where guests can see them. Let's face it, water dispensers aren't typically the most 'sexy' appliance. Luckily, the NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser is made with complimentary design in mind. It's sleek white profile is polished, simplistic, and fits in perfectly right by the patio door leading out of my father's Fan Cave.

Now, it wouldn't be a very good Father's Day gift if I just dumped the mailing box at his house and left; so I was a good daughter and stayed to help with the setup process. We first had to leave the unit standing in it's intended spot for 2 hours to allow for any settling in shipping or transit. Then we prepared our 5 gallon bottle (we'd bought at our local grocery store, which had a refill station posted outside) by removing the sanitary seal and refill plug, and wiping it down. We next installed the bottle, which is as simple as placing the bottle upside down in the unit, plugged the water dispenser in, and flipped both the hot and cold switches on. We then tested the water flow through the Hot valve, to pull water down into the unit, then let it sit for 30 minutes before beginning a cleaning.

You will want to clean and maintain your water dispenser regularly (I recommend once every 3 months, or 3 bottle changes,) and also when you first set it up, as dust may have accumulated in the factory. To do so we turned the unit off after it's 30 minute cycle, unplugged the base, and removed the water bottle. We then drained both the hot and cold valves, and the drain cap located on the back of the unit. This was about 3/4 gallon of water, which we used to water plants and whatnot. After clearing all of the water you are ready to go through the simple setup process again and enjoy your unit.

Water dispensers have come a long way from when Momma was a young girl, and even my father was impressed with the quiet nature of the unit. The WCD-200W can heat and cool water at the same time, or you may only run one temperature function as needed (hot in Winter, etc) to save energy (though it is Energy Star approved.) You may also run the unit without power to dispense room temperature water when power is not available.

One of our favorite features, however, is the small storage compartment on the bottom of the dispenser that opens by a magnetically closed door. This is the perfect place to store instant coffee packets and cups; since that steaming 176F-203F water makes a mean hot beverage in the middle of an early morning Sox broadcast! For those worried about tiny hands, the unit has a special hot water dispenser toggle that requires deliberate force and intention to dispense- and the hot water function may always be flipped off via the switch in the back.

In all, the NewAir WCD-200W Water Dispenser was a home run (see what I did there?) of a Father's Day gift, and I know it will enjoy many years of use in my father's Fan Cave.

What Daughter Says: Now my father can supplement his water addiction without missing a single bunt, foul, or home run!

NewAir WCD-200W Instructional Setup Video

Please 'Thumbs Up' my video on YouTube to help vote for me to go to BlogHer!

Please 'Thumbs Up' my video on YouTube to help vote for me to go to BlogHer!