GermGuardian AC4100 Review: Cheap + UVC Sanitizer
GermGuardian AC4100 Specification
Product | GermGuardian AC4100 |
Dimension | 6.5 x 11 x 7.5 in (16.5 x 27.9 x 19.1 cm) |
Weight | 4.85 lb (2.2 kg) |
Fanspeed | 3 |
Coverage (up to) | 78 sq. ft. (7 m2) |
Airflow speed | |
Dust free (CADR) | 56 cfm (95 m3/h) |
Pollen free (CADR) | 76 cfm (129 m3/h) |
Smoke free (CADR) | 50 cfm (85 m3/h) |
Humidifying(H) speed | |
Filtration | 4-stage |
Pre-Filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | Charcoal Pre-filter 6 - 9 months |
HEPA filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | HEPA filter 6 - 9 months |
Carbon filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | - |
Ionizer/ Technologies | |
UV-light/ PCO | LB4100 UV-C Light 10 - 12 months14.99 PCO Filter |
Other filter | - |
All-in-one filter - Lifespan - Replacement cost ($) | FLT4100 Filter-E HEPA 6 - 9 months 24.99 |
Optional/ Addon | - |
Noise level | |
Power usage level | |
Timer/ Scheduler | |
Sensors | |
Auto mode | |
Air qualityAQ indicator | |
Filter change indicator | |
More color options | |
Wi-Fi/ BTBluetooth | |
ENERGY STAR | |
Remote control | |
Child lock | |
Warranty | 1 year |
Email/ Phone support |
Key features
- 4-stage filtration with 3 speed
- Charcoal pre-filter
- Combination HEPA Filter
- Optional UV-C Metal Shield with Ti02
Pros
- Affordable for a 4-stage filtration air purifier with UV technology.
- Beautiful speaker-like body that is compact and practical.
- Works in vertical and horizontal position.
- Charcoal Pre-filter that detaches from the HEPA filter for vacuuming.
- UV-C light technology that can be turned off when not needed.
Cons
- Below average purifying coverage and filtration strength. Uses HEPA-type filter that has "only" 99% efficiency.
- Annual filter replacement cost is high and can cost more than the air purifier on long use.
- No addon features like timer, Auto mode even though it is understandable given its size and price tag.
- Uses manual filter reminder date wheel.
The starters
At a mere 6.5 x 11 x 7.5 in dimension, GermGuardian AC4100 is a very compact air purifier at the size of a single speaker. The 4.85 lb weight is equally light for carrying around despite the lack of carrying handle. At the rear, you will find the air inlet covering most part of the air purifier and air outlet is at the other way round. Overall the build quality is “cheap”, but will do its job in holding everything together.

On to usability, AC4100 is very simple to use as there is only one front dial knob for 3 fan speed control and UV-light on/ off button. At the back, you have the Filter Reminder back wheel that requires manual adjustment. There are 4 felt pads you can stick it depending on what position you want the air purifier to operate in. Other than that, there is nothing much in it other than the 4-stage filtration and a standard 1-year warranty.
Airflow, speed, and CADR
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What’s inside count
As mentioned earlier, GermGuardian AC4100 is a 4-stage filtration (3-stage officially) at a very compressed body. You have the initial carbon pre-filter that handles large particles and smoke/ odors pollutants. With those pesky particles out of the way, the HEPA filter would uninterruptedly capture smaller micron size particles at 99% efficiency. As for notorious and tricky allergens including bacteria and viruses, you have the last stage UVC-light + PCO filter standing by for the last round elimination before releasing the purified air out.Keep it down
GermGuardian AC4100 suppose to have a very decent noise level given its low airflow delivery rate, but we find that it's rather loud at second speed onwards if you place it at desktop use. On the flip side, power consumption is low across all speed even the air purifier does not have any eco-ness technology.At what cost
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
GermGuardian AC4100 VS the challengers

Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Pet 04384
Similar price range but TrueAir utilize a permanent HEPA-grade filter that will save you on annual replacement cost. purifying zone also double but the downside is a weaker filtration depth and lacks UV-light technology.
GermGuardian AC4825
A much better proposal in our book with more than double of its purifying coverage, faster airflow delivery rate, 3 years warranty, and bigger, better True HEPA filter. All that for a little bit of top up.
Levoit LV-H132
Again, spend a little bit extra, you have yourself a better air purifier with True HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, faster airflow distribution, night light mode, and cover more ground. Filter replacement cost is surprisingly lower.