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Biotech Research Co./Edenpure Heater

Biotech Research Co./Edenpure Heater review: Misrepresentation of Heater Claims 24

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11:44 am EST
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On Social Security, we bought six Edenpure heaters and now our electric bill budget (usually $600 by this time of year) is over $2, 000. Heater does NOT work as advertised. Called the company and was told the time to return for credit return is over. The customer service rep was extremely curt and rude. Flat out, we DON'T WANT THESE PIECES OF WORTHLESS JUNK! Like thousands of other people, we were scammed by this company and would like to know HOW to return these heaters! H-E-L-P! from Lookout, WV.

Update by Lark & Bertha Scott
Mar 02, 2009 11:46 am EST

Agree completely with y'all. Kinda the same thing happened to us (we got 3 heaters and are stuck with 'em). Our elec. co. (AEP) just loves us because of the way our elec. bill has shot up in the past 4 months.

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

24 comments
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F4PhantomE
Canton, US
Dec 19, 2012 9:25 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I feel sorry for all those who bought heaters from SCI, Eden pure. This company treats their workers just about as good as customers. I worked there for three weeks before leaving even though I need a job. Out of 200 to 250 employees 3/4 are temps who are untrained and unqualified. If you ask questions about the quality of the parts you're working with you're told, ( don't worry about it ). People operating machines are not shown how to check parts for tolerance, defects, or quality. All I can say is keep contacting the Consumer Safety Ad. It is my hope some one will file a class action against these sorry people. Sorry people I tried to do my job RIGHT.

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BRENDA TEDDER
, US
Jan 27, 2012 2:54 pm EST

I have three heaters from biotech research . Two heaters have went up . One they have fixed .the second /Hours on phone E-mail O well They do not back there stuff DO I FELL RIPPED OFF BERRYVILLE VA.

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Happy in CA
54654, US
Dec 29, 2011 9:56 pm EST

I purchased through a company called Affordable Heat, and almost purchased one from Biotech, but I had waited 2 weeks already since I placed my order with Biotech, so I cancelled my order with Biotech. Let me tell you, Affordable Heat, was awesome, I got my unit in the 10 business days that it was guaranteed I paid no sales tax and no shipping charges. I have had my unit for almost 3 years and had to send it back 1 time, I did not have to pay for return shipping to get it returned, nor did I get treated like the way those horrible people at biotech treat us. The people at Affordable Heat are nice and respectful and go above and beyond what I ever imagined any customer service department would do. They also cover everything 100% for warranty claims, and they do all that work for you. Shame on Biotech for such poor customer service. I will never make another or attempt to make another purchase from them again.
Happy Again in CA

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MRREP
, US
Dec 28, 2011 7:15 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

consciencious consumer...I'm also dealing with biotech. I'm waiting for my postage paid label to return the refurbished junk they sent me, although at this time I may not send it back to them and use it solely for evidence as advised by my Attorney General. My unit was used about 5 months, it quit working and we called the customer service number provided. They walked use through the resetting and it seemed to work fine, we didn't use it again until Fall, we got our first snow of the season and we turned the unit on it worked for 2 minutes and that was it. At this time we called biotech explaining we trusted they had fixed our problem and we had put our unit away for the season only to find out it worked for only 2 minutes the next season, they had us send in our unit for a replacement but refurbished unit. After paying $30.00 to send in our unit and 3 weeks later we got a piece of junk, it had a huge dent on the top, scratched up bad on the side and was full of paint splatters...not something I would in my house. I contacted customer service again, or at least tried to contact them I was put on hold, while on hold I did some research and was given a phone # for resource partners...so from my cell phone I called them. They said they couldn't help me since I was dealing with biotech but they could could transfer my call. After a 5 minute wait a customer service rep. answered. My first question to her was why was I still waiting for the next available rep on my other phone, now 45 minutes later she stumble through but her comment was " I don't know", obviously a little shocked! The outcome of our conversation was the prepaid label I started this long story with.

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Bighoss
Florence, US
Nov 30, 2011 6:32 pm EST

The overpriced, over-hyped heaters such as Eden Pure and the "Heat Surge" units (both now sold disgracefully by Sears Roebuck, by the way) are a big profitable scam for online and cable TV marketers. The simple truth is that these 110-watt units generate no more heat than any number of much-cheaper forced air electric heaters that are readily available at many retail outlets. I have a couple of 1500-watt space heaters that work perfectly well and that very dependable. i.e. no problems such as those described by numerous commenters above, but I do not operate these heaters continuously; I and my wife use them for such things as short-term warming of bathrooms for more comfortable bathing or localized heating in a basement work space that is normally not heated. They work fine for such purposes. Both cost well under $50.00.

I would point out, however, that it is folly to equip your home with multiple portable electric space heaters and to operate them all for hours on end in lieu of using your central system in hopes of achieving significant savings on space heating costs. Not gonna happen, since you will be using a high-cost heat source--electric resistance heat--and you will be pulling current almost continuously in cold weather, since these 1500-watt units will have to operate continuously or nearly so to warm your home, unless you live in some kind of super-insulated structure, which most of us don't.

Both Eden Pure and Heat Surge advertisements depict the localized use of their heaters (e.g. den or living room) with the home thermostat turned way down, such that the rest of the house is downright chilly. You might indeed save money that way, but you pay a big price in lost comfort.

Conclusion: If you decide to use a portable space heater, use it wisely and for pity's sake, DO NOT get conned into buying any of these overpriced, over-advertised, over-ballyhooed heaters marketed by conscienceless hucksters telling tall tales. There are any number of models selling for $50.00 or less that will do all the heating that the Heat Surge or Eden Pure heaters do. $395.00 minus $50.00 = lots of money for you to spend on other stuff of your choice.

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consciencious consumer
, US
Nov 08, 2011 5:23 pm EST

I have seriously considered buying one of these advertised heaters for quite some time. However, my common sense reminded me to search for any complaints before making a purchase. I've dealt with companies like this before and I don't look forward to getting involved with any shady dealings. I appreaciate all the comments and the warnings. I will not be buying an EdenPure heater or make any purchases from BioTech at any time. Thank you to all who have commented.

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Dave Kindsvater
Marysville, US
Mar 30, 2011 4:36 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Well here is the update on my experience with BioTech. After fighting with them on the phone numereous times, I finally saw results when I actually recorded one of my conversations with them. I told them up front that I was recording the conversation and then told them my story, as you can search through the previous complaints to view the entire situation I had with them. I then demanded my money back and they told me it was past the warranty time. I then asked to talk to a Supervisor, she put me on hold and came back to tell me that the Supervisor said no, that I could'nt have my money back. I then asked again to speak to the Supervisor personally and when she refused, I reminded her that the conversation was being recorded and that I was going to send a copy of it to my local news station "problem solvers", send a copy to the better buisness beaura, and also going to post it on youtube. She put me on hold again, then came back to tell me that she spoke with the Supervisor again and they agreed to give me my money back. Although it took them like 3 weeks to get the account credited, it finally happened. I guess you just need to threaten them to get the results you want. Good Luck to all of you still having issues with them. If I were you I would try the same thing I did. Then repost on here your results. Lets see if they start treating their customers a little better once they are threatened.

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Run Around
Clarence Center, US
Mar 30, 2011 3:08 am EDT

What A Joke! I have had (3) "Refurbished" units sent to me under warranty replacement and each one was prograssively worse than the other. The last one was scratched with a hole in the side protruding from the inside out & completely filthy. The shipping box had no physical damage either. Talk about poor quality control. Biotech Research / Suarez have completely dropped the ball & I will never purchase another product from this company. I think someone from their upper management including Bob Vila should exercise their call in system & customer service. I have dealt with many inexperienced childern answering the phone that have absolutely no horsepower to do anything! Talk about a waste of time, I have literally sat on the phone for hours talking to these individuals and got a bunch of lip service. I have asked numerous times to speak to someone from upper management, but again I was pawned off on an in experienced individual. Good Luck to all on your decisions.

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sharon porter
woodbourne, US
Feb 25, 2011 2:00 am EST

i bought 3 heaters and i am very disapointed one of the heaters was replaced with one of the refurbushed one and they do not work also as i was getting ready to leave my house the other day i forgot a letter that i had to take to the dr i went back to get it and if i didn, t have to go back to get the letter i would have came back to no house as i saw where i had the heater plugged there was smoke comming up and was just about to catch on fire it was so hot it melted the prong in half and i can, t get ahold of anyone about it if anyone knows who i should contact please advise sharon porter i will be watching or email me @sharon445576@yahoo.com thanks

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Dave Kindsvater
Marysville, US
Feb 01, 2011 10:48 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BUY THIS HEATER, ESPECIALLY FROM BIOTECH. I purchesed this heater in October of 2010. I recieved it in about 10 days, when I opened it, the entire back plastic was all broken. I called the customer service and same as everyone else, was put on hold for 45 minutes. They sent me a return slip and I sent it back. I received the new heater 3 weeks later. That heater worked pretty good for about 2 weeks, then it didnt seem to be throwing as much heat so I called the customer service number again, again 45 minutes on hold. When I finally spoke to Tyron, he apoligized and asked if I wanted a new heater or my money back. I asked him if the 60 day warranty would start over when I got the new heater. He said "yes" so I told him that it was probably a fluke and to send a new heater and if I had problems with that one, I would send it back and get my money back, , he said "ok". I got an email on December 29, 2011 stating that they received the heater and to allow 2-4 weeks for processing. I waited 3 weeks and decided to call them, again 45 minutes wait. When I finally spoke to Michael, he apoligized and said that it would be another 3-4 weeks before it shipped, I explained the entire story to him and what the email said and told him I wanted my money back, he GUARANTEED me that it would ship out the next day and I would recieve it by Saturday. Again no heater, so I gave them another week and called back. After 45 minutes they said it still has not shipped and again GUARANTEED me that it would ship the next day 1-23-11 and told me I would have the heater by Saturday, oh by the way they said I couldnt get my money back because its been over the 60 days from the original purchase. Now I am on the phone with them again on hold now for 35 minutes to tell them I still have not recieved the heater. This time I am going to record the entire consversation and post the results on youtube to let all buyers beware. I have never and I mean never dealt with such a poor company. Again, I would not buy this heater and especially from Biotech. When I called a different supplier, they told me that they have recieved ALOT of complaints from Biotech, with the same issues, she was nice enough to give me the manufacturer's number and as soon as I get off the phone with these yahoo's I will be calling Eden pure direct to let them know.

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SixtyDays
San Pedro, US
Jan 31, 2011 11:32 pm EST

Follow up to the above comment: People, if the cost of electricity wasn't a factor, and if our home was equipped to handle the electricity load (we started getting burn marks around our electrical outlet), I would purchase that heater again. I loved it: it was the only heater that didn't dry out our sinuses, and it delivered a nice, even heat. I hate to be so positive when obviously others have not had the same experience, but the fact is that the company did fulfill their promise to give us a "no questions asked" refund. I was a stickler regarding the 60 day limit, even though I never thought that we would have to use it. Having said all of that, I am genuinely sorry that some people havehave had bad experiences: I hope that they will persist in trying to find someone in the company who will reconsider their extenuating circumstances. I would call again and ask for a supervisor, the number I used was [protected]. Don't even try to talk to the person who answers your call. Just tell them that you have a complicated concern and that you really need to speak with a supervisor. Tell them about this message board (I did), and that you hope you will not be just another person who ends up without having his or her problem resolved. Sincerely from Terri

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SixtyDays
San Pedro, US
Jan 31, 2011 11:24 pm EST

Here's the play by play (typing as I wait on hold): After watching the ads on TV, I decided to order one of these heaters. Our heating bill almost doubled (we're in California). I have now been ON HOLD for almost 15 minutes... and I refuse to hang up. I will stay on hold all day if necessary. Unfortunately, I just read the above note that someone spent 15 minutes on hold, only to be told by a computer that the call could not be processed and to call back at another time. "Thank you for calling. Please be assured that your call will be answered as quickly as possible..." "Please continue to hold for just a moment longer... we will be on the line shortly to answer your call..." "Thank you for calling customer service. We are currently experiencing heavy call volume. Your call is important to us, and we realize your time is valuable. You may enter your phone number, leave a message, and the next available agent will call you back on the number provided. Press 1 to enter your number now, or continue to hold for the next available representative." Okay, we are coming up to the 15 minute mark. Let's see if they try to pull the same trick with me as they did with the person above... wow... there is actually a nice lady on the phone. Her first name is Margaret, and she is really helpful. Please note that we ARE within the agreed-upon 60 day return period.

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Hot but not heated in MS
Sumrall, US
Jan 26, 2011 11:06 pm EST

I agree with eagledriver, we too ordered a heater over six weeks ago and have no idea when it will be shipped. I have called the contact number on the Biotech Research website and spent almost 15 mins. on hold only to be told - by a computer - that my call could not be processed and would I please call back at another time. This company IS a joke, but worse, the jokes on us, folks. They have our money and we either have worthless heaters or no heaters. I wonder what good this complaint site will do except give disgruntled customers a place to blow off some heat! Sure wish we'd seen this before we ordered the heater and paid the money!

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eagledriver
, US
Jan 07, 2011 6:08 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I cannot say how the heater works as I have been waiting 6 weeks since I ordered my heater and biotech still cannot tell me me when my heater might ship! You can tell everyone who works for his company is at the end of the rope. They must have morning and evening meetings on what to tell the thousands of customers who order these heaters on what the latest lie they can tell them. I feel sorry for these reps who have to work for a company of liars. Why do they advertise a product that they dont even have? I will go to Walmart now and just buy a regular space heater so I will have something that space heats before winter ends! This company is a joke from top to bottom!

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Cold in Indiana
, US
Jan 02, 2011 1:03 am EST

We purchased an edenpure heater through biotech in 2007. It worked fine for a while, so we got two more smaller heaters from them as well. We THOUGHT this was a great deal, untill our first heater, which we had named frankie, stopped working in 2009. Frankie would blow warm air for about 6 minutes, then shut down. It would only work again after it was turned off and let sit for 8 minutes before we turned it on again and it would work. This routine became tiring so we tried unsuccsesfully to take it apart. We then tried to research the heater to find an email adress for biotech which we could complain to, but found none. They probably got so many complaints they removed the email! Anyway, these heaters upped our electricity bill by about $100 a month and do not, in fact, heat a room evenly. As for the two smaller heaters, they still work. But we are pretty sure they will soon follow in frankie's footsteps! This company sells broken and expensive heaters with a useless 1 year warranty. They try to suck you in by advertising all the "pro's" of the heater which, in reality, are pure lies. These heaters are worthless pecies of junk that DO NOT work. Dont purchase things from here, as you will surely be scammed. We now use Frankie as a coffee table.

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Amidon
, US
Sep 23, 2010 10:45 am EDT

Thanks for the info...I was just deciding whether or not to try one and I decided not to...doesn't sound like too great of a deal to me.

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don chatterson
, CA
Mar 29, 2010 4:26 am EDT

I agree with all the complaints as I myself have been stuck with an eden pure heater that trippled my hydro bill.I have shut thing off and will never use again..They must know hydro meters are read every 60 days so you return time is up before you get your hydro bill...They make a lot of money on the backs of hard working people.

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Very angry in Arkansas
Harrisburg, US
Mar 06, 2010 5:48 am EST

Do not buy anything from Eden Pure. They only build low quality junk at a high price. Thanks a lot Bob Villa try out the product for yourself next time.

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Keidis
Twin Lake, US
Jan 15, 2010 10:14 am EST

I bought two heaters from Biotech Research/Suarez, one Edenpure 1000XLl, the other a Sun Twin in November of 2008, both of which were used very little, only one winter season. They would shut off after only running a few minutes, and wouldn't run again unless I unplugged them first. Then they would do the same thing. Keep in mind, the room was only 60 deg. when they would do this. When I called Biotech Research, I was told that the refund warranty was up, and that they could send two refurbished models in place of these. The one-year warranty is stupid, considering the average person only needs to use it a few times during the winter months. You aren't actually using it a whole year. Anyway, this same Customer Service Rep. told me that I could get a refund if the refurbished models quit working properly within six months. I just received the replacements last week. I plugged the one in, it blew warm heat for about 5-10 minutes, then blows freezing cold air, and continues to do so. Again, this is in a 60 deg. room. We have not tried the other heater yet. Once again, I called Biotech Research. I was told at this time that whoever told me about the refund on the refurbished models was mis-informed. When asked if they could check their pre-recorded phone conversations for this conversation I had with that Rep., I was told it would take too much time. I was told that they go by the purchase date. This is totally ridiculous, being I just got the refurbished model last week. Of course, this isn't the original model purchased! This company lies to people. And, for the amount of money paid ($350 each), they are nothing but a piece of junk! I am really regretting my purchase(s), especially now that I am aware of the hundreds of complaints from others who have purchased these heaters. I also know of two other people within 10 miles of my home who also purchased these heaters, and have had to send them back multiple times as well. My guess would be that this company knows they have faulty heaters, they don't do anything about the returned ones, and keep sending them out. Because they know that your exchange warranty will be up before you actually get a working heater. I reported this company to the Better Business Bureau of Canton, Ohio, as did several others. I would suggest you do the same. I would not recommend purchasing anything from this company. In closing, I would also like to add that once you purchase from this company, you will keep getting literature in the mail advertising other products they carry.

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Judy from Illinois
Westville, US
Jan 01, 2010 5:18 pm EST

I bought an Edenpure Heater and in one month my electric bill went from the usual $86.00 a month to $128.00 the next month; then this month of December it went up to $144.00. It is cheaper to run our gas furnace than to use this heater. I unplugged it and will put it in a yard sell. I warn anyone planning on getting this heater, stop, it has a 110 plug and uses the heck out of electricity. Bob Villa, shame on you. I use to go by what you were saying, but now I will never trust you again. How can you advertise for such a crooked company. Judy in Illinois

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myfraudulentcompany.com
syracuse, US
Dec 22, 2009 9:02 am EST

Shame on Bob Vila, he starts out talking about the heat you loose through your unsealed duct work and than instead of giving you an answer like use Mastic Sealnt to seal most of those ducts he gives you EdenPure! How does using more electricity save you money? It doesn't! Does it save you money to seal all those leaky ducts with Mastic? Yes!This is what he should be endorsing http://www.rcdmastics.com/

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Kenny Ray
Point of Rocks, US
Oct 18, 2009 8:48 am EDT

I know some folks that might buy them from you if you want to get rid of them. Please email me at bowpor@me.com with subject line "Unhappy Edenpure" and I will try to get you hooked up with them. Maybe you can get a little bit of your money back...

HPLJ,

Kenny Ray

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Kim
Manchester, US
May 14, 2009 8:43 am EDT

I have 2 heaters. My Electric bill was over $300 a month and I was still buying oil. I bought these to save on heat and expenses...and all it did was create a greater amount of expenses that I can't pay. I'm stuck...I feel that I was lied to. When we bought the 1st one - I verified with the girl over the phone that the price would be only $1 a day to run this - she said it would be the same price as running you hairdryer. Well...I don't know any hairdryer that would cost this much a month. Very disappointed. I want reimbursement for my electric bill!

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Andree Holley
Samson, US
Mar 24, 2009 6:44 pm EDT

Heater isn't worth the costs. I've asked 4 times for return label to get free UPS return, and have not received one yet? What can I do to get my money back? I had it on a credit card A. Holley