Part #1183054 Whirlpool HEPA Filter $99.99

4-Pack AP510 Pre-Filters #8171434 $39.99

Whirlpool, a long established appliance maker, had a purifier product line which scored well on CADR tests and got high marks from Consumer Reports in their big 2005 air cleaner writeup.

A couple years later the air cleaner market began to shrink.

When the 2008 recession arrived, Whirlpool decided to license production of the Whirlpool branded purifiers and replacement filters to Master Brands HK Limited, an Asian Valuetronics Holdings LTD subsidiary.

The Whirlpool air cleaners were discontinued and in short supply during the 2009 recession. Demand for the Whirlpools created some hefty premiums on remaining inventory.

Some original 510-model Whirlpools rose as high as $1295.

So production resumed (in China) in the spring of 2010.

By 2011, the "Whirlpool" air purifiers, including the current 510 model, AP51030K, had returned to the market. Prices have returned to pre-transfer levels as well.

With a large and powerful fan, and a big HEPA filter, Whirlpool 510 room air cleaners score high in clean air delivery rating per dollar.

The Whispure AP510 has an average Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 316. CADRs are; dust 330, tobacco smoke 330, pollen 288.

Whirlpool HEPA Filter

Whirlpool AP510 delivers true HEPA level efficiency (99.97% of particles at .3 micron size) air filtration in rooms to 500 square feet.

This room size rating is based on continuous high speed operation and produces 4.8 air changes per hour.

While the 510 is great for reducing particulate in large rooms, 320 square feet is my recommended largest room. A 315 CADR machine on high s'eed makes a room noisy and breezy - few will run the Whispure 510 on high all the time.

This Whirlpool Whispure air purifier uses 3M Filtrete True HEPA filter technology.

If the AP51030K is operated full time as recommended, the main Filtrete HEPA filter needs replacement once a year.

The $100 HEPA is quite pricey. Several vendors offer Replacement Filter Kits with a 1-Year supply of 4 Whirlpool Activated Carbon Pre-Filters and the HEPA for $130-$220.

Charcoal impregnated pre-filters remove larger particles ahead of the HEPA filter. Pre-filter change is recommended 4 times annually.

AP510 has a progressive filter change indicator light for both filter and prefilter.

AP51030K Weaknesses; chem/odor, filter changes, noise

The Whispure 510 purifier's frequent filter changes can be annoying.

There are user reports of high costs: replacement filters can add up to half of the purchase price every year.

Many users report acceptable noise levels on lower speeds - some say they like the 510's "white noise." It appears that noise levels vary some between units, which I attribute to quality control issues in Hong Kong.

Electronic controls include an 8-hour sleep mode: hit a button, it slows down, eight hours elapses, the Whirlpool Whispure 510 air purifier automatically speeds up.

The 6 foot cord could be longer.

Weighing 26 lbs, it is at the upper end of easily portable air purification units.

The large handle makes for better portability.

With front intake and upward exhaust airflow along the entire width, the Whispure 510 can be located flat against a wall.

A dust CADR/watt ratio of 3.06 earns AP51030K an EPA EnergySTAR rating.

The "new" Whirlpools have undergone a few cost cutting measures. Some users notice the inexpensive plastic bubble control buttons, Inside the 510 are two large permanent pieces of Styrofoam, smelled by some sensitive users.

The occasional out-of-round fan may vibrate constantly even on the lowest setting, making some units noisier than others.

Warranty is handled, not by Whirlpool, but by the manufacturer. Some user reviews assert a "third party support company" is used, but this may be Master Brands HK Limited or another Valuetronics subsidiary.

I recommend Whispure purifier ap510, with its powerful fan, for allergy relief where pollen, mold spores, or another particulate airborne allergen is the pollutant-trigger.

It is NOT as good for MCS, chemical contamination, or heavy odors.

Cigarette smoking will foul the prefilter quickly.

Air-Purifier-Power Review/Rating Criteria

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

Score: 8 of 10.

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

Score: 7 of 10, optional carbon filter discontinued.

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

Score: 8 of 10

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

Score: 8 of 10

5. Filters have long life, low maintenance requirements, and reasonable operating costs.

Score: 8 of 10, customer reviews gripe about filter change

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

Score: 8 of 10, a bit loud on high.

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: 8 of 10, 1-year warranty could be longer.

8. Purifier 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: 10 of 10, worth the money.

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

Score: 8 of 10, manufacturer not air quality specific

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

Score: 8 of 10, prettier than others in product line, no remote, easy interface.

Numeric Review-Rating; 81