Amaircare 2500 Air Purifier

Replacement true HEPA Filter: $106.95
Annual Filter Kit; 3 Prefilters, 2 inner filters: $86.95
Complete Filter Kit; 1 Prefilter, 1 HEPA filter, 1 inner filter: $104.95
Model 2500 Gas and Odor Cartridge: $64.95

The 2500 by Amaircare is a lot of HEPA air cleaner for the price. A 24 gauge steel housing, powder coated baked enamel finish, sealed gasket 50 square foot true HEPA air filter, and 8 lbs. of activated carbon media, say quality air cleaning machine.

Amaircare air purifier's main HEPA meets standards: 99.97% particle cleaning at 0.3 microns.

The sealed-system product design prevents filter bypass, gaining filter efficiency as the filter ages. Amaircare air purifiers HEPA ismade from borosilicate fibers.

The standard activated charcoal "inner" filter is basicallya second prefilter with additional carbon. It is 1/2" thick very similar polyester media. Filter life is 6 to 12 months. This core inner filter insert is interchangeable with the not-considered-optional carbon gas and odor cartrige for the Amaircare air purifier.

Amaircare did not participate in clean air delivery rate testing, so we relyon their uncertified data for airflow.

The 2500 model Amaircare air cleaners have advertised airflow rates of 50 to 175 cubic feet per minute(cfm)and recommended coverage area at 2 air changes/hour (ach) of 650 square feet. I think a 200 sq. ft. bedroom, at 6+ ach on top speed, is the absolute maximum room size for the Amaircare air purifier. This model ismore powerful, and cheaper, than the class-leading Austin Air Healthmate Jr.

Amaircare Air Cleaners Carbon Cannister "Optional"

PreFilters are replaced in 3 to 6 months, HEPA filter in 2 to 5 years, and carbon media cartridges annually. Guessing 3 years on the HEPA, 3 months per prefilter, and a full year on thecarbon cartridge gives us about $120, before shipping and taxes, in annual filter costs.

Remember carbon/zeolite air purifiers must be kept dry, or gas cannister life can be very short. Cigarette smoking environments mean approximately double the Amaircare air cleaners filter costs.

Air enters through a 360° perforated screen with 4 lower exhaust ports.This downdraft air exhaust tends to stir updust across carpeting. This is not the best for asthma and allergy relief. Many manufacturers, notably Honeywell, have abandoned downdraft.The newer Amaircare 2550 air purifier, at a higher price, is very similar but has updraft exhaust. A variable speed control replaces the usual fixed “gears” standard in the air purifying industry, allowing smooth noise level reduction.

The German made CSA and UL approved motor is designed for continuous operation and run tested for 50,000 hours. The remainder of the Amaircare air cleaner is made in Canada.

The 2500 is compact at 16" wide and 13.5" high.

It sits on 6 rubber feet and weighs 23 lbs with optional gas adsorption cartridge installed. This is a portable room air cleaner without wheels, easily moved upstairs except by the elderly or ill.

All units are individually tested with a particle counter at the factory. This prevents air purifiers with damaged or incorrectly seated filters from shipping.

Warranty is 5 years on the motor/fan and one year for other components.

Energy use is 41 to 84 watts: reasonable economy.

3 colors are available; Black, White, and Sandstone.

The company warns of a slight “new” smell when you firstturn their 2500 on. This is said to dissipate within a few days.

Amaircare's 2500 is a relatively thin selling model; no review or product on Amazon.com, which usually carries everything, and no reviews at epinions.com. Amaircare air filters are widely available.

Rating Criteria

Each of ten factors gets up to 10 points, 100 is perfect and very unlikely.

1. First do no harm; minimal out gassing, no ozone.

Score: 9 of 10, new smell warning.

2. Serious gas and odor removal is a requirement if health benefits are expected: Air purification units with real carbon VOC capability rank higher.

Score: 9 of 10, with recommended carbon gas cartridge.

3. Quality construction; case, gaskets, seals, and precision fitting eliminate bypassing and assure high efficiency at filtering airborne sub-micron particles.

Score: 10 of 10, this priduct is well gasketed and sealed.

4. The design maximizes the lifespan of each filter stage by allowing independent filter replacement. Ideally this is combined with electronic filter monitoring.

Score: 8 of 10, no monitor.

5. Unit has long filter life, low maintenance requirements, and reasonable operating costs.

Score: 8 of 10, filter costs average.

6. Purifier produces low noise levels and meaningful airflow rates relative to noise.

Score: 8 of 10, no noise specification available, but rotary dial may help select sound to performance ratio optimum.

7. Manufacturer has a track record, with many units in the field and a reputation for supporting what they sell. Warranty period and average service life are long.

Score: 7 of 10, 5-year warranty only covers motor.

8. Air cleaning machine is a value in terms of price/performance ratio. Every price range should be included, “models above $1,200 are best”, while true, is not useful to most consumers.

Score: 9 of 10, worth the money when long term gas cartrige costs are figured in.

9. No dirt; air cleaner and manufacturer should be devoid of class-action suits, high returns, recalls, consumer complaints, and legitimate negative consumer reviews.

Score: 8 of 10, manufacturer is air quality specific, with a broad product line.

10. Unit is stylish, portable, comfortable, and convenient for consumer use.

Score: 7 of 10, no remote or electronics, easy dial interface.

Amaircare 2500 Air Purifier Rating: 83 "very good"