your money

My column "A cure for the dehumidifer blues" on July 21 expressed my frustration with dehumidifiers that run for only a season or two before they quit removing water from the air. Several readers asked whether I cleaned the washable filter that newer models have.

Um, filter? I gave my Consumer Reports' recommended Danby model a careful look and found nothing. Then I called a customer service rep, who told me to remove the water reservoir and reach up underneath the lip and feel for it. Voila! The rep said the filter should be washed every two weeks or so. If you are having trouble, call the manufacturer or check your owner's manual for a hidden filter. I hope that's the key to making it last 5, 10 or 20 years.

A local repairman also recommended blowing out the coils every two years with compressed air, especially on newer, energy-efficient models. With a unit that has quit working, clean the filter (if there is one) and the coils (a $75 to $100 repair). If that doesn't work, call your county recycler and ask if they will take dehumidifiers. Hennepin County accepts them for a $15 fee.

Last week I offered tips for cheap eyewear. Deal-spotter Andrea sent in another tip that's almost as thrifty. At Allina Medical Clinic optical sites (12 locations in the Twin Cities), students get a complete eyewear package for $145 or $155. The lenses are polycarbonate for safety and come with a two-year warranty on frames and lenses. More than 60 frames are included in the package.

A colleague recommended the deal at America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses (Blaine, Burnsville, Richfield, Roseville, www.twopair.com). Get two pair of glasses for $70, including eye exam. It's a good deal, but only for those with a basic correction. Like most inexpensive package deals, it's also only for plastic single-vision lenses, not progressive, transitions, bifocal or thinner lenses.

A couple of readers who went to the DirectBuy sales presentation reminded me that after being asked for nearly $5,000 to join, attendees are told that if they choose not to join that day, they lose the chance forever. Since then I've heard the "statute of limitations" runs out after seven years. Does anyone really think DirectBuy will refuse someone wanting to hand over almost $5,000? As for the $4,700 membership I quoted in my last column for the Bloomington location, the owner of the White Bear Lake franchise said that is incorrect, but neither he nor the Bloomington owner will confirm the exact price. I've heard almost exclusively from readers who chose not to join or regretted it. Happy with your membership? I want to hear from you, too.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. Ewoldt's columns also run Tuesdays and Thursdays in Variety. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/blogs/dealspotter.