Review of Surround Air Purifier Models

Detailed Review Below

Surround Air Purifiers Detailed Reviews

Model: Surround Air Purifier Multi-Tech S2000

Rating Score: 65/100 points

Summary

Surround Air's motto is proven + affordable air purifiers. The S2000 is a basic room air purifier that works mainly on particles in the air. For basic cleaning of dust, pet

dander, and pollens this model will help. The ionizer aids smaller particles in sticking to the 99% HEPA filter. Don't expect miracles at this price range, but expect a good basic cleaning.

The price range is towards the low end of what I would recommend, but for the money this model does a good job.

Basic Specifications: The Multi-Tech S2000 Surround Air Purifier is designed for smaller spaces up to 300 sqft. This purifier is mainly passive with some negative ionization occurring inside

and outside the purifier. The Multi-Tech S2000 uses a 3-step process. Step 1 is the pre filter capturing the largest particles. Step 2 is the 99% HEPA filter that traps particles. Step 3 is

negative ionization which mainly helps the efficiency of the 99% HEPA filter. This is not a true HEPA filter, but is washable and amplified by the ionization. I am not a huge fan of negative

only ionization (see ionization section), but in this case most occurs inside the unit. The only replacement part is the HEPA filter at two year recommended intervals and that could be

prolonged by careful cleanings; cost = 29.99. This purifier offers a 3-year warranty. Expect some outgasing from plastic surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 points – The MSRP is 149. The estimated square footage cleaned is 300 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((149 initial + 53.80/year)/300 sqft)/4 removal

points)) = 83.10. 83.10 = 16 points – Good Value.

2) What is Removed: 4/16 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 – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 12/15 points – The 99% HEPA filter is a washable filter; however, they do recommend replacing every two years at 29.99/2 = 14.99/year. Calculating electricity

usage: 50 watts/1000 x .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = 38.81/year. Total cost 53.80/year. Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – This purifier has a 3-year warranty; replaceable parts excluded. They have a 90-day replacement period which provides a new purifier if anything goes wrong. They

also offer a 30-day return period. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points – There is little maintenance other then replacing the HEPA filter when too dirty to clean. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. The HEPA filter is washable

and should be cleaned as needed. Clean every 2-3 months or as needed. Wipe rest of machine and rinse pre-filter as well. Total time 15-30 minutes every 2-3 months. Average Cleaning

2-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – One step better than a typical "box-like" purifier. Looks Good, 2-points. The controls are located near the top and the LCD panel is easy to read.

Weighs 13 lbs and measures 19" X 16.5" X 10.25". Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – This purifier has average fan noise. Average Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 65/100 points

Conclusion

A basic permanent 99% HEPA aided by ionization.Return to Top Model: Surround Air Purifier Multi-Tech S3000 Last Reviewed: 02-23-2008 Rating Score: 63/100 points

Summary: Surround Air's motto is proven + affordable air purifiers. The S3000 is a basic room air purifier that works on particles and odors/gases in the air. For basic cleaning of dust,

pet dander, and pollens this model will help. The ionizer aids smaller particles in sticking to the 99% HEPA filter. In addition to what the S2000 offers, the S3000 has a carbon filter, UV

lamp, and photocatalyst filter aiding in additional cleaning. Although there are several technologies at work here, don't expect miracles at this price range. Expect a good basic cleaning.

The price range is towards the low end of what I would recommend, but for the money this model does a good job.

Basic Specifications

The Multi-Tech S3000 Surround Air Purifier is designed for smaller spaces up to 300 sqft. This purifier is mainly passive with some negative ionization and oxidizing

agents occurring inside and outside the purifier. The Multi-Tech S3000 uses a 6-step process. Step 1 is the pre filter capturing the largest particles. Step 2 is the 99% HEPA filter that traps

particles. Step 3 is a thin carbon filter. Step 4 adds a Photocatalytic Oxidation Filter aiding in odor and bacteria removal. Step 5 is a germicidal UV lamp reducing microorganisms. Step 6 is

negative ionization which mainly helps the efficiency of the 99% HEPA filter. This 99% HEPA is not a true HEPA filter, but is washable and amplified by the ionization. I am not a huge fan of

negative only ionization (see ionization section), but in this case most occurs inside the unit. The replacement parts include the carbon filter 9.99 X 2 = 19.98/year, the Photocatalytic

Filter at 14.99/year, the UV lamp at 14.99/year, and the HEPA filter at two year recommended intervals and that could be prolonged by careful cleanings; cost = 29.99. This purifier offers a

3-year warranty. Expect some outgasing from plastic surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 points – The MSRP is 199. The estimated square footage cleaned is 300 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((199 initial + 103.76/year)/300 sqft)/6 removal

points)) = 83.18. 83.18 = 16 points – Good Value.

2) What is Removed: 6/16 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 – Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms – Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms – Poor Removal,

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 points – The 99% HEPA filter is a washable filter; however, they do recommend replacing every two years at 29.99/2 = 14.99/year. The carbon filter lasts

6-12 months = 9.99 X 2 = 19.98/year. The Photocatalytic Filter lasts 12 months = 14.99/year. The UV lamp lasts 12 months = 14.99/year. Calculating electricity usage: 50 watts/1000 x

.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = 38.81/year. Total cost 103.76/year. Average to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – This purifier has a 3-year warranty; replaceable parts excluded. They have a 90-day replacement period which provides a new purifier if anything goes wrong. They

also offer a 30-day return period. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points – Routine maintenance includes replacing the carbon filter every 6-12 months, the photocatalytic filter every 12 months, and the UV lamp every 12

months. The HEPA filter is washable, but may need replacing at the 2 year mark. All tasks are easy, but there are a few items to monitor here. Average Maintenance, 2-points. The HEPA filter is

washable and should be cleaned as needed. Clean every 2-3 months or as needed. Wipe rest of machine and check other components as well for replacing. Total time 15-30 minutes every 2-3 months.

Average Cleaning 2-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – One step better than a typical "box-like" purifier. Looks Good, 2-points. The controls are located near the top and the LCD panel is easy to read.

Weighs 13 lbs and measures 19" X 16.5" X 10.25". Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – This purifier has average fan noise. Average Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 63/100 points

Conclusion

Similar to the S2000 with odor/gasses control.

Model: Surround Air Purifier Multi-Tech S4000

Rating Score: 55/100 points

Summary

The S4000 actually does a better cleaning job then the S2000 or S4000, but has a higher initial cost and much higher ongoing costs. Overall the value is a little lower because of

these factors. Again, we have multiple technologies at work here, but they are all on the low-end of efficiency. This unit will clean and even do a decent job, but do not expect it to compete

with some of the higher priced, quality brands. This purifier is fair for the price, but others exist that are better values.

Basic Specifications

The Multi-Tech S4000 is designed for spaces up to 400 sqft. This purifier is mainly passive with some negative ionization and oxidizing agents occurring inside and

outside the purifier. The Multi-Tech S4000 uses a 6-step process. Step 1 is the pre filter capturing the largest particles. Step 2 is the true 99.97% HEPA filter that traps particles. Step 3 is

a thin carbon filter. Step 4 adds a Photocatalytic Oxididation Filter aiding in odor and bacteria removal. Step 5 adds two germicidal UV lamps reducing microorganisms. Step 6 is negative

ionization. I am not a huge fan of negative only ionization (see ionization section), but in this case most occurs inside the unit. The replacement parts include the pre filter at 19 X 2 =

38/year, the Photocatalytic Oxididation/Carbon filter at 39/year, the 2 UV lamps at 2 X 19.50 = 39/year, and the HEPA filter at 39 X 2 = 78/year. This purifier offers a 3-year warranty.

Expect some outgasing from plastic surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 299. The estimated square footage cleaned is 400 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((299 initial + 287.14/year)/400 sqft)/7 removal

points)) = 79.07. 79.07 = 12 points – Fair Value.

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

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

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 3/15 points – 99.97% HEPA filters last 6-12 months = 39 X 2 = 78/year. TIO2/Carbon Filter lasts 12 months = 39/year. Pre-filter lasts 6-12 months = 19 x 2 =

38/year. UV lamps (takes two) last 12 months = 39/year. Calculating electricity usage: 120 watts/1000 x .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = 93.14/year. Total cost 287.14/year.

Expensive to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – This purifier has a 3-year warranty; replaceable parts excluded. They have a 90-day replacement period which provides a new purifier if anything goes wrong. They

also offer a 30-day return period. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points – Routine maintenance includes replacing the HEPA filter every 6-12 months, the Photocatalytic Oxididation/Carbon filter every 12 months, the Pre

filter every 6-12 months, and the UV lamps (2) every 12 months. All tasks are easy, but there are a few items to monitor here. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Cleaning is limited to wiping down

and inspecting individual components for replacement. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This unit looks more modern then the S2000 or S3000. It looks like a cross between an old radio and some kind of a mini-furnace. Looks Good, 2-points. The

control display is on the front and may be more difficult to read if standing. If you are sitting, it will be easy to read/ change. Weighs 24 lbs and measures 25" X 16.5" X 9.5".

Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – This purifier has average fan noise. Average Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 55/100 points

Conclusion

Multiple technologies; average cleaning.

Model: Surround Air Purifier Intelli-Pro XJ-3800

Rating Score: 65/100 points

Summary

The Intelli-Pro XJ-3800 is a "futurized" looking unit designed to monitor air quality, performance, and filter life. It does incorporate multiple cleaning technologies

with each one working to clean a specific set of pollutants in the air. These technologies do work, but are on the inexpensive side as the price suggests. This unit is above average and offers

some value, but again do not expect it to compete with most units twice its cost. If you keep it maintained and clean it will serve you with basic overall cleaning.

Basic Specifications

The Intelli-Pro XJ-3800 is designed for spaces up to 325 sqft. This purifier is mainly passive with some negative ionization and oxidizing agents occurring inside and

outside the purifier. The Intelli-Pro XJ-3800 uses a 6-step process. Step 1 is the pre filter capturing the largest particles. Step 2 is an electrostatic precipitator using plates to trap

particles. Step 3 is a thin carbon filter. Step 4 adds a true 99/97% HEPA filter. Step 5 is a Photocatalytic Oxididation Filter removing bacteria and odors. Step 6 a germicidal UV lamp reducing

microorganisms. Step 7 is negative ionization. I am not a huge fan of negative only ionization (see ionization section), but in this case most occurs inside the unit. The replacement parts

include the Photocatalytic Oxididation Filter at 9.50/year, the UV lamp at 15/year, and the HEPA/Carbon filter at 36/year. This purifier offers a 3-year warranty. Expect some outgasing from

plastic surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 16/24 points – The MSRP is 299. The estimated square footage cleaned is 325 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((299 initial + 122.59/year)/325 sqft)/7 removal

points)) = 81.47. 81.47 = 16 points – Good Value.

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

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

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 points – A new HEPA/carbon filter lasts 12 months = 36/year. The UV lamp lasts 12 months = 15/year. The Photocatalytic Filter lasts 2-3 years = 19/2 =

9.50/year. Calculating electricity usage: 80 watts/1000 x .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = 62.09/year. Total cost 122.59/year. Average to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – This purifier has a 3-year warranty; replaceable parts excluded. They have a 90-day replacement period which provides a new purifier if anything goes wrong. They

also offer a 30-day return period. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points – Routine maintenance includes replacing the HEPA/carbon filter every 12 months, the Photocatalytic filter every 2-3 years, and the UV lamp every 12

months. All tasks are easy. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Washing the pre filter and the dust collection grid will take you 15-30 minutes. Frequency will depend on how dirty your air is. Average

Cleaning 2-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This unit has a modern look. Looks Good, 2-points. Controls and display located on the front face which is easiest to view and adjust when sitting. Weighs 15

lbs and measures 24" X 13.5" X 10". Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – 4 speeds including Quiet (20dB), Low (35dB), Medium (45dB), High (52dB). Average noise level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 65/100 points

Conclusion

Multiple technologies; average cleaning.Return to Top Model: Surround Air Purifier N-Lite 5000 Last Reviewed: 02-23-2008 Rating Score: 63/100 points

Summary

The N-Lite 5000 is an attempt to put multiple technologies into a smaller purifier. They did not completely succeed at producing a super purifier; however, they did not fail either.

It is a small, average purifier, providing some particle removal, some odor and gas removal, and some microorganism reduction. Being a small unit reduces the overall effectiveness and should be

considered when selecting this purifier. Use for the smallest of spaces, light contamination areas, or if on a tight budget. A decent light duty model.

Basic Specifications: The N-Lite 5000 is designed for spaces up to 150 sqft. This purifier is mainly passive with some negative ionization and oxidizing agents occurring inside and outside

the purifier. The N-Lite 5000 uses a 5-step process. Step 1 is a thin carbon filter. Step 2 adds a true 99/97% HEPA filter. Step 3 a germicidal UV lamp reducing microorganisms. Step 4 is a

Photocatalytic Oxididation Filter removing bacteria and odors. Step 5 is negative ionization. I am not a huge fan of negative only ionization (see ionization section), but in this case most

occurs inside the unit. The replacement parts include the Photocatalytic Oxididation Filter at 9.50/year, the UV lamp at 15/year, and the HEPA/Carbon filter at 36/year. This purifier offers

a 3-year warranty. Expect some outgasing from plastic surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 150 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((99 initial + 66.71/year)/150 sqft)/5 removal

points)) = 77.91. 77.91 = 12 points – Fair Value.

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

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 12/15 points – The HEPA/Carbon filter lasts 6-12 months = 19 X 2 = 36/year. The UV lamp lasts 12 months = 15/year. The photocatalytic filter lasts 2-3 years =

19/2 = 9.50/year. Calculating electricity usage: 8 watts/1000 x .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = 6.21/year. Total cost 66.71/year. Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – This purifier has a 3-year warranty; replaceable parts excluded. They have a 90-day replacement period which provides a new purifier if anything goes wrong. They

also offer a 30-day return period. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points – Routine maintenance includes replacing the HEPA/carbon filter every 6-12 months, the Photocatalytic filter every 2-3 years, and the UV lamp every 12

months. All tasks are easy. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning is minimal with wiping and dusting when changing consumable parts needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – The sleek, elliptical design looks a little like plastic football. Looks Good, 2-points. Buttons and controls are easy to find on top. Weighs 4 lbs and

measures 15" X 10" X 4.1". Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – This purifier has average fan noise. Average Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 63/100 points

Conclusion

Made for a small room; average cleaning.Return to Top Model: Surround Air Purifier XJ-2100UV Last Reviewed: 02-23-2008 Rating Score: 63/100 points

Summary

If I compare this unit head-to-head with the N-Lite 5000, the N-Lite 5000 wins hands down. Sometimes I question why companies have so many different units or even duplicate units

that seem to serve the same market segment. The XJ-2100UV does have a few distinct differences in the technology it uses, but the end results are lesser than the N-Lite 5000. If I were this

company I would focus my technologies and have a strong line that represents a focus. This unit would probably get cut.

Basic Specifications

The XJ-2100UV is designed for spaces up to 150 sqft. This purifier is mainly passive with some negative ionization occurring inside and outside the purifier. The

XJ-2100UV uses a 3-step process. Step 1 is a germicidal UV lamp reducing microorganisms. Step 2 adds an electrostatic precipitator with collection plates. Step 3 is negative ionization. I am

not a huge fan of negative only ionization (see ionization section), but in this case most occurs inside the unit. The only replacement part is the UV lamp at 15/year. This purifier offers a

3-year warranty. Expect some outgasing from plastic surfaces.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 150 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((99 initial + 21.21/year)/150 sqft)/3 removal

points)) = 73.29. 73.29 = 12 points – Fair Value.

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

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

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – The UV lamp lasts 12 months = 15/year. Calculating electricity usage: 8 watts/1000 x .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = 6.21/year. Total

cost 21.21/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – This purifier has a 3-year warranty; replaceable parts excluded. They have a 90-day replacement period which provides a new purifier if anything goes wrong. They

also offer a 30-day return period. Very Good Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points – The only routine maintenance is changing the UV lamp every 12 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning includes wiping down the unit and wiping

clean the collection plates. Cleaning frequency will depend on how dirty of air you are cleaning. It would be best to clean them every week or two to maintain effective cleaning. Average

Cleaning 2-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – This is a small unit and looks like a piece from an auto dashboard. It's not ugly, just unique. Looks Good, 2-points. The controls are small and located on

the bottom front panel. Weighs 3.1 lbs and measures 5" H X 13.75" W X 8.66" D. Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 3/5 points – This purifier has average fan noise. Average Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 63/100 points

Conclusion

Made for a small room; below average cleaning.Return to Top Model: Surround Air Purifier XJ-202 Plug-In Last Reviewed: 02-23-2008 Rating Score: 64/100 points

Summary

This is a small plug-in for a bathroom or other small space. A pretty decent cleaner for the price as long as you keep it clean.

Basic Specifications

Virtually silent plug in with a nightlight. The technology is a mini electrostatic precipitator. It also puts out negative ions into the air to remove additional

particles. Has a better warranty than most units this size; 3-year.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 19.99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 50 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((19.99 initial + 1.94/year)/50 sqft)/2 removal

points)) = 78.07. 78.07 = 12 points – Fair Value.

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

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

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – There are no consumable parts with this model. Calculating electricity usage: 2.5 watts/1000 x .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year =

1.94/year. Total cost 1.94/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 6/8 points – This purifier has a 3-year warranty. They also offer a 30-day return period. Fair Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points – This unit has a 3-year warranty, but no consumable parts. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Regular wiping off the stainless steel collector blades

assures proper function. Every week or two would be best. Average Cleaning 2-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – Looks like a Sharper Image Plug-in. Looks Good, 2-points. Plug and go; has a nightlight for bathrooms. Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – Nearly silent. Very Quiet Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 64/100 points

Conclusion

A decent plug-in requiring regular cleaning.

Model: Surround Air Purifier XJ-800 for Vehicles

Rating Score: 62/100 points

Summary

This is a very inexpensive purifier that could double as a travel model. I question the durability, but the price is definitely right. If you want to gamble on longevity and want a

light duty auto purifier, this one may be worth a try. There are better auto units available, but not at this price.

Basic Specifications

The XJ-800 Surround Air Purifier is designed for most small autos. It could double as a travel purfier with the extra wall adapter (15). Don't expect complete air

cleaning, but some protection is available with the ionization and ozone output. The fragrance packets are a counterproductive waste of money. I always cringe when any air purifier company

offers these as it makes me wonder if they understand clean air. If you want to buy from this company, just pretend you did not hear about the fragrance packets. A 1-year warranty is

standard.

Rating Factors:

1) Value: 12/24 points – The MSRP is 19.99. The wall adapter is an extra 15. The estimated square footage cleaned is 25 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 – (((19.99 initial

+ 2.33/year)/25 sqft)/3 removal points)) = 70.24. 70.24 = 12 points – Fair Value.

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

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

0-points.

3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points – The fragrance Refill Packets are 2 each, but are not recommended. Calculating electricity usage: 3 watts/1000 x .0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365

days/year = 2.33/year. Total cost 2.33/year. Very Inexpensive to operate.

4) Quality: 8/12 points – Generally good use of materials; excellent website and documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship – Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies – Good Quality,

3-points. Support Material – Excellent Quality, 2-points.

5) Warranty: 2/8 points – This purifier has a 1-year warranty. They also offer a 30-day return period. Fair Warranty.

6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points – Maintenance free unless you choose to add the fragrance refills. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. You may need to wipe down once in a while, but very

little cleaning needed. Easy Cleaning 3-points.

7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points – Looks a little like a radar detector. Looks Good, 2-points. Has a high, low, and off setting. Feels Good, 2-points.

8) Years in Business: 4/5 points – Surround Air Purifier is a division of Indoor Purification Systems, Inc. which has been in the air purifier business since 1998. They are located in

Layton, UT.

9) Noise Level: 5/5 points – Nearly silent. Very Quiet Noise Level.

10) Set-Up: 3/3 points – Easy Set-up.

total = 62/100 points

Conclusion

An inexpensive auto unit that will do some cleaning.

Return to STEP 3 Reviews I-Z from Surround Air Purifiers