I tend to look at the negative reviews first. I knew these were supposed to work but some people had put that theirs didn't even move a feather when dropped in front, or it was too noisy. So, yes, it hums quietly in the background but no more really than the water going round in your heating system and certainly doesn't interfer with hearing others talking or the TV. I sit in front of the fan and it gently blows my hair, so it's definitely creating a current of air which moves the heat around (I tend to sit it towards the back of my stove so it can move all the warmer air). I really don't understand the people who feel it doesn't create a current. As to breaking - I've been using mine for about a month so I can't comment on longevity yet, but it seems fairly robust to me. Highly recommend.
I tend to look at the negative reviews first. I knew these were supposed to work but some people had put that theirs didn't even move a feather when dropped in front, or it was too noisy. So, yes, it hums quietly in the background but no more really than the water going round in your heating system and certainly doesn't interfer with hearing others talking or the TV. I sit in front of the fan and it gently blows my hair, so it's definitely creating a current of air which moves the heat around (I tend to sit it towards the back of my stove so it can move all the warmer air). I really don't understand the people who feel it doesn't create a current. As to breaking - I've been using mine for about a month so I can't comment on longevity yet, but it seems fairly robust to me. Highly recommend.