Good product but hard to find replacement filter
Written: Dec 27 '04 (Updated Mar 16 '07)
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Pros: Small, relatively quiet, does its job effectively
Cons: After a few months of use, can't find replacement filters anywhere
The Bottom Line: I'd recommend the HAP240 to anyone with a small room or office who wants to clear the air at a great price. Make sure you can get replacement filters.
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| DCannon's Full Review: Holmes Products HAP240 Air Purifier |
I have a home office (grapic design) in an upstairs bedroom in a 20-yr old tudor style home. We bought the home about 1.5 yrs ago and although the carpeting is in pretty good condition and has been well taken care of, I'm sure it's the original stuff. Ever since I've had my office up here, I've found myself sneezing at least a couple times a day. After doing some research, I decided to try an air purifier and initially opted for a standard size Radio Shack (Honeywell) Environizer tower, but it really didn't help. I was still sneezing. I liked the idea of no filters to buy, but the thing was $199 and didn't seem to do much. Hepa type filtration seems to better "clean" the air, but depending on the unit, filters can become quite an expense. And there are issues of the filters trapping bacteria, with the possibility of that bacteria growing....or being pushed through the filter back into the room....yada, yada. I'm aware of all that. I believe any so-called air purifier has its pluses and minuses. But we have to compromise someplace if we're wanting to at least make our home environment somewhat better. It'll never be perfect. With that in mind, I returned the $200 Environizer that was obviously doing nothing, and without reading any more reviews, I went to WalMart to make a decision based on what I'd learned from my research. Knowledge is power, and all that. There, I read the specs of each unit, concentrating on the type of filtration and filter replacement expense/availability, whether or not it had ionization (which can help attract airborne paticulate), and another important consideration, the CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate...the rate at which the unit moves filtered air back into the room. I looked at several units, and the Holmes HAP240 stuck out among the rest for my needs...at least according to the specs. It's small, has a good CADR for my 12x12 room (even though it's rated for a 10x11 room). Some of the larger units rated for larger rooms had no better CADR, and a couple weren't as good. It requires one filter replacement, which is about $15, so if it can last 6mo, I'd be happy with that for cleaner air...IF it works. It also has ionization with the option to turn it on or off. And the price is right....$30. So I got it. And I've stopped sneezing.
In the Box
You get the HAP240 unit and one HEPA filter.
Appearance & Size
The unit is well designed with a large air intake grille in front that covers the width of the unit. The unit is white, and attractively designed. It's 13" wide, 10.5" deep, and 5.5" high. Weight is about 4 lbs.
Operation and Effectiveness
The HEPA filter with "Microban" technology (preserves the filter against odor causing bacteria) comes in a separate bag and must be inserted into the unit, which is an easy operation. The front of the unit is easily removed via two self-locking tabs on either side. I inserted the HEPA filter as per the instructions, replaced the front grille and I was ready to see what it'd do. The unit seems to seal sufficiently. Incoming air is first met by a washable pre-filter, then an activated charcoal filter, then the HEPA filter, and finally back into the room vertically through two exits driven by dual fans. I prefer a vertical re-entry of air into the room because it doesn't create drafts. The 240 has a three speed fan with what Holmes calls "Quiet Operation", plus selectable ionizer (on/off). I was pleased to find the 240 to be quieter than I'd expected. Only on the high speed setting, could it be heard above the fans of my computer system. I have the 240 sitting on a table about three feet away from me. For the first few days, I turned the ionizer on and set the fan to high when not in the room for extended periods or while sleeping. When I'm in the room working, I'll set it to Medium or Low and have been experimenting with the ionizer. All I can say is I've had the 240 for about two weeks, I haven't sneezed from day one, and the air smells and "feels" cleaner....especially after being downstairs for a while and then walking back into the office. Even though my room is larger than the rating of 109 sq. ft., it seems to be handling it. Time will tell how often the HEPA filter will need replacing. Even if it's a couple times a year, it'd be worth it to not be sneezing during my work up here.
Final
For under $30, I don't know how you could beat the 240 for a small room or office. The design is pretty much cut-and-dried, and it seems to do its job for my needs. Another reviewer has had his for four years with no problems, so if Holmes' QC is consistent, I expect to have mine as long.
Product Info from Holmes
Quietly cleans air in a 10x11 foot room every 10 minutes Utilized a HEPA/4 filter to effectively eliminate microscopic antagonists from the air (pollen smoke bacteria) with long-life efficiency (3 to 6 months average) Unobstructed air delivery Two micro-balanced centrifugal blow fans deliver 100 cubic feet per minute of air An activated charcoal filter deodorizes air to remove unpleasant odors and harmful gases Electronic negative ionizer further aids in the removal of airborne particles to reduce static and restore freshness 3 speed motor and separate power and ion controls Meets rigid specifications of a Class-II medical device for outstanding air purification requirements for health and overall wellness Attractive design and convenient size.
UPDATE 11/11/06
I've stopped using this product because it's been too difficult to find filters. When I first bought it, Wal Mart (which is convenient to me) sold the filters, but I haven't seen them since. They still sell the purifier....but not the filters. Good old Wal Mart. I contacted the manager about it months ago, but did no good. Haven't found them at other stores. They could probably be ordered online, but I don't do any online ordering. I've since bought a good vacuum with hepa filtration, so just keep the office carpet swept, and dust thoroughly. Who knows. Maybe I'll find the filters somewhere, in which case I'll use it again.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 29.84
Battery Life: N/A
Noise Level: More quiet than most
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Epinions.com ID:
DCannon
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: Madison, AL
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 5 members
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