Common Questions and Answers

Q: What’s the difference between an “Air Circulator” and a “Fan?”

A: An air circulator is an air-propulsion device that uses a very fast motor with high torque to suck in big volume of air and pushes them far towards the wall to be bounced back. This continuous action of sucking and pushing creates seamless flow of moving air (a.k.a breeze) throughout the room. Because of this, the air circulator requires no oscillation as it will only reduce or disrupt the path of propelled air.
On the other hand, a fan can only pushes air not further than 3-5m. The area of coverage is also restricted to the angle of its oscillation.

Q: How is the new Vornado Air Circulator I own different from the old Vornadofan® my parents owned?
A: Although both are based on the same basic aerodynamic elements, the new Vornado Air Circulators are actually more efficient air movers. Beginning with the introduction of our first Vornado Air Circulator in 1989 and, more recently with the introduction of the new 500, 600 and 700 Series Circulators, we improved output through the fan head by tweaking elements of the system. The result is astounding performance from devices that are considered “small” by some people and considerably more efficient than the original Vornadofan of the 1940s and ‘50s.

Additionally, the grill design of the new Vornado meets today’s finger probe and related safety requirements. Finally, today’s Vornado is considerably more rugged and attractively styled.

Q: So, how do I best utilize my Vornado Air Circulator in Asia?
A: In Asia, we recommend running the unit on “High” and aiming the beam of air so that it hits a wall across the room roughly halfway up. This will allow for the establishment of a high speed circulation pattern in the room.

Here’s a helpful hint: Always make certain the vortex travels across the room unobstructed. This is required for proper circulation.

Q: I have air conditioning. How does moving air with a Vornado Air Circulator make you feel cooler and save money?
A: It has been shown that circulating air raises your threshold of discomfort. That means if you’re comfortable at a 72-degree thermostat setting with NO air moving, you can enjoy the same level of comfort at a higher thermostat setting, say 77-degrees. That 5-degree increase of the thermostat can translate into as much as a 10% savings on your electric bill. (Energy savings vary by part of the country. Savings estimates are provided by the Department of Energy.)

Q: You speak of year-round use. Why and how do I use a Vornado Air Circulator in cold and rainy seasons?
A: Why? To better utilize available heat in the room. As you know, hot air rises and cool air falls. Without air circulation, heat is simply trapped at the ceiling and, therefore, wasted.

How? Select a low-speed setting and point the adjustable fan head toward the ceiling. This forces the hot air off the ceiling and mixes it with the cooler air near the floor resulting in an even distribution of heat throughout the entire room. This can save you money.

Q: Is there any advantage to having more than one Vornado Air Circulator operating in a single room?
A: It depends on the size and shape of the room as well as how you direct the airflow. In larger rooms, a second Vornado Air Circulator can provide additional comfort as long as the Vornados are not pointed directly at each other effectively canceling one other.

Q: I have ceiling fans. Can I use a Vornado Air Circulator too?
A: Certainly, but you may need to experiment as the strong downdraft of the ceiling fan may create enough of a disturbance in the room as to minimize or negate the benefits of the Vornado Air Circulator. Interestingly, we have had a number of consumers tell us they quit using their ceiling fans because the circulation and comfort delivered by Vornado is gentler and more complete.

Q: Why doesn't your Tower Circulator oscillate, when all other tower fans do?
A: The tall, narrow shape of a Tower fan creates a limited, vertical path of airflow. Traditional tower fans have attempted to distribute air in a wider range by oscillating. Anyone who has experienced oscillation knows that the airflow (and the comfort it provides) is only felt for a few moments at a time. Vornado engineers also found that oscillation limits the distance air can travel because the fan itself is constantly moving, and never pushes a steady current of air in any one direction.

The Tower Circulator takes a different approach. Using uniquely shaped air ducts that contour across the product, the Tower Cirulator pushes air across a wide range. Because the Circulator is stationary, it maintains a steady airflow pattern that travels farther than the air from an oscillating tower fan, and establishes true whole room circulation. This patent-pending design is unique to Vornado, and is called V-Flow™ Circulation. (Consider the shape of the air as it leaves the circulator- it makes a perfect 55º "V")

Q: We spend as much of the day as possible outside on our patio. Although we have a canopy over it, there aren’t any walls. Would a Vornado Air Circulator help keep us comfortable?
A: Yes, but the Vornado Air Circulator must blow directly on you since the space is not enclosed and, therefore, prohibits circulation. However, please remember that Vornado products are not recommended, nor are they listed with UL, for outdoor use.

Q: Do I need to oil the motor in my Vornado Air Circulator?
A: Your Vornado Air Circulator’s motor will NEVER need oiling as it is permanently lubricated. Adding oil, especially the wrong kind of oil, can ruin the motor.

Q: Are Vornado Air Circulators really designed in Andover, Kansas?
A: Absolutely. Design and engineering, as well as some manufacturing functions, are performed in-house at Vornado’s 120,000 square-foot headquarters in Andover, Kansas - and have been since 1989, when Vornado Air Circulation Systems launched its first whole-room air circulator. The Vornado line has now expanded to encompass more than 25 models across five distinct comfort categories including air circulators, whole room air purifiers, whole room heaters, whole room humidifiers and oscillating fans – all bearing the Vornado brand, the most trusted brand in air comfort for more than 50 years.

Q: Are Vornado Air Circulators adapted to local Singapore usage?
A: Yes. You can be ensured that our air circulator will work perfectly in Singapore as we localized them to suit local voltage (220V/240V , 50hz~60hz) and it comes in Type G electrical plug. Motors are also designed and made for our climatic conditions. We strictly adhere to the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations (CPSR) regulated by Spring Singapore to safeguard interest and faith in our consumer by attaining the Safety Mark standard for air circulators.

Q: Why clean the air?
A: Primarily for health reasons. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air quality is 5x to 10x more polluted than the air outdoors and is a top environmental risk. The good news is – indoor air quality is a risk we can control.

The most effective way of maintaining good indoor air quality is to eliminate or reduce airborne particles that trigger allergic or asthmatic episodes. That’s where an air cleaner comes in...effectively removing many irritating particles such as dust, pollen, dust mite waste, pet dander, tobacco smoke, mold spores, bacteria, odors, candlewick soot and much more.

Q: How do these pollutants become airborne?
A: Particle pollutants become airborne with typical household activity. Walking over carpet, opening windows/blinds, sitting on furniture, pets scratching, opening doors are just a few ways irritants can become airborne. The micron tiny size allows them to stay airborne for hours and increases the likelihood of these irritants landing in or on you.

Q: Why clean the air with Vornado Air Purifiers?
A: Vornado Air Cleaners’ performance is certified by AHAM (see next question) and our air cleaners provide the right balance of key requirements. Vornado uses the most effective filter combination with a PreSorb® prefilter and a True HEPA primary filter. Signature Vortex Action circulates all the air in the room because if the air is not moving – it’s not being cleaned! There are many other features that make Vornado unique. They include an upward clean air outlet, top-mounted controls, low-maintenance (no blades to clean weekly), long life HEPA filter (2 to 4 years), and a distinctive sculptural shape that blends with any room.

Q: Who is AHAM and what do they provide to the Air Purifier category?
A: The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is an organization that certifies the testing results of home appliances such as room Air Purifiers, refrigerators, room air conditioners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Since 1967, they have used outside labs to test products, and today you'll find AHAM certified ratings on a variety of appliances. This makes comparing products easier for you.

Q: What certification does AHAM give to Air Purifiers?
A: This AHAM certified rating is called Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). The seal lists three CADR numbers - one for tobacco smoke, one for pollen and one for dust. The CADR indicates volume of filtered air delivered by an Air Purifier. The higher the tobacco smoke, pollen and dust numbers, the faster the unit filters the air.

Q: What is True HEPA? What makes it so special?
A: HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor.” True HEPA refers to a high-efficiency class of HEPA filter media rated 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns.

What makes True HEPA special is its high particle capture efficiency. True HEPA filtration has been used for many years in nuclear facilities, manufacturing clean rooms and medical facilities where clean air is absolutely required.

The American Lung Association refers to HEPA as the most efficient mechanical filters for removing small particles, which can be breathed deep into the lungs.

Q: What does 99.97% efficient at 0.3 microns mean?
A: It means that 99.97% of the particles (as small as 0.3 microns) that enter the Vornado HEPA filter will be caught and removed from the air. Particles that are smaller than 0.3 microns often attach to larger particles making them easy to capture or they attach themselves to the fibers of the HEPA media. To envision the size, line up 100,000 particles 0.3 micron in size end-to-end and it will equal one inch. For comparison, a typical human hair crosscut is about 70 microns.

Q: What is the HEPA filter made of and how does it work?
A: HEPA is a paper-like material made of densely spaced glass fibers. A powerful blower is need to pull air into the unit and through the filter. Allergens and particles are trapped in the dense fibers of the filter.

Q: How often do the filters need to be changed?
A: We recommend changing the PreSorb® carbon filter every 3 months and the HEPA filter every 2 to 4 years depending on the specific home environment. Some home environment factors are whether or not you have pets indoors, have moderate or severe allergies or asthma, someone smokes, you burn a fireplace or candles or live in a dusty area.

Q: How large of a room will Vornado Air Purifiers effectively clean?
A: The AQS15 is certified for rooms up to 226 sq. ft. in size (approximately 14’ x 16’). The AQS35 is certified for larger rooms up to 395 sq. ft. in size (approximately 20’ x 20’).

Q: Can I vacuum or wash the filters?
A: It is not advised. Vacuuming the PreSorb® prefilter can remove the carbon from the material and reduce the odor adsorption effectiveness. The HEPA filter is delicate. (In fact, when changing the HEPA filter, you should avoid touching the pleated filter material. Just hold the filter by the frame.) Vacuuming can break the fibers inside and reduce its effectiveness by creating holes in the filter.

Q: Our home has open areas where one room flows into the next (i.e., living-dining-kitchen). Will Vornado air cleaners work in this kind of space?
A: Yes, the unit will still clean effectively. A larger area means fewer air changes per hour, so the process will take longer than it would in a single room with four walls.

Q: What are air changes per hour?
A: Air changes per hour (or ACH) is the number of times in one hour the entire volume of room air passes through the Air Purifier. Physicians generally recommend an ACH of 4 to 6. The CADR rates for Vornado Air Purifiers equate to 5 ACH.

Q: How often should we run our unit?
A: Vornado Air Cleaners are designed to be run 24/7. Individual usage will be based on your indoor air quality, pets in the house, allergy / asthma suffers, etc.

Q: Can burning candles make my filter turn black?
A: Yes, even moderate use of candles in your home can cause the filter to turn black and, fairly quickly, clog the filter with soot particles. The good news is the filter is doing its job. The black soot accumulating on the filter was in your air.

Q: How noisy are Vornado Air Purifiers?
A: It is best described as a “fan” sound – always dependent on the setting and room size. Tests that compare noise level to performance level indicate Vornado units are among the industry’s best.

Q: In addition to using Vornado HEPA Air Purifiers, what else can I do to help reduce the allergen irritants in my home? 
A: Here is a list of tips to help reduce the allergen irritants in your home:
Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
Dry on high to kill dust mites.
Use allergen-impermeable encasings for bedding, including pillows, mattresses, duvet covers and box springs.
Avoid foam rubber pillows and mattresses.
Avoid upholstered furniture.
Try leather, wood, plastic or vinyl.
Remove carpeting if possible.
Vacuum thoroughly using a HEPA filter vacuum and bags that seal in dust.
Use window shades instead of heavy blinds or curtains.
Maintain a replacement plan (at least quarterly) for your HVAC system's air filters.
Keep windows closed.
Wipe down indoor surfaces frequently to remove animal hair and dander.
Keep pets outdoors as much as possible, and at least out of the bedroom.
Use a tight fitting mask when cleaning.
Wash pets weekly with a dander-reducing shampoo, then follow with an anti-dander spray.
Wash your hands after touching your pet.
Clean all visible mold from walls and ceilings.

Note: These allergen irritant reduction tips are some, but certainly not all, the methods typically found in researching the topic of allergy control in the home. If you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

Q: What filter does my humidifier use?
A: All Vornado Humidifiers use the same filter. If you find a filter with Vornado’s name, it will work on any Vornado Air Softening Humidifier or air softener.

Q: Why humidify the air?
A: For both health and comfort reasons. Physicians have long-recommended humidification to help relieve nasal and chest congestion for infants, children and adults. Humidification also helps with dry skin. A humidifier can also minimize annoying static and provide your furniture with much needed moisture.

Q: Why humidify with Vornado?
A: First, the Vortex Action of Vornado Vortex Humidifiers effectively distributes moisture and recovers heat throughout an entire room. Second, the evaporative style system is clean running, delivering moisture the same way Mother Nature does. Finally, you will enjoy Vornado's easy-to-use, hassle-free design that includes a patented, easy-fill, no-spill, leak-free bottle design. It also operates very, very quietly in comparison to competitive models.

Q: You say Vornado's humidifier is an evaporative type. What does that mean? Are there other ways to humidify? 
A: It means that water is dispensed from a storage vessel into a chamber where the water is drawn up into a cellulose wicking filter. A fan pulls air through the filter wick evaporating the water into an invisible vapor that is dispersed into the room. Yes, there are other ways to humidify. In addition to evaporative, there are warm mist humidifiers that boil water to moisturize the air. There are also cool mist devices that atomize the water by way of impellers or ultrasonic transducers. We chose the evaporative method as it is both simple, clean-running and costs little to operate.

Q: How much area or space will my new Vornado humidify?
A: As a rule of thumb, Vornado's Model 30 humidifier will effectively humidify a single room in an average home. The Model 40 humidifier can effectively humidify several rooms when strategically placed in close proximity to the rooms so that the humidity can be dispersed between the rooms. Keep in mind, there are very few portable humidifiers that can humidify an entire home. To truly achieve the desired level of humidity, you will likely need additional units.

Q: How much energy do the Vornado Vortex Humidifiers use?
A: Both Vornado models use a MAXIMUM of 40 watts or 0.7 AMPS at the highest setting...which is the same energy that is used to operate a 40-watt light bulb.

Q: Is it okay to run the unit 24 hours a day?
A: Yes, Vornado Vortex Humidifiers are designed to run continuously. In fact, continuous operation is not only healthier for your environment, it is better for the humidifier. Allowing the unit to continue running after the water supply runs out allows the wicks to dry out, reducing the chance for mold or mildew grow. Keep in mind, continuous operation requires that the bottles be filled every 24 to 48 hours.

Q: Why does the fan stay on when there is no mist coming out of the ultrasonic humidifier?
A: The unit is designed to have the fan run continuously to keep all of the air circulating in the room.

Q: How can I tell how much humidity my humidifier is producing?
A: The best way is to use a hygrometer, an instrument that measures the humidity level in a given area. A simple hygrometer can be purchased at most hardware stores for around $3 to $4. Another, albeit less accurate, way of judging the humidity level is to check to see if your windows are fogging with condensation. If so, humidity levels may be excessively high.

Q: How much care and maintenance does a Vornado Vortex Humidifier require?
A: Because of its clean-running design, the Vornado Vortex Humidifier requires less care and cleaning than many humidifiers. Frequency of cleaning depends on the condition of your water. If your water has a lot of minerals in it (known as "hard" water), you may need to clean the unit every week or two. If your water is relatively mineral-free (or "soft"), a thorough cleaning every 30 to 60 days may be sufficient. To clean the base and bottles, simply follow the instructions in the Owner's Guide using a water-and-white-vinegar solution. There are also disinfecting instructions. These cleaning and disinfecting instructions follow the guidelines recommended by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). You can dust and vacuum the outside of the unit along with your regular weekly cleaning. To get dust off the blades and keep the motor clean, you can use a hair dryer, leaf blower or "canned air." In addition, the filter wicks used in the Vornado Humidifier are disposable, which saves you time and energy. All you have to do is toss the used filter wick and replace it with a new one – it's that easy!

Q: The filter wicks on my humidifier are getting discolored, hard and crusty at the top. Is this normal?
A: Yes, it's normal. As the filter wicks evaporate water, minerals and other impurities are left behind. Unfortunately, that mineral build-up also makes your wicks less efficient at evaporating water. If your filters still appear to be absorbing at least halfway up from the bottom, you can clean them. If they are no longer absorbing and there is no humidification action from your humidifier, it's time to replace the wicks. Replacement wicks can be ordered from our website. Click here to buy now. Remember, replacing a dirty filter wick is easier than scraping the hard water deposits off the bottom of some other types of humidifiers.

Q: My filter wicks smell funny. What can I do?
A: On first use, the wicks may give off a mild odor that should go away after several hours of operation. If the odor persists, refer to the cleaning procedure below.

Q: Can I clean the filter wicks? If so, how?
A: Yes, you can clean the wicks in an effort to extend their useful life or in an attempt to remove an odor. However, remember that the wick is a repository of impurities, many of which you will never fully remove. Having a disposable wick is a convenience because you can simply throw it away once it becomes encrusted. Think of it this way...would you rather throw away a disposable diaper or clean a cloth one? Additionally, cleaning the wick more than once or twice may end up destroying it as the cellulose will eventually break down. To clean the filter wicks...place them in a pan or sink with just enough cool water to cover them. Mix in 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and allow the wick to soak, gently pressing the wick with your fingertips occasionally to help force the material out of the wick. After 20 to 30 minutes, remove the wick and rinse it under cool tap water — DO NOT WRING OR TWIST. Finally, replace the wick in the humidifier.

Q: How often do you need to change the filter wicks?
A: We recommend you change your wicks every 6 to 8 weeks. If you have hard water or poor quality water, you may need to change them more often. If you have a "soft water system," you may wish to use a bacteriostat additive and/or a "Humidifier Water Treatment" additive to help prolong wick life. While the sodium used in water softeners is not harmful to humans, it can cause wicks to deteriorate rapidly. NOTE: The life of your wicks can be prolonged by rinsing them under running water a few times a week as well as cleaning them whenever the humidifier is cleaned.

Q: Will my local retailer have replacement wicks for my Vornado Humidifier?
A: Generally, the retailer where you purchased your Vornado Humidifier should carry replacement wicks during the fall and winter, the primary seasons for humidification. We can't guarantee your retailer will carry the wicks all year. Replacements wicks are just a toll-free phone call away. Call our Accessory Sales Service at +65 92775282. Or you can order replacement wicks online by clicking here

Q: Can I use a filter wick not made by Vornado in a Vornado Humidifier?
A: Some companies make replacement filters they say will fit a Vornado Humidifier, but our experience shows that these will not perform as well as a Vornado-made filter. All of our products' performance specifications are built around the use of Vornado-made filters and accessories.

Q: What are these wicks made of?
A: Humidifier wicks are made of cellulose fiber, a paper-like material, and are held together with a melted plastic layer. They are safe to dispose of in household refuse.

Q: What are your delivery hours?
A: For Free Delivery, we deliver on Mondays to Fridays, between 9.00am – 5.00pm, and on Saturdays, 9.00am – 1.00pm.
We do not deliver on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Q: What if I can only receive delivery after business hours?
A: We understand that time is valuable to our customers. Therefore, if you require an after-hours delivery, an option is provided to you upon checkout, wherein you have to pay a non-refundable fee of S$10.00 (excluding GST). 
Do take note that for after-hours delivery, the latest delivery timing from Monday – Friday is up till 9.00pm, and on Saturdays until 5.00pm.

Q: I do not see an option for delivery date and time when making my purchase. How do I arrange for delivery then?
A: Upon your successful payment confirmation, our trusted logistics service partner will contact you to arrange for a suitable date and time at your convenience for the delivery.

Q: How do I register my Vornado Warranty?
A: Follow this link http://vornadosg.com/register-warranty to our service contract registration page. Fill in the information and you will be automatically registered into our database. Do note that warranty coverage starts from the date of purchase as indicated in the original sales invoice.

Q: What is a valid Proof of Purchase?
A: Online: If you purchased the product from VornadoSG.com, you will receive a payment confirmation sent to your email.
Authorized Dealer: A dated sales receipt from an authorized Vornado Dealer or Retailer in Singapore or Malaysia that shows a description of the product along with its price.

Q: If you don’t have a Proof of Purchase?
A: If you purchased the product from our authorized dealer or reseller, you can contact them and see if they can provide a copy of your receipt.

Q: If the product was a gift, is it still covered under warranty? 
A: If the product was a gift, we recommend you ask the gift giver to either provide you with a copy of the receipt or, help you process the warranty claim on your behalf.

Q: Can you determine if my unit is under warranty from the product serial number?
A: No. your product warranty depends on when you purchased your unit and whether you have a proof of purchase from VornadoSG.com or an authorized dealer or retailer, but is not related to the product serial number. You need to present your proof of purchase in order to verify your product is under warranty.

Q: Is the warranty transferrable?
A: Vornado warranties are only valid for the original purchaser of the product, and are non-transferable. An original sales receipt or a valid copy of the receipt is required to establish the purchase date and the original purchaser.

Q: Why are there 5 year and 10 year warranties?
A: 5 Year Warranty covers:

• Circulator
• Model: 530 / 630 / 660 / 723 / 733 / 735C / 745C / 795C / VFan
• Purifier
• Model: AC300 / AC500
• Humidifier
• Model: EVAP3

      10 Year Warranty covers:

• Model: 610DC / 710DC / 5303DC / 6303DC / 6803DC / NGT42DC / 723DC

Q: I bought this Vornado product in another country / another online store. Can I contact Vornado Singapore for warranty service?
A: Vornado Singapore warranty is strictly only offered to the unit purchased from VornadoSG.com or from a Vornado Singapore Authorized dealer or retailer in Singapore.

Q: I bought a Vornado but it isn’t from the authorized dealers (i.e. Amazon Prime Now Singapore, Robinsons, Metro or VornadoSG.com). Can I service my product with you?
A: Yes. However, you will be charged for the cost of materials, labor and handling.

Q: Where is your Service Centre?
Vornado Singapore Service Centre 
VORNADO SINGAPORE
2 Gambas Cres #09-15, Tower 1, Nordcom II, Singapore 757044.
Please "WhatsApp" for Repair Booking
Weekday 0900 - 1800
Whatsapp: +65 9277 5282

Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm
Closed on all Singapore Public Holidays

Repairs not covered by the warranty or outside the warranty period will require a fee to cover the cost of materials, labor, handling and shipping. This warranty does not apply to defects from abuse of the Product, modification, alteration, mishandling, improper maintenance, commercial use or repair or service of the Product by anyone other than Vornado. Improper product use, which includes using an external device that alters or converts the voltage or frequency of electricity, or shipping a Vornado product to a country not intended for use will void all warranties. Any unauthorized product modification, repair by unauthorized repair center, or use of non-approved replacement parts is not recommended and any consequences will not be covered by support services or product warranties. The product warranty will be honored only on models that are being used in the country intended. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. VORNADO SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.