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A Reader writes: Hi Ed, I am trying to choose a unit, and think it's between these 2 brands (5300 wac9300, 421A, 582A). I had a IQair in the past and loved it. The air smelled so clean and crisp coming from it, I guess it was the charcoal filter?, but I can't spent that sort of money this time. I definitely want to be able to use bulk carbon from EL Foust, in which ever unit I get, whether it's by making my own bag like you did, or opening an existing filter screen like in a Rabbit. I wonder if you'd mind answering a few questions (numbers below), to try and help understand what the differences are, and what the best value is. A Reader.
Hey Reader; First, you have chosen well, Rabbit and Winix are well represented in the market, have strong sales, and good support. So the main question is a tossup - two very good air cleaners for DIY modifications and refilling carbon. Winix 5300 is discontinued and getting scarcer, replaced by the very similar 5500. The company is not real good at communicating (Korea) so changes and specs are difficult to discern. #1_Are the Winix 5300 and the WAC9300 the same, except for what filter it accepts? No; Size 20, #119110 Ultimate Filter Cartridge, $119.99, fits WAC9500, WAC9000, WAC5000, WAC6300, WAC5500, WAC5300, and WAC5000B. Size 10, #119010 Ultimate Filter Cartridge, $89.99, fits 9000S and 9300. #2_Will the 5300 accept the 4-stage filter meant for the WAC9300? I think not, see above. #3_Is the carbon layer, of the 4-stage filter for the WAC9300, thick enough, and designed, to be opened and have the carbon replaced? Or is it those felt like pads found in the 5300? No, they use a plastic foam, with very light carbon. I wouldn't expect real "carbon" in any economy air cleaner, including Winix. Winix has no refillable carbon receptacle, you'll have to make your own. #4_ ..if not, is there room ahead of the 4-stage filter inside the WAC9300, to hang a homemade carbon bag filter? Winix has a plastic cassette tray, with fiberglass prefilter screen, which they include in the more expensive models. 5300 was a price cutter, I suspect intended for Costco Wholesale, with a cheaper cassette-less HEPA and plastic "carbon" prefilter 3-pack. 5300 became the Winix beachhead, outselling all other models. Since you are planning the DIY route, I see no reason to get a cassette model. You can always get the cassette later if needed. I don't know how much room is left in the 9300 with a cassette installed, but it's substantially less than without. #5_ is the Winix Plasmawave potentially bad for you, like the ozone machines, or good like the Sharp Plasmacluster? (I would stay out of the room when active, like you do) or are all 3 basically the same thing? Does the Plasmawave really have an effect noticeable by your nose? Would it be better to have the nano-silver screen? There is little comparison between dangerous ozone and plasma-ion technologies safety wise. I use my 5300 with Plasmawave running frequently. Users without serious immune compromise or chem sensitivity need not worry. Yes, it does effect my Smokey-the-Bear nose, but in my wood paneled office, I am better off with both Sharp and Winix plasma ionizers running than not, due to out-gassing from plywood wall paneling. I do not endorse heavy anti-bacterials in filter trains. While there is a legitimate issue with filters accumulating microbes, this was a marketing fad centered around SARS and flu scares. I do not believe air cleaners can interdict viruses, transmitted by touching and direct coughing, not primarily by lingering in the air. If (when) a true airborne fatal virus comes, the human race will get a real haircut. Ozone has its legitimate uses in indoor air, but millions were using it in complete ignorance, hence one reason for the anti-ozone campaign. #6_ Why would you pay more for a Rabbit Air when it does not have the plasmacluster type technology? With Rabbit Air you get top customer service, real American support, a Japanese designed product, and readily available, fairly priced replacement filters. I like the Rabbit for first-time buyers who may have issues, and feel threatened by the "high" tech... It doesn't sound like you are among those who need hand holding. Rabbit is also #7_ is the Rabbit Air honeycomb charcoal filter easily refillable by someone who is handy? Once refilled with quality carbon, does it have the thickness to be as effective as the 5300 modified with homemade carbon bags? Yes, users report refilling the Rabbit honeycomb easily - I have not tried it myself but there are multiple reports of success. Thickness is much less than what can be installed in a cassette-less Winix. But weight of carbon isn't the only factor. This gets complicated in a hurry, with carbon blends including potassium permanganate and other oxidizers, zeolite, ect... Most buyers want to think of carbon efficiency in HEPA terms - but with chem/odor filters, saturation and adsorption are better concepts. Just changing the carbon frequently can make up for having only a couple pounds. Heavier carbon in premium air cleaners allows filter change intervals to more closely match HEPAs. #8_is having the charcoal filter downstream of the HEPA superior for odor control? I don't think so, but have seen no real data. Some report carbon grain leakage with downstream designs. #9_ can they all (5300 wac9300, 421A, 582A) be run on low or med (ie: quietly) and effectively change the air in a 150 sq ft bedroom? Which ones have the greatest air flow at low or med? You have chosen some of the quietest, but I would never advise exclusive low speed operation. Just "dust up" the room with high speed operation for 15 minutes twice a day, then use low otherwise unless pollutants are present. One very compelling feature of the Winix 5000 series is the strong blower, giving CADRs over 200. Rabbit Airs are not as powerful. I notice an oscillating rhythm from my 5300 on low, which is distracting when trying to focus, medium is better. I also use a Sharp KCC150U in the office, it does not distract me. All 4 of your choices are very good bedroom air cleaners, as quiet as you can get. If you can still find a 5300, I'd go with it, budget-minded air cleaner modders can't beat the bay space and value at $149 - I see Amazon.com shows a few left, Sylvane.com too..... A reminder to modders - Carbon blends with Potassium Permanganate are NOT Washable and should be handled with care. Best wishes, Ed
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