There are tons of air purifiers available, but only a few stand out in each segment. One of these is the GermGuardian AC5000E air purifier. The product comes with a 3-in-1 feature as it does not only function as a HEPA purifier but also as an odor reducer and as a UV-C. It makes use of four cycles of air filtration which help in eliminating different types of allergens and pollutants with the help of the HEPA filter while the UV-C helps in eliminating harmful bacteria and viruses.
Features of the GermGuardian AC5000E
One of the main features of the GermGuardian AC5000E is that it has superior filtration. It comes with a total of three filtration levels. First, you will find the pre-filter. It is the very first level in the filtration process wherein large debris like pet dander and lint are captured. Next level is the charcoal or activated carbon filter which traps foul odors. The final filtration process is through the UV-C light at the top wherein different types of airborne bacteria and viruses are captured.
Design and Construction
The GermGuardian AC5000E sports a mostly plastic construction while the top of the air purifier has a stainless steel finish. Despite its plastic material, the unit can still be considered solid and robust as it can keep still despite being accidentally tipped over. It has a dimension of 11×6.75.27.25 inches. The unit is also remarkably lightweight, weighing only at 10.95 pounds. This makes storage and transportation fast and hassle-free. On top of the unit is a carrying handle and it also comes with a 6 ft. power cord.
Operating the unit is very simple as it comes with minimal controls. A rotary dial switch is located at the top of the tower which helps you set the unit to one of the three fan speeds: low, medium and high. The unit also comes with a dedicated UV button which activates the UV-C light. The only disadvantage is that the UV setting activates a bright blue light, which can be distracting especially at night. If you want to get a good night sleep, you can easily cover the light using some tape.
True HEPA Filtration
The GermGuardian AC5000E makes use of True HEPA filtration, which makes the unit efficient in capturing approximately 99.97% of allergens and pollution in the air such as dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, etc. If you are suffering from allergies, asthma or other respiratory illness, having an effective can help you manage your symptoms. The GermGuardian AC5000E is highly noted for its efficiency in capturing allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
Another advantage that this unit has is that it is effective in getting rid of odors, making it an ideal companion to pet owners. It is natural for animals to produce smells. If you have pets at home like birds, cats, dogs, hamsters and other pet animals that produce foul odors, the GermGuardian AC5000E can help capture and trap the odor within the air. It can also help you eliminate dander which contributes to allergies.
Hospital-grade UV-C System
The GermGuardian AC5000E also features a hospital-grade UV-C filtration system. It is an innovative technology which makes use of ultra-violet light to eliminate airborne viruses and bacteria. The unit utilizes the same for of technology that many hospitals use to sanitize their air. The unit comes with a turn on/off button for this innovative feature. Ultraviolet light is considered effective in eliminating bacteria and viruses is because it can break molecular bonds within the micro-organismal DNA.
Filter Replacement Indicator
As a primary measure for maintenance, both the HEPA and UV-C will eventually need to be replaced. Rather than having to remember or just do rough estimates for the time of replacement, the GermGuardian AC5000E comes with a filter replacement light for both the HEPA filter and UV-C bulb that lights up when it is time to change them out.
Maintenance
We consider this unit as a low-maintenance unit. Nonetheless, the user will still need to make sure that proper care and maintenance are observed. The True HEPA combination filter needs to be thoroughly washed on a monthly basis. Also, there is also a need to vacuum clean the Velcro-attached pre-filter, while washing the HEPA filters in a sink is already good enough.
GermGuardian recommends that you replace the filter at least once every 6-8 months. Since the AC5000E filters feature a 3-in-1 design, you will only need to replace one filter. Also, you will need to replace the unit’s UV bulb at least once per year, depending on how often you use the air purifier. Making sure that the filter and bulb clean all the time helps you ensure that you only get fresher, cleaner air.
Pros
- Fast and hassle-free set-up
- Easy to Use
- Quiet
- Superior filtration
- Ideal for pet owners
- Effective in alleviating symptoms of allergies
Cons
- UV-C light is very bright and can be distracting
- Emits a plastic smell in the first few days of use
Final Thoughts
Overall, the GermGuardian AC5000E is an ideal air purifier for any homeowner especially if there is someone in the household suffering from allergies. It is also ideal for those who have many pets at home. There is no perfect air purifier in the market as each comes with its own pros and cons. The GermGuardian AC5000E is no different. Customers frequently give the purifier high marks in reviews. If you are looking for a non-expensive yet effective purifier, this one fits the bill just right.