Filter Change Indicator

Reports by Experts - Blueair 203 Air Purifier

EXPERT REVIEW PARAMETERS	STAR RATING
1. Airborne Particulate Filtration
2. Gas, Chemical & Odor Filtration
3. Room Coverage
4. Noise Rating
5. Filter Life & Replacement Costs
6. Ease of Operation & Filter Replacement
7. Quality of Construction: Air-tight design, no off-gassing
8. Electronic Filter Life Monitoring
9. Manufacturer's Credibility, Warranty & Return Policy
10. Quality of Filters
11. Value for Price

The Blueair 200 series utilizes a different design from the rest of the Blueair models. Whereas, the ionizer in the larger Blueair models is located inside the unit before the filter which charges the incoming particulates as they enter the unit prior to being filtered, the ionizer in the 200 series is located at the top of the unit which releases negative ions into the room, charging the particles in the air. One might wonder if the 200 series design is as effective as the one used in the larger models and the answer is yes. The negative ions are released into the air and collide with the airborne particles where they become negatively charged. These charged particles are then drawn into the air cleaner where the electrostatic attraction to the filter surface results in their removal. Since the particles in the room do not receive as strong a charge as in the larger Blueair models, they have compensated by using a higher grade filter media specifically for the 200 series. This gives the 200 series the same filtration efficiency as achieved in the other Blueair models.
Pluses:

• Combines electrostatic and mechanical filtration technology to effectively capture a wide range of large and small airborne particles providing relief from allergy and asthma symptoms.
• Optional Gas & Odor SmokeStop filter has 2 lbs. of impregnated activated carbon to provide sufficient removal of gases, odors, and VOCs.
• Less filter restriction allows for higher air flow while maintaining a reduced noise level for continuous day or night use
• Easy to operate and changing the filter only takes a couple of seconds with no need for tools.
• Durable steel construction the grills and powder-coated steel exterior are easy to wipe clean, will not pick up grime or oily stains the way plastics can, and will not off-gas.
• Safe use of electrostatic technology without producing ozone.
• Includes a magnetic timer that reminds you to change the filters every 6 months.

Summary:

The Blueair 200 series is the perfect choice for someone on a limited budget who wants an efficient, well-made air cleaner for a small room. Although Blueair has diverted to a different design with the 200 series, the efficiency at which it performs is not affected. It continues the reputation Blueair has for making very quiet air purifiers, and this one happens to be their quietest. It is even notably quiet on the high speed. Like the other models, the filters need to be replaced every 6 months and they are expensive at $100 to $200 annual cost depending on whether or not one chooses the HEPASilent particle filter or the Gas & Odor SmokeStop filter. We wish Blueair would have designed their units with a separate pre-filter to extend the life of the main filter and lead to less overall maintenance costs in the long run. However, the addition of a pre-filter could affect the airflow reducing its room coverage, resulting in the need for a larger fan which would increase noise level. Therefore, Blueair decided to stay with their current design of 3 filters-in-one which remove the large particles in the front, medium size towards the middle and ultra-fine towards the back. Overall, a great quiet air purifier for a small room.