Mira-Cool and Cool Surge: Too good to be true?

It seems that once a company (this one being Fridge Electric) gets a "Don't Buy!" rating from Consumer Reports (for their Cool Surge evaporative cooler) they just figure they have to wait a summer and release it under a new name: Mira-Cool. The Consumer Reports article on the air cooling unit opens with:

The Cool Surge might sound appealing when you consider the roughly 500 watts needed to run even a small air conditioner. Ohio-based Fridge Electric LLC, which markets the Cool Surge, has even offered a two-for-one deal in full-page ads in The New York Times and other newspapers. But our tests show that when it comes to cooling a room, the Cool Surge is likely to disappoint you at any price.

I first started researching the Mira-Cool product when I saw their full-page ad in USA Today. I guess they decided to change the name of the unit after Consumer Reports suggested that nobody buy it. From what I can tell, there is no difference between the Cool Surge and the Mira-Cool.

Their ad in USA Today starts off incredibly misleading with the title, "Public set to get free air cooling units" and goes on to say, "A new miracle air cooler is actually being given away free to the first 11,337 readers.." Well, after further reading I discovered that it was really a buy 1 (at $298) get 1 free, but you still had to pay for shipping on both units! But why who cares if you get both of them free if they don't work as advertised?

Any company that says this in their FAQ has to be joking:

Q: Can I leave it on when I'm not home?

A: It's recommended that you don't because when you get home, the MIRA-COOL can quickly blast out ice cooled air.

Unfortunately I don't think Mira-Cool and Fridge Electric is kidding even though their claims are a joke. Whenever you read something that seems too good to be true...it probably is. There are hundreds of companies out there trying to take advantage of the public's ignorance on energy issues. Keep reading Mapawatt Blog (and keep your eyes peeled for other energy scams) and don't get taken advantage of!

P.S. : If you want to see the Mira-Cool product for yourself (and at your own risk) go to www.mira-cool.com and enter claim code MC1008.

Tags:

air conditioner scam

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fridge electric

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Comments

Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 07/24/2010 - 01:18

I just purchased two of them over the phone without looking at the reviews. The ad was printed in a way that is definitely misleading!!! I thought it was an official announcement from the city but apparently I was all wrong. This is in fact a scam and I can’t believe I had fallen for it – spending $400 on two fan-like machines that should cost no more than $50. I am calling them to cancel the order tomorrow and if they don’t process a refund, I’ll file a complaint against them. Thinking about it makes me furious. I hope this comment can save some of you from being ripped off.

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/05/2010 - 13:44

I cannnot agree with you more. I can't believe I fell for it either but the advertisement is definitely misleading. I also paid 400 for 2 units but I am getting a refund. What have I gained? Nothing except I know what fraud the company is just taking advantage of people. I really wouldn't mind paying money if it worked but it's just like a fan and they claim it's powerful enough to cool down a room...WRONG! I've tried it myself and it does not cool down a room. Everyone reading this, save yourself time and don't order it, I promise it will be a disappointment. They took forever getting the units delivered, I've waited on the phone for a long time to get in touch with them and the representatives are not knowledgeable about the products whatsoever. FRAUDS! CHEATS!

Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 09/07/2010 - 12:16

I too, have purchased the two mira-cool portable air coolers and am so disapointed. I have 3 children at home and $400.00 is a lot of money to be out of. I am so thankful to be able to read your comment. It stopped me from panicking. Can you please tell me how to successfully go about obtaining a refund? please email me

ckmapawatt Wed, 09/08/2010 - 07:47

I'm not sure you'll be able to get a refund if you already have the units. While misleading, Mira-cool technically isn't a scam. They just sell very, very, very expensive fans that (in my opinion) don't live up to their claims.

Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/12/2010 - 02:45

were you successful in getting your money returned to you once you cancelled the order?

Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/25/2010 - 19:27

I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE ALL DAY TRYING TO GET THIS COMPANY TO GET A NEW LABEL TO UPS TO PICK UP MY COOLERS BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO DO NOTHING, AND UPS BRINGS OUT A NEW LABEL WHEN THEY PICK THEM UP. BUT UPS TELLS ME THAT THEY HAVE TO ORDER A NEW LABEL AND A PICK UP FOR THEM / THE COMPANY HAS TO) AND I CANNOT GET THEM TOO TO THIS . WILL YOU PLEASE GET ME SOME HELP SOMEWHERE, MY PHONE NUMBER IS 870 966 4599 AND EACH TIME I CALL THE COMPANY I HAVE TO WAIT 45 MINETES AND I HAVE A TIME ON MY PHONE AND THAT IS THE TRUTH, AND THEN THEY TELL ME THE SAME THING. I HAVE BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR SOME TIME FOR THE HEATERS,, BUT THIS IS SORRY BUSINESS I HAVE GOT THIS TIME

Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/11/2010 - 11:58

Everyone keep say "I called the number to cancel" but no one lists the number. If you guys really want to help other people, THEN LIST THE NUMBER YOU CALLED THAT GOT YOU RESULTS!

Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 08/18/2010 - 06:14

allen if u dont get no response from the mira cool1800 504 8105 then email the bbb and you will hear from them.

Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/11/2010 - 20:35

I, too, sent for the Mira-cool Air conditioners. What a good deal it sounded like! I too, spent an awful lot of time on the phone. When I finally did get them, I realized they were JUNK! You can have the same results with a fan, behind a pan of water, with one of the ice packs in it. No one mentions that they had to pay the $98.00 for shipping. It cost me $98.00 for nothing. I already paid it, but wonder if all you other people paid it.

Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 04/09/2011 - 17:04

i called 18005048105 and they said it wouldnt be charged at all...good luck.

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