Frequently Asked Question - Blueair Air Purifier

• 1. Which Blueair unit is best for me?

  The answer to this question is simple; it's a matter of comfort. The Blueair Model 603 and Model 503 are among the highest rated models of any air purifier on the market and are among the most efficient for their rated room capacity. If size of the unit or cost is a factor, then the Blueair Model 403, Model 303 or the Model 203 may be better choices. For a small area, such as over your desk while working, the AirPodT Personal Clean AirZone might be best. Each Blueair model uses HEPASilentT filtration technology to achieve 99.97% efficiency at 0.1 micron. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), an ndependent industry organization in the United States that rates air cleaners for overall performance, assigns room size recommendations to air cleaners as another way of comparing the different brands. The Blueair room size recommendations are based upon this testing by AHAM. If cost or size is the major purchasing factor, consumers should select the system that matches their room size. All room sizes assume 2.5 meter high ceilings. If ceilings are higher, consumers should select the system that matches the next larger room size.

• 2. Room Size Best Blueair System

  TUp to 60 square meters Blueair Model 603
  
  Up to 54 square meters Blueair Model 503
  
  Up to 34 square meters Blueair Model 403
  
  Up to 26 square meters Blueair Model 303
  
  Up to 16 square meters Blueair Model 203
  
  

• 3. Room Size E-Series & ECO10 Best Blueair System

  Up to 63? square meters Blueair Model 650E
  
  Up to 54 square meters Blueair Model 550E
  
  Up to 34 square meters Blueair Model 450E
  
  Up to 26 square meters Blueair Model 270E
  
  Up to 28 square meters Blueair Model ECO10
  
  

• 4. Do Blueair systems produce dangerous levels of ozone?

  The answer is No. The most stringent government standards, for example in the United States for indoor ozone, are those of the FDA (Federal Food and Drug Administration) for indoor medical devices, which specify that ozone output be no more than 0.05ppm. In a closed test room with a Blueair in operation, probes measured ozone levels at 0.003 ppm - a tiny fraction of the amount deemed hazardous to human health. Blueair's design and steel housing chambre safeguards against excessive ozone production, and then removes ambient ozone from the air. Testing shows the ozone concentration in our system's output air is actually lower than the incoming air.

• 5. What type of Blueair filter do I need?

  Select a filter type based on the kinds of pollutants (particles and gases) that may be present in your environment. Blueair's standard HEPASilentT filter provides efficient filtration for environments where particles are the primary concern and gases are secondary. This filter is suitable not only for average home or apartment with family members in good overall health, but also for families who need an extra level of protection for the elderly, children, or those with respiratory or cardiovascular illness. For any environment in which removing gaseous pollutants (including tobacco smoke) is a priority, Blueair recommends its optional SmokeStopT filter. Blueair's optional SmokeStopT filter adds more gas absorption capability and is recommended for removal of tobacco smoke and for environments like workshops or workplaces where chemical fumes and gases are present.

• 6. Can Blueair systems trap airborne bacteria?

  The answer is a qualified "yes." No air filtration system is 100% effective at removing 100% of all bacteria and viruses. However, Blueair's combination of mechanical and active electrostatic filtration provides exceptionally high levels of protection. Blueair's HEPASilentT technology traps and removes 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 micron. However, because bacteria may not behave in exactly the same way as non-living particles in the context of filtration.

• 7. How does a Blueair filter compare with a traditional HEPA filter?

  Blueair filters trap six times more dirt than filters in a typical air purifier primarily because of the filter's progressive, three stage filter structure. Most filters from other air purifier manufacturers are thinner and usually consist of the same type fibre throughout. Blueair filters have millions of ultra thin fibres in three different sizes. Thus, the name progressive. The first layer captures larger particles such as pollen and dust and the second and third capture smaller particles such as bacteria and exhaust fumes.
  
  Whereas a traditional HEPA filter often clogs and as a consequence restricts airflow, our filter design resists loading or clogging and continues filtration at peak performance levels longer. In essence, our filters offer maximum airflow and high efficiency. Also, once captured by our filter, the particles will not be re-released into your environment, even under heavy loading conditions.

• 8. How does HEPASilentT technology achieve such high levels of filtration?

  A revolutionary combination of advanced filter media and an encapsulated ion particle charging chambre make it possible for the Blueair air purification system to achieve better results than either mechanical or electrostatic technology alone.
  
  The Blueair system moves all particles through a sealed ion chamber where they collide with negative ions and pick up a very slight electrical charge. As they exit the ion chambre, particles are attracted to the positively charged pleats of the HEPASilentT filter media. Rather than floating past the filter media, particles are captured and removed from the indoor air.
  
  Most electrostatic systems charge the fibres of the filter media itself, rather than the particles. The charge naturally dissipates over time and renders the filter media less efficient. By constantly electrostatically charging incoming particles, instead of the filter media, HEPASilentT technology continues working effectively and reliably. In addition, Blueair uses a very low electrical current to minimize ozone production and a sealed steel housing surrounding the ionization chambre to keep ozone contained. For more protection, Blueair's activated carbon filter absorbs any ozone that may escape from the encapsulated ionization chamber.

• 9. How often should I change the filter in my Blueair unit?

  In order to maintain the high performance standard you expect from Blueair, it is recommended that the filter be replaced every six months or sooner if the unit operates in a particularly dirty environment. The amount of indoor air pollution can vary dramatically from environment to environment. Without regular filter replacement, your air cleaner is operating at only a small percentage of optimum performance.
  
  There are three filters in each Model 603 and Model 503 and one larger filter in Model 403, 303 and 203. The AirPodT has its own uniquely designed filter that corresponds to your mode or room décor. Many air purifiers require filters to be changed once every 1 to 2 months. The Blueair filters contain polypropylene, a waterproof fibre that prevents bacteria, viruses and mould growth, allowing the filters to last longer than most on the market today.

• 10. How can I get the most from my Blueair air purifier?

  Blueair air purifiers are easy to use. Begin by selecting the right size unit that corresponds to your room size. Make sure you replace the filter at the recommended 6-month intervals. Every air purification system has limits to the volume of air it can clean, so it is important to follow these common sense guidelines:
  
  Close windows - You would not expect an air conditioner to work efficiently on a hot summer day with windows open, as hot air would come in and cool air would go out the window. The same logic applies here even though you cannot see contaminated air coming in and clean air going out the window.
  
  Close doors - Just as you might expect to seal off part of your house when its cool outside to keep your heater working more efficiently, you should seal off the room in which the system is working for best results. This is especially important for people using a Blueair system to ease nighttime asthma or allergy attacks.
  
  Operate the system 24 hours a day - Blueair systems are designed for phenomenally low power usage, so the system can be run 24 hours a day, seven days a week without an increase in electricity consumption. It costs approximately the same to power one Blueair unit as it does to power a single light bulb depending on the unit and the operating speed.
  
  Vacuum "fluff" - If visible "fluff" builds up on the outside of the air intake and outtake grids, simply vacuum it away or wipe clean with a cloth. The air take grid is designed in part to intercept very large particles before they enter the system, thereby prolonging the life of the filter. Check the air intakes and grids regularly to remove "fluff".

• 11. How can I justify the high investment for an air purifier?

  Since indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental risks to public health, you need to consider the investment in an air purifier as an investment in your health and well-being. If you have respiratory aliments such as asthma or allergies, an air purifier will also provide relief for sufferers by eliminating dust, pollen and smoke particles from the air. An air purifier can also provide relief at night by controlling airborne particles that might disrupt your sleep. Removing these particles will also make homes smell better. If you allergic to pets, it also helps control pet dander.

• 12. Do I need to run it on high speed all the time to keep the room clean?

  No. You should operate the air purifier at high speed when you initially place it in a room for about an hour to rid the room of impurities. For smaller rooms, less time is required. After the initial cleaning of the room, the unit can operate on a lower speed to maintain the desired clean air levels in the room. The speed you set the air purifier on depends on how many air pollutants are present in the room and on the size of the room. A person who smokes or has pets should operate the unit on a higher speed compared to a non-smoker and person who does not have pets.

• 13. If I operate the unit 24 hours a day, seven days week, will my power bill skyrocket?

  Not really since the Blueair units use an extremely low amount of power. The unit can operate on low speed, for example, at about the same cost as using an electric light bulb in your home. Operating a Blueair unit is very economical and cost-efficient.

• 14. My bedroom is 40 square meters. Why would I spend the extra money on a Blueair air purifier designed for 58 or 60 square meter room?

  I60 square meters is the maximum room size AHAM recommends for the Blueair Model 603 air purifier. A maximum of 54 square meters is recommended for the Model 503. If the room size in which you place your 503 or 603 air purifier is less than that, the room will be cleaned more efficiently. In addition, less power will be consumed, with the possibility for less required filter changes and the likelihood of even cleaner air.

• 15. Will I notice a difference in air quality when I use a Blueair air purifier?

  Yes, depending on how contaminated the air was prior to using the Blueair air purifier. If the room being cleaned has pet dander and tobacco smoke particles, the difference in air quality could be noticeable within a few days. The room will smell cleaner and fresher. If you suffer from allergies/asthma related to dust and/or pollen, you should also notice a definite improvement in your condition. Obviously, the more you use your Blueair air purifier, the better the results. If you operate the air purifier 24/7, the aroma in the room will be more noticeable than if you use it for just a few hours.