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Review of NQ Air Purifiers Models
Reviews are only as good as the underlying rating criteria used: After you are done reviewing, STEP5 Buying lists the best places to NQ Air Purifier Summaries
Model: NQ Clarifier Medical Air Defense System  - Good Rating
Up to 1500 sqft (6 AC/hr) MSRP $999 Conclusion: A very good cleaner, but expensive to operate. Detailed Review Below
Model: NQ Clarifier with UV Sterilization Last Reviewed: 03/27/2008 Rating Score: 61/100 points
Basic Specifications:
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 20/24 points - The MSRP is $699. The estimated square footage cleaned is 1500 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($699 initial + $342.04/year)/1500 sqft)/12 removal points)) = 94.2. 94.2 = 20 points - Very Good Value. 2) What is Removed: 12/16 points - Removal of Larger Particles >0.3 microns - Very Good Removal, 3-points. Removal of Smaller Particles <0.3 microns - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Fair Removal, 1-point. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 0/15 points - The Pre-filter costs $16 and is replaced every 6 months = $32/year. The post-filter costs $16 and is replaced every 6 months = $32/year. The 15 lb Activated Carbon and lasts up to 24 months for $149.99 at $75/year. The HEPA filters last up to 24 months for $124.99 at $62.50/year. The 2 UV lights last 1 year at $34.99/year. Calculating electricity usage: 136 watts/1000 x $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = $105.55/year. Total cost $342.04/year. Very Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 9/12 points - This is a heavy duty air purifier. 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 NQ has a limited 2-year warranty. Fair Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - Routine maintenance includes replacing The pre and post filters every 6 months, replacing the 2 UV bulbs every year, replacing the HEPA filter every 18-24 months, and replacing the activated carbon Filter every 18-24 months. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Cleaning includes washing the pre and post filters every two months between replacements and general wiping down of cabinet. Easy Cleaning 3-points. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - This purifier looks sturdy and a bit industrial for home use. Maybe a good description would be heavy duty. Available in Black, White, and Sandstone. Looks Good, 2-points. The controls are basic and are on the top where they are easy to adjust and view. Weighs 48 lbs and measures 15" W X 28" H X 14" D. It has wheels. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - NQ Industries, Inc. was founded in 1993. They are located in Rocky Hill, CT and Bouchemaine, France. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - The three operating speeds are low at 45 dB, Medium at 55 dB, and High at 58 dB. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 2/3 points - Minor assembly required. Average Set-up. total = 61/100 points Conclusion: A good cleaner, but expensive to operate. Model: NQ Clarifier Medical Air Defense System Last Reviewed: 03/27/2008 Rating Score: 62/100 points Summary: The NQ Clarifier Medical Air Defense System combines Passive filtration with Passive UV disinfection. The main difference between this and the $699 version is the additional 2 UV lamps. This too is an industrial quality air purifier and is the choice for many businesses that use air purification. Unlike many companies in the consumer market, NQ's focus appears to be on the commercial and business end with a minor in residential models. The NQ air purifier unit is heavy, but does a decent job on most air contaminants. This cleaning level does come at a higher cost especially with the passive technologies. Its ability to clean larger spaces is a big plus. A Very Good Value. Basic Specifications:
Rating Factors: 1) Value: 20/24 points - The MSRP is $999. The estimated square footage cleaned is 1500 sqft. The Value equation is as follows: 100 * (1 - ((($999 initial + $377.05/year)/1500 sqft)/13 removal points)) = 92.9. 92.9 = 20 points - Very Good 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 - Good Removal, 2-points. Removal of Odors and Gases - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of VOCs - Good Removal, 2-points, Removal of Basic Microorganisms - Very Good Removal, 3-points, Removal of Advanced Microorganisms - Fair Removal, 1-point. 3) Yearly Operating Costs: 0/15 points - The Pre-filter costs $16 and is replaced every 6 months = $32/year. The post-filter costs $16 and is replaced every 6 months = $32/year. The 15 lb Activated Carbon and lasts up to 24 months for $149.99 at $75/year. The HEPA filters last up to 24 months for $124.99 at $62.50/year. The 4 UV lights last 1 year at $70/year. Calculating electricity usage: 136 watts/1000 x $.0886/kwh x 24 hours/day x 365 days/year = $105.55/year. Total cost $377.05/year. Very Expensive to operate. 4) Quality: 9/12 points - This is a heavy duty air purifier. 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 NQ has a limited 2-year warranty. Fair Warranty. 6) Maintenance and Cleaning: 5/6 points - Routine maintenance includes replacing The pre and post filters every 6 months, replacing the 4 UV bulbs every year, replacing the HEPA filter every 18-24 months, and replacing the activated carbon Filter every 18-24 months. Average Maintenance, 2-points. Cleaning includes washing the pre and post filters every two months between replacements and general wiping down of cabinet. Easy Cleaning 3-points. 7) Look and Feel: 4/6 points - This purifier looks sturdy and a bit industrial for home use. Maybe a good description would be heavy duty. Available in Black, White, and Sandstone. Looks Good, 2-points. The controls are basic and are on the top where they are easy to adjust and view. Weighs 48 lbs and measures 15" W X 28" H X 14" D. It has wheels. Feels Good, 2-points. 8) Years in Business: 4/5 points - NQ Industries, Inc. was founded in 1993. They are located in Rocky Hill, CT and Bouchemaine, France. 9) Noise Level: 3/5 points - The three operating speeds are low at 45 dB, Medium at 55 dB, and High at 58 dB. Average Noise Level. 10) Set-Up: 2/3 points - Minor assembly required. Average Set-up. total = 62/100 points Conclusion: A very good cleaner, but expensive to operate. Return to STEP3 Reviews I-Z from NQ Air Purifiers
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