2009 VIP
TunefulGal
Los Angeles, CA

Honeywell's Enviracaire: What wonderful breaths of fresh air!

5 star rating

practical, an asthmatic, a pet keeper which means HAIR, a tender flower
Pros

    very reasonably priced purifier, many doctors recommend Honeywell, no ionization means no ozone, white noise can be soothing, nicely quiet on low setting

Cons
    somewhat bulky, only functionally attractive, something of a windstorm on high level

APR
2
2009
 

Honeywell Air Purifier - QuietCare Air Cleaner - 17000 HEPA — 

BREATHE AS THE ENVIRACAIRE CONSUMES POLLENS
     One of my three faithful Honeywell Purifiers is pooping out, but the others are going strong after years of almost continual use.  These 17000 Honeywell Enviracaire QuietCare True HEPA Air Purifiers almost literally save my breath during the night and -- especially -- all day in allergy season.  Because they are so efficient, I can often use less medication than I might otherwise.  (This is a very individual matter.  You might want to discuss it with your doctor.)
     The early 17000 series models have TRUE HEPA filters which resemble automotive air filters.  These HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particles from allergens including mold spores, ragweed pollen, grass and tree pollen, smoke, household dust, dust mites, and cat dander.  Since all of these substances are my respiratory specialties, I willingly make room for the Honeywell Purifiers and take good care of them, as well.
     The original HEPA filters are partially paper.  Honeywell recommends they be replaced approximately every five years.  At least a dozen years out, I'm still getting effective use of my original paper-ish HEPAs.
A PLETHORA OF FILTER INFO
     Recently, Honeywell switched to washable, "permanent" HEPA filters which ostensibly should save purifier owners a chunk of cash.  Reviewers on Amazon.com point out that instructions say the new, permanent filters should also be replaced after five years.  Old instructions?  Misleading claims?  I've read nothing yet that clarifies this. 
     The Honeywell Enviracaire has a second, pre-filter, as well.  This charcoal-embedded sheet wraps around a drum-shaped removeable cylinder.  The manufacturer recommends that each pre-filter be replaced when the red light on the purifier's front panel goes on.  This ordinarily happens about every three months.  
     I've always made a habit of vacuuming both filters when the red light indicates that the pre-filter is full of dust and debris.  The charcoal filters have a generous lifespan when cared for in this way.  (Honeywell says don't wash them.  Nothing mentions not vacuuming them.)  One Amazon reviewer who had a long experience with the 17000 series even oiled the bearings on his Enviracaires.  Please don't experiment if you don't understand the way appliances work.

ALL ABOUT PLACEMENT; BLOWING AIR; COST RANGE; WARRANTY

     The 17000 Honeywell Purifiers change the air in an average room about six times per hour.  The 17000 models will service up to a 14 X 14-foot room (200 square feet).  Each unit measures 16 in. W x 13 in. W x 17 in.D.  For best results, there should be three space clearance all around the unit.  I've never been able to achieve that in my small house.       
     Expect that your Honeywell Purifier's fan will blow nice fresh air out at you.  You will want to position your machine for maximum effect without bother from air flow.  I personally appreciate all the air I can get.  Bedroom purifiers do nicely at the foot of the bed.  The white noise helps me sleep better as it drowns out considerable street noise. 
     In my piano studio, I've placed a Honeywell Enviracaire about eight feet from the piano.  Students who come in sneezing and coughing from allergies get relief in minutes when I temporarily turn the machine up to medium or high for them.
     Honeywell Purifiers come with a limited five-year warranty.  Read all directions carefully.  Note that, within the warranty period, misbehaving units can be shipped with your U.S. check for $10 to Memphis TN for repairs.  I have done this successfully twice over the years.  One year, the returned unit was an upgrade.
     Enviracaires with paper in the HEPA filter are being phased out.  Overstock.com has a price under $100.  Enviracaires with "permanent" HEPAs hit a median price of about $130.  Because I'm happy with the status quo, I don't mind the old-style HEPA and will order one as a replacement for my worn-out unit. 
     That's one expenditure I look forward to!
    

Last edited on Apr 03, 2009



I_thumb_up Honeywell Air Purifier - QuietCare Air Cleaner - 17000 HEPA is recommended by TunefulGal

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about TunefulGal’s Review

 


Katrena wrote on Apr 16, 2009 at 12:48PM

Great info on the review. I've been tempted to get washable filters for my air purifiers and furnace, but my allergist advised against it because they can harbor mold spores, and I'm VERY allergic to mold. Seems like my body needs whatever is the most expensive. Hope your allergies don't get too bad this Spring!

AnnaBanana wrote on Apr 6, 2009 at 9:50PM

In response to TunefulGal's comment from Apr 6, 2009 at 4:36PM:

That may be true but you know, actually I thought it was easier to breath when I used them because they attracted so much of the dust and took it out of the air and the dust is what bothers me here the most. In fact, another reason my use of them flagged was because I had to keep cleaning out the metal filters because they attracted so much dust. I tell you, this place is a dust factory -- lots of southern exposure and sunlight coming in, among other things. I think I would be better off with hardwood flooring. I will say that the Honeywell Purifier sounds like a great deal!

Well, take care, and be careful when you walk my little four-footed second cousins.

Love, your Cuz

TunefulGal wrote on Apr 6, 2009 at 4:38PM

In response to BayouBengal's comment from Apr 3, 2009 at 1:55PM:

Thanks for your compliment on Honeywell review! Bo,y do their purifiers make life easier for me (as long as I stay indoors).

TunefulGal wrote on Apr 6, 2009 at 4:36PM

In response to AnnaBanana's comment from Apr 3, 2009 at 3:01PM:

Seems to me that Sharper Image models have ionization which puts ozone into your air. That can actually make breathing tougher. Maybe that's another reason (subliminal, of course) that you don't use them.

TunefulGal wrote on Apr 6, 2009 at 4:19PM

In response to GigiandAdonai's comment from Apr 4, 2009 at 8:36PM:

Thanks! A lot of people with "cold" (allergies) might be surprised by air purifiers!

GigiandAdonai wrote on Apr 4, 2009 at 8:36PM

Great product review and I'm sure many can benefit from this type air purifier.

AnnaBanana wrote on Apr 3, 2009 at 3:01PM

No wonder I don't cough when I'm at your house. This probably explains why I relax so much that I conk out and fall asleep while we are watching t.v.! It surely does seem to make a nice difference.

I also have some sort of tower-type air purifiers from Sharper Image and I should use them more. The problem is that it seems like I have to clean the metal dust filters a lot (bad housekeeping, probably) and also they emit blue light up to the ceiling which is not noticeable during the day but bothers me when I turn out the lights at night so I have to cover the machines up or turn them off then. But ANYHOO, this was an interesting review! Have a nice weekend, Cuz!

BayouBengal wrote on Apr 3, 2009 at 1:55PM

Awesome review!

4 star rating
"not quiet"
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