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Are Infomercial Air Purifiers Over-priced?

I’m not an infomercial consumer.

Maybe that’s because having been an infomercial co-producer I know the markup on most air purifiers is 7 to 9 times the cost.

I’m also not a shopper (my girlfriend says I’m “frugal”) so when I do buy something I do my homework, and find the best price. So when I decided to join the millions of Americans who have purchased an air purifier over the last year it became a journey to “clear the air” in more ways than one.

Having been an asthmatic and allergic person (now cured) I’ve owned many air purifiers for over 30 years. My two reasons for buying an air purifier this time was a layer of black soot that shows up on my L.A. windows every week.

I quickly found 94 air purifier manufacturers (mostly in China, just a few in Europe) and 12 primary technologies to research.

Air Purifier Infomercial Wars

78% of all air purifiers purchased in the U.S. last year were bought via Infomercial. The Sharper Image Ionic Breeze led the way until consumer reports slammed them for over-producing Ozone. Now Oreck XL Professional leads the pack.

Again, the markup is often 7 times the cost. A little $449 home air purifier (Oreck’s best air purifier is $699) made out of plastic, with several metal grids seems a bit too much. And it is. Better to find the exact same one on Ebay or Craigslist for $90 after the person gets it home.

“Manufacturers are battling over whether ozone purifiers, ion purifiers, and the no-replacement-filter-type purifiers are best in the minds of consumers”

The truth is they all work, just some better than others. Many companies practically say Ozone is “evil”, other companies claim it is the best thing since sliced bread. Ozone in small amounts works great, but causes problems at high levels. It’s a nice addition if it is timed. The truth therefore is somewhere in the middle. (I like it to “purge” my room several hours before bed, and for mildew problems it’s the best)

5 things you should know before you buy an Air Purifier

#1: Replacement Filters are Over-Priced

In Japan air purifiers include 2-3 extra replacement filters. WHY? Because the Japanese think ahead.

U.S. manufacturers realize American’s don’t think ahead so they overcharge. Once you purchase an air purifier you’ll be stuck paying what they ask. (Reminds me of my $89 inkjet printer -the replacement cartridges are $28!)

Remedy: Ask for filter prices first. Every 6-12 months you’ll need to change filters. And anything over $25 is too much.

Buying Hint: Ask for a discount on extra replacement filters before buying.

#2: Avoid Purifiers That Say: “No Replacement Filters”

The idea sounds great but once you’ve seen a dirty HEPA filter (HEPA’s are a cloth-like filter which holds dust and pollution) you realize the ones without filters aren’t catching very much dust or pollen - YOUR LUNGS ARE!

“No Replacement Filter Models” include:

Ionic Breeze

Oreck Models (they contradict themselves on their website. You have to replace filters, but they aren’t HEPA)

Remedy - Get an air purifier that has affordable replacements. HEPA is important if you have allergies.

#3: “Fanless” Air Purifiers Won’t Move Enough Air

The ionic purifiers sell you on how quiet they are and how little electricity they use. The problem is they don’t move any air.

(Note; Because of this problem Sharper Image went to fans in their new models)

Remedy: Avoid purifiers without fans.

#4 Avoid Loud Fan Motors

A few people have emailed me that after buying an air purifier they couldn’t sleep.

Remedy: For a super quiet fan ask for one with brushless motors. Read the box for decibel levels. 20-35 decibels is quiet enough for sleep.

#5: It Won’t Do The Square Footage On The Box

I called Oreck when their new $700 tower was listed as covering 1100 square feet. “How Many Times Does It Change The Air In The Room?” (which means how many times it will change all the air in that room).

They didn’t know. Finally a tech said: “One per hour”. That’s poor.

Remedy: Make sure to ask for 4-9 “Changes Per Hour” per Square footage.(You may have to call the manufacturer) Square Footage as listed on the box is also based on an empty room.

How to Choose The Right Technology

Here are some guidelines to match the basic technologies to your needs:

#1 For allergies and asthma, some odors = HEPA, Pre-filter, Neg/Ion, Plasma Grid

(HEPA is still the best for allergies)

#2 For odors, smoke, animal smells, chemical sensitivity, VCO’s, and immune system = Carbon, Charcoal, Ozone

#3 For immune system (colds, flu, viruses, pathogens), and eliminating musty odors UV = TiO2, Plasma Grid, Ceramic

New Sensor Technology

I just reviewed some very cool new technology from Japan that detects pollen, odor and dust. Great for allergy relief. It also saves electricity and guesswork. [SEE THE VIDEO LINK BELOW]

So How Much Should I Pay?”

Shopping online will save you $100-200 dollars right off the bat. You should also look for 5 or more technologies. I encourage you to get HEPA and UV, as they do the best job on allergies and protecting you from viruses, etc.

For a big room I wouldn’t spend more than $275-$350 for a multiple technology unit including HEPA. For a small bedroom maybe $200.

For myself I found a purifier with 9 technologies, including HEPA, UV, ion, sensor technology, washeable filters, Charcoal, for under $350. Twice the technology for half the price of the infomercials.

I suppose I’m breathing better just knowing I saved that much.

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