GermGuardian AC4100 Ratings
PERFORMANCE - 86%
FEATURES - 75%
DESIGN - 85%
ENERGY EFFICIENCY - 83%
82%
VERY GOOD
Although not the most advanced nor the most stylish, this air purifier does a great job removing air pollutants and odor particles that affect the quality of your indoor air.
With today’s air quality issues, the air purifier has turned into a necessity for allergy and asthma sufferers. For those who want to improve the air in their home with an affordable air purifier option, the GermGuardian AC4100 makes for a great option. Coming from one of the most reputable brands when it comes to air purification devices, the GermGuardian AC4100 is a small-room air purifier that can remove various air pollutants while also providing great value to budget shoppers. Read this review to learn more about how this device can improve the environment inside your home and help you combat allergy and asthma conditions.
Pros
- Kills germs, neutralizes odors, and traps particle pollutants
- Affordable
- Adjustable fan speed
- Compact
- Quiet
- With filter change indicator
Cons
- Limited area coverage
- Not True HEPA
- Short warranty
- No timer
Technical specifications
This air purifier relies on three main filtration technologies: HEPA, titanium dioxide-assisted UV-C, and charcoal. These filtration types contribute to removing air particles, odors, and germs. GermGuardian does not clearly specify the area coverage of this model and merely advertises that it is for small rooms, but we recommend placing it in a room no larger than 100 sq. ft. so that you get the most out of it.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) for the AC4100 is 50 for smoke, 76 for pollen, and 66 for dust. This means that this air purifier is not the most heavy-duty unit, but it should still perform well for its size. There are three cleaning levels or fan speeds for this model, and the noise level on the highest setting tends to be louder than in other similar air purifiers. The energy efficiency aspect is also important in an air purifier, and although this one is not Energy Star-rated, it’s not a huge burden for your electricity bill either.
Specifications Sheet
| Specs | AC4100 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11” x 7.5” x 6.5” |
| Weight | 4.85 Lbs |
| Area Coverage | < 100 sq. ft. |
| Noise Level | 60 dB |
| Power | 110-120V, 60Hz, 2W bulb (total watts unspecified) |
| CADR Rating for Smoke | 50 |
| CADR Rating for Pollen | 76 |
| CADR Rating for Dust | 66 |
| Fan Speeds | 3 |
| Filter Type | HEPA filter, charcoal filter, UV-C light technology with titanium dioxide |
| Odor Reducing Filter | Charcoal |
| Control Panel | Knob |
| Timer Function | No |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
Performance
This air purifier relies on three cleaning stages to ensure the removal of impurities in the air, including bad odors, germs, and small particles. The first one is a HEPA filter which can remove 99.97% of particles such as dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. The second filtering stage involves a UV-C lamp that, along with titanium dioxide, sanitizes the air and manages to kill bacteria and viruses. Lastly, there is a charcoal filter that removes odors and smoke to help you maintain a fresh-smelling environment at home. The HEPA filter needs to be replaced every 6 to 8 months for optimal performance, while the UV bulb needs replacement every 10 to 12 months.
Features
Admittedly, the special features section isn’t the GermGuardian AC4100’s strongest suit. It doesn’t boast a programmable timer or an automatic shut-off to minimize unnecessary energy use. It also doesn’t use air sensors for monitoring air quality. This lack of special features though is more than justified by its low price point.
To be frank, the fact that the AC4100 comes with a dedicated filter replacement indicator is already a good thing for a budget model. Finding three speed levels on this device is a nice surprise, too. Lastly, we also liked that users are given the option to turn the UV-C light off when it’s not needed.
Design
The GermGuardian AC4100 is a simple air purifier that comes in one color (black) and is housed in a small plastic frame with an inlet grill and a small round knob that allows you to control its fan speed. This design gives it the advantage, however, of having a small footprint that makes it perfect for limited spaces like tables and nightstands.
The AC4100 measures 7.5 x 6.5 x 11 inches and weighs only 4.85 pounds, so you can easily grab and move it anywhere you want. The power cord is 6 feet long, which means placing the air purifier anywhere you want shouldn’t be too much of a concern.
Warranty and Support
GermGuardian warrants the AC4100 to be free from defects in workmanship and operation for one year. In case the unit you receive has defects, you will enjoy a replacement free of charge. This is below-average in our books, but again, the AC4100’s price tag somewhat justifies the short warranty. Finally, you can contact GermGuardian’s Customer Service department if you have any questions or concerns regarding your air purifier.
Final Thoughts
The GermGuardian AC4100 is a great air purifier for homeowners on a budget. It has filters/technologies for concerns regarding particles (like dust, dander, pollen, etc), smoke, odors, and germs. It also sanitizes the air through UV-C technology and titanium dioxide to help prevent the spread of disease-causing germs, and it minimizes your exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. Although it doesn’t come with convenience-boosting features like a timer or an auto mode, its lineup of purifying stages already provides great value for the price that it demands.
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