A little research pays off! This was my first air purifier purchase. Originally, I was going to buy an ionic one.But, I was amazed once I started researching how little I knew!
In case you're in the same boat, Here's the criteria I ultimately set, ratings for this model on the criteria, and my experience with it:
CRITERIA #1: Must noticably reduce our allergies, clear smoke and odors:5+ Stars!
Have had it two months with a smoker, a hairy dog, and allergy season in full bloom. Reduced allergies and no breathing problems at home since we got it. Noticable quick removal of odors and smoke!
(NOTE: More power than I even intended. You may be able to get a cheaper model if you don't want all this one has:
A) Electrostatic/Ionic- attracts pollutants from a wide area, but not odors and allergens
B) Carbon - clears smoke, odors and pollutants but not germs and allergens
C) HEPA - traps even the smallest of allergens, but nothing else
D) UV - destroys bacteria and germs, but not allergens, pollution or smoke - cheaper models offer only HEPA and UV filters.)
Best Added Feature: The sensor lights that let you know the status of your air quality - and then watching them go off when it's corrected the problem.
CRITERIA #2: Low/No ozone model! 5+ stars.
I found that the old sharper image-type ionic-only models (many still on the market at reduced prices) only clean pollutants, but not odors and allergens.Worse, they generate ozone at a level that can exacberate asthma problems. The electrostatic filter combined with the ionic one in this model - eliminate that problem. Look for one that has this!
CRITERIA #3: High area coverage: 4.5 stars.
I found an obscure site that lists air purifiers and their coverage areas and particle levels. This one seems to cover about 1,200 sq. ft. - or more than double what is listed. But, even with what was listed, proved to be the best ranked in comparison with price levels.
CRITERIA #4: Low Noise: 4-stars.
We keep it in the living room mostly on auto. On low and medium, it's very quiet. On automatic mostly very quiet, unless it's under attack from something like cooking or opening the door frequently. On high, it makes a noticable "white noise". But, it's OK good for falling asleep and not so loud you can't hear the TV. Wouldn't put it on "high" regularly though.
CRITERIA #5: Price/Value including maintenance: 4.5 stars
My budget was $200.I went over that slightly. But, the filters on this one are so much cheaper than the models I compared it to that the extra $40 should more than pay out.
BOTTOM LINE: I chose this one based on research, but I highly recommend it for quality and value! If you want to cleaner, fresher air and reduced home allergies without intrusive noise - at the price, I'm not sure you can do better.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro Air PurifierProduct Description: The Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro Air Purifier outperforms Consumer Reports' Top-Rated Air Purifier!Nearly 100% effective in clinical tests, and five times more effective in toxin removal test than top-rated model.Features a wide array of sensors and monitors to let you knoweverything from which pollutants are detected to when to change the filters.Odor, dust and allergen sensors let you know when certain pollutants are detected, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.The clean air monitor tells you how clean or polluted the air is, removing the guesswork.Select "Automatic" mode to maximize performance and energy savings.Diagnostic sensors indicate when to replace filters, and when to clean the metal dust collector grid.The UV light and ionizer indicators let you know that these functions are working.The Intelli-Pro features six leading air-cleaning technologies: Electrostatically-charged dust collection grid traps particles and pollutants like a magnet. Simply wipe clean when dirty.Long-lasting, high-efficiency HEPA filter - most effective way to capture dust and allergens.Activated carbon filter traps chemicals, gases and odors.Germicidal UV lamp destroys micro-organisms.Completely safe ionizer (virtually no ozone), and scientifically proven to be effective and to enhance filter efficiency.The washable pre filter does not require replacement, and enhances the durability and performance of the other filters.The Multiple Air Inlet Design enables maximum air flow through the unit. The powerful, yet quiet fan accelerates the purified air throughout the room. The Intelli-Pro is energy efficient, and uses sensor technology to reduce electricity usage. Offers low-cost replacement filter and UV lamp.Features "Quiet" setting to maintain peace and tranquility in room.
Buy cheap Surround Air XJ-3800 Intelli-Pro Air Purifier now
I purchased one of these from Target a few days ago because my apartment smelled like cigarettes from the smokers down the hall. Sure enough, the unit cleaned out the whole bedroom's smell and let me sleep much better overnight. A rather unexpected thing happened as well though. I had read someone else's feedback about an air purifier stopping their snoring. I didn't really think that could happen, but sure enough it did the same for me. Maybe there's some type of allergen in carpetted rooms that causes throat or sinus tissue inflammation or something... I don't know; but it works. I've also read that the filtrete filters used by 3M are not as effective as HEPA filters, and don't disinfect like an ozone-based purifiers, but this guy does the trick for me (and the filters are cheap). Overall, I'm quite happy with it. The funny little purple control knob on the top also grows on you.
