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Re: Sharp FP-35cx

A Reader writes:

Hi Ed, thank you for posting reviews on various air purifiers, it really helped me hone in on a good choice.

Right now I'm looking at the Sharp FP-P35CX for a bedroom around 130 sq ft.

I don't have with problems with chemicals or odors, I would just less dust in the air because of my mild allergies.

I've read that this isn't a true "Plasmacluster," but I'm guessing that's not really important in my case?

Would this model for a good option for me?

Thanks. A Reader.

Ed's Reply

Hey Reader;

First, you are correct - Sharp FP-P35CX does NOT have Plasmacluster technology, which is a source of much confusion on the web. Some vendors may list it as "Sharp Plasmacluster FP-P35cx," but this is incorrect.

FP-P35 Sharps have just two filtering stages, a fiberglass type prefilter screen, as featured on many Sharps, and a True-HEPA particle filter.

FP-P35 is modestly powered, AHAM certified CADRs for Dust/Smoke/Pollen are 150/147/155.

This should be adequate for your 130 sq. ft. BR, but users installing at the manufacturer's recommended 228 sq. ft. have noticed inadequacy.

One (Dust) sensor adjusts 3 fan speeds (silent, medium, max), automatically, and displays current air quality with a green, orange, or red light. There is no remote.

Quick Clean Mode provides 15 minutes of high speed and then reverts to automatic operation.

Pollen Mode cycles speeds repeatedly.

Noise emissions from 14 to 48 dBA rank FPP35 among the quietest air cleaners.

Unlike many competitors, Sharp's "Silent" actually is.

A 12-Volt DC inverter earns FP-P35cx an ENERGY STAR® rating at a respectable 4.3 DustCADR/Watt.

FP-P35cx is very economical and quiet on Medium speed; pushing 85 cfm airflow at a very quiet 30 dB(A) noise level, while using a mere 5 Watts power.

Running on Auto Mode 24/7, keeping large particulate down with frequent use of a HEPA vacuum, and keeping the prefilter screen clean, Sharp Plasmacluster's filters last an incredible five years.

I expect a bit shorter filter life, say 3 years, without the plasma-ion feature to burn up sub-micron particles. Shorter filter life will also be observed in smoking, freeway-close, wood burning, candles/incense, and other high-particulate environments.

FPP35cx is well past its sales peak and some vendors have stopped stocking it. There was a $50 factory rebate program in 2009 which reduced inventories at large vendors like abt.com and overstock.com.

While FP-P35cxes are still shown on sharpusa's website, one web vendor displays the message "discontinued by manufacturer."

The replacement HEPA, now selling for about $70, is currently (June 2010) shown available at several vendors.

But I cannot guarantee Sharp FP-P35cx filter availability three years from now.

See Discussion of FP-P35cx filter availability

I recommend the purchase of additional filters up front.

FPP35s are selling from $145.00 to $295.00. While Sharp's FP-P35cx is a quality product, I like it only at the lower end of the price range.

I would still consider the little not-a-plasmacluster possibly-discontinued Sharp, assuming the deal is right and additional filters are included.

Best wishes,

Ed

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