AIRCARE MA0800 Mini-Console Evaporative Humidifier User Guide

AIRCARE MA0800 Mini-Console Evaporative Humidifier

General Safety Instructions

READ BEFORE USING YOUR HUMIDIFIER
DANGER: means, if the safety information is not followed someone, will be seriously injured or killed.
WARNING: means, if the safety information is not followed someone, could be seriously injured or killed.
CAUTION: means, if the safety information is not followed someone, may be injured.

1. To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, this humidifier has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). Plug humidifier directly into a 120V, A.C. electrical outlet. Do not use extension cords. If the plug does not fully fit into the outlet, reverse plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
2. Keep the electric cord out of traffic areas. To reduce the risk of fire hazard, never put the electric cord under rugs, near heat registers, radiators, stoves or heaters.
3. Always unplug the unit before moving, cleaning or removing the fan assembly section from the humidifier, or whenever it is not in service.
4. Keep the humidifier clean. To reduce the risk of injury, fire or damage to humidifier, use only cleaners specifically recommended for humidifiers. Never use flammable, combustible or poisonous materials to clean your humidifier.
5. Do not put foreign objects inside the humidifier.
6. Do not allow unit to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when used by or near children.
7. To reduce the risk of electrical hazard or damage to humidifier, do not tilt, jolt or tip humidifier while unit is running.
8. To reduce the risk of accidental electrical shock, do not touch the cord or controls with wet hands.
9. To reduce the risk of fire, do not use near an open flame such as a candle or other flame source.

WARNING:

• For your own safety, do not use humidifier if any parts are damaged or missing.
• To reduce risk of fire, electric shock, or injury always unplug before servicing or cleaning.
• To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do not pour or spill water into control or motor area. If controls get wet, let them dry completely and have unit checked by authorized service personnel before plugging in.

INTRODUCTION

Your new humidifier adds invisible moisture to your home by moving dry inlet air through a saturated wick. As air moves through the wick, the water evaporates into the air, leaving behind any white dust, minerals, or dissolved and suspended solids. Because the water is evaporated, there is just clean and invisible moist air.

As the evaporative wick traps accumulated minerals from the water, its ability to absorb and evaporate water decreases. We recommend changing the wick at the beginning of every season and after every 30 to 60 days of operation to maintain optimum performance. In hard water areas, more frequent replacement may be necessary to maintain your humidifier’s efficiency.

Use only AIRCARE® or Essick Air® brand replacement wicks and additives. To order parts, wicks and other products call 1-800-547-3888. The MA0800(CN) humidifiers use wick # MAF 2. Only the AIRCARE® or Essick Air® /MoistAIR® evaporative wick guarantees the certified output of your humidifier. Use of other brands of wicks voids the certification of output.

HOW YOUR HUMIDIFIER WORKS

Dry air is drawn into the sides of the humidifier, then air is moisturized as it passes through the saturated evaporative wicking filter in the reservoir.
The humidified air is then released through top of the unit.

Based on an area with tight construction andan 8’ ceiling height ANSI/AHAM HU-1-1997.SEC. 8.1. Results may vary.

CAUTIONS ON ADDITIVES TO WATER:

• To maintain the wick’s integrity and warranty, never add anything to the water except Essick Air bacteriostat for evaporative humidifiers. If you only have softened water available in your home, you can use it, but mineral buildup will occur more quickly. You can use distilled or purified water to help extend the life of the wick.
• Never add essential oils in the water. It can damage the plastic seals and cause leaks.

NOTES ON LOCATION:
In order to get the most effective use from your humidifier, it is important to position the unit where the most humidity is needed or where the moist air will be circulated throughout the house such as near a cold air return. If the unit is positioned close to a window, condensation may form on the window pane. If this occurs the unit should be repositioned in another location.

Do NOT position the unit directly in front of a hot air duct or radiator. Do NOT place on soft carpet.
Due to the release of cool, moist air from the humidifier, it is best to direct air away from thermostat and hot air registers. Position humidifier next to an inside wall on a level place at least 4 inches away from the wall or curtains.

ASSEMBLY

1. Unpack humidifier from carton.
2. Remove all packaging materials. Check to see that you have all of the following items removed from the box, accessory kit and cabinet before discarding the packaging:
   • Evaporative wicking filter
   • Manual

WATER FILL
CAUTION: Before filling, ensure unit is turned OFF. Keep grille dry at all times.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, DO NOT pour or spill water into control or motor area. If controls get wet, let them dry completely and have unit checked by authorized service personnel before plugging in.

1. After the humidifier is positioned where it will be operating you are ready to fill the humidifier. The bottle lifts straight up and away from the base. Take care not to bump or damage fill valve assembly on the bottom of the bottle.

2. Invert the bottle. Press the valve stem button into the bottle and turn clockwise to lock in open position. Place bottle under the faucet. Fill the bottle, being careful not to allow any debris to get in the bottle. Debris may interfere with the valve seating.

3. Once the bottle is full, press the valve stem button and turn counter clockwise to release and close.
   CAUTION: Use only EPA Registered Bacteriostat. Under no circumstances should you use Water Treatment products intended for Rotobelt or Ultrasonic humidifiers.
   NOTE: We recommend using Essick Air® Bacteriostat Treatment PN 1970 when you refill the water reservoir to eliminate bacterial growth. Add bacteriostat according to the instructions on the bottle.

4. Place the water bottle back into the humidifier base. When positioned properly, the plunger will open and the water will flow into the base. The base will hold the entire contents of the water bottle. Once the bottle is empty, remove it and repeat the filling process. The humidifier is now filled to capacity. To benefit from less frequent filling let the humidifier exhaust both the water from the bottle and the base before filling.

ABOUT HUMIDITY
Where you set your desired humidity levels depends on your personal comfort level, the outside temperature and the inside temperature.

NOTE: Recent CDC tests show that the chances of flu transmission are greatly reduced at levels of 43% humidity.
You may wish to purchase a hygrometer* to measure the humidity level in your home. The following is a chart of recommended humidity settings.

IMPORTANT: Water damage may result if condensation starts to form on windows or walls. Humidity SET point should be lowered until condensation no longer forms. We recommend room humidity levels do not exceed 50%.

When Outdoor Temperature is:

°F                ° C

| Recommended Indoor Relative Humidity (RH) is
---|---
-20| -30°| 15 – 20%
-10°| -24°| 20 – 25%
2°| -18°| 25 – 30%
10°| -12°| 30 – 35%
20°| -6°| 35 – 40%
30°| -1°| 40 – 45%

*Model 1990 digital hygrometer is available for purchase by calling 1-800-547-3888.

NOTE: External hygrometer readings and humidistat readings may differ. Humidity levels can vary significantly even in one room. The amount of time it takes to affect the room humidity depends on the relative humidity of the air. In especially dry areas it could take up to 48 hours to see humidity climb to the desired level.

OPERATION

Plug cord into wall receptacle. Your humidifier is now ready for use. The humidifier should be placed at least FOUR inches away from any walls and away from heat registers. Unrestricted airflow into the unit will result in the best efficiency and performance.

This unit has an automatic humidistat located in the cord that senses the humidity level around the immediate area of the humidifier. It causes the humidifier to cycle on and off to maintain the selected humidity SET point. The fan will turn on when the humidity reading falls 3% below the SET point and will continue to run the humidifier until a reading of 1% above the SET point is achieved.

CONTROL PANEL

Digital Display

1. Press the power button once to turn the unit on*. Initially there is a slight delay while the electronics calibrate.
2. Two bars (- -) appear during this time. Once calibration is complete a ROOM humidity reading between 20% – 95% will be displayed. A flashing 20 display indicates that the room humidity is less than 20%. NOTE: The default settings at initial startup are (LOW) F1 fan speed and 65% SET humidity. After desired settings are selected by the user, they remain as long as the unit remains plugged in and there is no power interruption. When the unit is unplugged, the original default settings are reinstated.

• Humidifier fan should operate at initial start up. If it does not, refer to Trouble Shooting Table.
  HUMIDITY SETTING.

  3. Press this button to adjust the humidity to suit your needs.
     This humidifier will automatically cycle on and off as required to maintain the selected setting. The readout displays both actual and desired (SET) humidity percentage (%) settings when humidity control button is pressed.

  4. The readout has a range of 20% to 95% Relative Humidity (RH). If the room humidity level is equal to or less than 20% RH the display will show a flashing 20. The SET readout has a range of 25% to 65% RH and is adjusted in increments of 5%. Initially depressing the humidity button will display the current humidity setting. Each additional press of the button increases the setting by 5%. A SET point of 65% RH operates the humidifier continuously until the tank is empty, regardless of the ROOM reading.
     The humidistat that senses the readings is located on the power cord. Ensure that it is free from obstruction.
     FAN SPEED

  5. This humidifier is equipped with a 3-speed fan control. Initially depressing the speed button will display the current speed setting. Each push of the speed button advances the mode through the settings of (HIGH) F3, (MEDIUM) F2,
     (LOW) F1 and (AUTO) A.

  6. When (AUTO) A is selected the humidifier will determine the required fan speed needed to bring the actual room humidity up to the set humidity.

NOTE: When excessive condensation exists, a lower speed setting is recommended.

REFILL INDICATION
When both the bottle and the base are empty, the display alternates the room humidity reading and “F” indicating additional water is required. At this time and refill unit according to the instructions in the WATER FILL section.

AUTO DRY OUT
If unit is not refilled shortly, time the unit will automatically switch into AUTO DRY OUT MODE and continue to run on the lowest speed until the filter is completely dry. The fan will shut off leaving you with a dry humidifier that is less prone to mold and mildew.

OTHER INDICATIONS

CHECK FILTER INDICATOR
The ability of any humidifier to efficiently supply humidity output relies heavily on the condition of the filter. As the wicking filter loads with impurities it gradually loses its wicking capability. When this happens, moisture output is reduced and the humidifier has to work longer to satisfy the selected setting.

This humidifier has a check filter reminder timed to appear after 720 hours of operation. When the display shows an alternating “CF” and “room humidity” setting at 5 second intervals it is a reminder to check the filter condition.

NOTE: Some areas have high water mineral content causing the need for more Frequent wicking filter changes.
Reset the Check Filter “CF” function each time you replace a filter by unplugging the unit from the power source, then plug it in again.
Refer to REPLACEMENT OF WICKING FILTER if a build-up of deposits or severe discoloration is evident replace wick to restore maximum efficiency.

CONTROL LOCK FEATURE
To avoid unwanted tampering with the humidifier settings the controls can be locked.

ACTIVATION PROCEDURE
After the humidifier functions have been set up, hold the power button down for 5 seconds. The display will show “CL” for 2 seconds; release the power button and the control will resume the display of the room humidity. The humidifier will continue to function with the locked in settings. If buttons are operated while “CL” is active, the “CL” is displayed and settings are unaffected.

DEACTIVATION PROCEDURE
To deactivate the “CL” function simply press and hold the power button for 5 seconds. “CL” will flash at the rate of 1 second on and 1 second off for a period of 2 seconds and then resume the display of room humid

REPLACEMENT OF WICKING FILTER

CAUTION: Before changing wicking filter, ensure unit is turned OFF. CAUTION: To help prevent bacteria growth and keep maximum efficiency, the wicking filter should be replaced at least once per season, or more often under hard water conditions. Use AIRCARE® MAF2 replacement wicking filter.

Replace the evaporative wicking filter at the beginning of humidification season and more often in depending on water conditions in your area.

Wicking Filter Replacement

1. Unplug humidifier. Before removing the filter, we recommend moving the humidifier to an area where floor coverings are not susceptible to water damage (i.e. kitchen or bath areas.)
2. Remove the water bottle and set aside. Be sure not to bump or damage the fill valve.
3. Grasp the housing assembly and lift straight up and away from the base and set aside. The wicking filter is now accessible.
4. Take note of the filter position. Remove the filter. You may want to clean the base at this time. See the “Care and Maintenance” section of this manual.
5. Install a new wicking filter, MAF2, into the base. Coil the filter and position it between the uprights in the bottom of the base. The start and finish of the coil should be captured at the center of the base (see diagram) and the filter should be resting on the floor of the base.
6. Return the housing assembly to the top of the base. Reposition the humidifier to its operating position.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Cleaning your humidifier regularly helps eliminate odors and bacterial and fungal growth. Ordinary household bleach is a good disinfectant and can be used to wipe out the humidifier base and bottle/reservoir after cleaning. We recommend cleaning your humidifier whenever changing the wicks. We also recommend using Essick Air® Bacteriostat Treatment each time you refill your humidifier to eliminate bacterial growth. We also recommend using AIRCARE® or Essick Air® Bacteriostat Treatment each time you refill your humidifier to eliminate bacterial growth. Add bacteriostat according to the instructions on the bottle. Please call 1-800-547-3888 to order Bacteriostat Treatment, PN 1970 or wicks.

1. Turn off unit completely and unplug from outlet.

2. Lift off the chassis.

3. Carry the base to cleaning basin. Remove and dispose of used wick.

4. Pour out any remaining water from the unit. Fill base and bottle half full with water and add 8 oz. (1 cup) of undiluted white vinegar. Let stand 20 minutes.

5. Dampen a soft cloth with white vinegar and wipe out reservoir to remove scale. Rinse the water bottle and base thoroughly with fresh water to remove scale and cleaning solution before disinfecting.
   DISINFECTING UNIT

6. Fill the bottle and base ½ full with water and add 1 teaspoon of bleach. Let solution stay for 20 minutes, then rinse with water until bleach smell is gone. Dry interior surfaces with clean cloth. Wipe down the outside of the unit with a soft cloth dampened with fresh water.

7. Refill unit and reassemble per ASSEMBLY instructions.

SUMMER STORAGE

1. Clean unit as outlined in Care & Maintenance section.
2. Discard used wick and any water in the bottle or base. Allow to dry thoroughly before storage. Do not store with water inside unit.
3. Do not store unit in an attic or other high-temperature area, as damage is probable.
4. Install new filter at beginning of season.

REPAIR PARTS LIST

Order by part number, not by item number. To order parts, call: 1-800-547 3888

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

•  Power button has not been depressed.

| •  Check 120 volt power source.

•  Press power button once to turn on.

Fan not operating (digital display is illuminated).| •  ROOM humidity level is not 3% or more below SET humidity level.

•  Reservoir is empty.

| •  Raise SET humidity level if desired.

•  Increase fan speed.

•  Fill humidifier with water.

Fan running continuously.| •  SET humidity level is 65%.

•  ROOM humidity level has not reached 1% or more above SET humidity level.

| •A SET humidity percentage of 65% operates fan continuously. Adjust SET level between 25% – 60%.

•  Continue to run until desired

humidity level is achieved. This may take up to 48 hours initially.

Poor evaporation of water.| •  CHECK FILTER (CF)

message flashing.

•  Mineral buildup on wicking filter.

| •  Change to a fresh new wicking filter.

•  NOTE: Local water varies from area to area and under certain conditions minerals will build up

more rapidly in the wicking filter.

Bottle empties completely| •  This is normal for initial filling| •  Refill bottle for maximum run time.
Bottle continues to empty after complete filling.| •  Air is entering water bottle.| •  Check for leak in water bottle.

•  Ensure fill valve position is turned to

closed and valve has no interfering debris.

Bottle not emptying.| • Spring Valve Assembly damaged or missing post in bottom of base.

•  Base full of water.

| •  Check position of bottle. Reposition so that fill valve on bottom of bottle is depressed by post in bottom of base.

•  The base will hold the contents of water bottle (1.2gallons). Continue to run humidifier to deplete water

from base.

“CF” message does not appear even when filter is dirty or

humidifier performance is clearly reduced.

| • Loss of power or a power failure has caused the CF message to prematurely reset.| •  Replace wicking filter.
Display blinks or fan moves slightly when humidifier is plugged in.| • Normal| •  No action required.
Alternating “F” and room humidity displayed.| •  Reservoir is empty.| • Fill humidifier with water.
Alternating “CF” and room humidity displayed.| • Wicking filter may be dirty.| •  Replace wicking filter.

• Unplug unit for 30 seconds and replug in to clear display.

HUMIDIFIER TWO YEA R LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY

SALES RECEIPT REQUIRED AS PROOF OF PURCHASE FOR ALL WARRANTY CLAIMS.
This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser of this humidifier when the unit is installed and used under normal conditions against defects in workmanship and materials as follows:

• Two (2) years from date of sale on the unit, and
• Thirty (30) days on wicks and filters, which are considered disposable components and should be replaced periodically.

The manufacturer will replace the defective part/product, at its discretion, with return freight paid by the manufacturer. It is agreed that such replacement is the exclusive remedy available from the manufacturer and that TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE OR LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.

Exclusions from this warranty
We are not responsible for replacement of wicks and filters.

We are not responsible for any incidental or consequential damage from any malfunction, accident, misuse, alterations, unauthorized repairs, abuse, including failure to perform reasonable maintenance, normal wear and tear, nor where the connected voltage is more than 5% above the nameplate voltage.

We are not responsible for any damage from the use of water softeners or treatments, chemicals or descaling materials.
We are not responsible for the cost of service calls to diagnose the cause of trouble, or labor charge to repair and/or replace parts.

No employee, agent, dealer or other person is authorized to give any warranties or conditions on behalf of the manufacturer. The customer shall be responsible for all labor costs incurred.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

How to obtain service under this warranty
Within the limitations of this warranty, purchaser with inoperative units should contact customer service at 800-547-3888 for instructions on how to obtain service within warranty as listed above.

This warranty gives the customer specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from province to province, or state to state.
Register your product at www.aircareproducts.com

ESSICK AIR PRODUCTS 5800 MURRAY ST. LITTLE ROCK, AR. 72209
www.essickair.com 1-800-547-3888

References

• Humidifiers - AIRCARE Ultrasonic, Evaporative, & Steam Humidifiers
• essickair.com

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