Air purifiers have come a long way in terms of design and technology. I've gone thru the simple HEPA filters, charcoal filter, UV bulbs, electrostatic ionizers, washable collector cells, and controversial ozone emitting products.
Now I'm down to two in my home one of which is the RabbitAir MinusA2 air purifier. I love it's stylish design that doesn't look boring, kitschy, or even gimmicky. I can place it in any part of my home and it doesn't look like an eyesore.
PROS:
1. Design - slim and modern
2. Controls - chrome-like buttons all laid out on one side
3. Remote - a small plastic remote emulating all the chrome buttons on the unit that is especially useful if you decide to hang the unit on a wall
4. Mood Light / Night Light - a horizontal strip of light in the front of the unit which contributes to the ambiance in the home.
5. Technology -
a. Silver Ion Pre-Filter - washable filter similar to A/C units with a fine mesh weave that capture large dust
particles. RabbitAir goes one step further by coating it with silver ions which have been proven to retard or even eliminate bacteria growth.
b. Anti-Bacterial Medium Filter - which appears to be a blue cotton filter and captures finer dust particles, pollen, mold and bacteria.
c. BioGS HEPA filter - (technology found on the previous BioGS models) and captures even more of the above plus fungus, dust mites, odours, smoke and greenhouse gases.
d. Customized Filter - another stage in filtration to specifically tailor to your choice of "Germ Defense", "Pet Allergy" and "Toxin Absorber".
e. Charcoal Based Activated Carbon Filter - the final stage in filtration in an old reliable charcoal filtration method that helps absorb more odours and toxins.
All of the above filters are housed in a relatively sturdy filter case which helps organize and arrange these for easy removal and replacement.
f. Negative Ion Generator - which further helps purify the air by clinging to suspended particles that haven't passed thru the filter and essentially making them fall to the floor rather than float around.
g. Brushless Motor - essentially produces a longer motor life and a quiet operation due to a friction-less design.
6. Filter Life / Cost - Less time consuming and relatively less expensive replacement method by being able to operate for a year in between changes. Of course, regular monthly maintenance is recommended by vacuuming and/or washing the pre-filter as well as cleaning the vents and odour analyzer.
7. Function -
a. Odour Sensor - a vent on the right side that detects changes in air quality and adjusts fan speed accordingly for faster air purification. Of course, effective placement of the air purifier matters for a more effective operation.
b. Light Sensor - detects available light and shuts down the mood light (if used) and air quality indicator.
c. Air Quality Indicator - gives a visual indication of present air quality by changing from blue (good) to purple, pink and then red (bad).
d. Easy front panel removal - no clumsy clips here. Elegant magnet on the bottom and a simple latch on top to facilitate easy pre-filter cleaning and filter replacement.CONS:
My gripe is the filter replacement cost. As of this writing the marketing of the filter can last "up to two years". If you further read the manual and manufacturer FAQ, this of course means operating the unit non-continuously at only 12 hours a day. But RabbitAir has stated this on their website FAQ:
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Q: Why should I run my air purifier continuously?
A:To be truly effective, ALL air purifiers should be run continuously. Scientific researches confirm that indoor air pollution rapidly returns to pretreatment levels when an air purifier is turned off.
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To truly benefit from the air purifier, then it is a no-brainer to operate it for 24 hours a day (unless it's on a vacation home that sees traffic a few times a year). Which means under "normal use" then filter life is really good for a year. Replacement cost then amounts to $75 a year plus shipping and taxes, where applicable. I would have preferred the manufacturers offer discounted filter service and free shipping KNOWING that loyal customers will be replacing their filters anyway at this predictable time frame.
Throw us a bone and make it more convenient so we won't go looking for other air purifiers down the road.OVERALL:
I would recommend this product with it's higher quality manufacturing and design that sets it apart from other air purifiers. Are the air filters with it's multi-stage redundant layers gimmicky? I don't know. Independent reviews and studies (not provided by the manufacturer) will prove in time. And it does beat simple one-layer filters of other machines, well, at a higher price to pay.
Of course, air purifier manufacturers will tell you that "there is no price to pay for your health". Well there certainly is a price to pay for buying these purifiers and if RabbitAir can improve their product filter replacement cost down the road and independent studies can prove the performance of their filters, then we definitely have a winner in the MinusA2 model.
As for which model to buy - SPA-780A or SPA-700A. I can only say that they are exactly the same on the outside as well as filter replacement parts. The only difference is a more powerful motor to help cover a wider space and essentially guarantee up to 815 sq feet of area as well as a choice of glossy black or glossy white. Choose well.
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Rabbit Air MinusA2 (model SPA-780A covers 815 sq. ft.) Ultra-Quiet Air Purifier - Sylish, Efficient and Energy Star® Certified, Wall-MountableProduct Description: Protect your health and well-being with the Rabbit Air MinusA2. Energy Star certified, this ultra-efficient and whisper-quiet unit can keep your home or small office allergen free and smelling fresh. It can also fight germs that lead to illness. And with its streamlined design, the MinusA2 has a sleek, slim look that will complement any decor.
This ultra-efficient and whisper-quiet unit can keep your home or small office allergen free and smelling fresh. View larger.
Rabbit Air MinusA2 is entirely customizable. View larger.
Capable of trapping airborne allergens and contaminants down to 0.3 microns in size 99.97 percent of the time. View larger.
Includes the RabbitAir true HEPA filter and the Toxin Absorber filter. View larger.
Six-Stage Filtration One of the most innovative features of the MinusA2 is that it is entirely customizable. In other words, you can choose from a variety of custom filters and select the one that will benefit you and your family the most. Germ Defense, Pet Allergy, and Toxin Absorber are each specially engineered to trap and destroy different types of germs, chemicals, or allergens. Moreover, both Pet Allergy and Germ Defense customized filters can effectively lower the viral transmission of influenza virus.
The MinusA2 also boasts a six-stage purification system and an activated carbon filter to fight off odors. Additionally, it's capable of trapping airborne allergens and contaminants down to 0.3 microns in size 99.97 percent of the time.
Efficient, Safe, and Inexpensive Operation The MinusA2 covers up to 815 square feet based on two air changes per hour. More importantly, it's Energy Star Certified to help save you money and protect the environment--it only consumes 58 watts at high speed and eight watts at silent speed. For added peace of mind, the MinusA2 is safe; it emits no ozone and has a childproof design. To help protect little ones from harm, the unit will automatically shut off when the front panel is removed.
Virtually Maintenance Free While most ordinary HEPA air cleaners have only one filter or an all-in-one filter, the MinusA2 has five filters, including a washable pre-filter. The filters all last up to two years and are inexpensive to replace. Finally, this unit requires virtually no maintenance and is a breeze to operate. It is covered by a five-year warranty.
The MinusA2 measures 21.4 x 20.0 x 7.0 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 19.4 pounds.
What's in the Box MinusA2 SPA-780A, remote control, two "AAA" batteries, Nano-Silver pre-filter, medium filter, BioGS HEPA filter, Toxin Absorber filter, activated carbon filter, filter case, and warranty card.
Buy cheap Rabbit Air MinusA2 (model SPA-780A covers 815 sq. ft.) Ultra-Quiet Air Purifier - Sylish, Efficient and Energy Star® Certified, Wall-Mountable now Get 40% OFF
I was able to cut this into two pieces lengthwise to fit around my Enviracaire HEPA filter. I'm glad I have a paper cutter because I'm not sure how hard it would be to cut with scissors - definitely doable, but maybe some work.
