This is my second purchase of this fog machine and, coupled with quality fog juice (think Froggy's Fog) it will outperform for you. I do highly recommend the optional timer control (sold separately) but the included wireless remote works superbly as well. One wireless remote will trigger any other units within range, so know that. I use these outdoors at Halloween and, under the right wind conditions, one of these units is capable of fogging half the neighborhood (oops!). Quick heat up and can almost continuously make fog - very brief gaps to reheat. Again, I use these outdoors but covered and they work in a wide temperature range, just don't let them freeze. As far as maintenance, I do have some cleaner but last Halloween I decided to just drain the unit until it fogs no more then pack it up. There was some fluid left in the machine and the hoses. One year later, unpacked, filled and fired right up with no issues. This may have to do with the quality of the fluid used, I don't know. Definitely a solid unit and much better than the lower powered units you find at Halloween stores or elsewhere. It is worth it to buy quality equipment and this machine does not disappoint. Recommended.