Bionaire BCM646 User Manual

digital COOL MOISTURE

humidifier

MODEL: BCM646

Read instructions before operating.

Retain for future reference.

Instruction Leaflet

INFO-LINE

If after having read this leaflet, you have any

questions or comments on your humidifier,

call 1-800-253-2764 in North America.

127053/9100030004879

☎

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Humidifiers provide comfort by adding moisture to dry,
heated indoor air. To benefit most from the humidifier and
avoid product misuse, follow all instructions carefully.
Please note that this is an electrical appliance and
requires attention when in use.

In addition, if you do not follow the recommended care
and maintenance guidelines, micro-organisms may be
able to grow in the water within the water tank. You must
routinely follow the cleaning procedures that follow in
order to ensure proper, efficient operation of your
humidifier. Proper maintenance and cleaning is essential
to the continued performance of your unit and the
avoidance of algae or bacteria build-up.

DAILY MAINTENANCE

1. Be sure the unit is OFF and is disconnected from the
electrical outlet.

2. Remove the housing and the tank from the humidifier
and place in sink or tub.

3. Carry the base of the unit to the sink, remove the
wick, place in sink, drain any remaining water and
rinse thoroughly to remove any sediment or dirt. Wipe
clean, and dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

4. Drain the water from the tank into the sink and rinse
tank thoroughly. Wipe clean, and dry with a clean
cloth or paper towel.

5. Put filter back in, replace the housing, then refill tank
with cool tap water as instructed earlier in the Filling
Instructions. Do not overfill.

6. Follow Operating Instructions.

WEEKLY MAINTENANCE

To Remove Scale:

1. Repeat steps 1-4 above.

2. Clean the base by partially filling the base with one 8­oz cup of undiluted white vinegar, or by using Clean
AwayTM(Model DMS216) by the manufacturer. Leave
this solution in the base for 20 minutes, while cleaning
all interior surfaces with a soft brush. Remove base
scale by wiping the base with a cloth dampened with
undiluted white vinegar.

3. Rinse with clean warm water to remove the cleaning
solution before disinfecting the tank.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights that vary from province to province,
state to state or jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

How to Obtain Warranty Service

In the U.S.A.
If you have any question regarding this warranty or would

like to obtain warranty service, please call
1-800-253-2764 and a convenient service center address
will be provided to you.

In Canada
If you have any question regarding this warranty or would

like to obtain warranty service, please call
1-800-253-2764 and a convenient service center address
will be provided to you.

In the U.S.A., this warranty is offered by Sunbeam
Products, Inc. doing business Jarden Consumer
Solutions located in Boca Raton, Florida 33431. In
Canada, this warranty is offered by Sunbeam Corporation
(Canada) Limited doing business as Jarden Consumer
Solutions, located at 20 B Hereford Street, Brampton,
Ontario L6Y 0M1. If you have any other problem or claim
in connection with this product, please write our
Consumer Service Department.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO ANY
OF THESE ADDRESSES OR TO THE PLACE OF
PURCHASE.

© 2008 Sunbeam Products, Inc. doing business as Jarden
Consumer Solutions. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by
Sunbeam Products, Inc. doing business as Jarden
Consumer Solutions, Boca Raton, Florida 33431.

BCM64608EM1 Printed in China

TO DISINFECT RESERVOIR

1. Fill humidifier reservoir 1/2 full with water and 1/2
tablespoon of chlorine bleach.

2. Let the solution stand for 20 minutes, swishing every
few minutes. Wet all surfaces.

3. Carefully empty the reservoir after 20 minutes, and
rinse with warm water until you can not detect any
bleach smell. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

4. Place filter back into reservoir and refill the water
reservoir as directed in Operating Instructions, and
turn the unit on.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

When not using your humidifier for an extended period
of time:

1. Dispose of the filters. DO NOT leave in unit.

2. Clean, rinse and thoroughly dry the humidifier as
directed in weekly maintenance. DO NOT leave any
water in the unit when storing. Leaving water in the
unit may render the unit inoperable for the following
season.

3. Place the humidifier in the original carton and store in
a cool, dry place.

4. Order your replacement filter for next year’s use.

FILTER#: BWF100/HWF100 (2)

Filter Type: Wick

TROUBLESHOOTING

Trouble

• Unit does not turn on

• Mist output minimal
to none

• Filter turns brown

• FilterCheck®is
not working

• Humidifier continuously
displays 21%

• Humidifier continuously
displays 90%

Probable Cause

☛ Not plugged in

☛ Filter has not absorbed

water

☛ The filter has absorbed

minerals

☛ Takes 60 minutes to register

☛ Humidity at the humidifier is

at or below 21%

☛ Humidity at the humidifier is

at or above 90%

Solution

✔ Plug in Unit

✔ Wait 30 minutes for filter to

absorb water

✔ Replace your filter (BWF100)

by calling 1-800-253-2764 or
visiting: www.bionaire.com

✔ Allow the humidifier to run

continuously for 60 minutes
for the FilterCheck

®

Indicator

to reflect the filter condition

✔ Continue to operate humidifier

to raise the room humidity

✔ Stop operating the humidifier

if the humidity level is too high

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question

• What are the variables that
affect run time?

• How do I remove film on
water tank?

• How can I extend the run
time?

Answer

☛ The estimated run time for this humidifier is based on

average room conditions. The actual run time of your
humidifier is dependent on numerous variables such as:

1. Air exchange in the room where the humidifier is
placed.

2. Room construction of the room where the humidifier
is placed.

3. Temperature of the room where the humidifier is
placed.

4. Humidity levels in the room where the humidifier is
placed.

5. Movement of occupants and the opening and clos­ing of doors in the room where the humidifier is
placed.

6. Home furnishings in the room where the humidifier is
placed.

☛ See Daily Maintenance instructions. Regular cleaning is

recommended.

☛ Run your unit on the lowest setting.
☛ If your unit has electronics, set it to your desired

humidity level. The unit will turn on and off, which will
extend the run time.

☛ Fill the tank all the way full, place it on the base, let the

water empty into the base until it stops bubbling, then
refill the tank full again. This ensures maximum water
capacity and will extend run time.

1 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Sunbeam Products, Inc. doing business as Jarden
Consumer Solutions or if in Canada, Sunbeam
Corporation (Canada) Limited doing business as Jarden
Consumer Solutions (collectively “JCS”) warrants that for
a period of one year from the date of purchase, this
product will be free from defects in material and
workmanship. JCS, at its option, will repair or replace this
product or any component of the product found to be
defective during the warranty period. Replacement will be
made with a new or remanufactured product or
component. If the product is no longer available,
replacement may be made with a similar product of equal
or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty. Do NOT
attempt to repair or adjust any electrical or mechanical
functions on this product. Doing so will void this warranty.

This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from
the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable.
Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is
required to obtain warranty performance. JCS dealers,
service centers, or retail stores selling JCS products do
not have the right to alter, modify or any way change the
terms and conditions of this warranty.

This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or
damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use
or misuse of the product, use on improper voltage or
current, use contrary to the operating instructions,
disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than
JCS or an authorized JCS service center. Further, the
warranty does not cover: Acts of God, such as fire, flood,
hurricanes and tornadoes.

What are the limits on JCS’s Liability?

JCS shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential
damages caused by the breach of any express, implied
or statutory warranty or condition.

Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any
implied warranty or condition of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the
duration of the above warranty.

JCS disclaims all other warranties, conditions or
representations, express, implied, statutory or otherwise.

JCS shall not be liable for any damages of any kind
resulting from the purchase, use or misuse of, or inability
to use the product including incidental, special,
consequential or similar damages or loss of profits, or for
any breach of contract, fundamental or otherwise, or for
any claim brought against purchaser by any other party.

Some provinces, states or jurisdictions do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations or exclusion may not apply
to you.

If you have any questions regarding your product or
would like to learn more about other Bionaire

®

products, please contact our Consumer Service
Department at 1-800-253-2764 or visit our website at
www.bionaire.com.

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13.DO NOT allow the Moisture Outlet to directly face the
wall. Moisture could cause damage, particularly to
wall paper.

14.Humidifier should be unplugged when not in use.

15.NEVER tilt, move, or attempt to empty unit while it is
operating. Shut off and unplug before removing the
water tank and moving the unit.

16.This humidifier requires daily and weekly maintenance
to operate appropriately. Refer to daily and weekly
cleaning procedures. Use only cleaners and additives
recommended by the manufacturer.

17.NEVER use detergents, gasoline, glass cleaner,
furniture polish, paint thinner, or other household
solvents to clean any part of the humidifier.

18.Excessive humidity in a room can cause water
condensation on windows and some furniture. If this
happens, turn the humidifier OFF.

19.Do not use humidifier in an area where humidity level
is in excess of 50%. Use a hygrometer, available at
your local retailer or through the manufacturer, to
measure the humidity.

20.DO NOT attempt to repair or adjust any electrical or
mechanical functions on this unit. Doing so will void
your warranty. The inside of the unit contains no user
serviceable parts. All servicing should be performed
by qualified personnel only.

21.Never place housing under water flow or immerse in
liquids.

22.Do not plug in the cord with wet hands: electric shock
could result.

23.Do not pour water in any openings other than the
water tank.

24.To prevent damage to surfaces, do not place
humidifier under overhanging surfaces.

25.NEVER operate unit without water in the tank.

26.Do not move unit after it has been used until unit
cools completely.

27.Use both hands when carrying full tank of water.

PLEASE SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS

CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION

THIS APPLIANCE HAS A POLARIZED
PLUG (one blade is wider than the
other). To reduce the risk of electric
shock, this plug is intended to fit in a
polarized outlet only one way. If the plug
does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a

qualified electrician to install the proper outlet.

HUMIDIFIER SAFETY

PLEASE READ AND SAVE

THESE IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions
should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and injury to persons, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using the appliance.

2. To avoid fire or shock hazard, plug the appliance
directly into a 120V AC electrical outlet.

3. Keep the cord out of heavy traffic areas. To avoid fire
hazard, NEVER put the cord under rugs or near heat
registers.

4. DO NOT place humidifier near heat sources such as
stoves, radiators, and heaters. DO locate your
humidifier on an inside wall near an electrical outlet.
The humidifier should be at least 4 inches (10 cm)
away from the wall for best results.

5. NEVER place humidifier in an area where it is accessible
to children. NEVER use humidifier in a closed room,
particularly where a child may be sleeping, resting, or
playing (a closed room may result in excessive humidity).

6. WARNING: Do not attempt to refill humidifier without
first unplugging the unit from its electrical outlet.
Failure to heed this warning may cause personal injury.
Be sure to unplug the unit by pulling on the plug and
not the cord.

7. Never place anything over moisture outlet when the
unit is running.

8. NEVER drop or insert any object into any openings.

9. DO NOT operate any appliance with a damaged cord
or plug, after the appliance malfunctions, or if it has
been dropped or damaged in any manner. Return
appliance to manufacturer for examination, electrical
or mechanical adjustment, or repair.

10.Use appliance only for intended household use as
described in this manual. Any other use not
recommended by the manufacturer may cause fire,
electric shock, or injury to persons. The use of
attachments not recommended or sold by the
manufacturer may cause hazards.

11.DO NOT use outdoors.

12.Always place humidifier on a firm, flat, level surface. A
waterproof mat or pad is recommended for use under
the humidifier. NEVER place it on a rug or carpet, or
on a finished floor that may be damaged by exposure
to water or moisture.

down and twist off the reservoir cap by turning
counter clockwise. Fill reservoir with cool, fresh tap
water. DO NOT fill with warm water as this may cause
leaking. Replace the cap on reservoir FIRMLY.

2. When full, carry the reservoir to the humidifier and
place it into the housing. There is a locating tab
located on the reservoir base for easy guidance. The
reservoir holds 1.3 gallons of water. The reservoir will
immediately begin to empty into the base.

3. Plug the power cord into a 120V AC electrical outlet.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Your Humidifier is equipped with a technologically
advanced Digital Humidistat. You can set the humidifier to
run continuously in manual mode or set the Digital
Humidistat to your desired humidity setting. The Digital
Humidistat will automatically turn the humidifier ON or
OFF depending on the preset comfort level. The comfort
level ranges between 35% and 65% relative humidity.

MANUAL MODE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Plug the humidifier into a 120V AC electrical outlet.

2. The display will show the current room humidity.
NOTE: The display range is 21% - 90%. If your room
humidity level falls below 21%, the unit will display 21.
If your room humidity level rises above 90%, the unit
will display 90.

3. To start the unit, push the mode ( ) button twice
within 3 seconds for high manual setting.

4. Press the button again for medium manual setting and
again for low manual setting. The settings will be
displayed on the top of the Display Screen. To stop
the unit, scroll through the settings until only the room
humidity is displayed.

DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY PURPOSE OF THIS
POLARIZED PLUG IN ANY WAY.

PLEASE READ AND SAVE
THESE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Consumer Safety Information
NOTE: This is an electrical appliance and requires

attention when in use.
NOTE: If moisture forms on the walls or windows of the

room, turn off the humidifier. The room already has plenty
of humidity and additional moisture may cause damage.

NOTE: DO NOT block air inlet or outlet.

Cord and Plug Installation Safety Instructions

The length of cord used on this appliance was selected
to reduce the hazards of becoming tangled in, or tripping
over a longer cord. If a longer cord is necessary an
approved extension cord may be used. The electrical
rating of the extension cord must be equal to or greater
than the rating of the humidifier (refer to the rating
artwork placed on the humidifier). Care must be taken to
arrange the extension cord so that it will not drape over
the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by
children or accidentally tripped over.

HOW COOL MIST WORKS

Your Bionaire

®

Cool Mist humidifier draws dry air through
the rear air intake grill area. This air is then passed
through a moisture–laden wick filter, which retains the
minerals and deposits in the water. The resulting moist air
is directed back into the room from the top air grill.

NOTE: This humidification system provides a cool,
invisible moisture output. It is normal not to see the mist.

NOTE: A humidity level below 20% can be unhealthy and
uncomfortable. The recommended humidity level is
between 40%-50%.

PRE-OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Be sure the humidifier is switched off.

2. Select a location for your humidifier, on a flat level

surface about 4 inches (10 cm) away from the wall.
DO NOT place the humidifier on a finished floor or
near furniture, which can be damaged by too much
moisture or water. Place on a moisture resistant surface.

Filling the Water Reservoir

1. Remove the reservoir from the housing of the

humidifier by grabbing the handle of the reservoir and
pulling forward. Lift the reservoir out of the housing
and bring to the faucet. Turn the reservoir upside

DIGITAL HUMIDISTAT INSTRUCTIONS

To take advantage of the Digital Humidistat, press the
mode ( ) button until the speed is set in either High,
Medium or Low and the Auto icon is displayed. Then
adjust the humidity level by pressing the up ( ) and
down ( ) buttons until the desired humidity level is
achieved. The display will continue to show both the
room and set humidity level. When the room humidity
level rises above the set humidity, the humidifier will shut
off. When the room humidity level drops below the set
humidity level, the humidifier will turn on Automatically.

NOTE: When setting the Digital Humidistat, there will be
a 2 minute delay before the unit turns on. This allows for
the most accurate humidity reading.

NOTE: There is a delayed reaction in the motor designed
to prevent the motor from turning on and off frequently
due to changing humidity levels. There is a 2 minute
delay after the unit reaches it’s set humidity level before it
will turn on again. It may be longer if the humidity level
remains above the set humidity, but there will always be
at least a 2 minute delay when the humidity level reaches
the desired setting.

USING THE PROGRAMMABLE TIMER

The Digital Humidistat allows the user to program the
humidifier to come on at a preset time, or turn off after a
set amount of time.

Setting the Off Timer

1. Select the mode and or humidity you want the
humidifier to run in.

2. While the humidifier is running, press the timer button.
The display will show “00”.

3. Press the up ( ) and down ( ) buttons to select how
many hours you would like the humidifier to run before
automatically shutting off in increments of 1 hour.

4. The screen will then return to showing the mode that
was selected and a timer icon to indicate the timer is set.

5. After the preset time expires, the humidifier will
automatically shut off.

Setting the On Timer

1. While the humidifier is off, press the timer ( ) button.
The display will show “00”.

2. By pressing the up ( ) and down ( ) buttons,
program the humidifier to turn on up to 24 hours in
advance in increments of 1 hour.

3. The screen will then return to showing a timer icon to
indicate the timer is set.

4. After the preset time expires, the humidifier will
automatically turn on at a preset level of 45% humidity
and 2 hours of run time.

EXTENDED RUN TIME SETTING

By setting your humidifier to a specific humidity level, you
are actually also extending the run time. Since the unit
will turn on and off to maintain the set humidity level, less
water will be used, so you will need to fill the unit less
than you would on manual setting.

REPLACING THE FILTERS

Through normal use, waterborne minerals and sediment
become trapped in the wick filters. The harder your
water, the greater the amount of minerals in the water,
and the more often you will be able to monitor the life of
your filters in your humidifier.

You will be able to monitor the life of the filters in your
humidifier by checking the FilterCheck®Indicator.

NOTE: After 60 minutes of use, FilterCheck®Indicator will
move and indicate your filters
condition.

New filters will register in the section
reading GOOD filter. After frequent
use of your humidifier, the
FilterCheck®Indicator will let you
know when the filters need to be
changed (see Figure 2).

When the needle is in the CHANGE
section, this means the proper amount of moisture is not
getting into your air due to the excessive minerals and
sediment that have become trapped on your filters. At
this point, you should replace your filters. It is important
to change your filters as indicated to obtain stated
performance level.

To replace the filter, follow the steps below

1. Turn the unit off and disconnect from the electrical outlet.

2. Remove the reservoir from the housing.

3. Unlock the housing from the base by turning the lock
knob to the unlocked position.

4. Lift the housing straight up and place to the side.

5. Unlock the wick holder from the base by turning the
lock knob to the unlocked position.

6. Remove the wicks from the wick holder.

7. Follow the weekly cleaning instructions.

8. Insert new filters into the wick holder and lock the
wick holder back onto the base.

9. Replace the housing onto the base and lock it into place.

10.Fill the reservoir and place back into housing.

11.Repeat Operating Instructions. It will take about 30
minutes for the humidifier to reach maximum output.

You can purchase replacement filters (model BWF100
filters) at your local retailer, by calling 1-800-253-2764,or
by visiting www.bionaire.com. It is recommended that a
replacement filter is purchased for uninterrupted use.

Reservoir Handle

Reservoir

Base

Figure 1

Filter Monitor

Control Panel

Humidifier
Housing

Figure 2

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