Reddit reviews Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter

They need to be able to filter wood smoke, which is unfortunately one of the smaller particles (1 micrometer), so the filter needs to be super dense. It needs to be at least MERV rating 17.

I don't think you can buy MERV 17 right away. It's typically achieved by two-stage filtration. There are some MERV 14 filters, like this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TUDHBWS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_ZM10CbKXP458M

It's better than nothing, but it wont reliably filter all wooden smoke particles.



If you're susceptible to smoke (allergies or something), buy a standalone filter unit with HEPA filter (and carbon prefilter for odors). Typical HEPA is MERV 18-20+, but you cant put HEPA into the typical AC unit. Like this one - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8DAYII/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_8U10Cb3QSG2QB

Edit: added links

This has been an absolute game changer in my life and I can't recommend it enough!

Carbon filter, hepa filter, neg ion generator. Practically all sizes of particles get trapped in the filters, and what doesn't get trapped drops out of the air when the negative ions attach to them. Also, forests full of trees/waterfalls and beaches etc have very high amounts of negative ions in the air, it gives it a clean fresh feel. When my mom visits she says entering my room is like stepping into a different world because it's so pure and fresh.

There's a few different models of the same basic type, but this one is about 150 plus around 30 bucks a year for new filters.

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8DAYII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kxoYBbNPQFC7A

This one from Winix is my favourite: https://www.amazon.com/Winix-5500-2-Purifier-PlasmaWave-Reducing/dp/B01D8DAYII/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537286728&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=winix++air+purifier&psc=1

(It also has actual carbon pellets and a great prefilter screen which is easy to vacuum).

We have 3 different air cleaners and the one above is the best of the three. Most cleaners can only really clean anywhere from 200 to 400 sq feet and that assumes the highest setting (which for most air cleaners is not practical because of the noise). The Blue Pure ones recommended by the other person cleans a bit larger area because the filter is not as fine but that cleaner is also not a true hepa cleaner. Whether that makes a difference or not, I don't know but the manufacturer of Blue Pure recommends their "classic line" of cleaners that are true HEPA for severe allergy sufferers.

One thing to keep in mind that that for most cleaners, you can't use the highest setting and still function with all the noise the cleaner will produce. We set the Winix on level 3 and consider it relatively quiet (moving up to level 4 makes it quite loud).

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8DAYII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y.mZBb5H09G3V

I've used the box fan and filter method years ago. It's great, but loud. Definitely the best bang for your buck. When I did it, I would use this filter, this crappy filter to extend life of the more expensive one and a box fan.

Today, I use the older model of Winix 5500-2 and wash the reusable filter periodically. I've heard of people buying the 5300 and using aftermarket filters too. This is in the $100-200 range, but it's definitely more convenient.

Thanks for the advice! It's not pessimistic at all. I removed the mold by taken steps given to me by my old pool boy/landscaper. He gave me a list of products and procedures he uses to remove the mold on other houses for the cheap. I also did seal the section of the house the mold was coming from. I knew it was from a water leak just because the pattern of the black mold was dripping like a waterfall from a crack near the window.

I also knew there was a humidity problem because there was a tiny bit in my laundry room. While I was treating the black mold for about 2 weeks, I also installed a Winix 5500-2 air purifier and a Haier dehumidifier in a 180sqft space and they've been running autonomously ever since.

Also I can't do much about my landlord situation because my landlord is my dad and he's letting me live there for $600 a month (utilities not included) while I'm in college. In my area next to New York NY, that's ridiculously cheap and I don't have anywhere else I can go. I even told him about the black mold problem, but he told me he has no money to fix it. I thought about taking him to court, but he also would remove the auto-insurance from my car (which will cost me another 339). I'll probably end up evicted in the end, and living in my car again.

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8DAYII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UdMUBbT4CXVD0

This one actually uses a real carbon filter so it will eliminate the smell the

Please allow me to chime in.

Just bought a Winix 5500-2 for our household after hours of research. Our budget was $200.

Too early to tell how durable it is, but it has made our house smell like fresh outside air without opening windows (we have a dog, we run our humidifier at night so it gets stuffy, we cook everyday).

amazon link

Spend some money and get a couple large-room hepa dust filters/air purifiers.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D8DAYII/

We have the older model, the filters aren't too expensive ($100/year'ish?), and it dramatically reduces the amount of dust that settles in the room.

*Well, since the downvotes poured in overnight, guess I should clarify. By 'We', I mean me and my gf, who has a dust allergen. I don't sell these things, I just happen to have a couple in the house.