Air Purifiers

List Price $272.00

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This traditional filter-based air purifier from Hunter is designed to effectively remove dust and allergens from large spaces.

The unique fan design directs filtered air directly upwards, thereby eliminating the annoyance of having air blown across the room. As the name implies it uses a HEPA filter, which can be relied upon to remove virtually all particles from the air down to 0.1 microns, including pollen, viruses and bacteria. It offers a high CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rating) for smoke, dust and pollen.

It also comes with a carbon pre-filter, which collects large particles like hair and lint, and absorbs odors more effectively than the HEPA filter alone. Every air purifier manufacturer feels obliged to include an ionizer, these days, and the Hunter includes an optional one as well, with an on-off switch.

Unique Design

The Hunter unit’s design is slim and modern, though not exceptionally stylish. It measures only 10 inches deep and 21 inches high. It’s main appeal is the top-venting exhaust, which allows it to sit almost flat against the wall without losing any effectiveness (they recommend you leave a small space between the wall and the unit).

The three-speed fan offers a near-silent level which is fine for everyday use. The pre-filter must be replaced about every three months, while the HEPA filter needs replacing every four to six months, depending on the environment. Replacing the filters is a simple process which involves removing the front grill, and a digital timer reminds you to check the filters. The costs are about average for replacements, roughly $20 and $36, respectively.

Conclusion

The Hunter HEPAtech is an efficient and reliable model for both general use and for specific health complaints like asthma and allergies. It’s price may seem high compared to more basic models, but falls into the same price range as comparable models like the Oreck air purifier.

Pros

• Cleans large rooms efficiently with small footprint
• Meets or exceeds CADR and HEPA standards for smoke, particles and pathogens
• Odor absorption and optional ionizer
• Quiet fan operation, and innovative top exhaust
• 5-year warranty
• Easy maintenance

Cons

• Extra cost of filter replacement
• High fan speed is noisy
• Utilitarian looks

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Oreck uses innovative technology to thoroughly clean the air in homes and offices of dust, mold, pollen, allergens and harmful bacteria, as well as volatile organic compounds and other chemicals.

Features

This is a very compact unit, which employs electrostatic filtration in a unique way to remove even the smallest particles from your home. A look under the cover reveals their patented Truman Cell. This compact bundle of multiple collectors looks quite different from other electrostatic plates. Also unlike other ionic air purifiers, it uses a three-speed fan to maximize the effectiveness of the collection cell. At maximum speed, the fan can circulate and clean a 12 by 18 foot room twice per hour, though most users will keep it at the quieter slow speed.

This air cleaner includes an optional odour filter which controls chemical smells which emanate from carpets and household cleaners. This is an under-appreciated feature of some air purifiers, which is not addressed by standard air filters.

Another unique feature is the catalytic oxygenator, which Oreck claims will remove household ozone. This is obviously a very appealing feature, since ozone can be a significant cause of lung and throat irritation, although it’s not clear to what degree ozone is reduced by this feature.

Unusual Design

Oreck tabletop units are priced higher than other compact units due to their advanced features. With their multiple technologies comes a higher degree of maintenance. The Truman Cell needs cleaning every two to four weeks. Cleaning is straightforward with soap and water, and the electrostatic cells can be easily removed from the unit. A special cleaning solution is sold by the company, but is pricier than regular cleaners, and probably not necessary. A light reminds you when it’s time for cleaning. Electrostatic filters will crackle when not cleaned however, so if you’re lax about such things you might want a simpler device.

Most electrostatic air purifiers are fanless and silent. The Oreck unit has a fan, but it is virtually silent at the low speed which should work fine for regular use. The higher speed can be used to quickly clean a room, and the unit is small enough to move from room to room as needed. Some users complain of an unusual amount of loud static noise coming from their unit, while others find them very quiet. This is probably more of a problem in areas with a large amount of dust or pet hair.

Oreck promises minimal operating costs, comparing the power consumption to running a single lightbulb. The collection plates never need replacing, but the optional odour filter must be replaced annually at a cost of about $40 to $50, depending on where you buy it.

Conclusion

If all you’re looking for is a basic compact air purifier, then the Honeywell HHT might be all you need. But if you suffer from serious allergies, breathing problems or dust sensitivity, then this might be just the model you’re looking for.

Pros

• Electrostatic air cleaner never needs replacing
• Manufacturers warranty
• Removes ozone and airborne chemicals
• Quiet operation
• Straightforward cleaning and maintenance
• Energy efficient
• Compact and easy to move

Cons

• Some users find collection plates hard to clean
• Electrostatic technology can make crackling noise when dirty
• Higher priced air cleaner
• Cost of replacing odour filter