hi scott, i dont see mold or mycotoxins listed among the particle list it addresses on website:
“Exceeds HEPA standards: Advanced HEPA filtration captures over 99.99% of airborne dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke. This large room air purifier refreshes the air at least once an hour in rooms up to 1700 sq. ft. to provide cleaner, fresher air”
well, of course it captures mold particles, they are All larger than 1/100 micron, with is what ALL proper HEPA will capture (read my article on HEPA filter efficiency to find out why. The "advertised" or "certified" maximum penetration size is 1/3 micron. ALL particles that are BOTH larger and smaller get Trapped at higher efficiencies (i.e., greater than 99.97%)
So no worry there with mold spores becuase smallest mold spores is 2 microns- with is at least 6 times larger than 1/3 micron...
AND cells of filaments, IF they happened to break apart that small are also in the 1 -2 micron size - again, captured at greater than 99.97%.
Now- please read my article on mycotoxins - they are molecules, and they are larger than 1/1000 micron! BUT they are ALWAYS attached to the cell wall of the "large" spore, or the cell wall (or inside) the filament cell wall. So they too will always be captured at greater than 99.97%.
Therefore, this Honeywell , WILL indeed to perfect for mold and mycotoxins.
In fact, MERV 12 will be perfect in a home forced air filter. And MERV 14 prob more than good for a portable - which is about 95% efficient - BUT since it continually circulates, like the HEPA portable, they WILL sooner or later clean "all" particles that come past it.
The "need for "HEPA" efficient filters is exaggerated - because they don't stop collecting particles until "all" the particles are gone. AND since mold particles (and spores) are ALWAYS being added to the air in the space - the filter never really catches up - BUT they do lower the exposure concentration - especially when they are high volume.
This is the problem with so many of the devices being sold - they move too LITTLE air volume per minute to rapidly clean the air before more new particles arrive. This is so important when choosing - and many mfr's sell 'desktop" or mini-units - pointless for folks who want very clean air.
SO answer is - of course these Honeywell WILL do a great job if you want to clean the spores and mold particles that carry mycotoxins.
thanks Scott. so … i just left a black mold nightmare rental. moving into a new rental which is a modular with an air exchange system (i am not quite sure what kind but I can look into it). Is it pointless to buy an aur purifier if there is a constant indoor/ outdoor exchange? i realize this is considered good building science, but then how can a purifier keep up to your point?
Well no. A portable filter (of just about any manufacturer, they r all very similar) CAN improve room air. AND it can be used to supply clean air DIRECTLY to the occupant - set the output air direction to flow toward the occupant, the bed, the office chair, the gaming couch, etc.
IF you want the room to be cleaner, there are some things that must be attended to:
1. location - the device INPUT can't be blocked - no obstructions from the air in the room that needs to flow toward the device.
2. location - the OUTPUT can't be blocked. I prefer to have the air going up to the ceiling - imagine a water fountain, it spouts up, then hits the ceiling and flows outward toward the walls, and then down to the floor - pushing dirty air back to the middle of the room (or on the carpet, shelves, whatever> Think of it like someone who needs oxygen - we don't just open the canister and let oxygen into the room - we put a hose on it and pump oxygen directly into the person! same with HEPA-clean air!
3. Close as many inputs as possible. - door, window, even the forced air HVAC supply (if it's not too cold or warm). Do this on "turbo" mode, for a couple hours you will get v.clean air (if # 1 and 2 are taken care of). THEN, when you go to use the room (sleep, work, play) it will be extra clean compared to the other rooms.
I always recommend getting the largest you can afford... AND if it's on Low mode, AND if it's quiet for you to read, sleep, watch videos, etc, THEN it will be BETTER for you.
IF you use the rating on the box/description - the room size recommended by the mfr, that is usually on HIGH....
BUT - no one can stand the loud noise when any filter is on high!
Which means, no one gets the best performance (except when they run on turbo/high AND are not in the room - which is rare or even never!)
So questions to ask before purchasing:
1. is it very quiet on low.
2. is it moving a LOT of air on low.
3. are replacement filters affordable - $40, - 80 per replacement. AND are they separate from the pre-filter and/or carbon (odor) filter?
AND, is it relatively easy to clean.
For example, many filter replacements are $150-250 EACH TIME. rip-off. even if the new entire device is $800 - 1200 this is too much for a small HEPA replacement.
IF the device is under 5oo, this is WAYYYYyyy too much.
IF the device meets those questions, AND is $200-300, AND replacement HePA is $45... DEAL! buy it. Just make sure you use it correctly.
well, of course it captures mold particles, they are All larger than 1/100 micron, with is what ALL proper HEPA will capture (read my article on HEPA filter efficiency to find out why. The "advertised" or "certified" maximum penetration size is 1/3 micron. ALL particles that are BOTH larger and smaller get Trapped at higher efficiencies (i.e., greater than 99.97%)
So no worry there with mold spores becuase smallest mold spores is 2 microns- with is at least 6 times larger than 1/3 micron...
AND cells of filaments, IF they happened to break apart that small are also in the 1 -2 micron size - again, captured at greater than 99.97%.
Now- please read my article on mycotoxins - they are molecules, and they are larger than 1/1000 micron! BUT they are ALWAYS attached to the cell wall of the "large" spore, or the cell wall (or inside) the filament cell wall. So they too will always be captured at greater than 99.97%.
Therefore, this Honeywell , WILL indeed to perfect for mold and mycotoxins.
In fact, MERV 12 will be perfect in a home forced air filter. And MERV 14 prob more than good for a portable - which is about 95% efficient - BUT since it continually circulates, like the HEPA portable, they WILL sooner or later clean "all" particles that come past it.
The "need for "HEPA" efficient filters is exaggerated - because they don't stop collecting particles until "all" the particles are gone. AND since mold particles (and spores) are ALWAYS being added to the air in the space - the filter never really catches up - BUT they do lower the exposure concentration - especially when they are high volume.
This is the problem with so many of the devices being sold - they move too LITTLE air volume per minute to rapidly clean the air before more new particles arrive. This is so important when choosing - and many mfr's sell 'desktop" or mini-units - pointless for folks who want very clean air.
SO answer is - of course these Honeywell WILL do a great job if you want to clean the spores and mold particles that carry mycotoxins.
HPA300 is the model I refer to. Honeywell.store has them $319.95. Sorry about that... I'm just the messenger! I still like it for that price - I have one that runs 24hr/day now for over 6 yrs... change filters using off-brand around $40 for hepa's, and around $10 for carbon pre filters.
I like the PuroAir ones in Amazon because they are cheap, relatively small (good for bedrooms and common spaces), and use the same after market filter as a lot of other similarly sized air purifiers so you'll be able to get the filters forever. Honeywell discontinues models frequently enough that you'll have to replace the unit every few years as you can't get filters--if it lasts that long--the couple I've had had bad motors after a year. I've got AlexaPur Breeze purifiers that are 10 years old and cost $143.
I tell people every day, you're better off putting one $125 purifier in each bedroom than you are spending $1000+ on a purifier that is still only rated for a living room sized space. And you don't need to spend $5k installing overpriced or outright fake devices on your furnace if you just change your dang furnace filter, have the ducts cleaned by someone who isn't a scammer, and putting a few affordable air purifiers throughout the house at a quarter the price and actually works.
upgrade is HPA5300BS - best buy today has them $231.00 Honeywell - Allergen Plus HEPA Air Purifier, Extra-Large Rooms (500 sq.ft) - Black
Model: HPA5300BSKU: 6412444
hi scott, i dont see mold or mycotoxins listed among the particle list it addresses on website:
“Exceeds HEPA standards: Advanced HEPA filtration captures over 99.99% of airborne dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke. This large room air purifier refreshes the air at least once an hour in rooms up to 1700 sq. ft. to provide cleaner, fresher air”
well, of course it captures mold particles, they are All larger than 1/100 micron, with is what ALL proper HEPA will capture (read my article on HEPA filter efficiency to find out why. The "advertised" or "certified" maximum penetration size is 1/3 micron. ALL particles that are BOTH larger and smaller get Trapped at higher efficiencies (i.e., greater than 99.97%)
So no worry there with mold spores becuase smallest mold spores is 2 microns- with is at least 6 times larger than 1/3 micron...
AND cells of filaments, IF they happened to break apart that small are also in the 1 -2 micron size - again, captured at greater than 99.97%.
Now- please read my article on mycotoxins - they are molecules, and they are larger than 1/1000 micron! BUT they are ALWAYS attached to the cell wall of the "large" spore, or the cell wall (or inside) the filament cell wall. So they too will always be captured at greater than 99.97%.
Therefore, this Honeywell , WILL indeed to perfect for mold and mycotoxins.
In fact, MERV 12 will be perfect in a home forced air filter. And MERV 14 prob more than good for a portable - which is about 95% efficient - BUT since it continually circulates, like the HEPA portable, they WILL sooner or later clean "all" particles that come past it.
The "need for "HEPA" efficient filters is exaggerated - because they don't stop collecting particles until "all" the particles are gone. AND since mold particles (and spores) are ALWAYS being added to the air in the space - the filter never really catches up - BUT they do lower the exposure concentration - especially when they are high volume.
This is the problem with so many of the devices being sold - they move too LITTLE air volume per minute to rapidly clean the air before more new particles arrive. This is so important when choosing - and many mfr's sell 'desktop" or mini-units - pointless for folks who want very clean air.
SO answer is - of course these Honeywell WILL do a great job if you want to clean the spores and mold particles that carry mycotoxins.
thanks Scott. so … i just left a black mold nightmare rental. moving into a new rental which is a modular with an air exchange system (i am not quite sure what kind but I can look into it). Is it pointless to buy an aur purifier if there is a constant indoor/ outdoor exchange? i realize this is considered good building science, but then how can a purifier keep up to your point?
Well no. A portable filter (of just about any manufacturer, they r all very similar) CAN improve room air. AND it can be used to supply clean air DIRECTLY to the occupant - set the output air direction to flow toward the occupant, the bed, the office chair, the gaming couch, etc.
IF you want the room to be cleaner, there are some things that must be attended to:
1. location - the device INPUT can't be blocked - no obstructions from the air in the room that needs to flow toward the device.
2. location - the OUTPUT can't be blocked. I prefer to have the air going up to the ceiling - imagine a water fountain, it spouts up, then hits the ceiling and flows outward toward the walls, and then down to the floor - pushing dirty air back to the middle of the room (or on the carpet, shelves, whatever> Think of it like someone who needs oxygen - we don't just open the canister and let oxygen into the room - we put a hose on it and pump oxygen directly into the person! same with HEPA-clean air!
3. Close as many inputs as possible. - door, window, even the forced air HVAC supply (if it's not too cold or warm). Do this on "turbo" mode, for a couple hours you will get v.clean air (if # 1 and 2 are taken care of). THEN, when you go to use the room (sleep, work, play) it will be extra clean compared to the other rooms.
using the right size is critical.
I always recommend getting the largest you can afford... AND if it's on Low mode, AND if it's quiet for you to read, sleep, watch videos, etc, THEN it will be BETTER for you.
IF you use the rating on the box/description - the room size recommended by the mfr, that is usually on HIGH....
BUT - no one can stand the loud noise when any filter is on high!
Which means, no one gets the best performance (except when they run on turbo/high AND are not in the room - which is rare or even never!)
So questions to ask before purchasing:
1. is it very quiet on low.
2. is it moving a LOT of air on low.
3. are replacement filters affordable - $40, - 80 per replacement. AND are they separate from the pre-filter and/or carbon (odor) filter?
AND, is it relatively easy to clean.
For example, many filter replacements are $150-250 EACH TIME. rip-off. even if the new entire device is $800 - 1200 this is too much for a small HEPA replacement.
IF the device is under 5oo, this is WAYYYYyyy too much.
IF the device meets those questions, AND is $200-300, AND replacement HePA is $45... DEAL! buy it. Just make sure you use it correctly.
well, of course it captures mold particles, they are All larger than 1/100 micron, with is what ALL proper HEPA will capture (read my article on HEPA filter efficiency to find out why. The "advertised" or "certified" maximum penetration size is 1/3 micron. ALL particles that are BOTH larger and smaller get Trapped at higher efficiencies (i.e., greater than 99.97%)
So no worry there with mold spores becuase smallest mold spores is 2 microns- with is at least 6 times larger than 1/3 micron...
AND cells of filaments, IF they happened to break apart that small are also in the 1 -2 micron size - again, captured at greater than 99.97%.
Now- please read my article on mycotoxins - they are molecules, and they are larger than 1/1000 micron! BUT they are ALWAYS attached to the cell wall of the "large" spore, or the cell wall (or inside) the filament cell wall. So they too will always be captured at greater than 99.97%.
Therefore, this Honeywell , WILL indeed to perfect for mold and mycotoxins.
In fact, MERV 12 will be perfect in a home forced air filter. And MERV 14 prob more than good for a portable - which is about 95% efficient - BUT since it continually circulates, like the HEPA portable, they WILL sooner or later clean "all" particles that come past it.
The "need for "HEPA" efficient filters is exaggerated - because they don't stop collecting particles until "all" the particles are gone. AND since mold particles (and spores) are ALWAYS being added to the air in the space - the filter never really catches up - BUT they do lower the exposure concentration - especially when they are high volume.
This is the problem with so many of the devices being sold - they move too LITTLE air volume per minute to rapidly clean the air before more new particles arrive. This is so important when choosing - and many mfr's sell 'desktop" or mini-units - pointless for folks who want very clean air.
SO answer is - of course these Honeywell WILL do a great job if you want to clean the spores and mold particles that carry mycotoxins.
Amazon - same - $231... on sale. today.
HPA300 is the model I refer to. Honeywell.store has them $319.95. Sorry about that... I'm just the messenger! I still like it for that price - I have one that runs 24hr/day now for over 6 yrs... change filters using off-brand around $40 for hepa's, and around $10 for carbon pre filters.
where are you finding the honeywell for $200.00 I am not finding this model anywhere
I like the PuroAir ones in Amazon because they are cheap, relatively small (good for bedrooms and common spaces), and use the same after market filter as a lot of other similarly sized air purifiers so you'll be able to get the filters forever. Honeywell discontinues models frequently enough that you'll have to replace the unit every few years as you can't get filters--if it lasts that long--the couple I've had had bad motors after a year. I've got AlexaPur Breeze purifiers that are 10 years old and cost $143.
I tell people every day, you're better off putting one $125 purifier in each bedroom than you are spending $1000+ on a purifier that is still only rated for a living room sized space. And you don't need to spend $5k installing overpriced or outright fake devices on your furnace if you just change your dang furnace filter, have the ducts cleaned by someone who isn't a scammer, and putting a few affordable air purifiers throughout the house at a quarter the price and actually works.