Points to Consider

Tobacco Smoke: Due to its pervasiveness and the complexity
of its composition, tobacco smoke is a particular challenge for
current air filtration technology, as are other gaseous pollutants.
Tobacco smoke is one of the three “yardstick” pollutants in
AHAM’s CADR testing. When tobacco smoke is present in
the indoor environment, study AHAM’s CADR test results for
the units you are considering. The higher the CADR results for
tobacco smoke, the better the unit’s ability to remove it.
Keep in mind: the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) notes
that while HEPA filters can remove some tobacco smoke par-
ticles, none remove all of the 4,000 chemicals that comprise
tobacco smoke.
VOCs: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous
components introduced into room air through the indoor use of
pesticides, glues, solvents and cleaning agents. They include a
staggering variety of chemicals emitted as gases from petro-
leum based solids and liquids.
More often an industrial problem, VOCs are likely to be present
in homes where graphic production, crafts involving glues and
paints, photographic processing, and auto or other repairs
involving solvents take place. VOC levels may rise during
remodelling and redecorating, and following pest control or ag-
gressive cleaning activities.
In environments where VOC sources may be present, look for
a filter incorporating activated carbon compounds as a filter
media. Activated carbon compounds can effectively adsorb
gaseous pollutants, notes the OAR in its publication Residential
Air Cleaners: Summary of Available Information. However, filter
replacement is critical to avoid the eventual release of VOCs
from the saturated filter. The OAR recommends changing the
filters as recommended by the maker to reduce the risk of
outgassing.
Ease of Use
Filter change can be as simple as lifting the unit’s lid and sliding
filters in and out, or a complicated operation involving hand
tools. At Blueair we have designed our units for easy filter
change, with no heavy lifting or tools required.
Operating instructions should include detailed directions for
filter replacement and periodic internal cleaning. Internal clean-
ing is a particular issue with electrostatic precipitators, in which
filters are cleaned and sterilised rather than replaced.
Operating Cost
Replacement filters are an on-going expense for the life of the
unit. Check the manufacturer’s recommended replacement
interval and the filter cost, as well as any shipping charge. The
OAR notes that the most effective units are generally also the
most costly to purchase and maintain.
The operating expense most often overlooked when select-
ing an air cleaner is the energy cost. Filter efficiency claims
are based on constant, rather than intermittent, operation. The
energy cost of 24 hour per day use should be considered dur-
ing the selection process. Look for the unit’s energy use and if
it’s EnergyStar certified.
Bells and Whistles
Operating noise can be a significant factor when using the unit
in a sick room or bedroom, or for that matter a restaurant or
hotel, especially if the unit is run 24 hours per day as recom-
mended. Knowing this, a manufacturer may claim that their
product is “whisper quiet” or “virtually noiseless.” Confirm vague
claims by requesting specific operating noise values, ex-
pressed in decibels. On the lowest setting (the typical operating
speed), Blueair units are about as quiet as the average desktop
computer--approximately 35 decibels.
The draft created by the unit’s air processing system is not as
easily quantifiable as noise or efficiency levels. Generally, a draft
must be evaluated by seeing (or feeling) the unit in operation.
Some in-room air cleaners direct a strong stream of air from
one or two exit points, while others diffuse air through many exit
points to mitigate uncomfortable drafts.
Construction Quality
In-room air filters are an investment. As with any appliance, look
for a system with quality construction, especially internal mov-
ing components such as fans and blowers. Check the warranty
to make sure it covers internal components. The unit should be
listed with an organisation such as the Underwriters Laboratory
or ETL and should meet U.S. standards for safety. Overseas,
look for ETL Semko.
The durability of materials used for the cabinet is a strong
secondary consideration. Because portable in-room units are
subject to more handling than fixed systems, units with metal
housings are likely to hold up better in the long term than units
with plastic cabinets. Also, plastics generally resonate more
with fans or other internal components; an air cleaner housed in
a metal cabinet is likely to produce less operating noise.
Warranty
As with any appliance, choose an established manufacturer
with a comprehensive, long-term warranty. Normally, warran-
ties are made available at the point of purchase, even when
purchases are made through the mail or online.
Consider both the length of the warranty and what is covered.
Most in-room air cleaner manufacturers offer a limited warranty
for a specific period of time. A limited warranty covers only
those components specified, and may not cover the cost of di-
agnosis, labour and/or shipping in the event of product failure.
Most warranties are less than half of what Blueair offers.
Page 4 of 5
6
7
8
9
10