Germ Guardian AC5000E UV Tower HEPA Air Purifier

Achoo Review

Germ Guardian AC5000E Air Purifier

As the newest model of HEPA air purifier we have added to our offering, I was interested in testing Germ Guardian's take on air filtration. With a solid reputation in UV devices and home humidifiers, Germ Guardian now offers a true HEPA air purifier for small to mid size rooms. Capitalizing on the attractive tower design, the Germ Guardian AC5000 HEPA air purifier is an inexpensive way to keep your family breathing better and your home smelling fresher. With a sample model in tow, I broke this model down, and here is what I found.

What I like about the AC5000 HEPA Air Purifier

Like other air purifiers I have tested, the Germ Guardian AC5000 is built around the attractive tower style design. This fits best for most people in that it leaves only a small footprint in whatever room you decide to place it. Aside from the slim, tower design, this air purifier is also very lightweight. And with a convenient carrying handle, you can easily move this unit from room to room.

The filtration quality was right in line with similarly priced models. The HEPA filter is true HEPA filter that will capture 99.97% of particle pollution 0.3 microns or larger, and a foam pre-filter captures large particles like pet hair and dust bunnies. The addition of the UV-C bulb is a step up from many comparable models, and Germ Guardian is one of the first manufacturers to adopt photocatalytic technology. Activated by the UV light, Titanium Dioxide found in the combo HEPA filter works to break down odor molecules found in cigarette smoke, pet odor and other common household odors.

Unlike some air purifiers in this price range, filter replacement is recommended for every six months. For some people this period will be longer if you are not using the machine as much. The pre-filter is removable, so you could wash it, but I would recommend simply vacuuming off the exterior every month or two to keep captured debris from impeding air flow. When it is time to replace the filter, you really only have this one combo filter to purchase. So instead of 3 filters (pre-filter, HEPA, and carbon filter), you get make one purchase and get everything you need.

Cost is an increasingly important factor, but the Germ Guardian AC5000 is priced very closely to comparable HEPA air purifier models.

What I didn't like about the AC5000 HEPA Air Purifier

As with an air purifier, there is always room for improvement. First, a filter change indicator would be a bonus. This unit lacks that, and while most are simple time based counters, a blinking red light usually helps catch our attention and remind us to replace the filter.

Second, the UV-C light is a bonus, but please do not expect this to sterilize the air in your home. Low wattage UV lights do not normally kill microorganisms with a single pass. While some microbes with thinner cell walls will certainly be effected or neutralized, hardier germs and microbes will largely be un-phased by a quick dose of UV. This, however, is true for nearly all residential air purifiers equipped with UV light. All I'm really saying is, be reasonable with expectations when it comes to UV lights in home air purifiers.

Overall, I really like the Germ Guardian AC5000 air purifier. The particle filtration is best suited for small to medium sized bedrooms. Dorm rooms, nurseries, and home offices are ideal locations for this models since it takes up little floor space and is largely unobtrusive. This HEPA air purifier is priced well and very easy to use. Filter replacement is simple and relatively inexpensive.

Achoo Review

Germ Guardian AC5000E Air Purifier

As the newest model of HEPA air purifier we have added to our offering, I was interested in testing Germ Guardian's take on air filtration. With a solid reputation in UV devices and home humidifiers, Germ Guardian now offers a true HEPA air purifier for small to mid size rooms. Capitalizing on the attractive tower design, the Germ Guardian AC5000 HEPA air purifier is an inexpensive way to keep your family breathing better and your home smelling fresher. With a sample model in tow, I broke this model down, and here is what I found.

What I like about the AC5000 HEPA Air Purifier

Like other air purifiers I have tested, the Germ Guardian AC5000 is built around the attractive tower style design. This fits best for most people in that it leaves only a small footprint in whatever room you decide to place it. Aside from the slim, tower design, this air purifier is also very lightweight. And with a convenient carrying handle, you can easily move this unit from room to room.

The filtration quality was right in line with similarly priced models. The HEPA filter is true HEPA filter that will capture 99.97% of particle pollution 0.3 microns or larger, and a foam pre-filter captures large particles like pet hair and dust bunnies. The addition of the UV-C bulb is a step up from many comparable models, and Germ Guardian is one of the first manufacturers to adopt photocatalytic technology. Activated by the UV light, Titanium Dioxide found in the combo HEPA filter works to break down odor molecules found in cigarette smoke, pet odor and other common household odors.

Unlike some air purifiers in this price range, filter replacement is recommended for every six months. For some people this period will be longer if you are not using the machine as much. The pre-filter is removable, so you could wash it, but I would recommend simply vacuuming off the exterior every month or two to keep captured debris from impeding air flow. When it is time to replace the filter, you really only have this one combo filter to purchase. So instead of 3 filters (pre-filter, HEPA, and carbon filter), you get make one purchase and get everything you need.

Cost is an increasingly important factor, but the Germ Guardian AC5000 is priced very closely to comparable HEPA air purifier models.

What I didn't like about the AC5000 HEPA Air Purifier

As with an air purifier, there is always room for improvement. First, a filter change indicator would be a bonus. This unit lacks that, and while most are simple time based counters, a blinking red light usually helps catch our attention and remind us to replace the filter.

Second, the UV-C light is a bonus, but please do not expect this to sterilize the air in your home. Low wattage UV lights do not normally kill microorganisms with a single pass. While some microbes with thinner cell walls will certainly be effected or neutralized, hardier germs and microbes will largely be un-phased by a quick dose of UV. This, however, is true for nearly all residential air purifiers equipped with UV light. All I'm really saying is, be reasonable with expectations when it comes to UV lights in home air purifiers.

Overall, I really like the Germ Guardian AC5000 air purifier. The particle filtration is best suited for small to medium sized bedrooms. Dorm rooms, nurseries, and home offices are ideal locations for this models since it takes up little floor space and is largely unobtrusive. This HEPA air purifier is priced well and very easy to use. Filter replacement is simple and relatively inexpensive.