3M Filtrete FAP03 Air Purifier

Although HEPA filter (99.97%) technically has a higher capture rate than Filtrete (99.90%), it is very difficult to move air through HEPA because of its resistance. The electrostatic technology in Filtrete allows construction of lower resistance filtrete; therefore, allowing higher airflow and quieter performance. For a large room, it is usually better to have a higher air exchange rate than higher capture rate. Let's use a glass of water for analogy. It is better to filter the whole glass of water at a 90% effective rate: 90% clean, than 2/3 glass of water at 100% effective rate: (75%) clean. It is fairly difficult to get specification of this great unit. I had to contact 3M directly for the many specifications. I can always say how great this unit is, but it is more important to share solid scientific numbers.

Filtrete FAP03-RC has a 306 Dust CADR, 241 Smoke CADR and 332 Pollen CADR. This filtrete purifier is especially great for pollen and dust, slighty weaker on smoke. It costs only $200. A CADR/price ratio of 1.47 -- Very good. The annual filter cost is averaged at $60-80. The power consumption is slightly high at 70, 101, 141 W at the three fan speeds.

In comparison, Whirlpool AP510, rated as number one by Consumer reports, has a real HEPA filter with a 330 CADR and ~100 W max, but the unit costs $300 with an annual filter replacement cost at $120. Kenmore 85501, a HEPA purifier, has a 140 averaged CADR and costs $230. The infamous Ionic Breezer costs $300 and has only a 20-30 CADR. In addition, Ionic Breezer emits high level of ozone which numerous reviews have warned, including consumer report, consumer search, air purifier america.... Sometime, we have unrealistic expectation of a cheap, powerful, energy efficient, quiet, environmental friendly consumer product. Unfortunately, we often end up buying exactly what we do not want, like Ionic Breezer. Ionic Breezer-type of purifiers actually made up a quarter of the purifiers sale. Yet, they have very low cleaning power (20-30 CADR) and emits hazardous ozone. Oh yes, just so you know, a CADR of 5 is the same air cleaning power of earth gravity. You would think these Ionic products will never sell based on specifications, but somehow they have a expensive advertisement campaign, and we do not know better.

I believe it is important to learn how to compare purifiers based on real specifications, not some fancy animated TV advertisements.