Top Air Purifier Reviews

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UV Air Purifier Guide

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Introduction: Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of radiation with very short wavelengths—too short to be perceived by the human eye. This form of energy is called “ultraviolet” because it has shorter wavelengths than violet light, which has the shortest waves of any kind of visible light.

Although UV radiation can be dangerous, and you can often hear reports about the dangers of UV rays coming from the sun, ultraviolet light is not always detrimental to humans and has a variety of uses. Some air purifiers include specialized lights that produce ultraviolet rays as a way to kill living pollutants.

EPA Studies – Effectiveness of UV Air Purifiers

Based on the available test information, the actual success rate of UV purifiers is mixed. According to the EPA’s official guide on indoor air cleaners, well-designed ultraviolet air cleaners are able to:

Air Purifiers

 

“[Air purifiers] reduce the viability of vegetative bacteria and molds and to provide low to moderate reductions in viruses but little, if any, reduction in bacterial and mold spores.”

Factors Influencing UV Air Purifier Effectiveness

It also states that various factors influence the effectiveness of UV purifiers, including

  • UV irradiation dose
  • System design and application
  • System operation characteristics
  • Microorganism targeted for deactivation.

Thus not all UV air purifiers are the same, and UV lights will be more or less useful depending on the environment they are placed in.

Furthermore, tests have shown that UV cleaning alone does not reduce dust mite problems or allergic reactions to mold—the latter because mold is still dangerous to humans even if it is dead. The Environmental Protection Agency states that the only solution to mold is to have it removed. Ultimately, the EPA declares that further testing is necessary in order to better understand just how useful ultraviolet air cleaners really are.

Conclusion – Ultraviolet Air Purification Effectiveness

  • Well designed systems can reduce vegetative bacteria, molds, and some viruses
  • Little if any reduction in bacteria or mold spores
  • Ineffective against particles like dust or dust mites
  • Further research is needed to measure absolute effectiveness

Sources referred to in this article:

  • United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Residential Air Cleaners (Second Edition): A Summary of Available Information — Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Cleaners.” http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/residair.html#Ultraviolet_Germicidal_Irradiation_Cleaners
  • Wikipedia. “Ultraviolet.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet

 

Vollara Air Purifiers Guide

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Vollara Company Information

Vollara is a company that manufactures and distributes products related to weight loss and health. Examples of their products include dietary supplements, weight loss pills and air purifiers. Vollara is not the first incarnation of this particular company. The company was founded in 1986 under the name of Alpine Industries, and later changed its name to Ecoquest International. Ecoquest International was purchased by Aerus Holdings LLC in 2010, which in turn is owned by Engles Urso Follmer Capital Corporation. Vollara is related to Elextrolux, USA, another company owned by Engles Urso Follmer.

Company Claims and Past FTC Troubles

Vollara says it creates products that are in line with their core values of environmentalism, science, integrity and government regulations. However, when the company was known as Alpine Industries and Ecoquest International, it ran into a lot of trouble due to their health claims regarding their air purifiers.

In 2000, the Federal Trade Commission and US Justice Department ordered the company to stop claiming that their air purifiers provided relief from medical conditions or were effective in removing pollutants from their air. The FTC said that Alpine and Ecoquest did not have reliable scientific evidence supporting these claims.

When Ecoquest was bought and renamed Vollara, many hoped that the company would turn over a new leaf. However, from the start Vollara has not done a good job regaining consumers’ trust, especially when Vollara decided to cancel warranty coverage on products sold by Ecoquest.

Vollara Air Purification Technology

The company touts its ActivePure technology but barely explains how it works. It describes ActivePure technology as basically diluting hydrogen peroxide and misting it through the air, and says it uses hydroxyl-producing photo-oxidation. One marketing pamphlet explains that

“technology is the stuff in your box that makes the…thing happen…that’s really all there is to know…”

Vollara claims that ActivePure is the same technology used to purify air in space shuttles. According to university studies, ActivePure can kill over 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and mold, including Staph and the Avian Bird Flu.

Vornado Air Purifiers Guide

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Vornado Company Info

Vornado is a manufacturer of air purifiers, humidifiers, heaters, and personal circulators. These fans became popular very quickly due to their performance and power. These early Vornado’s propelled them as a company that would become known for product durability and innovative technology.

Vornado Air Circulation Technology

Throughout the 1940’s and beyond, Vornado was known as a company on the cutting edge of the the air purifying and cooling industry. In Andover, Kansas, in 1989, a new Vornado company was founded and created what was known as the first “whole room circulator”. The performance of a Vornado product is enhanced by the signature vortex action that is a feature of their products. These four proprietary components are only found in the technology presented by Vornado.

Unlike other fans and heaters, Vornado’s Vortex Action enables the air to be distributed equally through the room and not just around the air of the unit. It was soon found that this same Vortex Action could be applied to other products, which is what has propelled the Vornado’s Whole Room Air Purifiers to being recognized in the industry. Due to the the highly efficient design and unique technology, Vornado air purifiers still have a strong reputation in the industry today.

Consumer and Critical Acclaim

Vornado strives to continue producing innovative products that are more effective and intuitive as well as safer and quieter than anyone else in the industry. The air flow products that they produce present a quality and durability that seems to be appreciated by consumers. Their reputation is backed by their former model, the AQS35, receiving high rankings from Consumer Reports, Amazon.com, and epinions.com. The new AQS 500 is currently available for around $100.

Clean Air Delivery Rate Certified

Vornado air purifiers are certified by AHAM, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. This organization is responsible for certifying testing results of certain household products, such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and air room conditioners. This seal can be found on many appliances and is a good indicator of a reliable, quality product. The certified rating given to air purifiers is known as CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate. The three CADR numbers refer to the amount of smoke, dust and pollen being filtered out of the air.

Westinghouse Air Purifiers Guide

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Westinghouse offers a indoor air quality equipment that can be installed on new or existing HVAC systems as well as a line of portable air purification units for different sized rooms. These units are designed to target indoor air pollutants such as mold, dust, pollen, chemicals, pet dander and tobacco smoke.

Portable Indoor Air Purifiers

Westinghouse produces three portable air filtration units that are ideal for single rooms, workshops and offices. They boast a “whisper-quiet technology” and the unit itself occupies very little space. Contaminated air passes through a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, a carbon filter, a bacterial prevention filter and a complex silicon filter that absorbs kitchen odors.

HVAC Whole House Air Cleaners

Westinghouse makes a line of indoor air quality products designed to be attached directly to the HVAC units in commercial and residential properties. They can be installed either as a retrofit or as part of a new energy-efficient home unit.

Westinghouse’s Dual Air Cleaning system uses a HEPA filter to clean the dirty air as it enters the HVAC unit from the main vents. This filtered air is deflected into an Electrostatic Media Air Cleaner which removes additional airborne pollutants. By that time the air enters the furnace or air handler, it has had 99.9% of particulates down to 0.3 microns in size removed from the air stream. This greatly enhances the performance and lifetime of the HVAC unit while providing clean air to the entire house — which prevents a buildup of mold and mildew — and many other airborne contaminants that trigger respiratory issues and cause deterioration of structures.

The Westinghouse In-Duct Air Purifier uses the Sanuvox High Efficiency UV system which has a “Turbulator” to slow the air as it moves over a UV “J” Lamp. This dramatically increases the ultra violet lights’ ability to kill harmful contaminants in the airstream. They are installed inside HVAC ducts and activated when the ventilation fan switches on, although they are designed to run 24 hours a day. The only maintenance required is replacing the lamp.

What Causes Bad Indoor Air Quality?

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Air Pollution – Not Just in Big Cities

Although for most people the term “air pollution” conjures up such images as smog hovering over a city or black smoke pouring into the sky out of heavy industrial buildings, the fact is that air pollution is an indoor phenomenon as well, and one that can affect unsuspecting people while they work, when they go out to eat or find entertainment, and even when they are in their homes. And though it is very easy to fail to notice it compared to more visible or dramatic threats to our well-being, indoor air pollution can pose serious health risks when we are exposed to too much of it.

2.7% of the entire global burden of disease is caused by exposure to indoor air pollutants – World Health Organization

The World Health Organization claims that 2.7% of the entire global burden of disease is caused by exposure to indoor air pollutants. This seems even worse when we consider how easy it is to take certain steps to reduce indoor pollution, such as not smoking, maintaining proper ventilation, and using an air filter.

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

What causes this too-often overlooked phenomenon? There are many causes of air pollution in homes, workplaces, and elsewhere. These sources are very diverse and sometimes pose different kinds and degrees of health risks. To gain a fuller understanding of the magnitude of the problem, it will perhaps be helpful to examine some of causes of air pollution inside buildings.

Materials That Release Gasses

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution primarily results from “sources that release gases or particles into the air.” These can include fairly common household combustion sources such as fireplaces and those chemicals that are used in indoor cooking, such as the gas in a gas oven. Other chemicals are released by building materials, most infamously asbestos, but also paint, certain types of pressed wood used to make furniture, and even wet carpets. Household cleaning or personal grooming products are other common ways that we introduce chemicals into our environment without giving the matter much thought. Heating and air conditioning devices can also contribute to indoor air pollution, as can humidifiers.

Second-hand Smoke

The consumption of tobacco while indoors also contributes to air pollution. As if the health problems that directly result from smoking were not enough, we must also consider the threat posed as a result of consuming tobacco products inside. Sadly, the health detriments of smoking do not stop when the cigarette (or cigar, or pipe) goes out. Exposure to second-hand smoke that has built up inside a home or business where smoking has occurred is highly dangerous.

For example, the EPA estimates that second-hand smoke is responsible for causing or worsening asthma symptoms for up to a million children every year, as well as causing respiratory infections that annually send thousands of children to the hospital and affect hundreds of thousands more. Among adults, second-hand smoke can cause problems like lung cancer and heart disease. These facts make smoking in a confined area a very risky proposition, especially when one considers how easily it can be avoided.

Pests & Pets

Other sources of air pollution are the various life forms we unwillingly share our buildings with. These include pests, mold, bacteria, and plants. Cockroaches and dust mites, for instance, are not undesirable just because they are ugly and germ-ridden. They also leave behind allergens wherever they go. These allergens settle onto surfaces such as the floor or furniture. Although they do not stay floating in our indoor atmospheres for long, when we vacuum or dust, we stir these particles up and release them once again into the air, where we, or those we share our living or working space with, can inhale them. According to the American Lung Association, this debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, and may even be responsible for causing asthma to develop among the very young.

Nor do air pollutants come only from unwelcome “guests” like mites and roaches. Unfortunately, pets too cause similar problems by leaving dander behind them. In fact, the ALA points out, many of the harmful substances released by dogs and cats are lighter in weight than those released by the pests discussed above. This means that they are constantly floating in the air and do not need to be stirred up by human activity. Inhaling this matter can cause irritation of the respiratory system, rashes, and lung damage.

Poor Ventilation

As might be expected, poor ventilation and filtration will greatly exacerbate the pollution caused by indoor air pollutants by trapping them inside. A poorly ventilated fireplace, for example, or an air conditioning unit whose owner does not regularly replace its filter as directed by the manufacturer, can become seriously detrimental to the air quality of a home. The air inside will become saturated with chemicals, such as carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide, that can irritate the eyes or throat, and that are capable of causing serious health problems, including bronchitis and lung cancer.

Outdoor Pollutants Entering the Home

So far we have discussed common causes of indoor air pollution that originate from within the building itself. On top of these indoor sources, however, outdoor air pollutants can easily find their way inside as well. Most of the usual outdoor air pollutants can end up causing pollution indoors as well. Outside air will infiltrate an enclosed space through many avenues: open doors and windows are obvious examples, but even small cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings let outside substances in. Fans and other ventilation systems stir up the air, which moves from room to room as well as from the outside in.

These are only some of the more common causes of indoor air pollution. Some of them, such as smoking, can be remedied through simple means, but others are best combated through the use of an air purifier, which removes toxins from the air before they reach your lungs.

Summary of Indoor Air Quality Problems

  • Fireplaces
  • Gas ovens & stoves
  • Building materials (paint, asbestos, pressed wood, wet carpets, etc.)
  • Cleaning products
  • Personal grooming products (Hair sprays & other aerosols)
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Pests (cockroaches, dust mites, etc.)
  • Mold
  • Bacteria
  • Plants
  • Pets
  • Heating & air conditioning units with dirty filters
  • Pollen
  • Smog

Can Air Purifiers Help With Indoor Air Pollution?

Air purifiers can help with some of these problems (i.e. pollen, some tobacco smoke, some airborne mold & bacteria particles) but are not a total solution.  Removing pollutants at the source wherever possible and giving your home proper ventilation are the best solutions.

Sources referred to in this article:

  • American Lung Association. “Cockroaches and Pests.” http://www.lungusa.org/healthy-air/home/resources/cockroaches-and-pests.html
  • —. “Pet Dander.” http://www.lungusa.org/healthy-air/home/resources/pet-dander-1.html
  • —. “Secondhand Smoke.” http://www.lungusa.org/stop-smoking/about-smoking/health-effects/secondhand-smoke.html
  • United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. “The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/450.html
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Air Quality.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/index.html
  • —. “Respirable Particles.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/rpart.html
  • —. “Sources of Combustion Products.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/combust.html
  • —. “Smoke Free Homes and Cars Program.” http://www.epa.gov/smokefree/index.html
  • World Health Organization. “Indoor Air Pollution.” http://www.who.int/indoorair/en/

What Happened to Ionic Breeze?

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The Ionic Breeze Air Purifier is popular for its effectiveness in purifying indoor air.
I recommend considering the Ionic Breeze PURIFY 9 Air Cleaner model.
It has gained a reputation for exceptional performance and advanced features.
For a comprehensive review of the Ionic Breeze PURIFY 9 Air Cleaner.
In summary, the Ionic Breeze PURIFY 9 Air Cleaner is an excellent choice for air purification.

A History

Some people who are considering purchasing an air purifier for their homes may have heard about Ionic Breeze, which for a time was a very big name in the world of home air purifiers. This article will examine what the Ionic Breeze was and what happened to it.

What was Ionic Breeze?

Ionic Breeze was a product of The Sharper Image, a brand specializing in high-tech products which at its peak operated over 180 stores in the United States, alongside an extensive online presence. Possibly because this process seemed more high-tech or cutting-edge than traditional air filters, Ionic Breeze was a popular filter for a time, and sold more than two million units.

The First Consumer Reports Article and the Resulting Lawsuit

Unfortunately, the hype surrounding Ionic Breeze failed to live up to the facts, and this proved to be not only a frustrating experience for those who purchased one, but also the downfall of its maker, The Sharper Image.

The controversy began in the year 2003, when Consumer Reports, a magazine dedicated to testing and evaluating consumer products, released a report on air filters that doubting Ionic Breeze’s claims to purify the air. The report found that ionic air filters such as the Ionic Breeze have a low Clean Air Delivery Rate when compared to traditional HEPA filters. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters trap airborne particles in a fiber mat, and have been in use for many decades.

Not surprisingly, The Sharper Image was angered by the Consumer Reports article. They sued the magazine’s publisher, Consumer’s Union, claiming that the methods used for testing in the article did not give an accurate picture of the Ionic Breeze’s effectiveness. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, however, and The Sharper Image was forced to pay over half a million dollars to cover the legal fees of Consumer’s Union.

Further Consumer Reports Articles and the End of The Sharper Image

This was not the end of the negative publicity for the Ionic Breeze. Consumer Reports issued a second article in 2005 that was even more damaging than the first. Not only did the Ionic Breeze (as well as other ionic air purifiers) fail to significantly improve indoor air quality, it also released trace amounts of ozone into the air. Although The Sharper Image attempted to deny the report’s accuracy, it was generally accepted, and sales never recovered.

The magazine later also issued a report denying the value of the “seals of approval” given to filters such as the ionic breeze. And when The Sharper Image announced a new “OzoneGuard” attachment to reduce the amount of ozone released by the its signature air filter, Consumer Reports panned the device as ineffective.

A class-action lawsuit soon arose against The Sharper Image in response to these revelations. By 2008, the company went bankrupt, and it closed down all its stores by the end of that year. The company’s name is now used as a product brand that is sold via an online store and through various home-and-office style retailers.

What Ozone Is and Why It Is Dangerous

Most people, even if they do not know what ozone is, have heard of it, usually in context of the ozone layer in the atmosphere that protects the earth from ultraviolet light. However, ozone is not so benevolent a substance when we come into close contact with it. As the Environmental Protection Agency says: “Good Up High, Bad Nearby.”

Ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms, rather than the two that comprise a “normal” oxygen molecule. The third atom can relatively easily become detached from the other two, and once free, it will interact with other substances. One of these “other substances” is your body. According to the EPA small amouts of ozone

“can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation”

as well as even worse effects.

In other words, those who purchase ozone-generating air purifiers to improve their indoor air quality may discover that the “solution” is worse than the problem. For instance, one Ionic Breeze owner interviewed by Consumer Reports claimed to have experienced a “dramatic reduction” in her asthma symptoms a mere two days after she turned off the device.

Conclusion

Although the Ionic Breeze initially had great appeal, eventually its design flaws were exposed. The story of its rise and fall can serve as a lesson to those looking for air purifiers to be aware of what they are buying. Especially, they should stay away from any “purifier” that releases ozone into the air. Indoor air pollution is a big enough problem without adding another harmful toxin into the mix.

Sources referred to in this article:

  • Consumer Affairs. “Ionic Breeze Suit Drives Sharper Image into Bankruptcy.” http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/sharper_image.html
  • Consumer Reports. “Air Cleaners: The Truth Behind the Accolades.” http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/air-cleaners/ionizing-air-cleaners-air-cleaners-the-truth-behind-the-accolades-505/index.htm
  • — . “Proposed Settlement in Sharper Image Air Purifiers Case.” http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/news/2007/02/settlement-in-sharper-image-ionic-breeze-class-action-2-07/overview/0702_sharper-image.htm
  • Huffman, Mark (Consumer Affairs). “Ionic Breeze Suit Drives Sharper Image into Bankruptcy.” http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/sharper_image.html
  • Maxwell, Bud (eHow.com). “Ionic Breeze Air Purifier Problems.” http://www.ehow.com/about_5569141_ionic-breeze-air-purifier-problems.html
  • MSNBC. “Consumer Reports calls air purifier ‘unhealthy.'” http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7391185/
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Ozone Generators that Are Sold as Air Cleaners.” https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ozone-generators-are-sold-air-cleaners
  • Wikipedia. “Air Ioniser.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_ioniser
  • — . “HEPA.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPA
  • — . “The Sharper Image.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sharper_Image

Haier Air Purifiers Guide

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Haier Company Info

Haier is an international supplier of household appliances headquartered in the people’s Republic of China and is currently considered the world’s largest white goods manufacturer. Founded in 1920 as a refrigerator factory, it was turned into a state-owned enterprise in the 1950s, which was foundering until the 1980s when a German company, the Liebherr Group, stepped in and diversified the Haier brand. Haier has since become the most recognized Chinese name brand and has extended their market from household appliances to mobile phones and computers and established worldwide distribution.

Air Purification Products and Warranty Info

Haier makes three models of air purifiers, all of which are Association of Home Manufacturers (AHAM) certified and the two larger models are ETL/CELT certified. All three models contain TrueHEPA filters that can remove 99.97% of the particles down to 0.3 microns. Each model has the same basic filtration setup that combines the pre-filter with the carbon filter to help remove odors and trap large particles, lint and hair as well as the main HEPA filter.

Each size Haier air purification unit has a 3-speed fan, all with quiet operation motors, and plastic grills that feature a 45° angle for the air outlet. The fan should be lowered to a Level 1 before turning off./p>

Haier offers a replacement filter pack that contains 2 carbon pre-filters and 1 TrueHEPA filter that can service the unit for 1 year and cost about $20 per pack. The two larger units come with a 1 year warranty for parts and labor and all three have a 5 year warranty for the sealed system.

Panasonic Air Purifiers Guide

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Panasonic Company info

The Panasonic brand is known the world over, as is the company’s short but significant brand slogan: “ideas for life”.  The Panasonic Corporation’s headquarters are in Osaka, Japan, and this multinational corporation started up in 1918 as the Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works. At the time of writing, the corporation has 680 subsidiaries, which are divided up into 14 different business domains. Panasonic is one of the largest corporations in the world and boasts market share in almost every country on earth.

Panasonic specializes in the manufacture and sale of all types of electronics products, which products are broadly classified into three groups: consumer products, business products and industrial products. The Panasonic air purifiers fall into the consumer products’ group, and, although these purifiers may have been manufactured under a different brand name in the past, in 2008 the corporation consolidated all separate brand names into one umbrella brand: “Panasonic”.

Air Purifiers Sold Under a Few Different Names

Panasonic continued to sell air purifiers under only the Panasonic brand name until December 21st, 2009, when it purchased Sanyo, another large Japanese electronics company and one that already had its own brand of air purifiers. At present, Panasonic-manufactured air purifiers are marketed under both the Panasonic and the Sanyo brand names.

Apart from Sanyo – which markets Panasonic air purifiers under the Sanyo brand name – a further two of the Panasonic Corporation’s 680 subsidiaries manufacture and sell air purifiers: Panasonic Corporation of North America and Panasonic Ecology Systems Co Ltd. Although both the multi-award winning Panasonic and Sanyo brands have been known for their product excellence for many years, it is unclear exactly when the companies began to develop and manufacture their air purifier lines.

Price Range

Consumers looking to buy an air purifier from the Panasonic Corporation of North America, which markets three distinct models. Those looking to buy from Panasonic Ecology Systems Co Ltd, which does business out of Hong Kong and supplies mainly the Middle Eastern and Asian markets, will have to contact the company directly in order to ascertain unit prices as the company’s website is silent in this regard. Panasonic Ecology Systems Co Ltd has eight distinct models of air purifiers for sale.

Panasonic Air Purifier Technology

The Panasonic Corporation of North America claims that their air purifiers both “reduce noise” and “save energy”. It also claims that their units’ High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters only have to be replaced every three years and remove over 99.5% of all noxious air particles larger than 0.3 microns. The purifiers marketed by Panasonic Ecology Systems, on the other hand, claim to sport sophisticated “nano” technology that “senses, attacks and inhibits” as many as 28 separate strains of allergens and viruses. This nano technology is apparently aided by such features as the units’ front and upward 3D Circulation Airflow systems and their anti-allergen substance, Super Alleru-Buster.

Hamilton Beach Air Purifiers Guide

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Hamilton Beach Company Info

Hamilton Beach is a Virginia-based corporation that manufactures a wide variety of home appliances, such as blenders, drink mixers, toasters, and irons, as well seven different models of air purifiers, most of which include the term “True Air” in their names. Hamilton Beach also produces devices intended to reduce allergens or odors, though these are different from air purifiers and are not covered here. The company is a major player in its field and has been in business since 1910.

Hamilton Beach Air Purifier Technology

All of the different models offered by Hamilton Beach make use of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which target particles that pollute the air, but do not address polluting gasses or contribute to odor reduction. Certain other Hamilton Beach models, however, also use other methods in addition to HEPA, including: carbon pre-filters, which reduce odors; ultraviolet lights, which are damaging to airborne bacteria that can cause diseases; ionizers, which negatively charge air particles to attract and entrap positively charged pollutants; and zeolite, which Hamilton Beach markets as specifically intended to reduce pet odors. Zeolite is a mineral commonly found in laundry detergents, water purifiers, and cat litter. For details about which models use which methods, see below.

Price Range of Available Air Purifiers

Hamilton Beach’s air cleaners are mostly quite affordable when compared to the average prices of other cleaners.

Some of Hamilton Beach’s air cleaners are notable for their auto-adjusting fans which change speed on their own in response to how polluted the environment is. Some customers, however, have complained about the noise made by the fans.

Hamilton Beach Air Purifier Models

  • Air Décor Air Purifier: HEPA filter. Coverage area of 240 square feet.
  • True Air Ecoclean Air Purifier (04492): HEPA filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 190 square feet.
  • True Air Ecoclean Air Purifier (04493): HEPA filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 190 square feet. (Much lower price than the similarly named 04492 model above, but Hamilton Beach’s description of its effectiveness is notably more vague for this model as well.)
  • TrueAir Compact Pet Air Purifier: HEPA filter. Zeolite technology targets pet odor. Coverage area of 140 square feet.
  • True Air High Efficiency Air Purifier: HEPA Filter. Coverage area of 180 square feet.
  • Air Purifier with HEPA Technology: HEPA filter. Coverage area of 230 square feet.
  • TrueAir Ultra UV Air Purifier: HEPA filter. Ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. Carbon pre-filter. Coverage area of 200 square feet. Also includes a display panel with information about the room’s current air quality.

Pure Air Air Purifiers Guide

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Pure Air Systems Company Info

Pure Air Systems is celebrating 25 years of service in the production of commercial-grade air purifiers. The company states on their webpage that they offer the best filtration systems on Earth, with a focus on using the latest technology that does not compromise the environment. Pure Air Systems has been in business since 1985 and is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. They offer a complete line of air cleaners that use HEPA and carbon base filtration systems and have experienced a 20% growth rate on an international level each year.

Allegedly, Pure Air Systems has a reputation for manufacturing high quality, high performance HEPA air filtration systems that are dependable and reliable for residential homeowners. Yet what makes this company unique to its competition is that it has been the one to offer many “firsts”. The company was the first to offer commercial-grade air cleaners for residences and the first to use GE ECM digitally controlled speed motors, an appeal to the international market. Furthermore, Pure Air Systems claims to be a green company, reducing waste and using less energy.

Pure Air Systems Air Purifier Technology

The steel frames of the air cleaners account for less waste and disposing of the parts. The motors on the air cleaners are energy efficient and have Energy Star ratings. In fact, the GE ECM speed motors have accounted for using 50% less electricity than other motors on the market. Besides having a general concern for the environment, Pure Air Systems also uses commercial-grade parts throughout their air cleaners, including HEPA filters that are certified at 99.99% in trapping airborne particles. With a focus on the residential market, new advances have been made, such as the ability to use a by-pass arrangement to install a whole-house filtration system instead of having individual units in each room.

In fact, many of Pure Air System’s air cleaners can be used as either portable units or attached to a HVAC system. While all of the products use high-performance HEPA filters, the air cleaners can also be purchased with carbon filters instead. Although the company focuses on the residential market, their knowledge in using commercial-grade products has also led them to offer a complete line of commercial air cleaners as well.

Holmes Air Purifiers Guide

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Holmes Company Info

Holmes has been in the air purifier business since 1982. The Holmes brand is a subsidiary of the Jarden Corporation, which owns other brands such as Sunbeam, Mr. Coffee, and Crock-Pot. Jarden also owns another air purification company, Bionaire.

Holmes Air Purifier Technology

The many air cleaners designed by Holmes primarily use either HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) or HEPA-type filters, though many models also include ionizers that may be turned on or off separately from the filter. Despite the term “HEPA-type,” there is clearly a major difference between true HEPA filters and others. HEPA filters, including those used by Holmes, are much more effective. Holmes claims that its HEPA filters will remove 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns; whereas the HEPA-type filters will eliminate 99% of all particles larger than 2.0 microns.

A careless customer might only look at the percentages and suppose that they are about the same, but the distinction between 0.3 microns and 2.0 microns is considerable when dealing with indoor air pollution. Many common pollutants fall somewhere in between those two sizes, which means that a HEPA filter will eliminate them, but a HEPA-type filter will likely not.

Also, note that HEPA filters, HEPA-type filters, and ionizers will not effectively deal with gaseous pollutants, only solid particles.

Price Range of Air Purifier Models

Holmes’s air purifiers are easy to find and are some of the most affordable on the market. In addition, though, filters need replacing every six to twelve months, adding to the overall cost. One Holmes model, though, does have a permanent filter that does not need to be replaced.

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Holmes Air Purifier Models

  • Allergen Remover for Medium to Large Rooms (HAP726-U): HEPA filter enhanced with baking soda for odor control. Coverage area of 256 square feet.
  • Allergen Remover for Large Rooms (HAP756-U): HEPA filter enhanced with baking soda. Coverage area of 418 square feet.
  • Allergen Remover Tower Air (HAP716-U): HEPA filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 150 square feet.
  • Allergen Remover Tower Air (HAP8615-U): HEPA filter enhanced with baking soda. Coverage area of 116 square feet.
  • Allergen Remover Mini-Tower (HAP706-U): HEPA filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 80 square feet.
  • HEPA-type Desktop Air Purifier (HAP2400B-U): HEPA-type filter enhanced with baking soda. Coverage area of 110 square feet.
  • HEPA-type Tower Air Purifier (HAP424-U): HEPA-type filter enhanced with baking soda, ionizer. Coverage area of 180 square feet.
  • HEPA-type Mini Tower Air Purifier (HAP412W-TU): HEPA-type filter enhanced with baking soda, ionizer. Coverage area of 120 square feet.
  • HEPA-type Desktop Air Purifier (HAP242-TU1): HEPA-type filter enhanced with baking soda, ionizer. Coverage area of 109 square feet.
  • Desktop Air Purifier (HAP9240-U): HEPA-type filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 101 square feet.
  • Medium Room Air Purifier, White (HAP9424W-U): HEPA-type filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 165 square feet.
  • Medium Room Air Purifier, Black (HAP9424B-U): HEPA-type filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 165 square feet.
  • LifeLong HEPA-Type Tower Air Cleaner (HAP1200-U): Permanent HEPA-type filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 169 square feet.
  • HEPA-type Mini Tower Air Purifier (HAP412W-U): HEPA-type filter enhanced with baking soda, ionizer. Coverage area of 120 square feet.
  • Odor Grabber with HEPA-type Filter (HAP223-UC2): HEPA-type filter, carbon filter, ionizer. Coverage area of 70 square feet.
  • Personal Space Ionizing Air Purifier (HAP115Z-U): “Multi-stage filter,” ionizer. No coverage area given, but recommended for small rooms.
  • Pet Products Odor Purifier (AOR1000FC-U): Filter with “odor grabbing crystals.” No coverage area given, but recommended for medium-sized rooms.

Rexair Air Purifiers Guide

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Rexair Company Info

Rexair LLC was founded in 1932 in Troy, Michigan, where it maintains headquarters to this day. Rexair has consistently sold just one product line through the years, the Rainbow Cleaning system. This series of home cleaning appliances uses the power of water sometimes combined with a HEPA filtration system for deep cleaning interior surfaces and improvement of indoor air quality. In 1959, the company developed a direct marketing strategy using independently distributors whose sales methods were focused on door-to-door tactics and home demonstrations.

Sales and Testing For the Rainbow System

Known as “The Rainbow Opportunity,” the Rexair company continues to use the direct-sale method of advertising and distribution for their Rainbow vacuum cleaners and recently introduced a line of Rainbow RainMate room air fresheners. Rexair is a member of the Direct Selling Association (DSA) and adheres to their policies of conduct and advertising.

Rexair’s Rainbow Cleaning System appliances have been tested by independent laboratories and received the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) seal of approval and the Carpet Industry Standard (CRI) certification for removing three elements that affect carpets – soil removal, containment of dust particles and overall carpet appearance.

Trademarks and Brands

Rexair has registered trademarks for Rainbow, eSeries, e2, AquaMate, Hurricane and Rainbow Mate. They also sell cleaning products, fragrances and deodorizers that are designed to work specifically with their machines.

The Rainbow eSeries Vacuum combines a water bath filtration and HEPA Neutralizer filtration using a brushless process to trap dirt, dust, pollen and allergens, both from surfaces and from the air. The unit contains a water reservoir that can be emptied out, eliminating the need for vacuum cleaner bags.

Where To Find the Rainbow Products

Rexair products are not offered in any retail stores, only through direct marketing demonstrations and online independent dealerships. Some independent distributors have established their own local showrooms and repair shops to service the units they sell and have online marketplaces for supplies and replacement parts. The retail price of a Rainbow RainMate air purification system varies since they are priced according to whether or not they come with extra scent packages. Since there are no filters to replace, the only ongoing expense is the fragrance additions.

You have to contact the company directly for information about prices and distributors in your area either through their website at http://www.rainbowsystem.com/rainbowsystem/locator or you can call (248) 643-7222 during regular business hours (EST).

Honeywell Air Purifiers Guide

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Honeywell Company Info

Honeywell’s roots go back to 1885, and corporate headquarters is located in Morristown, New Jersey since merging with Allied Chemical Corp. in 1958. Honeywell’s line of air cleaners includes whole-house filtration units, freestanding room conditioners, tabletop units and UV treatment systems.  Many of Honeywell’s air cleaners are actually manufactured by Kaz Corporation.

Whole House Air Cleaners

Honeywell recommends professional installation for whole-house units because some sheet metal work may be required. Whole-house units are installed in the return air duct of an HVAC system — whether run by oil, gas or electricity — and do not require electrical connections. Many Honeywell products offer “lifetime” HEPA filters that can be vacuumed about twice a year but still need to be replaced periodically, since the term “lifetime” is a brand name, not a guarantee and they will lose effectiveness over time.

Honeywell Portable Air Purifiers

Honeywell offers a wide variety of portable air purifiers, typically at the lower price range in the industry.  Information on various models and technology used is listed below.

Honeywell Air Purifier Models

Table Top Models

  • Honeywell 16200 HEPA-Type Air Purifier – recommended for small rooms up to 80 square feet , captures up to 95% of the airborne particulates and retails for $59.99. The unit includes Odor-Lock™ Filter Technology and a Protec™ antimicrobial treatment to remove household odors and prevent the growth of mold of bacteria on the filters. It has a 3-speed fan and an electronic filter indicator that signals when it is time to replace the filter, has a three year warranty and draws 44 watts of power.
  • Honeywell 17000 Air Cleaner series retails for $78.00 to $155 and the newer models feature two “lifetime” HEPA filters and a pre-filter that should be replaced regularly at a cost $19.95. This unit is highly rated by consumers and has a 3-speed fan and a CADR of 130 that is enhanced by the bolt lock system which effectively seals the air import casing so all captured air is purified. Unit is housed in a 14″ round case that fits on the table top, and the unit is considered quite loud when operating.

Single Room Models

  • Honeywell 18155 air purifier retails for $125.99 to $169.95 and comes with a 5 year limited warranty, much longer than most products in this price range. These models have “germ reducing” filters and a “lifetime” HEPA filter and coversan area of 187 square feet, or medium 11’x 17′ room. Pre-filters should be replaced approximately ever three months and cost $13.00 to $15.00 apiece. The Honeywell 18150 model has all the same features, except the “lifetime” HEPA filter. The unit measures 17″ tall x 18″ wide and is 16″ deep and weighs 21 pounds.
  • Honeywell 50250 air purifier retails for $147.00 to $200.00 and requires a Universal Carbon Prefilter replacement every three months at $16.95 and includes a “lifetime” HEPA Filter that must be replaced periodically at $45.95 to $59.97 per 3 pack or a one piece, non-lifetime HEPA Replacement Filter for $89.99. Ranked fourth in Consumer Reports 2005 survey, it will clean a 370 square foot room and has a CADR of 250. The unit measures 17.75″ wide, 17.75″ tall and is 19″ deep and weighs 21 pounds.
  • Honeywell Germicidal IFD HFD-130 Air Purifier is identical to the Honeywell Enviracaire IFD 60001 that is no longer available directly from the manufacturer, but is still widely available online and retails for $180. These models feature the Intelligent Filter Design (IFD) that never needs replacing due to a clever electrostatic collector grid and a polyester foam honeycomb-like collection grid which can be easily removed for cleaning. The unit has a 3-speed fan with a 12 hour timer and measures 14″ x 10″ x 23″ and weighs 13 pounds. Even though the energy consumption is a bit high at up to 150 watts on full speed, the unit is EnergyStar certified, and has a CADR of 145 for tobacco smoke, 140 for dust and 130 for pollen.

Whole-House Systems

  • F100 retails for $249 is the most basic whole-house model. It has a deep pleated furnace filter that captures particles as small as 1.0 micron. The filter is easy to replace, but the unit does not come with a change filter indicator, although an air watch indicator can be purchased for $31.00.
  • F200 Whole-House Media air cleaner is effective at catching particulates as small as 0.3 microns and retails for $299.99 The stury case can support the weight of a residential furnace and can be mounted in any position. It does not require an electrical connections and mounts in the return air duct and includes a wireless air watch indicator to notify when the filter requires changing, about every 6 to 12 months. Unit comes with a five year warranty and is easy to upgrade into a higher performance Electronic Air Cleaner.
  • F300 Electronic Air Cleaner retails for $550 and uses a 3-stage filtration system with an electrostatic charge to collect 99% of the particulates in an air stream. The unit comes with a 10 year Clean Coil Guarantee, and the filter cell never needs replacing, just washed off every 3 to 6 months. Electrostatic air cleaners do emit ozone, but this unit does not exceed the FDA safe levels.
  • F500 – Honeywell’s top of the line whole-house air cleaner is a 3-stage F500 retails for $1800 and includes a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and activated charcoal filter and comes with a 5-year warranty. It can be plugged into a regular 120 volt system and captures 99.97 percent of the airborne particulates and requires no maintenance except periodic filter replacement.

Riccar Air Purifiers Guide

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Overview

Riccar makes just a handful of air purifiers sold through authorized dealers.  Two of its units were submitted for testing under the Clean Air Delivery Rate program but scored low.

Riccar Models

Riccar EcoPure Ratings Technical Specifications

Est. Price – NA

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ?

  • Smoke – NA / 450
  • Pollen – NA / 450
  • Dust – NA / 450

Consumer Reports ?

  • Score – NA / 100
  • Dust/Pollen/Smoke(High Setting) – NA / 5
  • Est. Yearly Cost – NA

Room Size ? : 324 Sq. Ft

Circulation ? : 28-85 CFM

Filter Type ? : HEPA Filter

Filter Life Est. ? : 12 Months

Size: 15″H x 13″W x 8″D

Weight: 8.9 lbs

Noise Level: NA

Energy Star? ? : No

Riccar RAPL Ratings Technical Specifications

Est. Price – NA

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ?

  • Smoke – 183 / 450
  • Pollen – 194 / 450
  • Dust – 182 / 450

Consumer Reports ?

  • Score – NA / 100
  • Dust/Pollen/Smoke(High Setting) – NA / 5
  • Est. Yearly Cost – NA

Room Size ? : 284 Sq. Ft

Circulation ? : NA

Filter Type ? : Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter, Carbon Filter & PlasmaWave

Filter Life Est. ? : 12 Months

Size: 21.9″H x 16.5″W x 9.9″D

Weight: 18.8 lbs

Noise Level: NA

Energy Star? ? : Yes

Riccar RAPM Ratings Technical Specifications

Est. Price – NA

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ?

  • Smoke – 117 / 450
  • Pollen – 138 / 450
  • Dust – 126 / 450

Consumer Reports ?

  • Score – NA / 100
  • Dust/Pollen/Smoke(High Setting) – NA / 5
  • Est. Yearly Cost – NA

Room Size ? : 180 Sq. Ft

Circulation ? : NA

Filter Type ? : Pre-Filter, HEPA Filter, Carbon Filter & PlasmaWave

Filter Life Est. ? : 12 Months

Size: 18.5″H x 13.8″W x 9.1″D

Weight: 13.7 lbs

Noise Level: NA

Energy Star? ? : Yes

Air Purifier Noise Chart – Decibel Ratings of Common Sounds

Source

Decibel Rating (dB)

Falling leaves

Soft music

Mosquito buzz

Normal voices

Traffic sounds

Vacuum cleaner

Rock concert

Pain threshold (jet take off)

Perforation of ear drum (gun shot)

160 and higher

Riccar Company info

Riccar is a division of the Tacony corporation, the family-owned business primarily known as a wholesale distributor of high-quality vacuum cleaners, ceiling fans, sewing machines and floor care equipment with their headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The Riccar label is under the home floor care division which also includes the Fuller Brush Company. In 2007 the company launched the Riccar FreshBreeze and EcoPure air purifying systems and marketed them alongside their line of vacuum cleaners.

Products Offered, Warranty Info, and Pricing

Riccar vacuum cleaners and air purifiers are only sold through authorized dealers, usually professional vacuum cleaning shops and repair businesses. These dealerships have received factory training regarding the line of Riccar products they carry and their technicians can provide customer support services and repairs in-house. These products are also available online through auction services as new, used or refurbished models, but are not covered by warranty when purchased from such dealers.

Riccar FreshBreeze products come with a 2 year warranty and the EcoPure air purifiers only have a 1 year warranty. The larger FreshBreeze model sells for between $500 and $600 while the smaller model cost $350 to $490. The compact EcoPure ranges from $40 to $75. Filter cassettes for FreshBreeze models cost $60 to $70, and only $20-$25 for the EcoPure.

Riccar Air Purifier Models

  • Riccar FreshBreeze RAPL – The large Riccar FreshBreeze RAPL air purifier features a 5-stage room air cleaning system designed for a regular sized bedroom or office, about 280 square feet. Standing 21.9″ tall, 16.5″ wide and 9.9″ deep, this unit weighs 18.8 pounds and comes with a metallic silver plastic case. The filtration system includes a washable anti-bacterial cotton filter for trapping big particles, a washable nano-silver mesh/carbon filter to neutralize bacteria on contact, a HEPA filter that can capture 99.99% of the particles down to .3 microns, a charcoal filter to eliminate odors and a PlasmaWave electrostatic filter to neutralize odors, bacteria, viruses and chemical vapors.
  • The fan comes in 4 speeds — low, medium, high and turbo — and can be controlled on the unit or via remote control. The LED digital display has a timer that can be set for 1, 4 or 8 hours and includes a “sleep mode” for quiet nightime operation. The display panel includes a dust and odor sensor that allows you to automatically monitor the room’s indoor air quality and adjust the fan if needed. You can set this feature to run in automatic mode to instantly adjust to the level of impurities in the air. The control panel also has a light sensor that, when activated, automatically switches the unit to the lowest, quietest fan setting (and dims the display panel) when the room is dark.
  • There is a CHANGE FILTER indicator on the control panel that will light up when it is time to replace the 3 non-washable filters, which come in a single cassette for easy changing. The filters have to be replaced around once a year, depending on usage. The washable filters should be cleaned every three months.
  • Riccar FreshBreeze RAPM – The smaller Riccar FreshBreeze RAPM air purifier has the same 5-stage air cleaning system as the big model, as well as all the control features and a LED screen with remote. The metallic blue plastic model stands 18.5″ high, is 13.8″ wide and 9.1″ deep and weighs 13.7 lbs.
  • Riccar EcoPure – Riccar’s EcoPure is a compact tabletop air filtration unit that uses a 3-stage process which includes a HEPA filter, an antimicrobial pre-filter and a carbon-deodorizing filter to freshen the air and to block particles down to .3 microns and capture 99.97% of the dust, mold and other contaminates from a small room. The system also has an electrostatic filter to capture airborne particles and neutralize bacteria. The filter lasts for 12-15 months, depending on frequency of useage. The EcoPure air purifier is extremely quiet to operate — only 46 decibels on high speed — and has two fans to circulate the air at three different speeds. Weighing only 9 lbs., this small unit easily fits on a desktop or nightstand.

For more information and service, you can call toll-free to 1-888-6-RICCAR (in Canada call 403-248-4344) or to find the nearest authorized service representative, use their internet form at http://www.riccar.com/where-to-buy/.

 

How to Get a Permacluster Air Purifier in Israel?

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Question

I am in Israel, and trying to get a Permacluster air purifier. I have searched, but cannot find any source in this country. I tried ordering online from U.K. but they only ship to UK, and Eire. Please help me with a provider of 220 volt Permacluster who sells online and CAN ship here. Thank you

-David S.

Answer

Do you mean the Sharp Plasmacluster?  I couldn’t find any air purifiers named “Permacluster”.

As for shipping to Israel, I think Amazon.com would be an option.  They have Sharp air purifiers and they do ship to Israel.  Other than that, I would just do a Google search for “sharp air purifiers” and look up the shipping information on each site that sells them to see if they have international shipping options.

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