Review of Amaircare Air Purifier Models

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is £449/£600 w/ optional VOC. The estimated square footage cleaned is 217 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((£600 initial +

£274.20/year)/281 sqft)/11 removal points)) = 71.72. 71.72 = 12 points – fair value.

2) What is Removed: 11/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points. Removal

of Odors and Gases – Very Good Removal, 3-points, Removal of VOCs – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor

Removal, 0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 3/15 points – I will price out with the optional VOC cartridge as it would be my recommendation to use it. Assuming 12 months on the VOC £169/year – pre filters

included. I'm assuming a 4-year life on the HEPA at £159/4 = £40/year. Calculating electricity usage: 84 watts/1000 X £.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = £65.20/year. Total cost

£274.20/year. Expensive to operate.

4) Quality: 10/12 points – Amaircare manufactures everything in-house except the fan motors which are made in Germany. The high quality level is apparent from the materials they use to the

information available on their website. Made in Canada. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material – Good

Quality, 1-point.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – The motor/fan has a 5-year warranty with all other parts except filters carrying a 1-year warranty. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – Maintenance requires periodic changing of three filters. To start changing filters remove five screws on the top cabinet. The pre filter lasts 3-6

months. You can either use an inner blanket carbon filter or the optional VOC cartridge both lasting 6-12 months. The HEPA filter is changed every 2-5 years. Average Maintenance, 2-points.

Expect some general cleaning or filter inspection/removal every 3 months. Average Cleaning 2-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This is a six-sided unit. Available in white, black, and sandstone. It is basic looking and semi-attractive. 16" hex 23" high. Weighs 22 lbs. Looks

Good, 2-points. A variable fan speed switch is located at base; would be better on top. Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Amaircare has been in business more than 14 years. They are located in Ontario, Canada.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – A variable speed fan. Low at <40dB and high at >45dB. Average Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 60/100 points

Conclusion

A decent filter reducing most particles.Return to Top Model: Amaircare RoomAid Last Reviewed: 01-31-08 Rating Score: 59/100 points

Summary

This is a good, small, portable filter purifier. Simple to use, good basic looks. Solid engineering and quality materials used throughout. I like the powder-coated metal housing.

Maintenance is minimal and because of the good filter design, filter life is long. Filter replacement costs are reasonable. This model has an additional engineering feature with the Perfect

Seal HEPA. This feature allows for better filtration as all air must pass through the HEPA filter and not around it like many other brands. This is a good purifier for a very small room.

Basic Specifications

The Amaircare RoomAid is designed for spaces up to 100 sqft. The RoomAid is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned.

The 3-stage filter process includes: Stage-1 washable particle pre filter (dust, hair, pet dander), stage-2 99.97% HEPA filter with Perfect Seal (dust, mold, spores, pollen, smoke), and stage-3

VOC filter (gases, odors, chemicals, cleaners, paints). The VOC filter is optional, but recommended. A lesser carbon filter takes the place of the VOC if not utilized. This unit has a two-speed

fan and a 5-year limited warranty. The pre filter is washable. Change the HEPA filter every 2-5 years and VOC filter every 6-12 months. Plan on spending about £70/year on filter changes. This

purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 8/24 points – The MSRP is £149. The estimated square footage cleaned is 100 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((£149 initial + £72.78/year)/100 sqft)/7 removal

points)) = 68.32. 68.32 = 8 points – poor value.

2) What is Removed: 7/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Fair Removal, 1-point. Removal of

Odors and Gases – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 12/15 points – The cleanable pre filter should be changed as needed and is included in the VOC filter kit at £22.95 x 2 = £45.90/year. At a 3-year life estimate,

expect HEPA filter cost to be £69/3 = £23/year. Electricity usage is 5 watts/1000 X £.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = £3.88/year. Total cost £72.78/year. Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 7/12 points – Amaircare manufactures everything in-house except the fan motors which are made in Germany. The high quality level is apparent from the materials they use to the

information available on their website. Made in Canada. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material – Good

Quality, 1-point.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – The motor/fan has a 5-year warranty with all other parts except filters carrying a 1-year warranty. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – Maintenance requires periodic changing of three filters. Cleaning or replacing the pre filter (regular or carbon) as needed, replacing the VOC

filter at 6-12 months, and replacing the HEPA filter at 2-5 years. The instructions are good and the unit disassembles and reassembles easily. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Expect some general

cleaning or filter inspection/removal every 3 months. Average Cleaning 2-points.

7) Look and Feel: 5/6 points – This is a small round unit. Available in white, black, and sandstone. It is basic looking and attractive. 8.5" round 7.5" high. Weighs 5 lbs. Looks

Great, 3-points. A 2-speed switch located at base; would be better on top. Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Amaircare has been in business more than 14 years. They are located in Ontario, Canada.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – A 2-speed speed fan. Low at <40dB and high at >45dB. Average Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 59/100 points

Conclusion

A good portable filter unit for a small space.

Amaircare XR-100 Auto Unit

Rating Score: 66/100 points

Summary

This Amaircare unit is a small, portable filter purifier that can be used in your auto and your hotel room. Simple to use, just turn it on. Solid engineering and quality materials

used throughout. I like the powder-coated metal housing. Filter replacement costs are very reasonable. This is a good purifier for traveling and for very small spaces/rooms.

Basic Specifications: The Amaircare XR-100 is designed for spaces up to 300 cubic ft like a large SUV (4 air changes per hour). The XR-100 is "passive technology" as the air must

travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The 3-stage filter process includes: Stage-1 Activated Carbon VOC Filter, stage-2 Electret Charged Media filter, and stage-3 Zeolite VOC filter. This

unit has a single speed fan and a 5-year limited warranty. Filters come in a 3-pack and all are replaced together at 4-6 month intervals. Plan on spending about £23/year on filter changes. This

purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is £139/£165 w/ auto adapter. The estimated area cleaned is 300 cubic feet. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((£165 initial + £26.83/year)/300

cubic feet)/5 removal points)) = 75 = 12 points – fair value. – note: this purifier does not fit the equation because of its unique nature; I estimated a value number based on all available

data.

2) What is Removed: 5/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Fair Removal, 1-point. Removal of Odors

and Gases – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – Filters come handily bundled in 3-packs which will last 1-year (£22.95). Electricity usage is 5 watts/1000 X £.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365

days/year = £3.88/year. Total cost £26.83/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 9/12 points – Amaircare manufactures everything in-house except the fan motors which are made in Germany. The high quality level is apparent from the materials they use to the

information available on their website. Made in Canada. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material – Good

Quality, 1-point.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – The motor/fan has a 5-year warranty with all other parts except filters carrying a 1-year warranty. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points – Maintenance requires changing of three filters every 4-6 months. In order to change the filters you will need to remove a cover (turn and remove)

and remove four screws. Expect 30 minutes by the time you remove and replace all filters, wipe the outside housing clean, and reinstall on the seat of your car. It should be easy after the

first time. Average Maintenance, 2-points. General cleaning can be done with filter change. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This is a round air cleaner that mounts on the back of a car seat or sits on a desktop. The color is Black. Fairly neutral looking. 8" depth and 3.5"

height. 2.1 lbs. Looks Good, 2-points. Has a simple on/off switch. Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Amaircare has been in business more than 14 years. They are located in Ontario, Canada.

9) Noise Level: 4/5 points – This unit is fairly quiet. There is only one fan speed and the unit is generally located out of the way behind the driver's seat. Quiet Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 2/3 points – If you are using this unit for an automobile, it may take a few minutes to attach to the seat and route the power cord. Average Set-up.

total = 66/100 points

Conclusion

A good filter system for auto and travel.

Amaircare 8500 Whole House

Rating Score: 59/100 points

Summary

This Amaircare unit is a large filter system that attaches to the HVAC system in your home or business. It is a bit pricey to purchase and install and costly to maintain. If you

want to clean every room in your home, this is one way to do it. This model is effective and of high quality. Get someone that is both qualified and knowledgeable to install it to maximize its

cleaning ability and to make changing filters accessible. I would recommend a system like this, but only if you are looking to clean the whole house and if you made up your mind on purchasing

only passive systems. There are active system purifiers that are more cost effective and do a good job of cleaning.

Basic Specifications

The 8500 Whole House is designed for spaces up to 1067 sqft (6 air changes per hour). The 8500 is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the

purifier to be cleaned. The Triple 3-stage filter process includes: Stage-1 3-large particle pre filters (dust, hair, pet dander), stage-2 3-99.97% HEPA filters – total 300 sqft material (dust,

mold, spores, pollen, smoke), and stage-3 3-VOC filters (gases, odors, chemicals, cleaners, paints). The VOC filters are optional, but recommended. Lesser carbon filters take the place of the

VOCs if not utilized. This unit has its own variable speed fan that runs even if the HVAC is off and a 5-year limited warranty. Pre filters should be changed every 6-12 months, HEPA filters

every 2-5 years, and VOC filters every 6-12 months. All told plan on spending £600-£700/year or more on filter changes. This purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is £2250 not including installation or VOC filters. The estimated square footage cleaned is 1067 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((£2250

initial + £901.72/year)/1067 sqft)/11 removal points)) = 73.15. 73.15 = 12 points – fair value.

2) What is Removed: 11/16 points – Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns – Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns – Good Removal, 2-point. Removal of

Odors and Gases – Very Good Removal, 3-points, Removal of VOCs – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor

Removal, 0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 0/15 points – My calculations include the optional VOC cartridge filters. The pre filters and VOC cartridges will cost £479/year. The three HEPA filters need

replacing every 2-5 years (I'll assume 3 years) £429.95/3 = £143.31/year. Electricity usage is 360 watts/1000 X £.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = £279.41/year. Total cost

£901.72/year. Very Expensive to operate.

4) Quality: 9/12 points – Amaircare manufactures everything in-house except the fan motors which are made in Germany. The high quality level is apparent from the materials they use to the

information available on their website. Made in Canada. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies – Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material – Good

Quality, 1-point.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – The motor/fan has a 5-year warranty with all other parts except filters carrying a 1-year warranty. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points – Maintenance requires changing of three separate filter arrangements. Each arrangement has a pre filter, either a carbon filter or optional VOC

filter, and a HEPA filter. Filter life varies, but expect to check/change filters every three months. 10-30 minutes would be needed depending on what needs changing. Average Maintenance,

2-points. General cleaning can be done with each filter change. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 6/6 points – This unit looks like an addition to your furnace. It is powder-coated metal and looks good. Unit is 17" wide x 28" long x 50" high. The unit

weighs 125 lbs. Looks Great, 3-points. Once installed it runs automatically. Feels Great, 3-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Amaircare has been in business more than 14 years. They are located in Ontario, Canada.

9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – This unit runs with standard HVAC and adds no additional noise. Very Quiet Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 1/3 points – Installation could take from 3 to 8 hours and may require a licensed professional. Involved Set-up.

total = 59/100 points

Conclusion

A good unit; above many consumers spending budget.

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