 |
Review of Honeywell Air Purifier Models
Reviews are only as good as the underlying rating criteria used: After you are done reviewing, STEP5 Buying lists the best places to Honeywell Air Purifier Summaries
Model: UV Air Treatment System - RUVLAMP1  - Fair Rating
Works only in HVAC Ductwork MSRP $159.99 Conclusion: Very limited cleaning scope. Detailed Review Below 
Model: Enviracaire HEPA 50250 Honeywell Air Purifier - Fair Rating
Up to 312 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP $199.99 Conclusion: An average HEPA filter with limited odor and gas removal. Detailed Review Below 
Model: QuietCare 17005 Honeywell Air Purifier  - Poor Rating
Up to 168 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP $149.99 Conclusion: Another average HEPA filter with limited odor and gas removal. Detailed Review Below
Model: HEPA-Type Tabletop 16200 - "HEPA like", negative ionizer, some odor control MSRP $59.99
There are probably more, but you get the idea ... low-end, highly marketed in big-box type stores. Lower on actual cleaning power; low on actual cleaning results.
Model: Quietclean Tower HFD-120-Q Honeywell Air Purifier Last Reviewed: 01-11-08 Rating Score: 52/100 points Summary: There are several grades of purifier and since I did find this at a local "big box" store it would follow that it is lower consumer grade. Most rating categories score average or higher except the ones in the actual cleaning capability department. This purifier does a poor job of cleaning the air. Basic Specifications: The HFD-120-Q is designed for rooms up to 170 sqft. This purifier is passive/active with a pre filter and 99% HEPA on the passive side for particle filtration and a negative ionizer putting out just negative ions into the air on the active side (see technology section for explanation why this is questionable). This Honeywell air purifier has no replaceable filters and a 3-speed oscillating fan. A 5-year limited warranty is standard. Expect outgassing plastic smell out of the box. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 110/ Dust 100/ Pollen 132 Pictures: 
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 4/24 points - The MSRP is $169.99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 170 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($169.99 initial + $41.91/year)/170 sqft)/2 removal points)) = 37.68. 37.68 = 4 points - bad value. 2) What is Removed: 2/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Fair Removal, 1-point. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Fair Removal, 1-point. Removal of Odors and Gases - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points - This unit has cleanable filters, so no filters or other parts to replace. Calculating electricity usage: 54 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $41.91/year. Total cost $41.91/year. Very Inexpensive to operate. 4) Quality: 5/12 points - The workmanship and technology is below average. Support material is very basic. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies - Fair Quality, 2-points. Support Material - Poor Quality, 0-points. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - This purifier comes with a 5-year limited warranty. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - There is little ongoing maintenance with this purifier. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. The box says clean every 3 months and the instruction manual says every 1 month. A little marketing? The Electronic Filter Reminder light will light when the filter needs cleaning. Follow the instructions to vacuum or rinse and dry as needed. Reset the reminder light after cleaning and you're done. Cleaning should take 10-20 minutes per month or less. Average Cleaning 2-points. 7) Look and Feel: 2/6 points - This purifier looks like any generic tower model. Questionable Looks, 1-point. Plastic look and feel. Not too impressive. Questionable Feel, 1-point. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Most Honeywell Air Purifiers are made by KAZ. Kaz has been manufacturing products since 1926. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - This model has 3-speeds plus an oscillating option. Noise level is relatively low with no actual dB data. Estimate 30dB on low and 45-55 on high. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - Easy Set-up. total = 52/100 points Conclusion: "HEPA like" filter with negative ionizer. Model: UV Air Treatment System - RUVLAMP1 Honeywell Air Purifier Last Reviewed: 01-11-08 Rating Score: 50/100 points Summary: There are two types of UV air purifiers for HVAC systems. Honeywell's type has a limited cleaning scope and kills some mold, some types of bacteria, and several other microorganisms. These types of airborne pollutants have different "kill rates" and they may or may not be effected as they pass by the UV lamp. The other type of UV purifier has the same effect plus it works in conjunction with additional technology modifications to emit an oxidizing plasma into the entire home, thus being much more effective. I do not recommend this Honeywell air purifier unless you want to have added protection in conjunction with other purifiers. If you do want to put a UV system into your ductwork, check out Ecoquest or Air Oasis Brands or other HVAC based purifiers that offer more cleaning power. Basic Specifications: Very little information is given on this purifier on the box or in the instructions or even online at the Honeywell website. Generally a contractor or do-it-your-selfer will purchase and install this type of purifier. The replaceable UV bulb will run you about $50 a year. A 1-year warranty is offered. Rating Factors: 1) Value: 12/24 points - The MSRP is $159.99. The estimated square footage cleaned is 1000 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($159.99 initial + $63.97/year)/1000 sqft)/1 removal points)) = 77.60. 77.60 = 12 points - fair value. 2) What is Removed: 1/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Poor Removal, 0-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Poor Removal, 0-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 15/15 points - A replacement UV bulb will run you about $50/year. Calculating electricity usage: 18 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $13.97/year. Total cost $63.97/year. Inexpensive to operate. 4) Quality: 5/12 points - About Average quality with below average documentation. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies - Fair Quality, 2-points. Support Material - Poor Quality, 0-points. 5) Warranty: 4/8 points - 1-year warranty on this unit. Fair Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 6/6 points - There is little ongoing maintenance with this purifier. You will need to replace the UV bulb every year. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. The manual states that quarterly bulb cleaning should be preformed. After letting bulb cool for at least 15 minutes, the actual cleaning should take only a minute or so. Then reinstall. Easy Cleaning 3-points. 7) Look and Feel: 2/6 points - This model looks a little like the other HVAC UV cell type purifiers, but it uses a different bulb and does not have the additional technology. Mostly hidden in the HVAC system. Looks Good, 2-points. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Most Honeywell Air Purifiers are made by KAZ. Kaz has been manufacturing products since 1926. 9) Noise Level: 5/5 points - Works with standard HVAC. Noise is not an issue. Very Quiet Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 1/3 points - The box had limited information, but promised a 15-minute install. Installation time will vary. This unit will mostly be installed by professionals or do-it-yourselfers. I would count on 1 hour or more. Involved Set-up. total = 50/100 points Conclusion: Very limited cleaning scope. Model: Enviracaire HEPA 50250 Honeywell Air Purifier Last Reviewed: 01-11-08 Rating Score: 56/100 points Summary: This is a good solid HEPA filter which will get rid of most dust and pet dander. It is easy to use. It has a good 5-year warranty. The maintenance costs are moderate for this type of purifier mainly because of the "permanent" HEPA filter. If you want an average HEPA filter, then this may do the job. Basic Specifications: The Enviracaire HEPA 50250 is designed for spaces up to 312 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The 50250 uses a 2-step process. Initially the air passes through a thin carbon filter and then through a more substantial HEPA filter. The purifier has a 3-speed fan, filter change indicators, and a 5-year warranty. The carbon filter is a bit on the thin size and will need to be replaced every 3 months ($15.99). Expect some initial plastic outgassing smell from this Honeywell air purifier. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 250 / Dust 250/ Pollen 250 Rating Factors: 1) Value: 12/24 points - The MSRP is $199.99. The square footage cleaned is 312 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($199.99 initial + $153.22/year)/312 sqft)/4 removal points)) = 71.70. 71.70 = 12 points - fair value. 2) What is Removed: 4/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Fair Removal, 1-point. Removal of Odors and Gases - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 6/15 points - Carbon Filter Replacement will cost you 4 X $15.99 = $63.96/year. The HEPA filters do not need to be replaced unless damaged or wore out. There are 3 stackable filters running about $60 to replace them all. Electricity ranges from 50 to 170 watts. I'll estimate 115 watts. Calculating electricity usage: 115 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $89.25/year. Total cost $153.22/year. Above Average to operate. 4) Quality: 7/12 points - The design and quality are adequate. The technology is basic. The setup manual is better than some of the Honeywell models. Presented at KAZ as made in the USA, I'm a little suspect, if not surprised. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies - Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material - Good Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - This purifier comes with a 5-year limited warranty. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - Maintenance is limited to changing the carbon filter every 3 months. Changing filters and cleaning should take 20-30 minutes every 3 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning is limited to vacuuming the HEPA filter every 3-6 months. The HEPA filter is listed as permanent and lifetime, but may need replacement depending on your perception of need and/or actual usage level. If you take care of the HEPA filter, it should last awhile. Average Cleaning 2-points. 7) Look and Feel: 3/6 points - This looks like a big plastic donut. Efficient as a HEPA air purifier, but definitely not as easy to fit into decor as some purifiers. Questionable Looks, 1-point. Easy to use and run. Feels Good, 2-point. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Most Honeywell Air Purifiers are made by KAZ. Kaz has been manufacturing products since 1926. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - Just below 35dB on lowest fan speed. High is at 57 dB. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - Instructions are simplified. Easy Set-up. total = 56/100 points Conclusion: An average HEPA filter with limited odor and gas removal. Summary: This is a good solid HEPA filter which will get rid of most dust and pet dander. It is easy to use. It has a good 5-year warranty. The maintenance costs are moderate to high for this type of purifier. If you want an average HEPA filter, then this model may do the job. Basic Specifications: The QuietCare 17005 is designed for spaces up to 168 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The 17005 uses a 2-step process. Initially the air passes through a thin carbon filter and then through a more substantial HEPA filter. The purifier has a 3-speed fan, filter change indicators, remote control and a 5-year warranty. The carbon filter is a bit on the thin size and will need to be replaced every 3 months ($15.99). The HEPA filter needs replacement every 1 to 3 years. It costs just under $50 per replacement. Expect some initial plastic outgassing smell. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating from The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) Smoke 130/ Dust 130/ Pollen 130 Rating Factors: 1) Value: 8/24 points - The MSRP is $149.99. The square footage cleaned is 168 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($149.99 initial + $179.98/year)/168 sqft)/4 removal points)) = 50.90. 50.90 = 8 points - poor value. 2) What is Removed: 4/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Fair Removal, 1-point. Removal of Odors and Gases - Fair Removal, 1-point, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 6/15 points - Carbon Filter Replacement will cost 4 X $15.99 = $63.96/year. The HEPA filter is listed as permanent, but the manual states life at 1-3 years depending on usage. If lasting 2 years, the cost per year would be (2 filters needed X $22.99)/2 = $22.99/year. Calculating electricity usage: 120 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $93.03/year. Total cost $179.98/year. Above Average to operate. 4) Quality: 5/12 points - The design and quality are adequate. The technology is basic. The setup manual is better than some of the Honeywell models. Presented at KAZ as made in the USA, I'm a little suspect, if not surprised. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Good Quality, 3-points. Cleaning Technologies - Good Quality, 3-points. Support Material - Fair Quality, 1-point. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - This purifier comes with a 5-year limited warranty. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - Maintenance is limited to changing the carbon filter every 3 months. Changing filters and cleaning should take 20-30 minutes every 3 months. Easy Maintenance, 3-points. Cleaning is limited to vacuuming the HEPA filter every 3-6 months. The HEPA filter is listed as permanent, but the manual states life at 1-3 years depending on usage. If you take care of the HEPA filter, it should last awhile. Average Cleaning 2-points. 7) Look and Feel: 2/6 points - A little better looking than the "plastic donut" above (50250), but it still will be a challenge with some decors. Questionable Looks, 1-point. Easy to use and run. Feels Good, 2-point. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Most Honeywell Air Purifiers are made by KAZ. Kaz has been manufacturing products since 1926. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - This purifier is marketed as quiet. User reviews state otherwise. No dB given, but I'm giving it an average rating based on user reviews. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 3/3 points - Instructions are simplified. Easy Set-up. total = 49/100 points Conclusion: Another average HEPA filter with limited odor and gas removal. Return to STEP3 Reviews A-H from Honeywell Air Purifier
|
