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Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier
Model: MA1201 | SKU: be2119
Recommended by a leading consumer reporting magazine as its #1 console humidifier, the Essick Air MA1201 Humidifier adds soothing moisture to your entire home. The MA1201 combats dry air by releasing 12 gallons of cool mist per day to cover as much as 2,500 square feet. With electronic controls, a built-in humidistat, and numerous automated features, this model makes it easy to monitor and control the humidity level in your home. The Essick Air MA1201 has been rated highly in total moisture output, user convenience, and hard water operation.
Convenient Humidistat Control
The Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier eliminates the guesswork when it comes to maintaining your ideal humidity. Simply set your desired humidity between 25% and 65% and let the onboard humidistat do the work for you. If your home's humidity falls below your setting, the humidifier automatically adjusts to the most efficient fan speed to increase output and maintain your comfort. The MA1201 features 3 fan speeds: ultra-quiet, medium, and high. When running on high, water is evaporated into a fine mist and quickly dispersed throughout your space. The ultra-quiet setting is ideal for humidifying your room with minimal sound while you sleep.
Simple Operation and Maintenance
Simple push buttons and a digital control panel make it easy to operate and maintain your Essick Air MA1201 Humidifier. In addition to power and fan speed buttons, the digital control panel features up and down arrows for adjusting the room humidity. The display panel shows the actual room humidity, your desired humidity, and the current fan speed setting. When the wick filter needs to be replaced, a check filter message displays giving you an easy reminder. Plus, a refill indicator located on the control panel illuminates when the water bottle and humidifier base are empty. The humidifier's neutral gray housing helps it blend seamlessly into your space.
Additional Features
- Mineral-Absorbing Filter - The evaporative filter "wicks" up water to humidify your home while absorbing mineral content that may lead to harmful white dust.
- Easily Transportable: Four rolling casters help you move your humidifier from room to room effortlessly.
- Refillable Bottle: A refillable water bottle connects to the humidifier base and is detachable for easy sink refills.
- Dry Out Mode - Dry Out mode runs the humidifier on the ultra-quiet setting once the reservoir is empty. This helps dry out the filter and internal parts to avoid harmful mold and mildew growth.
- Automatic Shutoff - Once Dry Out mode has completed its cycle, the humidifier automatically shuts off to save energy.
Summary
The Essick Air MA1201 Moist Air Humidifier is a top consumer-rated console humidifier that adds soothing cool moisture to cover as much as 2,500 square feet.
What Customers Love
- Set It and Forget It - Set your desired humidity level, select the Auto mode, and let the humidifier do the work for you. An onboard humidistat adjusts the fan speed automatically to maintain your desired humidity.
- Large Coverage - This model adds 12 gallons of cool moisture to the air per day covering up to 2,500 square feet.
Things to Consider
- Multiple Floors - If your home has multiple floors, coverage area may be reduced. Be sure to place the humidifier in a centralized location or move it around regularly for the best coverage.
- Keep the Reservoir Clean - Keep the humidifier clean and bacteria-free by adding Essick Air's Bacteriostat Treatment each time you fill the tank.
| Recommended Room Size | 2,500 Sq. Ft. |
| Type of Humidifier | Evaporative Cool Mist |
| Ductable | No |
| Height | 20 in. |
| Width | 12 in. |
| Depth | 20 in. |
| Weight | 15 lbs. |
| Voltage | 120 V |
| Watts | 80 W |
| Amperage | 2.29 Amps |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 2 gallons |
| Moisture Output Per Day | 12 gallons |
| Water Refill Indicator | Yes |
| Humidistat | Yes |
| Humidity Range | 25% to 65% |
| Hygrometer | Yes |
| Controls | Electronic |
| Number of Fan Speeds | 3 |
| Mist Output Control | No |
| Programmable Timer | No |
| Wick Filter | Yes |
| Frequency of Filter Replacements | Replace seasonally |
| Filter Change Indicator | Yes |
| Air Filtration | No |
| Germ Protection | No |
| Mineral Cartridge | No |
| Automatic Safety Shutoff | Yes |
| Carrying Handle | No |
| Casters | Yes |
| Color | Neutral Gray |
- Essick Air MoistAIR MA1201 Whole House Humidifier
- Caster Kit
- Owner's Manual
Manufacturer Warranty
1-Year Limited Warranty on Base; 2-Year Limited Warranty on Motor
Manufacturer Literature
Owner's Manual (Adobe PDF)
User's guide for the Essick MA1201 Humidifier.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 46 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good power output (6)
- Lightweight (5)
- Durable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Living room (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Homeowner (9)
Most Liked Positive Review
outstanding design
This MA1201 is well designed, from the economy of its enclosure design all the way to its use of a microprocessor to switch the fan speeds automatically, depending on the actual demand load. The...Read complete review
This MA1201 is well designed, from the economy of its enclosure design all the way to its use of a microprocessor to switch the fan speeds automatically, depending on the actual demand load. The ease of loading water makes it a pleasant task to be performed each and every day. In my experience so far, the unit uses four gallons each day on average. I have its output feeding directly into the return duck of my 1500 sq ft single floor condo. I have also built a simple wooden enclosure that channels the moist air flow directly into the intake duck, located in a central hall area. This enclosure also reduces the sound level a bit. Most of the time, the unit cycles back and forth between slow and medium speed.
My HVAC system includes a 2.0 ton heat pump and I am located in a suburb west of Philadelphia along the Mainline. Prior to deploying the unit, I had to run the temperature several degrees higher during the day and in the evening hours in order to maintain a comfortable living environment. With the unit engaged, I have found that I now run our temperature set-point at some 3-4 degrees lower and still feel very comfortable. My wife appreciates the added humidity level and neither of us have any dry skin problems. The electrical energy savings is rather considerable, to put it mildly. Also prior to installing this unit for the entire condo (two bedroom and den plus great room and kitchen/dinning area) I had a competitive unit installed in our bedroom. During the winter months, the RH ran a consistent 6-7% points difference between the bedroom and the rest of the condo. Now, this unit maintains the same RH level through the entire living space. A significant improvement is the result. Nice work and glad to provide this level of feedback.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Noisy and poor quality, but effective.
Pros: Highly effective, I didn't measure it but I would certainly believe than it can move 12 gallons a day. Easy to refill, Wicks are inexpensive.
Cons: Noisy, poor quality, cre...Read complete review
Pros: Highly effective, I didn't measure it but I would certainly believe than it can move 12 gallons a day. Easy to refill, Wicks are inexpensive.
Cons: Noisy, poor quality, creates a draft of cold air.
This product comes from Essick Air, and it is cheaply constructed (judging from other reviews, such is the quality standard of all their products). This item must have a huge profit margin because it is little more than some flimsy plastic parts which don't fit together very well, plus an electric fan.
Everyone seems to have different quality issues; on my unit, the float sensor is nonfunctional (either always on or always off, depending on how you adjust it). The hydrostat seems to be calibrated way off -- it reads about 10-15% lower than my (calibration verified) Caliber III Thermometer Hygrometer -- but still works, as long as you set it high enough.
But the main problem with this humidifier is the noise. On low it is loud enough to hear from 25 feet away. On medium it is hard to have a conversation. On high it drowns out most other noise. My girlfriend had to turn up the TV over it even when on low. On top of the fan noise, the propeller seems to be not quite balanced, so that the whole thing vibrates, and even rattles if oriented wrong.
Unfortunately for us consumers (but fortunately for Essick Air), there seems to be a few options for in-house humidifiers on the market with more than a few gallons a day of output. So if you really need all 12 gallons/day, and can't get one integrated with your heating system, this might be the best product on the market, despite all its shortcomings.
Reviewed by 46 customers
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Pros
- Attractive
- Ease In Filling Tank
- Lightweight
- Mobility
- Powerful
- Size
Cons
- Higher Fan Speeds Loud
Best Uses
- Bedroom
- Cabin
- Living Room
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
So far I am very pleased with this humidifier. It is my first larger than a tabletop and man, WHAT A DIFFERENCE. I can hardly believe I'm no longer troubled by static shock everytime I touch something. We do have in in a larger room placed as suggested by an interior wall close to the cold air return and away from the registers. We have a woodburning fireplace we use nearly every night in the winter months and the humidity still stays above 45%.
Pros
- High Output
- Quiet
- USER FRIENDLY
Cons
Best Uses
- Whole house
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
Have positioned unit under the cold air return and it suppliments an existing unit at the far end of a sprawling ranch type house. I have a small humidity guage postioned at the mid-point of the house between the two humidifiers. This humidifier has had a noticable impact and improved the heating and comfort during the winter. At the lowest setting the unit is quiet and puts out a lot of moisture without impacting the surrounding walls and prints/paintings. It's easy to fill the side container, but even two gallons of water can be heavy and somewhat awkward to handle.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Living Room
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
We use this humidifier to add moisture to our living/dining room and kitchen area. It works great, is quiet and does a great job in a short amount of time.
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Living Room
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
Works good
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Heats Up Quickly
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
- Finding Filters Locally
Best Uses
- Open Floor Plan Rancher
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
I've had humidifiers for over 20 years and this is only my 3rd one. However, when I replaced last years, this year, this is actually the THIRD one I bought. The first 2 were returned for white dust problems or inefficient functioning.
This unit is a little bigger than I was looking for but works beautifully because I have a very open floor plan in my rancher home. It's simple to set and then takes over.
You can fill it as many timea a day as you require. I have mine on low at 55% and it runs quietly and consistently, shutting on and off as needed. We've had tons of rain recently and it hardly comes on at all. Very efficient.
It is however, very important to use water treatment and bacteriosat regularly and clean as directed.
While I have had it only a month, it is functioning as I would expect. My only gripe is that I was looking locally for replacement filters for the future and I am not happy with the reviews on the filters being offered on the net. I know I can order them from the company but they are expensive. However, if the filter lasts for the whole season, I won't complain. We'll see.
Pros
- Easy to move
- Easy to operate
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Very Quiet
- Small Water Tank Capacity
Best Uses
- Keeps Humidity Constant
- Living Room
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
We use it in the living room to keep the humidity constant for our grand piano and other musical instruments. It's nice to set the humidity level and let it do its thing... Even on the low setting, it is not very quiet, and the periodic "glugging" of water as it leaves the tank is loud and a little startling. The tank is easy to fill in the kitchen sink, but could be a little larger. It requires filling two or three times a day when the air is dry. The fan/unit vibrates a little -- it would be better if it were manufactured more precisely and the fan balanced before shipment.
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Living Room
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
This humidifier is very convenient and efficient, just set the humidity level and forget it. I set the fan speed on medium and that is fairly quiet. It gets a bit loud on hi, but I do not need to set it that high. I have owned several humidifiers and this is the best one I have ever bought.
Pros
- Durable
- Heats Up Quickly
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
a must have product if you have gas (propane) heat
Pros
- Convenient
Cons
- Noisy On High Setting
Best Uses
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
So far I've been pleased with the humidifier and it seems to be doing the job. I have it in a living room with a natural gas stove that heats the room and it seems to work quite well keeping the air humidified.
Comments about Bemis/Essick Air MA1201 Whole House Humidifier:
This humidifier works great. I gave it 3 stars because if you live in a dry arid region you will be filling this thing everyday
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