Air purifiers - which one to get?

sao123

Lifer
May 27, 2002
12,653
205
106
Ionic Pro (walmart generic) ionic air purifier with wipe clean filter
vs
Hamilton beach HEPA filter air purifier



what are the pros and cons of each, adn which ones better?
both approx $100 at walmart.
 

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
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www.slatebrookfarm.com
I think I saw in some other thread this suggestion:

Get a large box fan...
Get a good filter and put it over the fan...

Far cheaper, and filters a greater volume of air in less time...
Plus, the filters are only a few dollars.
 

TheCanuck

Senior member
Apr 28, 2003
373
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This one is good: HEPA

Honeywell makes good filters - I have two of them running right now. Includes a carbon prefilter to remove odors as well. HEPA is 99.97% efficient at removing particles. The ionic ones barely move any air and are not very efficient.
 

sao123

Lifer
May 27, 2002
12,653
205
106
the real question is how much are the filters and how often do they need changed?
 

eelw

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 1999
9,923
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In your situation, a Hepa filter all the way. And even though many here bash the Ionic Breeze constantly, it will do the job fine for most households.
 

Reckoner

Lifer
Jun 11, 2004
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1
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Originally posted by: TheCanuck
This one is good: HEPA

Honeywell makes good filters - I have two of them running right now. Includes a carbon prefilter to remove odors as well. HEPA is 99.97% efficient at removing particles. The ionic ones barely move any air and are not very efficient.

So this one does the job? I'm looking for an air purifier myself.
 

TripleAAA

Golden Member
Jul 7, 2002
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I just sold my Oreck XL Air Purfier on Ebay which you can find on there either new or near new for around $200 shipped. I did notice a slight improvement, but the thing was rather noisy. At times the noise was good to drown out the rest of the house while I slept during the day after a graveyard shift.
 

TheCanuck

Senior member
Apr 28, 2003
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This is the model I have: 83331

Replacement hepa filters for the 83331 are about $40, and the 83332 about $75. So the 83331 might be the better deal even though it's rated for 357 sq.ft vs the 440sq ft of the 83332. You'll be looking at replacing the HEPA filter about every 1 to 3 years (probably about 2 yrs).

It also has an activated carbon prefilter that removes larger particles / odors which is about $10 and they say it needs to be replaced every 3 - 6 months. Although I think you can go longer with the filters if you just vacuum them every year or so.

For air cleaners you want to look at the CADR ratings --- higher = better. Obviously those ratings are when the things are going at full speed which can be a little loud. Medium / low speed is what I use if I'm in the room.

Here are the CADR ratings: CADR

AHAM certified means that you're getting something that has been tested by a third party -- I haven't seen any ratings for the Ionic Breeze types or the Orecks so I'm skeptical if those work...

And you don't need to go with the highest CADR rating either....look at the size of the room you want to clean and then use the formula on the website to figure out the recommended rating.
 

RCN

Platinum Member
Dec 31, 2005
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Originally posted by: eelw
And even though many here bash the Ionic Breeze constantly, it will do the job fine for most household

I don't know if they work well or not. What I do love is their new product/ commercial where it converts ozone as if it weren't the reason for the fvcking increased ozone levels.
 

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 10, 1999
31,049
12,576
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Originally posted by: DrPizza
I think I saw in some other thread this suggestion:

Get a large box fan...
Get a good filter and put it over the fan...

Far cheaper, and filters a greater volume of air in less time...
Plus, the filters are only a few dollars.
this is the most economical choice. Plus it moves more air than anything else.
 

FlashG

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 1999
2,709
2
0
Originally posted by: Iron Woode
Originally posted by: DrPizza
I think I saw in some other thread this suggestion:

Get a large box fan...
Get a good filter and put it over the fan...

Far cheaper, and filters a greater volume of air in less time...
Plus, the filters are only a few dollars.
this is the most economical choice. Plus it moves more air than anything else.
Sounds interesting but I wonder how effective it would be in that it won't be removing really small airborne particles and such. But it does make you wonder why someone doesn't market something like it.
 

FlashG

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 1999
2,709
2
0
I did a little research at CR and it looks like Ozone production is one of there major concerns. They suggested that you try these simple indoor air-cleaning steps before you consider buying an air cleaner

"Medical experts as well as the federal Environmental Protection Agency agree that an air cleaner won't alleviate carbon monoxide, viruses, and dust mites. While capable air cleaners can trap dust, smoke particles, pollen, and pet dander, you can reduce all of those allergens without opening your wallet. Here are some low- and no-cost steps to follow before buying an air cleaner:

ELIMINATE CAUSES

Remove or reduce pollution sources. Ban indoor smoking. Avoid candles, incense, air fresheners, wood-burning fires, and scented cleaners. Vacuum often, using a low-emissions machine (See our latest vacuum cleaners report). Keep dust-sensitive people out of the area when vacuuming. Don't get pets if you're allergic; if you already have them, keep them out of the bedroom.

Minimize dust mites. Encase pillows (as shown above, left), mattresses, and box springs in mite-proof covers. Wash laundry in the hottest water you can. Avoid carpeting and other furnishings that accumulate dust and harbor mites.

Control harmful gases. Test for radon with a kit (about $15). Minimize carbon-monoxide risks; don't idle cars or fuel-burning equipment in garages or basements. Don't store or use chemicals, solvents, glues, or pesticides in the house.

VENTILATE ROOMS

Open windows and doors. Do both based on weather and outdoor air quality.
Use outdoor-venting fans. Putting these fans in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry areas helps expel combustion gases, odors, and excessive moisture, which can breed mold and other allergens.

Vent heating equipment and appliances properly. This includes maintaining heating equipment, chimneys, and vents to properly remove combustion gases such as carbon monoxide from indoors. Install carbon-monoxide alarms."
 

Iron Woode

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 10, 1999
31,049
12,576
136
Originally posted by: FlashG
Originally posted by: Iron Woode
Originally posted by: DrPizza
I think I saw in some other thread this suggestion:

Get a large box fan...
Get a good filter and put it over the fan...

Far cheaper, and filters a greater volume of air in less time...
Plus, the filters are only a few dollars.
this is the most economical choice. Plus it moves more air than anything else.
Sounds interesting but I wonder how effective it would be in that it won't be removing really small airborne particles and such. But it does make you wonder why someone doesn't market something like it.
use a hepa filter then.

I will actually be making one next week.
 

lokiju

Lifer
May 29, 2003
18,526
5
0
Originally posted by: sao123
Ionic Pro (walmart generic) ionic air purifier with wipe clean filter
vs
Hamilton beach HEPA filter air purifier



what are the pros and cons of each, adn which ones better?
both approx $100 at walmart.

The Ionic one will not reduce your dust levels it's "supposed" to cause the airborne dust to fall to the ground and as long as you dust and vacuum on a regular basis you will notice some sort of improvement (in theory)

The HEPA one is going to actually filter out the dust from the room/air and give you a more positive result IMHO.

Just my $00.02.