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Help picking out a HEPA air filter.

BG4533

Golden Member
I was wondering if anyone here has any quality HEPA air filters that they can recomend?

The main purpose of this filter is to remove allergens from the air. I moved to Columbus, OH for college last year and my allergys here are unbearable in the spring. I coudn't stop sneezing last year and I had migraines from sinus infections that made be unable to do anything. The environment is also extremely dusty, so I would like it to remove the dust, but I dont want to be replacing HEPA filters every month. Noise is also a major issue. I tend to hate loud electronic devices.
My budget is at most $300. The cheaper the better, but I am prepared to spend $300.

So far, my search has led me to the Austin Healthmate Junior Air Purifier for about $250. A major selling point is that the HEPA filters which are like $100 only need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years, compared to $50 filter being replaced every couple months like on some purifiers. This purifier is apparently louder than I would like, but it is rated to 700 sq ft., so it doesnt have to be in my bedroom like many other filters and it should do almost my whole apartment for next year.

Any "expert" opinions would be greatly appreciated as I know very little about this.
Also, does anyone know any respectable online stores or even stores in Columbus, OH to buy these?

Thanks,
Brian
 
I bought the Hamilton Beach Ultra UV true Air Hepa fitration system.

Filters

I have never been happier. The filters are expensive from third party places but directly from HB they are about 1/2 the price. The UV kills most germs, it has a charcol filter you change every 3 months or so and the hepa filter once a year.

Direct from HB;

Charcol filter - $13.50 pack of three
Hepa filter - $36.00
 
The one from the Sharperimage is Ionic Air Cleaner..

They work great and very quiet (no motor).

But you do have to be very careful cleaning, if you get the metal rod damp, it can damage the whole system.

 
Originally posted by: BG4533
The environment is also extremely dusty, so I would like it to remove the dust, but I dont want to be replacing HEPA filters every month.

You can't get around this. HEPA filters are made to get rid of airborne particulates, so if your environment is dusty, the filters are going to absorb more dust and require more frequent replacement. There are some filterless ionic air purifiers with collectors that can be cleaned with a damp sponge, but a) I've heard mixed reviews with regard to their effectiveness and b) you're still going to have to clean them at a frequency of once a week or so.

Some things you might be able to do to help:

- Get rid of things that attract dust. Put books away or get bookcases with glass doors.
- Dust regularly with a duster. Don't use a vacuum, as it tends to agitate dust and create more airborne particles.
- Check window/door seals to make sure that external air isn't bringing pollens/dust in.
- Get good doormats and use them to prevent tracking in additional dirt.
 
I have heard some bad things about the ionic filters. They put out low levels of ozone that could be very unhealthy. I have also heard they arent quite as good with allergens as HEPA filters.

Currently, I am in a college dorm, so there isnt all that much I can do to filter out the heating systems without taking up space and interfering with my life.

The healthmate model I mentioned earlier guarantees their filters for 5 years, and prorates new onew if it goes bad sooner.

Thanks for the help and ideas, I will look into the Kenmore and Hamilton Beach units.
Gand1, How loud is the Hamilton Beach unit that you have?

Thanks,
Brian
 
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