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- Terrific performance
- Quiet
- Difficult to clean
- Expensive replacement filters
- Small amount of ozone released during operation
February 2009. 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 pre-filters and carbon filters need to be replaced every few months, at $20 or more a pop, while the electrostatic plate has to be cleaned in the sink or dishwasher), and 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 Alen A350 (*est. $400), for example, works without producing any ozone.
The Friedrich C-90B isn't lacking for attention: this electrostatic air purifier is included in Consumer Reports' most recent category roundup (in December 2007), and its predecessor, the similar C-90A, is evaluated by AllergyBuyersClub.com. The Friedrich C-90B is also described in depth at Air-Purifier-Power.com, and receives some posts from owners on Amazon.com and Epinions.
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
The Friedrich C-90B is pitted against 35 other air purifiers in Consumer Reports' most recent roundup (December 2007), ending up in 28th place on their list. 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 Consumer Reports, Dec. 2007
The editors of AllergyBuyersClub.com acknowledge that the immediate predecessor to the Friedrich C-90B, the C-90A, 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 C-90B Air Purifier, Ed Sherbenou
4. Amazon.com
Most of the 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 only lasting two weeks, according to one user). There are also some complaints about odd "snapping" noises.
Review: Friedrich C-90B Electrostatic Air Purifier, Contributors to Amazon.com
5. Epinions.com
When we checked, there were only two review of the Friedrich C-90B at Epinions, 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 pre-filter and carbon filter replacements.
Review: Friedrich C-90B Air Purifier, Contributors to Epinions.com
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IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air Purifier - Air Cleaner with with Gas and Odor Filter - HyperHepa Technology
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Average Customer Review:   |
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