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- Terrific performance
- Quiet
- Plate filters must be cleaned often
- Expensive replacement filters
- Small amount of ozone released during operation
Owners and experts generally agree that the Friedrich C-90B does a good job cleaning air. However, we did find some comments about the need for constant maintenance. The prefilters and carbon filters need to be replaced every few months and cost about $20, while the electrostatic plate has to be cleaned in the sink or dishwasher. More than a few owners complain about strange popping and snapping noises. In addition, the Friedrich air purifier emits a small amount of ozone as it works. Experts agree that ozone can be an irritant, and since there are so many good units on the market that don't produce ozone, you're better off passing on the Friedrich model. The Austin Air HealthMate (*Est. $490), for example, works without producing any ozone.
The Friedrich C-90B isn't lacking for attention: This electrostatic air purifier is included in ConsumerReports.org's most recent air purifier comparison test. It is also evaluated and described in depth at AllergyBuyersClub.com and Air-Purifier-Power.com, and it receives some posts from owners on Amazon.com and Epinions.com.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Friedrich C-90B is pitted against 35 other air purifiers in ConsumerReports.org's most recent comparison test, which measures the noise level of each unit and its ability to remove dust and smoke from a sealed chamber. Editors note that electrostatic precipitator air purifiers like the Friedrich do emit a small amount of ozone gas as a byproduct, and that ozone, even in small amounts, can be an irritant.
Review: Air Purifiers, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
The editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com acknowledge that the Friedrich air purifier looks like a "giant kitty litter box," but say it's quiet and easy to maintain. However, they don't recommend it for severe asthma or allergy sufferers because this unit does emit some ozone.
Review: Air Cleaners - Friedrich Electrostatic, Odor, Editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com
Reviewer Ed Sherbenou -- who owns numerous air purifiers and knows plenty about the ones he doesn't -- calls the Friedrich C-90B a "top-quality electrostatic air cleaner," but says it has high ozone emissions and requires frequent maintenance of its plate filters.
Review: Friedrich C90b Air Purifier, Ed Sherbenou
4. Amazon.com
Most of the two dozen or so owners posting at Amazon.com are very happy with the Friedrich C-90B, but there's some grumbling about the need for frequent cleaning and the cost of replacement filters. A $24 filter lasted one owner only two weeks. There are also some complaints about odd "snapping" noises.
Review: Friedrich C-90B Air Cleaner, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. Epinions.com
When we checked, there were only two reviews of the Friedrich C-90B at Epinions.com, one positive and one negative. The unhappy owner mentions the snapping noises cited by owners posting to Amazon.com. This owner also complains about the cost of prefilter and carbon-filter replacements.
Review: Friedrich C-90B Air Purifier, Contributors to Epinions.com
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