Ahhhhh, relief.
Written: Sep 06 '00 (Updated Sep 06 '00)
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Pros: cleans the air very well, quiet, easy to carry handle, light
Cons: a little loud on high, takes up a little floor space.
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| lawgirl's Full Review: Honeywell International Enviracaire 13520 Air Puri... |
How do I spell relief? H-E-P-A.
Well, apparently it looks as though I have developed allergies. It just started this year and I have not had the time nor money to go to an allergist and properly figure out exactly what ails me. I have two cats, but they never bothered me before, so I doubt it is them. Most likely it is some kind of allergy to dust- I live in a construction zone and have since last November. We were the first house built on the block, and it has been nothing but dust and dirt since then. I have totally given up on the windows and the cars for now. But, I digress. This summer I started having lots of allergy-type problems. It usually started with 3 or 4 good sneezes and then my eyes and nose would immediately start watering. It was very strange and can start anywhere, although it mostly ailed me as I was going to bed (I don't think it's the pillows either- have had them awhile.) and in the shower. And usually happens in this house. I go away for a few days and never have an attack, which makes me think it is not plant related.
As all you allergy sufferers know, it is totally miserable to live this way. As I mentioned before, currently my husband and I are pinched for cash, but as I was surfing one day, I ran across Ubid.com and low and behold, there was the 13520 Honeywell Enviracaire Portable HEPA Air Cleaner going for $59, with three extra filters. I jumped on it! I knew that HEPA filters were good for places like mine- lots of dust and animal dander in the air. I eventually wound up paying $79 (with shipping it was about $95) for it, but they had a $10 rebate, so I really only paid $69 for it. I have only had it a couple of days, but it has made a huge difference!
Breathing better already.
I simply cannot say enough about this HEPA filter. But I will try!
It really cleans the air!
I plugged this bad boy in my bedroom, since that is where I was having most of my problems. I walked out and started doing some laundry and I walked in about 15 minutes later and could already tell the difference in the air. It smelled fresher! I know that sounds crazy, but it really helped. It has been very hot here in Kentucky this year, and we have rarely had the windows open. The house always felt good with the A/C on, but the air was not as fresh. It smelled and felt great after only 15 minutes with the HEPA on. I was impressed. It is touted as being able to clean a 16x20 room 6 times an hour. It certainly has kept our house much cleaner.
Features.
3 speeds
You can set it to circulate at 3 different speeds and you can turn it off. The dial is on the front and very convenient.
A handle.
This may sound funny, but it has a handle on the casing that makes it easy to move- you just pick it up (unplug it of course) and move it. This has been very handy- you don't have to lean down and give it a big hug to pick it up- just pick it up with the handle. It is also surprisingly light- it looked big and heavy, but it isn't at all!
Two filters.
This air cleaner has two filters- one is a charcoal one that fits around the main HEPA filter in the middle inside the casing. It's purpose is to capture the largest airborne particles and to control normal household odors. It needs to be replaced every 90 days. I am unsure how frequent this is compared to other HEPAs, but it seems frequent to me. I hope the replacements are not too expensive.
The charcoal filters wraps around the main HEPA filter housed inside your unit. It's goal is to take out those tiny microscopic particles that are the most common cause of allergies and dust. It should be replaced every 3-6 years (and I bet this baby will cost you some dough.) These are just guidelines, and if you smoke or have a lot more dust and dirt in the air in your house, you should replace your filters more often.
Quiet.
It can be a little loud on the third setting, but it is quieter than your normal household fan, (and it sounds just like one too) so if you are used to that kind of sound, you will probably not notice the HEPA filter is even on. Overall, it is a little louder than I expected, but it not bothersome.
Size.
It is round and has a 16 inch diameter and about 14 1/2 inches high. You will not be able to just fit it in a corner- it is going to take up some space. It is round and lies on the ground- it does not stand up like some of the other filters I have seen. I realize that is needed for the amount of air it will clean, but I do wish it did not take up quiet so much floor space. It is not ugly, but I would not want it in my living room. But if you put it in a room where no guests are going to be, it is not going to be underfoot---I guess my point is that it is noticeable so you might want to put it out of the way of where people walk. (But remember- it has a handle so it is easy to move no matter where you put it!!)
Overall, I love this product. I am now sleeping without any problems and I have to thank this HEPA filter for that. I feel like a normal human now- I don't have be wary that my sinuses are suddenly going to go nuts!!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 79 at ubid.com ($95 with shipping)
Battery Life: N/A
Noise Level: Average
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Epinions.com ID:
lawgirl
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Location: Milwaukee, WI
Reviews written: 80
Trusted by: 197 members
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