Overview
When I first took my Blueair purifiers apart I immediately saw that they are going for particle removal, and trying to do it right. They are going for the higher-priced, high-quality end of the market. I wondered whether the high price of their units (in my opinion) was because:
1 – They are made in Sweden, rather than China (labor costs).
2 – They are modeling the IQAIR Purifier Company from Sweden which also goes for the high-priced, high-quality end of the market (£899-1200)
Most of their models are great for particle removal but what they don’t cover is germs, viruses, and bacteria. Often that is the trade off companies have to make – go for particle removal, and skip ultraviolet and other germ/virus technology to stay competitive. So we’re talking Hepa, or Hepa-like and electrostatic filters. I have several of their models and will be doing video reviews shortly to take you inside the machine.
I start my review with the popular Blueair 503 Model(formerly the 501).
Company History
The BlueAir company many originated in Sweden although I think the air purifiers are manufactured in China. In 1996 they have established themselves as a worldwide player in the air purifier market.
Pros & Cons
Pros
1 – Filter Change Indicator Light so as not to void warranty
2 – Durable steel construction
3 – Has wheel casters (great if you want to move it alot
4 – Quiet (although in quiet move doesn’t move much air)
5 – Energy Efficient
Cons
1 – Not a true Hepa filter – ‘Hepa-like”
2 – No pre-filter, short filter life (6 months) as a result – electrostatic probably clogs up more and is less efficient as a result
3 – The seating of the filters in the housing is not a tight seal and allows for some air to by-pass reducing the air cleaning efficiency
4 – Nothing to kill viruses, bacteria or mold/mildew
Specifications and Technologies
Blueair 503 Air Purifier
Purification Technologies: 3 – Electrostatic, ionizer, HEPAsilent (choice of HEPASilent particle and gas filters or Smokestop filters for better smoke removal.)
What technologies Missing: TIO2, UV, prefilters
Square Footage: 580 SQ. Ft.
Replacement Filter Costs:recommended to change every 6 months: 3 Particle Filters/3 Smokestop particle filters
Yearly Costs: £230/Year
SPEEDS-NOISE LEVEL: 3 speeds Low 32db & High -68decibels
Pros – Good for pollen, dust, allergens, smoke
Cons– Not good for viruses, germs, mold, bacteria
Warranty – Warranty: 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty only valid if you replace the filters every 6 months
Number of Speeds – 3
Years In Business: 14
Air Purifier Rating
1. Technologies Included: (out of of 10 technologies) 3
2. Particle Removal (Allergens, Dust) 9
3. Immune System Threats (Germs, Virus, etc.) 0
4. Gas Removal (Odor, Chemicals, Smoke) 8
5. Longevity/Quality 10
6. Noise Levels 10
7. Ease of Use 9
8. Warranty 5 (very strict)
9. Customer Service/Reputation (reviews) 9
10. Price Value 5
Score: 68 = Good
Conclusion
The Blueair is one of the air purifiers which can handle cigarette smoke and I recommend it for people who smoke. On the allergy end it does a good job, but is a bit expensive and I might recommend something that does as well for a lower price if that is your need. Well-made, and sturdy.