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- Effective in removing pet odor
- Noisy and prone to vibration
- Ineffective at filtering small particles
- Replacement filters somewhat pricey
October 2007. The Holmes HAP412-U HEPA Tower Air Purifier combines HEPA and carbon filtration with an electric ionizer, and is intended for very small (no more than 120 square foot) rooms. Owners are generally pleased with this air purifier, saying it's reasonably effective and powerful for its size, and especially good at removing pet smells. However, there are some complaints about noise, vibration and filter price (one owner estimates the cost of replacement filters at $50 a year, more than half the cost of the machine). For more recent reviews, please see our latest update on air purifiers.
Although Consumer Reports evaluates three Holmes air purifiers in its October 2005 roundup, two of those models have since been discontinued -- and one of their replacements, the Holmes HAP412-U HEPA Tower Air Purifier, has yet to be tested by any source. Still, we were able to get a good idea of this machine's worth by scanning owner comments at Amazon.com, Target.com, and Epinions.
Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
Only two owners post comments to Amazon.com about the Holmes HAP412-U, but one goes into professional-level depth. She says the Holmes is small, effective and has a powerful fan, but criticizes its noise, expensive filters ($50 of upkeep per year) and ease of cleaning. No owners have commented on this Holmes model since 2006.
Review: Holmes HAP412-U HEPA Mini Tower Air Purifier, Contributors to Amazon.com
2. Target.com
Most of the reviewers at Target.com have good things to say about the Holmes, and especially praise its ability to remove pet smells. The displeased owners say this air purifier does nothing to help their sinus and allergy problems.
Review: Holmes Mini Tower HEPA-Type Air Purifier, Contributors to Target.com
3. Epinions.com
Only two owners have posted at Epinions.com and neither are happy with this Holmes air purifier. One says the Holmes doesn't perform above its price level, owing to an improper fit for the filter and a noisy rattle during use. He does admit that it's good at trapping large particles. The most recent reviewer goes into great detail and recommends other consumers spend a little more money and buy an air purifier that actually works.
Review: Holmes HAP412-BNU 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
 from Amazon.com New: $899.00 In Stock.
Average Customer Review:   |
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