Honeywell 50250 99.97% Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier
by Honeywell
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Honeywell 50250 99.97% Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier
Customer Review: I LIKE IT A LOT but there are SOME ISSUES
Summary: 5 Stars
Picked it up a few weeks ago from a Home Depot. I did end up paying probably $15 more for it than if I had bought it online. That is the way I wanted it because if it didn't work well I could easily return it with no hassle and maybe pick up another one. So I have 90 days to check it out. I purchased it for my basement rec room that is 16'x30' with an 8' ceiling. So I am looking at 480 sq feet. I think the purifier is rated for 340 sq feet... So I consider that close enough. I live in the southwest where it is dusty all the time. I also have a 16 year old cat that needs a good spanking. After two weeks of using the purifier I LIKE IT A LOT. It filters the room fast and leaves you with a really clean smelling room. When I come down the stairs and turn the corner to the rec room you can smell and feel the difference right away. So up to now (two weeks) everything is great. NOW FOR THE ISSUES: My purifier does indeed wobble at low and slighly at the mid range settings. The purifier is sitting on carpet so the amount of vibration that you see is extremely small. I think it may be more of a visual problem than a real mechanical problem. If it was sitting on a wood floor it might bug me but if I liked it I would put it on a rug or get some felt or rubber pads to put under the feet. The way it is now for me is just fine. I also wonder if you could put a small piece of duct tape on one of the blades to try to offset the wobble. You can do this sort of thing with ceiling fans and it seems to work... Just a thought. The second issue is indeed the NOISE. I have read all the reviews and some people are saying that it isn't loud. To these people I say you need to go to an ear doctor (LOL). It is loud on the high setting (Trust Me). However the way I look at the noise is, That's fine with me because I know it is really pushing the air through the filter and that's what I wanted in the first place. I think very few people could stand to listen to it on the high speed setting for more than a few hours. The medium speed is just barely acceptable and I could probably get used to it if I had to. The low speed, to me, is very acceptable. How you intend to use this purifier is a big factor in whether you should buy it or not. The way I use it is like this: I bought a $5 mechanical plugin timer which has the ability to set two settings per day. I have the filter set to HIGH and the timer is set to start at 11AM-2PM (3 hours on high) and then it shuts off and starts again at 3AM-6AM (3 hours on high). The rest of the day the filter is not running. We have no bad physical conditions where we need to run it 24/7 so the six hours that we run it keeps everything fresh. Unless you need it running 24 hours a day there should be a schedule that you can come up with where the noise is really never an issue. This purifier is really cheap to operate when comparing to the more expensive makes and models - And especially if you never have to change the Hepa filter (My purifier says on box that you don't have to change it) but I will probably change it once a year or so. So, in conclusion, this Honeywell is a great purifier if you can work around the sound issue. I think the vibration issue is more a problem in your head than an actual mechanical problem. I do realize that my two weeks of operation is not a great test but if anything goes haywire I will be sure to let you guys know. Also consider buying it somewhere where you can return it if you don't like it.... Worth paying a few extra bucks I would think. Hope this helps.Customer Review: Fantastic Air Cleaner!
Summary: 5 Stars
While this product has both pros and cons, having lived with it for a month, I'm VERY pleased with its overall performance. There is absolutely no dust visible in the air, even when looking for some particles near a sunlit window. None. Zero.
The unit is fairly large, about half the size of a steel garbage can brought to the curb. This may be an issue for some people, but conversely, a smaller unit would not move (and therefore not filter) as much air.
It moves A LOT of air, so it can get windy sitting nearby. But because it moves so much air, it works so well. We leave it on the lowest setting 24 hours a day, because turning it up to medium or high would be ridiculous. It really moves a lot of air. The air enters into and flows out of the unit in a 360 degree pattern, so the unit cannot be "aimed" towards, or away from, nearby objects.
Some have compared this unit to a Sharp model (which costs twice as much), but they should be comparing two of these to a unit costing twice as much, and three of these to a unit costing three times as much.
Some consider the unit loud, but it doesn't bother me, and the "white noise" puts me right to sleep at night.
Construction quality is EXCELLENT. They generally "don't make stuff like this anymore." Mine was made in Mexico. The plastic is high quality -- the vents, the controls, and the convenient carry handle built into the top, all feel solid. I opened the unit up (there's a large plastic nut on the bottom) to examine the HEPA filter (which is huge), and even the filter felt solid and well made.
The unit sold directly from Amazon (can't comment on ones from 3rd party sellers) is the current model with the silver control panel on top, and is very handsome (much nicer than the older model visible in some customer-uploaded photos above). This unit is the "50250N" model, which was apparently an internal model number used by the manufacturer, and never actually labeled on the packaging/unit as "50250N." The difference is the "N" (new) model features the "lifetime" HEPA filter which doesn't need to be changed. The current "N" model is also cosmetically nicer than the prior version. To be clear, there is only one current model of this air cleaner, the 50250 (which was internally called a 50250N by the manufacturer). The 250 in the model number refers to a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of 250.
The unit has a fairy bright blue light visible at night, but this is likely a safety feature so people don't trip over the unit while heading to the bathroom late at night. It didn't bother me, and I actually find the "night light" helpful. The markings on the blue lighted dial were unreadable, however, but given that there are only 4 positions (Off, Low, Medium, and High) this isn't a big deal.
Note that the manufacturer recommends turning the unit on "High" for a few seconds EVERY time the unit is switched on, to create extra suction on the filter gaskets for the tightest possible seal. Then switch it to Medium or Low as desired after a few seconds. We let it run 24 hours a day on low.
If you can live with the size and the amount of air it moves, you will be very happy with this unit.
We are very happy with the unit, and will buy additional units for other areas of the house in the future.
Customer Review: Remarkable, Simply Remarkable!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have severe year-round nasal allergies. To make matters worse, my prolonged allergy symptoms have triggered the growth of polyps in my nasal passages. Zyrtec and other allergy medications offer only partial relief. Then, I stumbled on this very favorably rated air purifier and decided to get it to see if it would help with my allergies. I have been using it for 6 months now, and the difference it has made is simply remarkable!
Function
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- HEPA Filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter)
I use the Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier in my bedroom, which measures about 15' x 13' - well within the specification of 17' x 22' for the optimal performance of the air purifier. I keep it turned on 24-7.
Initially, I wasn't entirely sure if this HEPA business wasn't mere hokum. But much to my delight, this air purifier has made a HUGE difference for me. My allergies symptoms have consistently shown a marked improvement whenever I'm in my room with my air purifier running; sometimes my allergies don't even act up - What a relief! I also don't get sinus headaches as often as I used to. Finally! Respite from the barrage of outdoor allergens! To all the allergy sufferers: the Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier does work!
Now, the *CAVEAT*
I have discovered that the air purifier works in alleviating my allergy symptoms only at the highest setting. It really moves the air in the room at the highest setting, but the problem, as many reviewers have noted, is that it can be quite loud at the highest setting. I think this is inevitable since the noise comes NOT from the fan, but from "the high air flow", as someone has astutely noted.
The noise really doesn't bother me too much. As a matter of fact, it serves as white noise for helping to mask my tinnitus. The only time I turn it down is when I need to talk on the phone.
- Carbon Filter
The carbon filter is very effective at controlling bad odors. The recommended carbon filter change interval is every 3-4 months, which sounds about right since my filter started losing its effectiveness after roughly the same time period. If you don't have a problem with bad odors, you can probably change the carbon filter much less frequently.
Aesthetics
Contrary to some opinions about the aesthetics of the Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier, I actually think the unit looks rather attractive. But, of course, it's a subjective matter.
Durability
At the lowest setting, the unit wobbles a little, which makes me worry about its durability. However, I've had my Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier for six months now, and I leave it on 24-7 -- no problems so far. At any rate, the unit has a 5-year warranty (a rarity these days).
Conclusion
I just wanted to share my personal experience with the Honeywell HEPA Air Purifier since it's worked so well for me. Hopefully, it's been helpful for you. Do be aware of the noise issue that many people have trouble with. Good luck.
Customer Review: I can breathe!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't care what anyone else says....I picked the unit up on Thursday evening, started it running on high in my room about an hour before I went to bed, then turned it down to low for the night...Friday morning I woke up with NO congestion and my eyes were not all raw, itchy and sore! I read another review that said they didn't think it was possible to help allergens that fast...I'm telling you it DOES! I moved it downstairs to our main living area for the day on Friday and after a couple hours, again, no problems with allergies. I can't express what a relief this is! I've been on two different allergy meds plus antihistamine eye drops, none of which is doing diddly. Ok..sure, when I go outside, everything flares up again, but at least I can find comfort and relief in my own house now. I usually flare up everytime the dogs come in the house also. The came in for about 20 min and then back out again. I wasn't nearly in the pain I usually am from that.
Ok, so the machine is loud...really loud...but it's like an airconditioner without that clankety start up and shut down noise a window a/c unit has. I would also compare it to a hairdryer that you sit under at the salon...not really the handheld one. Anyone who has sat under one will know what I'm talking about. I thought low was the high setting when I first turned it on because it was quite loud...ummm...nope...high is much louder. My husband HATES noise when we sleep, but even he confessed that the ability to breathe was worth getting used to the sound on low.
I will definately be looking into a couple of the slightly smaller ones for the bedrooms and keep this one downstairs.
A couple more things. Someone said it blows cold air...yes, it does because the air at ground level is cooler. And like that person said...that will be nice come summer (and maybe save on running the house a/c), but winter will be a challenge. Fortunately we don't suffer from too many winter allergies.
Also, I commented on someone's review that said their daughter got loads of enjoyment out of floating a balloon above the unit in the circle of blown air. I intended to show this to my kids, but they beat me to it!!! I didn't even mention the idea to them! They came calling for me to see what they discovered, and there they were chasing a balloon with the string attached in circles. I have to admit, this was quite entertaining and made the noise a bit more tolerable. :)
I got a price match and paid $139 (this included the price + shipping cost on Amazon) at Home Depot where it is $169. I would have paid full price though if I had to and it would have been well worth it!
Customer Review: loud, but good
Summary: 5 Stars
I live an apartment complex where the odour of cigarette smoke constantly seeps into my suite. Also, I am one of those cat owners that is allergic to her cat. After doing some extensive online research on the units available, I decided to purchase this unit based on the price, type of filter, the size of the room it cleans, and the positive reviews.
I like:
- Lifetime HEPA filter (no buying a replacement HEPA filter, no ozone from an ionizer)
- Charcoal prefilter for odours (it really does work immediately to get rid of cigarette smoke odours)
- Reduces allergens (if my nose is running from my various allergies and i turn this on, i notice a reduction in symptoms within 20 minutes)
- Price. I thought it was rather pricey to begin with, then I found out what the high end purifiers cost, and this unit started looking pretty good. (Note, I paid about $300 CAD. I could have ordered online through an American retailer, but after considering taxes, duty, shipping, and potential return hassles, I decided to buy locally)
Not so thrilled:
- Believe the reviews; this unit is loud, even on the lowest setting. I have to turn up my music and speak more loudly when i have it running on low. When I'm home, I find it difficult to run it all the time because I find it so noisy. Yes, it's white noise, but I find it a relief to my ears when I turn it off. Note that I am fairly sensitive to noise, though.
- It's big. In a small apartment, it overwhelms the room. Especially since, to be most effective, you are supposed to place it 3 feet away from any walls and furniture. It's not much of a centrepiece, aesthetically.
- It makes me cold. It does involve a giant fan, after all, to suck the air through the sides of the unit and then vent it back out through the top. Since it is winter, this means I end up putting on an extra sweater or cranking the heat a bit when I'm in the same room as the purifier. I assume that any purifier that needs to circulate so much air several times an hour would have the same issue, though. Could be considered a pro in the summer.
I've had this unit for 5 months now, and I decided to keep it despite the noise and size, as I would have paid a lot more for a quieter unit that purified the same square footage. I would still recommend it. Just get ready for the noise.