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Review of IQ Air Purifier Models
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Model: HealthPro Plus
Model: HealthPro  - Fair Rating
Up to 325 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP $735 Upgradeable to "Plus" Conclusion: Recommend only if you plan to upgrade V5-cell later; otherwise get the HealthPro Plus. Detailed Review Below 
Model: IQ Air Purifier HealthPro Compact - Fair Rating
Up to 300 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP $689 Not Upgradeable to "Plus" Conclusion: Not recommended over the HealthPro or HealthPro Plus. Detailed Review Below 
Model: IQ Air Purifier GC MultiGas - Fair Rating
Up to 290 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP $1035 Conclusion: Recommended only to chemically sensitive individuals or specialized business locations. Detailed Review Below
Model: HealthPro Plus Last Reviewed: 11-15-07 Rating Score: 66/100 points Summary: I like the quality of this IQ Air purifier and all the support and certification material. There is no doubt that the engineering is of the highest quality for a passive technology purifier. Maintenance is minimal, but the ongoing filter cost is high. I like the remote. The overall value is high. This purifier is large, but it has good looks. It would look out of place in a small room. I would recommend this unit over the HealthPro or HealthPro Compact because of the added Gas/odor and VOC removal. Basic Specifications: The HealthPro Plus is designed for spaces up to 300 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The HealthPro Plus uses a 3-step process. Particles pass through three high tech Filters: PreMax(for coarse and fine dust), V5-Cell(for Gas and odor), and HyperHEPA(for fine particles like allergens, bacteria, and viruses). The HealthPro Plus has a 6-speed fan and offers a 5-year warranty. The PreMax needs changing every 6-18 months ($59). The V5-Cell 1-2 years ($89) . The HyperHEPA 2-4 years ($189) This purifier is relatively easy to maintain with a long time between filter changing. Comes with remote. The IQ Air purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
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Rating Factors: 1) Value: 12/24 points - The MSRP is $835. The square footage cleaned is 300 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($835 initial + $289.66/year)/300 sqft)/13 removal points)) = 71.16. 71.16 = 12 points - fair value. 2) What is Removed: 13/16 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 - Very Good Removal, 3-points, Removal of VOCs - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 3/15 points - Actual filter life is hard to pinpoint. Each of the 3 filters has a digital readout indicator that measures when it needs replacing. The manual rates filters at 10 hours per day on fan setting 3 (medium). Most people run their purifier 24 x 7. PreMax filter estimate 1 replace per year = $59/ year. V5-Cell filter estimate every 1.5 years = $89/1.5= $59/year. HyperHEPA filter estimate every 3 years = $189/3 = $63/year. Electricity ranges from 85 to 215 watts depending on fan speed. I'll make an assumption of 140 watts. Calculating electricity usage: 140 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $108.66/year. Total cost $289.66/year. Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 12/12 points - This is a well engineered purifier. Quality is top-notch and it shows. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Excellent Quality, 2-points. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - The IQ purifier has a 5-year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - A big plus for IQ units is precision. Air tightness is valuable for air purifiers. Very little leakage occurs around filters. This comes with a small price though, the filters take a few additional steps to change. You do not have to change them often (some as little as 6 months and some as long as 2-4 years) and the instructions are fairly clear. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Cleaning is simply wiping the outside as needed with a damp rag. Easy Cleaning 3-points. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - It is large, but good looking. It has a modern look with modern looking controls. Looks Good, 2-points. Controls may take a little time to learn to use, but the remote will help with important settings. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Air products designed and manufactured for over 40 years. They are located in Switzerland. 9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - Just below 45dB on lowest fan speed. This unit has a 6-speed fan, so a desired speed vs. noise can be found. High is "high" at above 70 dB. Loud Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 2/3 points - Generally, less than 10 minutes if you can move around 35-40 lbs. Putting the casters on is a snap, but means gently setting the purifier on its side. This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Very well wrapped. Average Set-up. total = 66/100 points Conclusion: This is the Best IQ air purifier for basic home use. Model: HealthPro Upgradeable to HealthPro Plus Last Reviewed: 11-12-07 Rating Score: 57/100 points Summary: I like the quality of this IQ air purifier and all the support and certification material. There is no doubt that the engineering is of the highest quality for a passive technology purifier. Maintenance is minimal, but the ongoing filter cost is high. I like the remote. The overall value is lower than the HealthPro Plus because of the missing gas/odor and VOC removal. The unit is the same as the HealthPro Plus and you could upgrade this purifier at anytime by purchasing a V5-cell for $89. This purifier is large, but it has good looks. It would look out of place in a small room. I would recommend this unit only if you plan to upgrade to the HealthPro Plus at a later date. Basic Specifications: Basic Specifications: The HealthPro is designed for spaces up to 325 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The HealthPro uses a 2-step process. Particles pass through two high tech Filters: PreMax(for coarse and fine dust) and HyperHEPA(for fine particles like allergens, bacteria, and viruses). The HealthPro has a 6-speed fan and offers a 5-year warranty. The PreMax needs changing every 6-18 months ($59). The HyperHEPA 2-4 years ($189). There is an open spot if you desire to add the V5-cell at a later date. This purifier is relatively easy to maintain with a long time between filter changing. Comes with remote. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 8/24 points - The MSRP is $735. The square footage cleaned is 325 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($735 initial + $230.66/year)/325 sqft)/8 removal points)) = 62.86. 62.86 = 8 points - poor value. 2) What is Removed: 8/16 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 - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 3/15 points - Actual filter life is hard to pinpoint. Each of the 2 filters has a digital readout indicator that measures when it needs replacing. The manual rates filters at 10 hours per day on fan setting 3 (medium). Most people run their purifier 24 x 7. PreMax filter estimate 1 replace per year = $59/year. HyperHEPA filter estimate every 3 years = $189/3 = $63/year. Electricity ranges from 85 to 215 watts depending on fan speed. I'll make an assumption of 140 watts. Calculating electricity usage: 140 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $108.66/year. Total cost $230.66/year. Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 12/12 points - This is a well engineered purifier. Quality is top-notch and it shows. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Excellent Quality, 2-points. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - The IQ purifier has a 5-year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - A big plus for IQ units is precision. Air tightness is valuable for air purifiers. Very little leakage occurs around filters. This comes with a small price though, the filters take a few additional steps to change. You do not have to change them often (some as little as 6 months and some as long as 2-4 years) and the instructions are fairly clear. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Cleaning is simply wiping the outside as needed with a damp rag. Easy Cleaning 3-points. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - It is large, but good looking. It has a modern look with modern looking controls. Looks Good, 2-points. Controls may take a little time to learn to use, but the remote will help with important settings. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Air products designed and manufactured for over 40 years. They are located in Switzerland. 9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - Just below 45dB on lowest fan speed. This unit has a 6-speed fan, so a desired speed vs. noise can be found. High is "high" at above 70 dB. Loud Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 2/3 points - Generally, less than 10 minutes if you can move around 35-40 lbs. Putting the casters on is a snap, but means gently setting the purifier on its side. This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Very well wrapped. Average Set-up. total = 57/100 points Conclusion: I would only recommend this IQ air purifier if you plan to add the upgrade V5-cell at a later date; otherwise get the HealthPro Plus. Model: HealthPro Compact Not upgradeable to HealthPro Plus Last Reviewed: 11-12-07 Rating Score: 57/100 points Summary: I like the quality of this IQ air purifier and all the support and certification material. There is no doubt that the engineering is of the highest quality for a passive technology purifier. Maintenance is minimal, but the ongoing filter cost is high. I like the remote. The overall value is lower than the HealthPro Plus because of the missing gas/odor and VOC removal. The unit is the same as the HealthPro Plus other than the missing V5-cell and space. This purifier is a little smaller than the HealthPro and it looks good. It may look out of place in a small room. I generally would not recommend this unit over the HealthPro or HealthPro Plus because of the inability to upgrade or have the V5-cell for gas/odor and VOC control. Basic Specifications: Basic Specifications: The HealthPro Compact is designed for spaces up to 300 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The HealthPro Compact uses a 2-step process. Particles pass through two high tech Filters: PreMax(for coarse and fine dust) and HyperHEPA(for fine particles like allergens, bacteria, and viruses). The HealthPro Compact has a 6-speed fan and offers a 5-year warranty. The PreMax needs changing every 6-18 months ($59). The HyperHEPA 2-4 years ($189). This purifier is relatively easy to maintain with a long time between filter changing. Comes with remote. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 8/24 points - The MSRP is $689. The square footage cleaned is 300 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($689 initial + $230.66/year)/300 sqft)/8 removal points)) = 61.68. 62.86 = 8 points - poor value. 2) What is Removed: 8/16 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 - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of VOCs - Poor Removal, 0-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 3/15 points - Actual filter life is hard to pinpoint. Each of the 2 filters has a digital readout indicator that measures when it needs replacing. The manual rates filters at 10 hours per day on fan setting 3 (medium). Most people run their purifier 24 x 7. PreMax filter estimate 1 replace per year = $59/year. HyperHEPA filter estimate every 3 years = $189/3 = $63/year. Electricity ranges from 85 to 215 watts depending on fan speed. I'll make an assumption of 140 watts. Calculating electricity usage: 140 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $108.66/year. Total cost $230.66/year. Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 12/12 points - This is a well engineered purifier. Quality is top-notch and it shows. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Excellent Quality, 2-points. 5) Warranty: 8/8 points - The IQ purifier has a 5-year warranty. Filters are not covered unless defective. Excellent Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - A big plus for IQ units is precision. Air tightness is valuable for air purifiers. Very little leakage occurs around filters. This comes with a small price though, the filters take a few additional steps to change. You do not have to change them often (some as little as 6 months and some as long as 2-4 years) and the instructions are fairly clear. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Cleaning is simply wiping the outside as needed with a damp rag. Easy Cleaning 3-points. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - It is large, but good looking. It has a modern look with modern looking controls. Looks Good, 2-points. Controls may take a little time to learn to use, but the remote will help with important settings. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Air products designed and manufactured for over 40 years. They are located in Switzerland. 9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - Just below 45dB on lowest fan speed. This unit has a 6-speed fan, so a desired speed vs. noise can be found. High is "high" at above 70 dB. Loud Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 2/3 points - Generally, less than 10 minutes if you can move around 35-40 lbs. Putting the casters on is a snap, but means gently setting the purifier on its side. This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Very well wrapped. Average Set-up. total = 57/100 points Conclusion: I would not recommend this IQ air purifier over the HealthPro or HealthPro Plus. Summary: I like the quality of this IQ Air purifier and all the support and certification material. There is no doubt that the engineering is of the highest quality for a passive technology purifier. Maintenance is minimal, but the ongoing filter cost is very high. I like the remote. This purifier is large, but it has good looks. It may look out of place in a small room. I generally would not recommend this unit over the HealthPro Plus unless you seek superior gas/odor and VOC control. Basic Specifications: The GC MultiGas is designed for spaces up to 290 sqft (6 air changes per hour). This purifier is "passive technology" as the air must travel through the purifier to be cleaned. The GC MultiGas uses a 3-step process. Particles pass through three high tech Filters: a Special PreMax(for coarse, fine, and ultra-fine particles), two Gas removing cartridges(for gas, odor, and VOCs) and two statically charged post filter sleeves(for final clean-up). The GC MultiGas has a 6-speed fan. This is a commercial unit and only offers a 1-year warranty. The PreMax needs changing every 6-18 months ($59). The two Gas removing cartridges 1-3 years ($265). The post-filter sleeves 1-3 years ($96) This purifier is relatively easy to maintain with a long time between filter changing. Comes with remote. The purifier has non-outgasing surfaces.
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 8/24 points - The MSRP is $1035. The square footage cleaned is 290 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($1035 initial + $348.16/year)/290 sqft)/13 removal points)) = 63.31. 63.31 = 8 points - poor value. 2) What is Removed: 13/16 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 - Very Good Removal, 3-points, Removal of VOCs - Good Removal, 2-point, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Poor Removal, 0-points. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 0/15 points - Actual filter life is hard to pinpoint. Each of the 3 filter types has a digital readout indicator that measures when it needs replacing. The manual rates filters at 10 hours per day on fan setting 3 (medium). Most people run their purifier 24 x 7. PreMax filter estimate 1 replace per year = $59/ year. Gas and Odor cartridges estimate every 2 years = $265/2 = $132.50/year. Post Filter Sleeves estimate every 2 years = $96/2 =$48/year. Electricity ranges from 85 to 215 watts depending on fan speed. I'll make an assumption of 140 watts. Calculating electricity usage: 140 watts/1000 X $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day X 365 days/year = $108.66/year. Total cost $348.16/year. Very Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 12/12 points - This is a well engineered purifier. Quality is top-notch and it shows. Fit, Finish, and Workmanship - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Cleaning Technologies - Excellent Quality, 5-points. Support Material - Excellent Quality, 2-points. 5) Warranty: 2/8 points - This is considered a commercial unit, but works well for home use. Commercial units are generally run "harder". 1 year warranty except filters. Fair Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - A big plus for IQ units is precision. Air tightness is valuable for air purifiers. Very little leakage occurs around filters. This comes with a small price though, the filters take a few additional steps to change. You do not have to change them often (some as little as 6 months and some as long as 2-4 years) and the instructions are fairly clear. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Cleaning is simply wiping the outside as needed with a damp rag. Easy Cleaning 3-points. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - It is large, but good looking. It has a modern look with modern looking controls. Looks Good, 2-points. Controls may take a little time to learn to use, but the remote will help with important settings. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 5/5 points - Air products designed and manufactured for over 40 years. They are located in Switzerland. 9) Noise Level: 2/5 points - Just below 45dB on lowest fan speed. This unit has a 6-speed fan, so a desired speed vs. noise can be found. High is "high" at above 70 dB. Loud Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 2/3 points - Generally, less than 10 minutes if you can move around 35-40 lbs. Putting the casters on is a snap, but means gently setting the purifier on its side. This is a larger air purifier and it may take a "little extra" to get it out of the box. Very well wrapped. Average Set-up. This model will take a little study if you want to use the timer/day of the week mode. total = 53/100 points Conclusion: I would recommend this IQ air purifier only to chemically sensitive individuals or specialized business locations. Return to STEP3 Reviews I-Z from IQ Air Purifier
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The HealthPro Plus is my top IQ choice.
- Very Good Rating
