Review of Friedrich Air Purifier
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Model: Friedrich C-90B Last Reviewed: 12-18-07 Rating Score: 65/100 points Summary: This is a good, general, all-around purifier. The C-90B does a good job of cleaning and cleans a respectable size area. Maintenance costs are low. The warranty is only one year, but the purifier should last much longer with proper care. Generally, purifiers of this type have a shorter warranty because some users do not maintain them properly. If this purifier catches your eye, it will be a decent catch. Basic Specifications: The C-90B is designed for spaces up to 490 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The C-90B uses a 4-step process. Air is first drawn through a pre filter. Particles are then charged and attracted to the collector plates as they pass. A basic electrostatic precipitator. In the last step, the air passes through a carbon filter. The C-90B has a 3-speed fan and offers a 1-year warranty. The carbon filter needs changing every 4-6 months ($28 X 2 = $54/yr). This purifier is easy to clean and maintain with a quick change carbon filter. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 326 / Dust 384 / Pollen 421 Pictures: 
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 16/24 points - The MSRP is $539. The square footage cleaned is 490 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($539 initial + $108.76/year)/490 sqft)/11 removal points)) = 87.98. 87.98 = 16 points - good value. 2) What is Removed: 11/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 9/15 points - The carbon filter needs replacing every 4-6 months. $27.99 x 2 = $55.98/year. Electricity usage ranges from 47 to 90 watts. I'll make an assumption of 68 watts. Calculating electricity usage: 68 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $52.78/year. Total cost $108.76/year. Average to operate. 4) Quality: 9/12 points - This purifier uses commercial grade materials and should last if maintained and cleaned regularly. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Very Good Quality, 4-points. Cleaning Technologies - Very Good Quality, 4-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 2/8 points - The C90B comes with a 1-year warranty. Fair Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 4/6 points - The only routine maintenance is replacing the carbon filter every 4-6 months. This task should only take 10-15 minutes. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. The manual states cleaning depends on usage, which is true. The unit has a pre filter and Electronic cell that needs cleaning. The pre filter cleaning takes a few minutes, but will require dry time. The electronic cell can go in the dishwasher if it fits, otherwise expect about 15 minutes to scrub and rinse per instructions. I would count on 30-45 minutes every 30-60 days. Intensive Cleaning 1-point. 7) Look and Feel: 3/6 points - The purifier has a functional "old technology" look. Most will find it a bit dated to look at. Questionable Looks, 1-point. Weighing in at 33 lbs reinforces the old technology feel. You will find simple and usable controls. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - They started business in 1883. They are located in San Antonio, TX. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - The 3-speed fan has decibel readings as follows: low 40dB, medium50dB, and high 55dB. You may hear a snapping noise the first time starting the purifier and when it needs cleaning. The snap should be infrequent under normal, clean operation. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - Easy Set-up. total = 65/100 points Conclusion: A good, all-around purifier. Return to STEP3 Reviews A-H from Friedrich Air Purifier
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- Very Good Rating
