Let’s read some comments from when this was offered about a month ago
4 Star Reviews over on Amazon (20+ Reviewers) and Some more at Oreck
Any specific thoughts about these types of products being refurbs? Good/Bad feelings or experiences by anyone?
I am looking for an air purifier for our nursery for the little one due in a few weeks, but don’t want to place a ‘used’/refurb in there that may have come from someone returning it that was heavy with smoke or pets… And seeing the last listing’s discussion about ozone output gives me a slight concern as well…
Thanks in advance for the input!
Some girl is talking
[youtube=B_rcS9S_rOY][/youtube]
Questions:
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Isn’t the Truman Cell just your standard electrostatic filter? In other words, it gives a postive charge to the incoming air and particles which attaches themselves to a negatively charged plate. The plate become sblack with dirt and needs to be rinsed periodically. This was the technology used in Sharper Image’s notorious tower air purifiers. If this is indeed how the Truman Cell works, then it’s nowhere near as effective as a standard HEPA filter, and may not be too helpful for allergies. That’s probably why you don’t see any such claims in the description.
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The description says that the Helios system “absorbs” odors – as opposed to destroying them, i.e. by electrically breaking the molecules apart. Yet there is no mention of how to replace or clean the Helios module. With all that absoprtion of odors, doesn’t it lose its effectiveness?
From the Description:
0.25 lbs is 4 oz. Being 4 oz lighter is hardly a big selling point. Is that a typo or does Oreck really think that 4 oz make that much of a difference?
Yep, I was right about the Truman Cell. Even Oreck’s own site plays down the effectiveness of the Truman cell versus a HEPA filter (which is available on other Oreck models). And my experience with other electrostatic purifiers is that LOTS of particles get through. If you place your unit near a wall, for example, you’ll quickly see a black film on the wall as well as the floor and any nearby surfaces. That’s due to some positively charged particles bypassing the negative plate and attaching themselves outside the unit, i.e. the wall.
As for the Helios shield, Oreck’s page also downplays its effectivness as compared to standard odor absorbers, i.e. charcoal filter. For the standard filters, it states that they “reduce VOCs…and household odors.” On the other hand, the Helios shield merely “HELP reduce odors and VOCs.”
http://www.oreck.com/Hepa-vs-Truman-Cell-Air-Purifiers/hepa-vs-truman,default,pg.html?keycode=
[QUOTE=shad3jd, post:4, topic:383911]
Any specific thoughts about these types of products being refurbs? Good/Bad feelings or experiences by anyone?
I am looking for an air purifier for our nursery for the little one due in a few weeks, but don’t want to place a ‘used’/refurb in there that may have come from someone returning it that was heavy with smoke or pets… And seeing the last listing’s discussion about ozone output gives me a slight concern as well…
Thanks in advance for the input!
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Yes, all ionization and electrostatic purifiers produce some ozone but the level is very low, especially if you’re not next to the thang. Many other appliances such as laser printers and photocopiers also produce ozone. It’s smart to be careful, however, since an infant’s lungs is still underdeveloped.
Your best bet might be to get a HEPA filter. The whooshing noise may even be comforting for the baby. Keep in mind that to be effective, all air purifiers must be used in a closed room. As such, you’ll need some way to hear the baby crying behind closed doors, i.e. a webcam or baby monitor.
I got this refurb the first time Woot had it. I am overall pleased with it, but it does not clean the air like a good hepa filter. This can be evidenced by the brush they include to clean the exhaust vents…
Also, high setting is very loud, but low and medium are okay. It emits (very low amounts of) ozone so the room ends up smelling “fresh” but thats sort of a subjective thing, some people don’t like it (I do). You can get HEPA filter systems for half the price of this refurb and only have to replace the filter once a year, vs. washing the “Truman cell” once a month. It definitely catches dust and crap but not as much as I suspected it would.
Do yourself a favor; get a Winix WAC5300 (same price as this) or a Winix WAC5500 (Around $50 more)
That has a true hepa filter, and IMHO is a far better bargain.
Thanks everyone, appreciate the input!
Considering that we do also have 3cats… I think a HEPA based unit would be greatly beneficial.
Onward goes the search!
I bought two of these on March 20. They both will start smelling like something is burning, so I stopped using them. I’d return them if I could.
[QUOTE=Jaballer, post:13, topic:383911]
I bought two of these on March 20. They both will start smelling like something is burning, so I stopped using them. I’d return them if I could.
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Is the odor sharp, pungent and/or metallic? If yes, it’s probably the ozone, a by-product of electrostatic ion production. At low levels, it’s generally harmless but some people don’t like the smell. Just don’t get too near the source. Asthmatics and people with breathing problems, i.e. COPD, should be especially careful because ozone can be an irritant.
You bought it only a month ago. Try contacting the seller (Woot? … they’re pretty responsive) or Oreck.
Yeah, I like the sharp metallic smell too, which is reminescent of a meadow after a thunderstorm (because lightning produces a similar effect). But lots of people hate it because the metallic smell reminds them of rot and decay. Smell aside, ozone can be a respiratory irritant so be careful. It can also harm plastic and leather furniture if the concetration is large.
[QUOTE=shad3jd, post:12, topic:383911]
Thanks everyone, appreciate the input!
Considering that we do also have 3cats… I think a HEPA based unit would be greatly beneficial.
Onward goes the search!
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With three cats, your HEPA filter’s lifespan will be WAY shorter than what it’s rated. You might consider a model that uses a “permanent” HEPA filter to save money. The contain a HEPA filter that is either washable or vacuumable. Needless to say, they’re not really permanent because the material will wear out one day or it’ll become so clogged that cleaning is futile. But they will last a long time if you keep to a maintenance schedule, i.e. vacuuming/washing every few weeks. Yeah, maintenance is annoying and these filters are often not as good as disposable HEPA filters, but they will filter out more stuff this this Oreck. Many models, like mine, will use several other technologies as well. Mine has a “permanent” HEPA filter as well as UV, PCO and ionization. See video below. I lucked out and found them on sale for $79 (minus the ozone feature) so I bought 3.
BTW, studies show that infants who are kept in sterile environments grow up to be sicker and with more allergies than babies who in less sterile environments. That’s because the allergens “immunize” the infant through natural exposure. I believe one study even showed that cats and dogs help in that effort so you may not want to filter out that pet dander (and other particulates) unless it’s adversely affecting the baby.
[youtube=IzNMEhLQ50M][/youtube]
Here is an EXCELLENT guide on air pruifiers from the government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I don’t agree with everything it says but it’s a great primer on all available technologies for the home. The Truman Cell used by this Oreck falls under the category of electrostatic precipitators. I’m still unclear as to what the Helios Shield is.
Heaven help us, I hope this Air Sucker Works!
We thought this site was a lot of fun!
http://www.air-purifier-ratings.org/Best_Air_Purifiers.html