IQAir is one of the few purifier makers that create a benchmark for purifier performance. They also go above and beyond when it comes to safety, social responsibility, and standing behind their products. And, those are just a few of the reasons we think they’re great.
They also have a very long track record and are not going anywhere in the foreseeable future. Since we think IQAir filtration products are worth every penny of their premium price tag; we thought we’d tell you a little about the company before getting into their specific products.
HISTORY AND HIGHLIGHTS
Two brothers, Manfred and Klaus Hammes, formalized a small business they built around a simple invention in 1963. The brothers saw an opportunity in a problem common among coal fired ovens in homes across Germany. The problem was that much of the soot, smoke, and other gunk was leaking into the home. In fact, a huge black stain marred the wall behind almost every stove they encountered.
That first product was a very simple air filter designed to resolve that problem. The first filter attached to common household ovens with magnets. And, that simple product helped reduce the coal ovens’ black dust buildup on the walls and surfaces of many homes. But the benefits went beyond superficial improvement. Manfred also realized that his asthma symptoms decreased after using the filter.
IQAir slowly grew throughout Europe and eventually expanded into the United States. The company now manufactures top-of-the-line machines from its home base in Switzerland.
IQAir specializes in residential and commercial air purifiers. Their products range from portable in-home purifiers to HVAC-based air cleaning systems. The company has partnerships with reputable organizations like the American Lung Association and the Collaborative for High-Performance Schools.
IQAIR FOUNDATION AND CLEAN AIR FOR KIDS
IQAir is dedicated to raising environmental awareness and improving air quality for everyone. The IQAir Foundation donates net profits from the Klaus Series Limited Edition to help provide clean air to children. They also provide clean air technology to various other organizations. The Clean Air for Kids initiative focuses on clean air for schools and classrooms. Thier main focus is under served communities or locations with high levels of pollution. IQAir believes that education and resources are crucial to the improvement of clean air and health around the globe.
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY
Representatives are available by email or phone answer any questions that come up about your IQAir product. Residential air purifiers are backed by a 3-year warranty (one-year if used for commercial purposes). And, commercial machines are backed by a two-year warranty. You can easily register your air purifier online and receive continual benefits.
RESIDENTIAL MACHINES
IQAir models are not the least expensive but they are some of the most powerful. Three different models make up the IQAir purifier line. Each model comes with a pre-filter and a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that removes 99.97 percent of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. None of the machines emit ozone. Which is a very good thing.
The Perfect 16 system is a whole-house air purifier that fits into your existing HVAC system. After a pre-installation evaluation and assessment, installation of the Perfect 16 can take less than a day. The installer will then use a laser particle scanner analyze the air in your home. Their goal, to make air 10 times cleaner within the hour. This options still qualifies as residential but requires a larger effort to install and maintain.
COMMERCIAL MACHINES
IQAir services a wide variety of commercial customer, from medical to education, office to hospitality. The company focuses on the needs of the client and facility. However, if you’re shopping for a commercial unit they urge potential customers to contact an IQAir sales team member. That way they can recommend an ideal solution for the organization. They defy the “one size fits all” mentality and prefer to guide the customer based on need and preference. Products include compact and high capacity stand-alone air cleaners, high-performance air filtration for HVAC systems, and air quality instruments.
IQAir Whole House Plug-in Purifier Reviews
The three residential air purifier series are IQAir’s top sellers for in-home use. The IQAir website makes it easy to input your personal preferences and choose the best air purifier for your home. Whether you need allergy/asthma relief, VOC removal, whole house purification… IQAir has a powerful purifier for you.
HEALTH PRO SERIES
The Health Pro purifier is IQAir’s most popular model. It comes in three different forms: the HealthPro, the HealthPro Plus and the HealthPro compact. It is considered number one for eliminating allergy and asthma pollutants from the air. This unit measures 28″ high by 15″ wide by 16″ deep. The HealthPro purifier has a pre-filter which captures larger particles and prolongs the life of the primary filters.
All three models have a HyperHEPA filter. But, the “Plus” has an additional V5-Cell Filter to further reduce gas and odors. The HealthPro can clean the air of a room between 900-1000 feet. Plus it has a low-average noise level, making it perfect for bedrooms. The 3-D Ultra-seal design makes sure that all air passing through the machine is cleaned.
Pros
- 3 model options
- Great for allergy and asthma pollutants
- Low noise level
- H 28″ x W16″ x D 24″ (H 24″ x W 15″ x D 16″ for Compact)
- Pre-filter
- HyperHEPA Filter
- V5-Cell Filter (for Plus)
- Good filter life and easy to replace
- 3-D Ultra-seal design
- Zero ozone emission
- 6 fan speeds
- Filter life indicator
- Remote Control
Cons
- Higher fan settings create more noise
- No gas filtration on standard HealthPro
- Not the smallest or most aesthetically pleasing design
- More expensive than competing brands
GC MULTIGAS
The GC Multigas Series aims to reduce gas and odor in addition to chemical contaminants. This model has the same dimensions as the HealthPro and retains a very similar design. It utilizes a HyperHEPA pre-filter, four multi-gas filter cartridges, and a post-filter sleeve set. Each of these filters uses activated carbon from bituminous coal which is most effective in eliminating gases, odors, and chemicals. You can adapt your filtration based on your personal needs.
The GC Multigas purifier can clean indoor spaces measuring up to 975 square feet. It also has the triple-seal filter technology and has a long filter life. This model also ensures 100 percent healthy technology without producing ions, ozone or UV. Additional features include 6 purification speeds, programmable timers and a remote control. The price of this machine is even higher than the HealthPro series. But, that adds the benefit of intense gas and odor filtration.
Pros
- Great for gas, odors and chemicals
- Low noise level
- H 28″ x W16″ x D 24″
- Pre-filter
- HyperHEPA Pre-filter
- 4 Multi-gas filter cartridges
- 3-D Ultra-seal design
- Zero ozone emission
- 6 fan speeds
- Programmable timers
- Remote Control
Cons
- Higher fan settings create more noise
- Filter replacements can cost more due to high power
- Not the smallest or most aesthetically pleasing design
- More expensive than competing brands
KLAUS SERIES LIMITED EDITION
Klaus Hammes, the original creator of IQ Air, was the inspiration for the Klaus Series Limited Edition air purifier. This model combines the interior technology of the HealthPro Plus with the luxury wooden exterior designed by Jim Ipekjian. Mr. Ipekjian hand crafts each wooden cabinet made to house these limited edition air purifiers. This model offers a beautiful design that blends in well with most homes. But, above all else, we love that 100% of the net proceeds go to the IQAir for Kids program. While this machine demands an even higher in price, we think it’s a great buy. Why? Because it is a perfect way to get top quality air purification and support a worthy cause.
Pros
- 3 model options
- Great for allergy and asthma pollutants
- Low noise level
- H 28″ x W16″ x D 24″ (H 24″ x W 15″ x D 16″ for Compact)
- Pre-filter
- HyperHEPA Filter
- V5-Cell Filter (for Plus)
- Good filter life and easy to replace
- 3-D Ultra-seal design
- Zero ozone emission
- 6 fan speeds
- Filter life indicator
- Remote Control
- Luxury hand-crafted design
- 100% of net proceeds go to IQAir for Kids program
Cons
- Higher fan settings create more noise
- No gas filtration on standard HealthPro
- Not the smallest or most aesthetically pleasing design
- More expensive than competing brands
Other Purifiers to Consider
The purifiers we just mentioned are hard to beat. However, we understand the price tag might be hard to accept. So we thought we’d offer up a few affordable alternatives that compete well in specific categories. As well as some that offer features that are not available in the units we just covered.
First up, if you’re looking for an extra affordable purifier to clean large spaces we have a few recommendations. First, check out the Honeywell 50250-s. It’s great in large spaces and you could buy one for each room in your house for the price of the Klaus edition we mentioned earlier. Next, if you have a bit more cash on hand… check out Austin Air. They are great units that provide a ton of activated carbon and a huge medical grade HEPA filter. They can’t purify a space nearly as big as an IQAir will, but they’ll come close to performance in smaller spaces. They’re great room air purifiers.
If you’re not keen on the appearance of the healthpro purifiers, you should look into Rabbit Air and Alen. Both companies build great looking purifiers. But, they also work very, very well.
Finally, if you are a geek like most of us at PureAirSupply.com, you should check out Airmega, and some of Blueair’s newer offerings. Both provide some pretty awesome connectivity features and outstanding performance. But, the Airmega is a looker that also cleans a huge area. We highly recommend looking into that purifier to see what features are… and should be available on others in the next few years.
FINAL THOUGHTS
IQAir is a high-end air purifier company for residential and commercial use. While they command a premium price but we think they’re worth every penny. The company manufactures powerful machines with innovative and effective technology. And, they’ve been doing so for decades… so chances are, they’ll be around for many more.
The purifiers are not the smallest or most affordable options on the market. However, they are widely considered some of the most efficient and effective air purifiers available. Their interest in environmental education coupled with their extensive information and initiatives make it a good company to support.