Air Purifier GO!

Air Oasis AO 1000 Apartment Air Purifier

Most highly-recommended air purifiers are the HEPA filter types with a multi-layered filtration system. But there’s actually one that I find rather interesting, have credible claims and, therefore, really worth looking into. The Air Oasis air purifiers are oftentimes, if not always, mistaken as one of those harmful, ozone-producing air filters or purifiers and when we speak of ozone, people usually bolt for the door in a heartbeat. This Air Oasis air purifier review will give you a rundown of what this purifier is and what it isn’t.

The Air Oasis air purifier is NOT another harmful ozone producing product. It is a PCO (photocatalytic oxidation) purifier with a patent-pending nano technology that is derived from NASA technology. What it does is it releases ions that react with various pollutants in the air. Now, ozone levels will always be present and while other purifiers exceed the FDA-approved levels, Air Oasis not only matches the FDA level but also that of the ozone levels of forest air.

Are PCO purifiers better than HEPA filters?

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say, yes, it is. Well, potentially, it is if you make sure that you your PCO isn’t a cheap replica or make that uses the cheapest catalyst metal in the market. Air Oasis air purifier’s Nickel Hydrated Catalytic Technology or Nickel HCT uses five metals as catalyst that not only cleans the air but sanitizes surfaces as well. It does this without the need for a fan to force the air into the purifier. On top of that it can get rid of microns as small as 0.001, a size HEPA filters cannot do alone. It works with a broad spectrum of UV light that have the same oxidizing and ionizing function as the sun. This technology has also been employed by meat sectors and has proven to reduce bacteria in processing plants.

In a nutshell, it works like this: the purifier releases catalysts in the air that will bond harmful particles (microorganisms, bacteria and mold) and toxins (including toxic gases) in the air. The broad-spectrum UV light will react with these catalysts and burn the target particles.

Is this the same as purifiers that use UV lights?

Most of these UV light purifiers rely on the germicidal UV light alone which can only zap bacteria on contact and do not have the capacity to get rid of allergens or smoke. The Air Oasis air purifier has catalysts that will not require the target particles to come in contact with the UV lamp to be destroyed. These catalysts also make it possible for air particles (including cigarette smoke, odors and VOC’s ) to be adsorbed onto their surfaces.

With all that said, the Air Oasis air purifier is truly on a league of its own with studies and research to test its technology. Air Oasis air purifier reviews also abound online and those who have used the product can attest to its effectiveness. The purifier is reasonably priced, requires zero maintenance for three years, comes with a warranty, is energy-efficient and aesthetically appealing for the powerhouse that it is.

See larger image Holmes HEPA-Type Air Purifier - Small (HAP242-UC) (Electronics) List Price: $84.44 USD New From: $42.04 In Stock

Over the past decade or so, amazing progress has been made in miniaturizing air purifiers. At the same time, following the trend in ever more affordable household electrical appliances, prices on these new and often palm sized cheap air purifiers have only continued to slide. Even so, before you make your final decision on which one to take home, there are a few facts you may like to know.

For instance even in larger models, ionic air purifiers don't process a lot of air, if they don't have a fan in them. Yes the ionic action alone will move air through the system but at a very low rate. What this means, is that you really can't expect a whole lot of performance out of any of the smaller less expensive ionic air purifiers.

On a positive note, ionic air purifiers are effective odor killers and that even includes the smaller models. So for localized, confined areas where odors are a problem, such as around a kitty litter box, a small ionic unit may be the perfect solution. Ionic smokeless ash treys are another example of ionic air freshening in a confined space.

There is also a huge selection of surprisingly inexpensive smaller hepa air purifiers to choose from as well. Now a hepa filter system will always have a fan in it regardless of its size, so they do tend to process more air. Even so, keep in mind that a $15 unit is not going to take care of a whole room. It just can't move enough air.

Basic smaller hepa air purifiers aren't as efficient at odor killing as ionic cleaners but they do a better job of cleaning the air of dust and other suspended air particles, such as smoke and ambient oil mist. Areas where smaller cheap air purifiers might be put to effective use are perhaps at a workshop table or in your kitchen near the stove.

Before you buy any smaller hepa filter air purifier you need to read up on its filter. How often does it have to be changed and how much does each one cost? You may be surprised at how many smaller hepa air purifiers appear to be a great bargain, until you do the math on filter costs and find out you'll be spending the same amount over time that you would on a larger unit.

See larger image Hamilton Beach 04492 True-Air Tower Ionic Air Purifier (Kitchen) List Price: $169.99 USD New From: $93.37 In Stock Release date July 1, 2006.

• What models is Hamilton Beach still making?

• What is is that they have that the others don't?

• What about pricing and features?

One thing's for certain and that is that there are a heck of a lot of Hamilton Beach air purifiers for sale on the Internet. The deal is though that in keeping with a growing trend over the past three years, you can be that a lot of them are discontinued models being sold by clearance dealers.

Are Filters Available for Your Hamilton Beach Air Purifier?

The problem you see, is that I've seen blog posts and consumer reviews warning that replacement filters for some of them are getting harder to find online. Of course one option is to stock up on a good supply of filters when you buy one. Or you can simply make sure to buy a unit that isn't discontinued.

Models they are Still Producing

Now for most manufacturers, determining precisely what models have been discontinued is a fairly simple task. They'll usually have some sort of list on their main site that shows them all. However; in this case there is no such list. Rather they only show what they are still producing.

A Total of Seven Separate Models in their Lineup

They show a total of seven separate models on their site and not one of them is what you would call high end. They do have their TrueAir Ultra UV air purifier priced at $299.99 (let's call it $300) but that's as high as it gets, as far as pricing goes. Rather what they seem to specialize in, is mid to low priced units.

A Lot of Convenience Features for the Money

Now for your $300, this one particular air purifier does come loaded down with a heck of a lot of convenience features. Features that you normally would have to look for in a model costing up to $100 more. At the same time though, I can't find any information about any type of warranty and over the long haul convenience features can lead to problems.

A Three Stage Filter System

The Hamilton Beach air purifier TrueAir UV model comes with a three stage air processing system that consists of a carbon pre-filter, a main hepa filter and a final UV germicidal stage to eliminate airborne contaminants. It effectively removes 99.97% of particles down to .03 microns.

AirSmart Pollution Monitoring for Peace of Mind

It's convenience features consist of an AirSmart pollution monitoring system that continuously measure the air quality and displays its findings as “good, fair or poor”. It also has an automatic filter change sensor as well as an automatic setting that allows the system adjust the fan speed dependent on air quality.

WisperClean for Minimum Noise

Now add to that, this unit also has what it calls their WisperClean setting for absolute minimum noise. Now wouldnt you know that its merely the lowest fan setting, so try not to get too excited about this feature because to me it seems a a bit gimmicky. Now give me WisperClean on its high setting and I'll be impressed.

The Other Six Units in their Lineup

The rest of the models in their lineup are what you might call “you get what you pay for” Hamilton Beach air purifiers. That is that they are nice units, ranging in price from $80 to $150 or so but there is nothing in them that really sets them apart from the crowd like the TrueAir UV just previewed.

The Hamilton Beach Air Décor Model

That is with the exception of one particular model that caught my eye for one reason. That is that you very rarely see an air purifier company that has devoted as much attention to over all design detail, as Hamilton Beach has to this one model called the Air décor air purifier. After all, you do have to look at your air purifier after you bring it home and plug it in.

It Even Comes With Interior LED Glow Lights

To me it sort of looks like a miniature skyscraper in its design. It's also set up for easy maintenance because there's no filter to change. You simply toss out and replace the bag that goes in it when its time for a change. The best part too, is that it even comes with an inside LED glow lights. It's rated for 240 sq feet and costs around $150.

See larger image Oreck XL-Air Purifer Tower, Black (Health and Beauty) New From: $499.95 In Stock

• Free 30 day trial period

• They can be laid on their side

• 3 & 5 year guarantees
  

If you've been watching TV over the past ten years then you no doubt have heard of the Oreck air purifier. In fact this one firm alone is responsible for introducing more people to ionic air cleaning technology in their adds than any other company out there.

Have You Seen an Oreck Air Purifier on TV?

Even so, there two traits that I've found that all air purifier companies have in common that have been heavily advertized on TV. That is that these heavy TV advertisers tend to have a limited line of rather expensive machines and Oreck is no exception.

If you're looking for convenience features, none of their three models of ionic air cleaners have any, so to speak. In fact, aside from what they call “Truman Cell” bacteria killing technology these are basic three speed on and off machines. No timers, remote, etc.

What's Truman Cell Technology?

Simply put, Truman Cell Technology is the same ionic technology that all ionic air cleaners use to trap ambient air particles. The airborne bacteria is charged and then sticks to the collection plates and dies. It's really nothing more than that.

You see, the little known truth of the matter, is that recent studies have demonstrated that bacteria gathered in all ionic air cleaners tends to die shortly after being deposited on collection plates. Hence; in general terms, all ionic machines operate with Truman Cell Technology.

However; before you click your mouse and move on to review another brand, there are two items worth mentioning that you just don't see in Oreck's competitors. It's very odd too because neither is difficult to offer or any type of earth shaking technology.

Free Thirty Day Trial Period

The first item is a no questions asked, thirty day trail period on all three Oreck Air purifiers. The nice thing about it too, is that they'll even pay the shipping fee if you send yours back. Now in my mind this makes a lot of sense to a person who's curious about ionic technology. It gives them an out.

The second item worth mentioning, is that two of their three models, the ProShield and the ProShield Plus are designed to stand on their own or lay on their side. Once again, this isn't earth shaking technology but it sure is nice for someone who wants to place their machine on a shelf.

The Oreck Pro Shield Air Purifier

The base model Oreck Air purifier is called the ProSheild and it lists on their site for 349.95. (let's call it $350). It features three air speed settings, including a fourth that's referred to as a silence setting. This no doubt allows you to run the machine with no fan.

Now it is a vary nicely designed unit and I can see how someone might want to lay it on its side on a shelf. It has a sleek black look to it. Even so, its specs list it as being able to recirculate the air in a 12' X18' room only twice every hour, so the room size rating is a bit exaggerated. It does come with a three years guarantee.

The Oreck ProShield Plus Air Purifier

The next Oreck air purifier up from there, is the ProShield Plus. It lists on their company site for $399.95 (let's call it $400) and it really is basically an enhanced version of the ProSheild. It's the exact same machine with one added feature, so it too can be laid on its side too.

That one added feature is what Oreck calls their Permanent Helios Shield. (I Like that name). It's basically a UV lighting system located in the machine, that sterilizes the air that passes through it. By the way UV lighting is quite common now, on both ionic and hepa filter air purifiers.

Now I do have one complaint here though and that is they advertise what is basically a UV lighting system as never having to be replaced, which is true “in effect”. However; what they don't tell you is that the mercury vapor lamp that powers it will lose half its strength in five years. It wont burn out though. Same 3 year warranty.

The Tower Model Oreck Air Purifier

Next up is their top model. The Oreck air purifier they call the Oreck Tower. It lists on their company site for $599.95 (let's just call it $600) which is a heck of a lot of money for an air purifier. This one does have a couple of added features and it also is quite nice looking but I have just one problem here.

That problem is that on their site, they show it as being able to clean 900 square feet per hour. Now isn't that the same as 1800 feet every two hours? Now I'm not very good at math but that seems awful close to the what the above two models listed clean. A 12' X 18' room every two hours. Am I being picky here?

There's also no “Permanent Helios Shield” in this model but you do get a “turbo” option on the fan switch. (I just love the names they use). You also get two more years on the five year warranty, which is nice but in the end I really do think that for $600, there's better deals out there.

See larger image Honeywell HFD-120-Q Tower Quiet Air Purifier with Permanent IFD Filter, Black (Kitchen) List Price: $149.99 USD New From: $123.74 In Stock Used from: $104.99 In Stock Release date February 15, 2006.

• How do they work to clean air?

• What about Ozone gas?

• What are the pros and cons?

If what you have in mind is a filterless air purifier, then what you should be looking into is ionic technology. These types of air cleaners aren't new and in fact they first began being used in metal smelting plants almost 100 years ago.

The Filterless Air Purifier Uses an Ionic Chamber

The way that they function, is rather then the air passing through a filter as you would imagine in the classic sense, the air passes through what is commonly referred to as an ionic chamber. It's basically a contained area where negative electrons are generated.

Pollution Particles Pick Up a Negative Charge

From there the air moves on through a series of stacked metal plates. It's on these plates that the pollution particles end up being deposited. You see the particles pick up the negative ions and this causes these then negatively charged particles to be attracted to the plates, like magnets.

Even These Machines Have to be Cleaned

Now keep in mind that at some point these plates do have to wiped clean and with some machines this is an easier task then with others. It all depends on how easy it is to remove the plates then slide them back into the machine.

New Filters Can Go Months Without Cleaning

One thing worth noting, is that new hepa filter designs have made for standard filter machines that require far more infrequent cleanings. In fact most of these new low maintenance filter designs can go months without you ever having to touch them. It's something to think about.

There are Some Solid Pros and Cons

You need to also understand that there are a few solid pros and cons that should be taken into account before you buy into either type of air cleaning system. As an example, “for your money”, a standard hepa filter machine is going to process a far greater amount of air.

Look into a Non Ozone Technology Feature

Another thing to look out for if you're dead set on a filterless air purifier, is ozone generation. Ozone is a colorless gas that's made up of two connected oxygen atoms that's generated during the production of negative ions. New machines however do have non ozone technologies that do away with this problem.

Ionic Non Filter Air Cleaners are Quieter

One of the major benefits of a filterless air purifier though, is that they tend to be far more quiet than a filter unit. The reason is simple and that is that hepa filter air cleaners require larger fans to push the air through the filter. There is a huge selection of ionic cleaners to choose from so make sure to select one with features that suit you best.

See larger image Sharp FP-P40CX Plasmacluster Air Purifier (Kitchen) List Price: $299.99 USD

• Amazing New Technology

Sharps innovative and cutting edge Plasmacluster Ion technology has introduced the entire planet to a brand new method for neutralizing airborne viruses and mold spores. A system that is now proving itself invaluable in homes and businesses the world over.

It functions by depleting live viruses and spores of vital hydrogen. They are instantly dehydrated. It accomplishes this by way of hydroxyl production, a secondary byproduct of the production of both positive and negative ions in the same reaction vessel.

You see hydrogen is the second and third molecule in the H2O matrix that you of course know as water. Once the two hydrogen molecules are removed in the Plasmacluser contained reaction chamber, all that remains is the oxygen molecule.

So as the live virus' and spore are effectively killed by instant dehydration, pure oxygen is being created. In this way this innovative system is actually replicating the earths natural atmospheric oxygen generation and air purification processes.

• Airborne Viruses it Instantly Kills
  

Viruses: MRSA – E Coli – Influenza (including Swine Flu) – Poliomyelitis – Tuberculosis – Common Cold – Pertussis (Whooping cough) – Streptococcus (Pneumonia) – Strep – Typhus – Rubella (German Measles) – SARS – Variola (Small Pox) – Corynebacterium Diphtheriae (Diphtheria)

• Air Particles and Gasses it Functions to Eliminate

Tobacco Smoke, Mold Spores, Formaldehyde, Pollen, Dust, Pet Odors, Exhaust Fumes, Formaldehyde, Ambient Cooking Oils, Micro Textile Fibers

• Looking Inside the Integrated System

Plasmacluster technology is but one component of a technologically advanced, completely integrated, multi-layered air purification system. As part of its function, it imparts an actual electrical charge to airborne particles that allows them to far more readily adhere to the secondary hepa filter grid.

• Maintaining Ionic Balance

This new advanced system contains a built in atmospheric monitoring system that automatically adjust the flow rate of negative ions. In the natural environment, negative and positive ions are kept in a healthy natural balance.

However; in a contained environment such as a home, they can become unbalanced, with one being in greater concentration then the other. This system insures that the ionic balance in the air you breath will always be exactly neutral.

See larger image Sharp FP-P40CX Plasmacluster Air Purifier (Kitchen) List Price: $299.99 USD

• The Sharp KC-C150U

• The Sharp FP-P60CX

• The Sharp KC100U

• The Sharp FP-P40CX

• The Sharp FP-P35CX

For decades now the Sharp name has been synonymous with high quality home appliances. So of course it should come as no surprise that all five Sharp air purifiers in their lineup consistently chalk up high marks in virtually all of the most reputable online consumer review venues.

Sharp KC-C150U

Coming in between $400 & $750 is their largest and most powerful of all Sharp air purifiers, the KC-C150U. Now for some reason the online prices for this machine that consistently garners five star ratings, vary widely. It features a three stage filtration system, plasmacluster air purification and is rated for 347 sq feet, with CADR or “clean air delivery rate numbers” that are through the roof.

They are 224 for smoke, 245 for pollen and 230 for dust. So needless to say, this 25 pound workhorse is far more than a bedroom unit. It's also worth mentioning that because it is a non ionic hepa filter cleaner it emits zero ozone and its washable filters have a five year life span. Rarely do you see any home appliance with these types of consistent review ratings.

Sharp FP-P60CX

The next sharp air purifier down from there is their FP-P60CX, at an average price of around 350 new. This feature laden model also contains plasmacluster technology and a washable three layered hepa filter system. Along with the lower price though, comes a lower 330 sq foot rating and slightly lower CADR numbers as well. Dust 209, smoke 213 and pollen 205.

Just like all the other Sharp air purifiers, it pulls a consistent 4.5 star rating on Amazon and is also Energy Star qualified. This models features include clean filter sensor, both manual and remote control options, timer that can be set for automatic shut off in one, four or eight hours and air pollution sensor that automatically adjusts fan speed. At a net weight of only 18.5 pounds, this unit is also easily portable.

Sharp KC-100U

Prices on their KC-100U vary between high $200s and the low $300s online. Of course along with the lower price, the lower 254 sq foot rating is to be expected. As a trade off though, along with plasmacluster air sterilization, this unit also comes with an integrated 7.7 pint capacity humidifier. Hence; automatic humidity adjustment is included along withy its pollution sensing fan control auto adjust feature.

Your going to have to go without some of the convenience features that are included in the previous two listed models though and automatic filter clean filter sensor is one of them. No shut of timer either. You're also going to go without a pollution sensing automatic fan adjustment as well. You also take a bigger drop in the CADR numbers. Down to smoke 164, pollen 174 and dust 164. Same high customer rating though and a higher weight of 20.7 pounds

Sharp FP-P40CX

The FP-350CFX is actually priced online right about in the same area as the above listed model but unlike the KC-100U, there is no humidifier. However; because there is no humidifier there's no trade off on the features either. This five star rated 14.8 pound unit is a compact feature laden mighty-mite that's almost an identical scaled down version of the top of the line KC-C150U.

It comes with three stage washable filter system, Plasmacluster sterilization with auto ion control and auto fan sensor. However; there is no auto shut off timer but it is Energy Guard certified, which the above listed KC-100U is not. Its CADR numbers are almost identical to the above listed KC-100U, as is its sq footage rating of 253 “1 foot lower”. You also get a fully functional remote with this model.

Sharp FP-P35CX

This is the lowest priced of all Sharp air purifiers. You can find the FP-P35CX priced as low as $145 online and just like all the other above listed models, it carries a consistent 4.5 to 5 star customer review rating. It covers 129 sq feet, so this is pretty much a one room unit. (great office size). It also uses a two stage filter system and that consists of a hepa filter and a washable carbon fiber prefilter. However; it is pretty much devoid of convenience features, other than an automatic shut off timer.

See larger image Sunpentown Dehumidifier with UV Light (Electronics) List Price: $249.00 USD

• How do they Kill Germs and Mold Spores?

• Just What is UV Radiation and is it Safe?

• What in the Machine Creates the UV Light?

• What Machines Deliver the Best Air Treatment?

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation or (UVGI) as it is also commonly referred to, is the term that is used to describe what UV air purifiers do. They basically kill germs as well as mold and fungus spores by zapping them with a brief shot of ultraviolet radiation.

What About Radioactive Air!!??

So then do these air purifiers contain some type of hazardous radioactive material or can the in some way send out radioactive air or gas if they malfunction? The simple answer to both those common questions is no. Absolutely not!

Don't Let the Word “Radiation” Scare You

Don't make the mistake of confusing light radiation, which UV rays are and nuclear radiation, such as the type that's produced by plutonium. You see radiation is just the word that is used to describe anything that moves out and away from something.

How a UV Air Purifier Makes the UV Rays


The light coming from the light bulbs in your home is also in fact radiation, just like the light that's used in these types of air purifiers. You see, unlike a standard light bulb, a mercury vapor lamp is used in these air cleaners to generate UV radiation. It's just a light bulb that's filled with mercury vapor.

Treated Air Carries No Residual Effects

Now once the air in a purifier is zapped in its closed chamber by the mercury vapor lamp, it's done. That is that it leaves the unit just as it came in, other then the fact that it has been sterilized. It in no way carries any residual effects from the UV treatment any more than you can carry residual light when you click off your light switch.

Does the UV Treatment Help to Filter Air?

Understand though that UV air purifiers in no way filter air any better than an air purifier that does not include the UV feature. That is that the UV treatment in no way assists the machine in trapping air pollution particles. So then your next question may be “which machine has the better UV treatment feature”?

Which Machines Do the Best Job of UV Treatment?


The answer is that unlike things like filters that can come in any number of configurations and can be made from any number of materials, UV radiation and the mercury vapor lamps that create it are all alike. It would be like asking which drop of water between three of them is wetter. It's just light.

More Facts You Should Know About Mercury Vapor Bulbs

This type of light bulb is relatively inexpensive, so it really makes no sense for a manufacturer to use anything but a good quality bulb in their UV air purifiers. One thing worth noting though, is that while a mercury vapor lamp can last for decades, they do slowly degrade and will lose about half their power in about five years.