FAQs
How do I compare two room air purifiers?
It is possible to compare two room air purifiers by looking at their Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADR) The higher the clean air delivery rate, the faster the purifier will clean the air. Another useful measure is the effective room size. Ensure the air purifier you purchase has an adequate effective room size.
Further information concerning CADR and details of how to measure the size of a room are detailed below.
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What is Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)?
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a measure of an air cleaner’s delivery of particle-free air. It is calculated from independent laboratory tests. To compare two room air purifiers look at the CADR numbers. CADR is measured across 3 particles; Smoke, Dust and Pollen, which due to their different sizes are filtered at different rates. The combined CADR is the rate for each of the particles added together to provide an accurate picture of the overall effectiveness of the purifier. The higher the CADR, the quicker the air cleaning. It is measured in cubic feet of particle-free air per minute. Because CADR is independently tested it is the most reliable way of comparing two room air purifiers.
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What is the benefit of using replaceable filters?
Once a filter has become ‘fully loaded’ with particles it will become much less effective at filtering due to reduced air flow and lost electrostatic charge. Some permanent filters require regular cleaning or washing. This process often returns particles back to the environment and doesn’t effectively remove all the particles from the filter. Cleaning and washing a filter may also remove its electrostatic charge and as a result impact the filters ability to capture particles. By replacing a filter after 3 months of continuous use effective purification is delivered on a sustained basis. Once Filtrete filters are fully loaded they and the captured allergens can then be disposed of effectively and easily.
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How do I work out the size of a room?
The size of a room can be calculated by multiplying the width of the room by the length. For example if the room is 3m wide and 4m wide. The room size is 12m2.
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What does an Ioniser do?
An ioniser is an electronic device that charges the particles in the air. When an ioniser is used alongside a filter, they can help improve small particle filtration and can produce fresher indoor air. Ionisers however do often emit small levels of ozone. If you do choose to purchase an air purifier with an ioniser, ensure that it is certified to produce less than allowable limits by IEC/EN 60335-1 2004 edition and IEC/EN 60335-2-2005 edition standards. The Filtrete FAP04 room air purifier includes an ioniser, and has been certified to produce less than the allowable limits to the above edition standards. Running this machine with the ioniser on can produce fresher indoor air, however if you are sensitive to ozone, we recommend that you use this product with the ionizer off.
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What is HEPA?
HEPA is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air." HEPA is not specific to any company and is not governed by a specific organisation. HEPA describes a level of filter efficiency. Contrary to popular belief, HEPA is not the highest level of filtration available, as filters with even higher efficiency (based on CADR) are available.
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Why is Filtrete better than HEPA?
HEPA filters are made up of very closely packed fibres, which act as a very dense barrier when the room air purifier is trying to pull air through it. This means HEPA purifiers* can’t circulate as much air as Filtrete room air purifiers, which have much less dense filters. As Filtrete room air purifiers circulate more air, they are able to clean more air.
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How much does it cost to run a Filtrete room air purifier?
Filtrete room air purifiers are very cost effective to run. See the below table for cost details. All costs based on £0.108 per KWH with the purifier on high speed setting running constantly.
| |
FAP02 Ultra Clean
(Small size) |
FAP03 Ultra Clean
(Large size) |
FAP04 Ultra Slim |
| Cost per hour |
£0.0059 |
£0.019 |
£0.0058 |
*HEPA purifiers with comparable room size and CADR.
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