Bionaire stopped making filters for humidifier - what can I do?

ahfh1

Hi,

I bought a Bionaire humidifier (BU7000) that requires filters (to filter out bacteria and organisms from the mist).

I found it difficult to find any replacement filters (which need replacing every 2 months) so I contacted Bionaire to see if I can buy them directly from them.

It turns out the humidifier has been discontinued, which is fine because I realise models get replaced by newer versions every now and again. However, they also informed me that they no longer make the filters, therfore rendering the humidifier useless.

I bought this about 3 years ago and can't believe they wouldn't support the humidifier by at least still producing the filters.

I therefore had a look at the newer Bionaire BU8000 model and it seems like people can't buy the filters either as they are not available!

Could anyone shed any light on what my rights are if a company does not provide filters any more?

Thanks

SimonSays

You have no rights sorry.

Its much like when Printer manufacturers stop making ink cartridges. Theres very little you can do.

ThumbRemote

You don't have any rights against the manufacturer.

You may have some rights against the retailer. The Sale of Goods Act says that goods must have "fitness for all the purposes for which goods of the kind in question are commonly supplied". Clearly your product is no longer fit for purpose due to the non-availability of filters.

However it's not guaranteed that the act would be interpreted that way, and even if it were you'd only be entitled to a partial refund to take into account the three years use you'd had.

Are there no compatible filters available?

Morglin

There seems to be a selection here, so they might have your one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=bionaire%2520replacement%2520filters&clk_rvr_id=633769691386&adpos=1t4&MT_ID=11&crlp=21604817723_2113181&device=t&geo_id=32251&keyword=bionaire+replacement+filters&crdt=0

Lin

ahfh1

Morglin wrote: »

There seems to be a selection here, so they might have your one:

Lin

Thanks for looking, but they aren't the correct ones :sad:

ahfh1

ThumbRemote wrote: »

You don't have any rights against the manufacturer.


Are there no compatible filters available?

I've searched everywhere and cannot find even any generic ones

cardinalbiggles

There is a legal minimum time that spares must be available for goods sold but this does not mean its the original manufacturer who must supply them.

I am surprised they cant point you in the direction of a supplier.

ThumbRemote

cardinalbiggles wrote: »

There is a legal minimum time that spares must be available for goods sold but this does not mean its the original manufacturer who must supply them.

I am surprised they cant point you in the direction of a supplier.

I've never heard about a legal minimum time for spares - can you point to the legislation that covers this?

neilmcl

I'm also not aware of any legal obligations for manufacturers/distributors to supply parts for a minimum period.

Andy_L

neilmcl wrote: »

I'm also not aware of any legal obligations for manufacturers/distributors to supply parts for a minimum period.

There's a minimum period for car parts but, IIRC, its an industry code of practice rather than a law

CKhalvashi

Andy_L wrote: »

There's a minimum period for car parts but, IIRC, its an industry code of practice rather than a law

It is, however I do know that KAZ are still producing parts for some of the old British brands, many on request only, as well as keeping spares in stock for Saab/MG Rover cars.

I don't think this is covered in law, more an industry agreement, though.

CK