Surround Air's Intelli-Pro is an excellent air purifier!
Written: Jun 02 '06 (Updated Feb 05 '07)
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Pros: Pre-filter, HEPA filter, carbon media, UV lighting, powerful fan, Automatic mode, Timer and more.
Cons: My only complaint is having to clean it often.
The Bottom Line: Intelli-Pro may be the best air purifier out on the market when you consider its features vs. price (compared to the competition). That's why I bought TWO of them!
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| mcbaes72's Full Review: Surround Air (INTELLIPRO) Air Purifier |
Since my review is the first one for this product that's posted on Epinions, I’ll be as detailed as possible on its features as well as my experience w/ it so far.
FEATURES
(Quoted directly from Surround Air’s website):
1. Washable Pre Filter. The air first enters pre filter, capturing the largest particles, which enhances the durability and performance of the other filters.
2. Washable Dust Collector Plates. The electrostatically-charged dust collector grid traps particles and pollutants like a magnet. This is similar to Friedrich C-90A, which is Consumer Reports' top-rated air purifier. Unlike the C-90A, the Intelli-Pro has multiple other leading technologies.
3. Activated Carbon Filter. The best type of air filter for trapping chemicals, gases, odors and cigarette smoke. According to Penn State Dept. of Aerobiological researchers, carbon filters serve to remove odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals that other filters cannot.
4. High-Efficiency HEPA Filter. The most effective type of air filter at capturing dust, allergens and other solid particles (including bacteria). HEPA filters are recommended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
5. Germicidal UV Lamp. The most effective way to destroy micro-organisms, such as germs, viruses, fungi (such as mold) and bacteria. Also destroys micro-organisms including those that are trapped by the HEPA air filter, preventing them from reproducing and recirculating through the room. UV lamps are recommended by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control.
6. Safe and Effective Ionizer. Circulates trillions of negative ions to neutralize floating pollutants throughout the room. A Journal of Hygiene study found negative ions to improve efficiency of filter units, and multiple studies (including those by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) have found ionizers to be highly effective against dust, bacteria, etc. Finally, the Intelli-Pro's ionizer is proven to be safe, producing virtually no ozone whatsoever.
What the Sensor Technology Does for You
Odor, Dust & Allergen Sensors - Know which airborne pollutants are present.
The Intelli-Pro has sensors to detect odors (such as chemicals and cigarette smoke), dust and allergens (such as pollen, pet dander, ragweed and mold spores). There is an LED indicator light for each of these pollutant types. If odors are detected, the "Odor" indicator light on the control panel will become lit. The same for dust and allergens.
Clean Air Monitor - Know just how clean or polluted the air really is.
The Intelli-Pro senses just how clean or polluted the air really is, and conveys this information through the four LED indicator lights. The dirtier the air, the more indicator lights that are lit. For example, if all four indicator lights are lit, the air is very polluted. If only one is lit, the air is very clean.
Automatic Mode - Saves you money on your electric bill by automatically adjusting settings.
In this mode, the Intelli-Pro will automatically adjust the settings of the air purifier according to how clean or polluted the air is. For example, if the air is detected to be polluted, it will run the fan on a higher setting. On the other hand, if the air is determined to be sufficiently clean, it will run the fan on the lowest setting ("Quiet") in order to use less electricity, saving you money on your electric bill.
Filter Replace/Maintenance Indicators - Take the guesswork out of knowing when to replace filters.
The Intelli-Pro takes the guesswork out of trying to determine when to replace filters and when to wipe the metal dust collector plates clean. The filter sensor lets you know when it is time to replace the HEPA/activated carbon filter. This way, you do not replace it too soon (saving you money), and not too late, when it becomes saturated to the point it begins releasing captured contaminates back into the air.
Ion/UV Light Indicator - Now you can know the ionizer and UV lamp are working properly.
This sensor verifies the ionizer and UV lamp are working properly. Without these sensors, it is very difficult to know if UV lamps and ionizers are fully operational, since there are few visual or audio signs to verify this. When they are both working properly, the blue light under "Ion/UV Indicator" will go back and forth between dim and bright.
U.S. Government Recommendations
The U.S. Government recommends technologies used in the Intelli-Pro air purifier.
U.S. Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends air purifier with both HEPA Filter and UV Light. The CDC also recommends UV lights in homeless shelters to prevent the spread of disease, particularly TB (tuberculosis).
Dept. of Homeland Security recommends HEPA air filters, along with a pre-filter to preserve the life of the HEPA filter.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture found negative ions (ionizers) to be highly effective against dust and bacteria in recent studies.
Intelli-Pro Specifications:
Voltage: 100-120 VAC, 60Hz
Power Consumption: 80 Watts (Highest Fan Setting)
Negative Ion Output: Up to 60,000,000/cm3
UV Wavelength: 254 nm (germicidal wavelength)
Sound Level (dB): Quiet (20), Low (35), Medium (45), High (52)
Air Volume: 106cfm (Highest Fan Setting)
HEPA Filter Removal Rate: 99.97% at 0.3 microns
Dimensions (in): 24 x 13.5 x 10
Weight (lbs): 15
Applicable Area: Up to 650 sq. ft.
Ozone Output: Less than 1 part per billion at 2" away from unit (UL standard is < 50ppb)
MY EXPERIENCE
Let me first say that I did a lot of internet research from sites like ConsumerGuide as well as various internet articles on air purifiers and their benefits in a household. I was inspired to do some extensive research after my wife started complaining (more than usual) about her asthma and allergies. No surprise since we used to leave the windows open for most of the day to air out the house and we have two dogs (one in particular sheds a lot). Anyway, I found Surround Air’s website while searching the keywords "air purifier" on the net. Their website was quite informative w/ different models offered in varying price ranges as well as clinical data to back up the comparisons they did vs. popular name brands. So, after much thought over which brand to get, I decided to go w/ Surround Air’s Multi-Tech Intelli-Pro.
As you saw from the features listed above, the Intelli-Pro does a lot. It’s a multi-stage air purifier that truly cleans the air. IMO, the neatest thing about this air cleaner is its Automatic mode. When set on Automatic, it instantly increases the fan speed when either odor, dust or allergen is detected in the air. Not only that, it gauges the concentration of it, too and gives a rating of air quality by displaying one to four lights (i.e. one light = clean air, four lights = polluted air).
The Intelli-Pro is quite effective, too. You could walk by and it’ll detect the scent of your cologne/perfume, deodorant, etc. and you’ll hear the fan immediately increase from Quiet to a Low, Medium or High setting. I even have fun once in a while when I smack the couches or couch pillows near it to fill the air w/ dust just to see the Automatic mode kick in. It’ll light up as Dust and then you'll hear the fan start working. I’ve even put food near it to see what’ll happen and as always, the Odor light is lit and the fan increases to the necessary speed (Low, Medium or High) depending on the concentration of the smell in the air. Once the air is clean again, the fan will revert back to Quiet mode.
Also, I have two dogs at home, one in particular sheds a lot (Husky/Wolf). You can imagine how much vacuuming I do as well as how many scented plug-ins or various incense we used to cover up the odor (whether it’s from the dogs or from cooking in the kitchen or whatever). Well, not anymore…the plug-ins and incense are all sitting under the bathroom sink as I type this review thanks to the air purifiers I have in the house. It’s nice to walk into our home and not smell any strong odor for a change (also, if you have carpets, definitely steam-clean them once a year...trust me). And I know it’s working because my wife doesn’t complain about her asthma bothering her nor any allergies causing her sneezing fits or breathing problems in the short time we’ve owned this. When it does start bothering her, it’s probably because she leaves the house to go to work or run an errand. I’m seriously considering buying the XJ-2100 (a small table-top version that collects dust, pollen, bacteria, etc.) for our workplace, too. We already bought three of the XJ-2100 for the upstairs bedrooms (master bedroom, cpu room and spare bedroom). The Oreck XL we used to use is now sitting in the closet (and we only had it for a few weeks). I think I’m better off giving it away to a family member for free (retail price is about $350). That should tell you how confident I am in Surround Air’s products that I bought.
CONCLUSION
After doing extensive internet research, I feel Surround Air’s Intelli-Pro is one of the best air purifiers out on the market today. And when you consider that it’s under $300 and out-performs other brands they directly compare it to (i.e. Friedrich, Oreck and Ionic Breeze), it seems to be the logical choice for your next air cleaner purchase. I believe in the product, that’s why I bought (2) Intelli-Pros and (3) XJ-2100 air purifiers.
For additional info on the Intelli-Pro and how it fared vs. the competition (i.e. direct comparisons to brands like Friedrich, Oreck and Ionic Breeze), visit: http://surroundair.com/intellipro.htm
For additional info on their various other products, visit their website: www.surroundair.com
[Note: For those wondering why I gave 4 of 5 rating on Durability, I am reluctant to give it the top rating until I've had it for a much longer period of time. Just know that if anything does go wrong w/ the unit, it's backed by a 3-year warranty. I also gave 4 of 5 rating on Ease of Use only because there's quite a few parts that needs to be kept clean. Otherwise, it's very simple to use the Timer or Automatic mode.]
Update: After owning it for a few more months, I thought I'd give a quick update on ownership. From the two that I have, neither have had any problems, so far so good. I've been using the Timer more often instead of leaving it on Automatic mode. My only complaint against it is that it works so well, I find myself cleaning it at least every other week (sometimes every weekend if I'm not lazy). You should see the amount of dust/dirt it collects...and cleaning it is a chore, believe me! It's especially difficult to get the metal grate clean. A red light will continue to blink unless you follow the instructions and clean it thoroughly (it even recommends soaking it in bleach). That's why I don't keep it on Automatic mode anymore. If not cleaned often (including the cpu chip and box), the filter thinks the air is still dirty and the fan will stay on Medium or High throughout the day which can be costly on energy bills. Otherwise, I'm still a happy owner and I still recommend them.
Thanks for reading my review. I hope you found it helpful and informative.
-Michael.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299
Battery Life: N/A
Noise Level: More quiet than most
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Epinions.com ID:
mcbaes72
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Member: Michael Baes
Location: Solano County, CA
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 6 members
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