Holmes HM3500 User Manual

Owner ’s Guide

HM3500

☎

INFO HOT-LINE: If, after reading this owner’s guide you have any

questions or comments, please call 1-800-5-HOLMES and a Consumer

Service Representative will be happy to assist you.

FILTER# HWF75

FILTER TYPE: WICK

Console
Humidifier

PLEASE READ AND SAVE THESE IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

WHEN USING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, ESPECIALLY WHERE CHILDREN ARE
PRESENT, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE BASIC PRECAUTIONS TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK AND INJURY TO PERSONS:

1. Read all instructions before using the appliance.

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

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

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" 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: DONOT attempt to refill humidifier without first unplugging
the unit from it’s electrical outlet. Failure to heed this warning may cause
personal injury. Be sure to pull 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 Holmes Group, Inc. 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 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.

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

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.

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%.

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 fill through openings other than intakes.

24. DO NOT block intakes or exhaust grills.

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

PLEASE READ AND SAVE

THESE IMPORTANT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Thank you for choosing a Holmes Cool Mist console humidifier. To ensure the
best performance from your humidifier, please read and save the following
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.

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. 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.

THIS PRODUCT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POLARIZED AC
(Alternating Current)PLUG (a plug having one blade wider
than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only
one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet,
reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact qualified
personnel to install the proper outlet.

DO NOT DEFEAT THE SAFETY PURPOSE OF THIS

POLARIZED PLUG IN ANY WAY.

PLEASE READ AND SAVE THESE IMPORTANT

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

HOW COOL MIST WORKS

Your Holmes 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 and the unit is disconnected from

2. Remove housing, filter and tanks (see fig1).

3. TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MOBILITY AND CONVENIENCE TO YOUR CONSOLE

NOTE: You will notice that there are two different shaped wheels. Two
of the 4 wheels are stationary wheels and two are swivel type wheels. The
stationary wheels are identified by a flat top surface, while the swivel type
are curved and include a small plastic piece on the shaft. See figure 1 for
installation location for each type of wheel. DO NOT use any tools to install
the wheel because tools may damage the base of the unit. Return the base
to the upright position.

4. Replace filter, housing and tanks.

5. Choose a location out of reach of children. DO NOT place the humidifier

1. Remove the two tanks from the base of the humidifier and bring each

NOTE: Adding a water softening agent like Holmes Water Treatment
(Model S-1705) to the water will soften mineral deposits and prevent lime
and scale build-up. It will also help prolong the life of the wick filter and
make cleaning easier.

2. When full, carry each tank to the humidifier and place onto the base

3. Plug the power cord into the electrical outlet.

FILLING THE WATER TANKS

A

G

D

J

C

B

E

F

Figure 2

I

A. WATER TANKS
B. HUMIDISTAT
C. REFILL LIGHT
D.MOISTURE EXHAUST GRILLS
E. POWER LIGHT
F. 3-SPEED HUMIDITY

CONTROL KNOB

G.AIR INTAKE GRILLS
H.HUMIDIFIER BASE
I. HUMIDIFIER HOUSING
J. FILTERCHECK™ INDICATOR

With housing placed properly onto the base, the filter installed correctly, the
tanks filled and the plug correctly inserted in the outlet, you are now ready
to operate the humidifier.

NOTE: The HM3500 produces clean, cool, INVISIBLE moisture.It is normal
not to see the moisture.

1. Switch the Humidity Control Switch to the HI position and slide the
humidistat to HI.

2. Allow up to 30 minutes for the filter to fully absorb water and the unit
to produce the maximum moisture output.

3. Adjust the 3-speed Humidity Control Knob and the Humidistat as desired.

4. The Automatic Humidistat Control is designed to operate between 25%
and 60% Relative Humidity range. The recommended setting is between
40% and 50%. When the humidity level in the room is below the level
you have set, the humidifier will operate to produce moisture. When the
set humidity level in the room is reached, the humidifier will stop. When
the humidity again drops below the set level, the unit will automatically
start and produce moisture again.

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

5. When the water level is low, the refill light will illuminate to indicate
the unit needs refilling. Shut off and unplug the unit.

NOTE: THE FAN WILL CONTINUE TO RUN TO ALLOW THE
HUMIDIFIER TO DRY OUT AND PREVENT ALGAE GROWTH.

6. Before refilling, follow Daily Maintenance Instructions.

7. Refill water tanks.

8. Plug into the electrical outlet. Turn the Humidity Control Knob to the
HI, MED, or Low setting.

NOTE: If moisture forms on the walls or windows, turn off the humidifier.

FEATURES - OPERATION

A. STATIONARY WHEELS
B. SWIVEL WHEELS
C. UNDER–SIDE OF

HUMIDIFIER BASE

WHEEL INSTALLATION

B

C

A

PRE-OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

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

2. Remove housing, filter and tanks (see fig1).

3. TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MOBILITY AND CONVENIENCE TO YOUR CONSOLE
HUMIDIFIER, install the wheels. Remove the four wheels located in a small
pouch in the box. Turn the base upside down, and locate the holes at each
of the four corners on the underside.

NOTE: You will notice that there are two different shaped wheels. Two
of the 4 wheels are stationary wheels and two are swivel type wheels. The
stationary wheels are identified by a flat top surface, while the swivel type
are curved and include a small plastic piece on the shaft. See figure 1 for
installation location for each type of wheel. DO NOT use any tools to install
the wheel because tools may damage the base of the unit. Return the base
to the upright position.

4. Replace filter, housing and tanks.

5. Choose a location out of reach of children. DO NOT place the humidifier
on a finished floor or near furniture which can be damaged by moisture
or water.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove the two tanks from the base of the humidifier and bring each
tank to the faucet. Turn the tanks upside down and twist off the tank
caps by turning counter-clockwise. Fill each tank with cool, fresh tap
water. Replace the cap on each tank FIRMLY.

NOTE: Adding a water softening agent like Holmes Water Treatment
(Model S-1705) to the water will soften mineral deposits and prevent lime
and scale build-up. It will also help prolong the life of the wick filter and
make cleaning easier.

2. When full, carry each tank to the humidifier and place onto the base
(use both hands when carrying each tank). Each tank holds 2.2 gallons of
water, and the base holds 2 gallons of water. WHEN THE TANKS ARE FULL
AND PLACED INTO THE BASE, YOU CAN HEAR THE WATER SLOWLY EMPTY
INTO THE BASE. When the water stops emptying, remove the tanks and
refill each again. Replace the tanks into the base. The WATER LIMITING
feature on the tank cap will prevent the tanks from overflowing into the
base. YOU NOW HAVE 2.2 GALLONS OF WATER IN EACH TANK AND
2 GALLONS OF WATER IN THE BASE OF THE HUMIDIFIER FOR A TOTAL
OF 6.4 GALLONS OF WATER.

3. Plug the power cord into the electrical outlet.

FILLING THE WATER TANKS

Figure 1

H

OFF
LO
MEDIUM
HIGH

HUMIDITY
SETTING

REFILL
POWER

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 humidifier is switched OFF and the unit is disconnected from
the electrical outlet.

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

3. Carry the base of the unit to the sink, remove the wick filter, 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 tanks into the sink and rinse each tank
thoroughly. Wipe clean, and dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

5. Put filter back in the filter supports, replace the housing, then refill the
tanks 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. Partially fill the base with Holmes Cleanse Clean™ (Model S1710) as
instructed on bottle, or with two 8 oz. cups of undiluted white vinegar.
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.

To Disinfect Humidifier Base Tanks:

1. Fill Humidifier Base with 2 gallons of water and 1 teaspoon of
chlorine bleach.

2. Fill each tank 1/2 full with water and 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach.

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

4. Carefully empty the Base and Tanks after 20 minutes, and rinse with
water until you cannot detect any bleach smell. Dry with a clean cloth
or paper towel.

5. Depending on the water hardness in your area, it may be necessary to
change the filter every 1-2 months. Re-insert the wick filter into the filter
support.

6. Refill the water tanks as directed with cool tap water, replace the
humidifier housing, and turn the Control Knob to ON.

REPLACING THE FILTER

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS - STORAGE

REPLACING THE FILTER

Through normal use, waterborne minerals and sediment become trapped in
the wick filter. The harder your water, the greater the amount of minerals in
the water, and the more often you will need to change your filter.

You will be able to monitor the life of the filter in your humidifier by
checking the Filter Check™ Indicator. When the unit is off, the
Filter Check™ Indicator will read in the OFF position. After 60 minutes
of use, Filter Check™ Indicator (refer to fig. 4 for close-up of indicator)
will move from the OFF position and
indicate your filter condition. A brand
new filter will register in the blue
section reading GOOD filter. After
frequent use of your humidifier, the
Filter Check™ Indicator will let you
know when the filter needs to be
changed.

When the needle is in the red (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 filter. At this point, you
should replace your filter. It is important to change your filter as indicated to
obtain stated performance level.

To replace the filter, follow the steps below.

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

2. Remove the tank and main housing to access the base tray.

3. Discard the old filter and follow weekly cleaning instructions.

4. Insert a new filter into the filter support in the base.

5. Replace the main housing and then the tank.

6. Repeat Operating Instruction steps.

It will take about 30 minutes for the humidifier to reach maximum output.
You can obtain a new filter by calling 1-800-5-HOLMES in the USA or by

visiting your nearest retailer or authorized service center. This humidifier
takes model HWF75 replacement filter.

A.CIRCULAR EXTENDED

LIFE FILTER

B.CIRCULAR FILTER

SUPPORT
C. FLOAT SWITCH
D.HUMIDIFIER BASE

A

D

B

C

Figure 3

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Figure 4

TROUBLE PROBABLE CAUSE SOLUTION

Mist output minimal to none. Filter has not absorbed water. Wait 15 minutes before starting humidifier.

Mineral buildup in tray. Regular cleaning of tray after each use will help

keep the unit functioning properly.
Humidistat is set too low. Turn the humidistat knob up.
Filter needs to be replaced. Replace your filter (HWF75) by calling

1-800-5-HOLMES, or visit www.holmesproducts.com.
Normal Depending on the humidity setting this

may be normal.

Water leaks from tank. Rubber tank ring is missing Remove tank cap then replace or

or improperly placed. reposition ring.
Cap not tight enough. Tighten the cap.

Filter turns brown. Your filter needs to be changed. Replace your filter (HWF75) by calling

1-800-5-HOLMES, or visit www.holmesproducts.com.
Short filter life In areas with particular hard water your filter

will need to be changed more frequently.

Film on tank. Mineral deposits cause film on tank Use Cleanse Clean (S1710), to order call

to buildup. 1-800-5-HOLMES, or visit www.holmesproducts.com.

Water cloudy. Filter needs to be replaced. Replace your filter (HWF75) by calling

1-800-5-HOLMES, or visit www.holmesproducts.com
Using warm water to refill tank. Only use care products suggested by Holmes

and cool water to refill tank.

Unit cycles on/off. Humidifier is reacting to room humidity level. Set the humidistat to a higher, or lower setting.
Very tight tank cap. Over tightened. Add liquid soap to cap gasket to ease opening.

TROUBLESHOOTING

REPLACEMENT ACCESSORIES

(see included Humidifier Accessory Form)

• Comfort Check hygrometer/thermometer
Reads humidity and temperature levels

– Digital HHG175: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.99

– Analog HHG150: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12.99

• HWF75 Replacement Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14.99

• SC1720 Cool Mist Care Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14.99

(Complete care for your humidifier:
One bottle each of S1705, 1708, 1710)

Individual Bottles also available:

• S1705 Water Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.99

• S1708 Bacteriostat Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.99

• S1710 Cleanse Clean

™

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.99

(plus shipping and handling)

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

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

1. Dispose of the filter. 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 in-operable for the following season.

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

4. Order your Holmes replacement filter (HWF75) for next year’s use.

SIX (6) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

SAVE THIS WARRANTY INFORMATION

A. The quality controls used in the manufacture of this Holmes product are to ensure your satisfaction.
B. This Warranty applies only to the original purchaser of this product.
C. This Warranty applies ONLY to repair or replacement of any supplied or manufactured parts of this product that, upon inspection by Holmes authorized personnel,

proves to have failed in normal use due to defects in material or workmanship. Holmes will determine whether to repair or replace the unit. This Warranty does not apply
to installation expenses.

D. Operating this unit under conditions other than those recommended or at voltages other than the voltage indicated on the unit, or attempting to service or modify the unit,

will render this WARRANTY VOID.

E. Unless otherwise proscribed by law, Holmes shall not be liable for any personal injury, property or any incidental or consequential damages of

any kind (including water damage) resulting from malfunctions, defects, misuse, improper installation or alteration of this product.

F. All parts of this Holmes product are guaranteed for a period of 6 years as follows:

1. Within the first 30 days from date of purchase, the store from which you purchased your Holmes product should replace this product if it is defective in material or

workmanship (provided the store has in-stock replacement.)

2. Within the first thirty six months from date of purchase, subject to the conditions in paragraph H, Holmes will repair or replace the product if it is defective in material or

workmanship providing it is returned to Holmes, freight prepaid, with PROOF OF PURCHASE date, together with $10.00 for handling and return packing/shipping charges.
G. If you have any problem with this product, please write our Consumer Service Dept., or call, 1-800-5-HOLMES.
H. IMPORTANT Return INSTRUCTIONS Your warranty depends on your following these instructions if you are returning the unit more than 30 days after the date of purchase:

1. Carefully pack the item in its original carton or other suitable box to avoid damage in shipping.

2. Before packing your unit for return; be sure to enclose:
a) your name, full address with zip code and telephone number,
b) a dated sales receipt or PROOF OF PURCHASE,
c) your $10.00 check for return packaging, and
d) The model number of the unit and the problem you are having. (Enclose in an envelope and tape directly to the unit before the box is sealed.)

3. Holmes recommends you insure the package (as damage in shipment is not covered by your warranty).

4. All shipping charges must be prepaid by you (as noted in paragraph F).

5. Mark the outside of your package:

CONSUMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
THE HOLMES GROUP, INC.
2 PULLMAN STREET
WORCESTER, MA 01606

SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES: $10.00

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. The provisions of this warranty are in addition to, and not a modification
of, or subtraction from, the statutory warranties and other rights and remedies contained in any applicable legislation. To the extent that any provision of this warranty is inconsistent
with any applicable law, such provision shall be deemed voided or amended, as necessary, to comply with such law.

Printed in CHINA 3/23/01 last update HM350001M2

1. Do NOT attempt to repair or adjust any electrical or mechanical functions on this unit. Doing so will void the warranty.

2. If you have any questions regarding this unit’s operation or believe any repair is necessary, please call 1-800-5-HOLMES to speak with a Consumer Service Representative.

3. If you need to exchange the unit, please return it in its original carton, with a sales receipt, to the store you purchased it. If you are returning the unit more than
30 days after the date of purchase, please see the enclosed warranty.

4. If you have any other questions or comments, feel free to write us:

The Holmes Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 769
Milford, MA 01757-0769

For your own records, staple or attach your sales receipt to this manual. Also, please take a moment to write the store name/location and date purchased below.
STORE NAME
LOCATION:
DATE PURCHASED:

(STAPLE RECEIPT HERE)

SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

WARRANTY INFORMATION