03-13-08

Sharp KC-C150U and KC-C100U Humidifier-Purifiers

Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America has released two new air purifiers, KC-C100U and KC-C150U, that combine humidifiers to increase the effectiveness of the Plasmacluster ion technology.

The humidifier technology generates up to 50 % relative humidity, and doubles the efficiency of Plasmacluster ion generation.

Plasmacluster ion technology splits water molecules into positively and negatively charged ions, and works best in higher humidity.

I am a raving fan of the Sharp Plasmacluster series air purifiers, but have never liked combined air humidifier-purifiers.

Daily tank filing is required: 9 pints last up to 10 hours per filling.

As usual with automated Sharps, the new KC-C series are good communicators - indicator lamps show humidity and water supply level while temperature and humidity sensors automatically adjust humidifier output.

This combined air purifier/humidifier has additional maintenance issues - the tank will build scale depending on hardness of water supplied. Frequent cleaning of the humidifying filter and descaling of tank parts will be required to keep the humidifier working.

The rayon-polyester humidifier filter is slated for two year replacement intervals.

The air purifier portion of KC-C100U and KC-C150U is standard Sharp; smart automated electronic controls, three levels of filtration, washable prefilter, washable carbon grid, and five year true HEPA. Very good stuff.

Neither unit has a remote.

The humidifier has anti-bacterial and anti-mold additives in the wet filter.

KC-C150Us have 3 fan speeds, providing Clean Air Delivery Rates (CADR) at Dust 230/Smoke 224/Pollen 245. This is above average air throughput.

KC-C150U is also quiet, making only 17 decibels in quiet (humidifier off) operation, and energy efficient. Fifty-five decibels on high speed is also relatively quiet.

The smaller sibling, KC-C100U, is size rated for up to 254 square feet, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of US$399.99.

KC-C150U is manufacturer rated for rooms to 347 sq. ft., and retails for $499.99.

Despite my enthusiasm for the Sharp Plasmacluster series, these machines are recommended only for folks who really need a humidifier and are willing to go the extra mile to keep the water filled and humidifier maintained.

An astute air-purifier-power reader offered the following insight;

"About the humidifier "marketing test" in Sharp units. It's more than a gimmick. These units dry the air making ions. My own solution was a teacup of purified water beside the unit. It slowly evaporates because ambient water vapor pressure drops."

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