BlueAir 603

Blueair 603 Review Summary

The Good:
The Blueair 603 is an improved Blueair 503. It is still as quiet, but performs much better due to a different casing design and more efficient motor.

The Bad:
The machine’s efficient HEPASilent filter is expensive. And it doesn’t have an automatic sensor that adjusts the fan speed according to the pollution level.

The BottomLine:
If you want a high performance machine to clean normal household pollutants, this is one of the contender. But be prepared to pay a premium.

What we like about the BlueAir 603

The filters: The major difference between BlueAir machines and other air purifiers that uses a HEPA filter is in the technology called the HEPASilent.

The HEPASilent filters made by Blueair has larger holes than a normal HEPA but before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine uses ion brushes to charge if first. So, while normal air purifiers suck the air through their filter, the Blueair 603 makes the charged contaminants attracted to it’s filter.

Because of this, the filter is quieter and more efficient than most machines in the market. If a HEPA can trap contaminants 0.3 micron and larger, this one traps smaller airborne contaminants – from 0.1 micron or larger.

There are 3 HEPASilent filters positioned in this machine.

Filter change is easy: To replace all 3 filters inside the unit, you just need to open the top lid with your hand.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel and you can move it around your rooms using it’s castors. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter. And because it so quiet, there’s a blue power on light to let you know if it’s on operation.

Uses little electricity: An Energy Star qualified, it consumes 35 Watt on low and 120 Watt on high speed.

Works faster: Similar to the best-selling 503, the 603 diffuses filtered air from all sides. And because the filter doesn’t block the air, filtered air is released faster than machines using traditional HEPA.

It’s silent: Since air is not forced through the filters, the motor doesn’t need to work hard. Coupled with noise-muffling steel for the housing, you’ll get a quiet machine that lets you sleep peacefully.

Safe for kids and pets: This air purifier shuts down automatically if it’s door is opened. Important feature if you have small kids or curious pets around the house.

But, we are concerned that :

• It’s relatively expensive: Covering around 600 sq feet, the 603 is one of the most expensive air purifier in the class.
• The filter cost: You need to spend around $160 a year if you change the filter every 6 months as recommended by Blueair.
• Warranty : 10 years – but only if you change the filter according to Blueair’s schedule.
• No pre-filter : Most air cleaners come with pre-filter to stop bigger airborne particles from entering the main filter. But the 603 one lacks one. We suggest you vacuum your filter to help it lasts longer.
• It’s all manual: It has only 3 fan speeds that you adjust with a manual dial knob. It will not adjust the fan speed automatically if the air suddenly gets contaminated.
  
• No remote control : Not a big issue for most people.
  

BlueAir 503

Blueair 503 Review Summary

The Good:
The silent 503 consumes little energy and is rated as one of the most effective air purifier in the market due to it’s filter technology.

The Bad:
You need to change the unit’s 3 filters every 6 months.

The Bottomline:
This a solid air purifier for everyday use provided you don’t have any serious smoke, odor and molds problem.  If peaceful sleep is a major concern, this is one of the machine you should consider. But it is not cheap to own or maintain.

What we like about Blueair 503.

The filters:
The major difference between BlueAir machines and other air purifiers that uses a HEPA filter lies in the technology called the HEPASilent.

The HEPASilent has larger holes than a normal HEPA but before dirty air is sucked through the filter, the machine uses ion brushes to charge if first. So, while air purifiers made by other companies force the air through their filter, the Blueair 503 makes the charged contaminants attracted to it’s filter.

Because of this, the machine is quieter and more effective than most air purifiers in the market. If a HEPA can trap contaminants 0.3 micron and bigger, this filter can trap smaller airborne contaminants of 0.1 micron or larger.

Filter is easy to change: You can change the filter without a screwdriver or any other tools.

Practical: The unit is made of galvanized steel and can be moved around using it’s castors. There’s also a timer that counts down from 6 months to remind you when to change the filter. And because it so quiet, there’s a blue power on light to let you know if it’s on operation.

Uses little electricity: An Energy Star qualified, it only consumes 35 Watt on low and 120 Watt on high speed.

Works faster: The 503 diffuses filtered air from the sides and top. And because the filter doesn’t block the air, clean air is delivered faster.

It’s silent: Since air is not blocked, the motor doesn’t need to work hard. Coupled with noise-muffling steel for the housing, you’ll get a quiet machine that lets you sleep peacefully.

Safe for kids and pets: This air purifier shuts down automatically if it’s door is opened. Important feature if you have curious kids or pets around the house.

But, we are concerned that :

• It’s not cheap: The price says it all.
  
• The filter cost: If you replace it every 6 months as advised by the company, you’re looking at around $160 a year. It’s bigger sibling, the Blueair 603 costs the same but covers bigger area.
  
• Warranty : You need to change your filter according to the schedule or you’ll void your warranty.
• No pre-filter : Most air cleaners come with pre-filter to stop bigger airborne particles from entering the main filter. But this one lacks one. We suggest you vacuum your filter regularly.
• No auto sensor: You need to adjust the fan speed manually because there is no automatic sensor to detect pollution and adjusts the settings.
• No remote : Because it is not a digitally controlled machine, there’s no remote control.

Alen A375 Review

Alen A375 UV Air Purifier Review Summary

The Good: An easy to change 3 in 1 filter with 2 UV lamps is versatile enough to clean and sterile the air of most homes.  Has a simple safety feature and lifetime warranty.

The Bad: The top 2 fan speeds are loud.

The Bottomline: If Alen A375 is a car, it would be a Honda Civic. It’s a simple, reliable machine with  better features and performance than most units at the same price. If you need an affordable machine that not only cleans the air but also sterilize it from floating germs or fungus, this is one of your options. Coupled with a lifetime warranty, this is surely one of the most attractive air cleaner in the market.

What we like about the Alen A375

The filter: Like other Alencorp machines, this one has a 3 in 1 filter – a pre-filter, a HEPA and an activated carbon all rolled into one. This helps make it easy to change your filter as well as ordering them (you don’t need to order separate filters at separate time like many air cleaners).

It also contains Photo-Catalytic Oxidation technology to help reduce harmful VOCs (VOCs are the harmful vapors that things like glue, formaldehyde and some aerosols emit.)

UV Lamps: It also comes with 2 UV lamps to kill bacteria in your air. Handy if you suspect you have molds under your damp carpets.

Easy: The A375 is also easy to use  because it comes with a remote control, smart automatic filter change indicator and a timer function. You can basically control it from the comfort of your sofa or bed.

Save Space: If your space is tight, you can mount it on the wall. And if you hate the plain look, there are 6 bright, funky skins for the machine ( older folks may hate the bright colors though!)

Less Worry: One of the biggest advantage of this air purifier is a peace of mind :-

• Firstly, the machine shuts down automatically if the lid is opened. Very important if your have small kids or dogs.
• And secondly, it has a lifetime warranty (if you change your filter at recommended interval).

But we are concerned about the :

• Noise: You may want to keep it at any of the 2 lowest settings if you’re going to sleep. Sleeping with the machine at the highest speed may feel like sleeping in a wind tunnel.
• Filter costs: The filter cost is at par with many other air purifiers that covers an area this big. You’re looking at $90 – $120 a year.
• Ionizer: The unit comes with an optional ionizer function. Ionizers may emit ozone, which is harmful in large quantity. The company claims that the ozone this machine emits is 92% below the limit set by the FDA. But if you’re still worried, just turn the ionizer off.