GermGuardian AC4100 Review: Cheap + UVC Sanitizer
A speaker like design air purifier with the latest UV Technology, amongst GermGuardian AC4100 long list of features, affordable price tag is arguably its main strength in this competitive small air purifier market. With a versatile body framework that is portable for its segment, is the air cleaner adaptive enough to take on other entry-level air purifiers? Hit the break to learn more.
** MRSP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)/ RSP (Retail selling price) is provided by cleanairprice.com. Accurate at the time of posting.
^ Annual filter cost is calculated based on filter price and 12 hours of usage. Pricing could vary depending on air quality, usage frequency, and speed.
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) |
| 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
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)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
Purifying coverage
78 sq. ft. (7 m2)
Fanspeed
3
Dust CADR
56 cfm (95 m3/h)
Pollen CADR
76 cfm (129 m3/h)
Smoke CADR
50 cfm (85 m3/h)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
MRSP/ RSP**
+- 69
Annual Filter Cost
+- 48 - 65
^ Replacement filters/ estimated cost
No doubt Amazon has the best deal for GermGuardian AC4100 that includes free shipping with Prime and 30 days return policy. Guardian Technologies website and other retailers like BestBuy, Overstock, Walmart, Target should also be in your consideration list if you manage to find a better deal and don't mind the hassle account registration.
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.
Levoit LV-H126
Yet another Levoit air purifier that offers True HEPA filter, single activated carbon filter, wide 161 square feet purifying applicable area and an extended 2 years warranty. LV-H126 looks much cooler and trendier too.Final thoughts on GermGuardian AC4100
Air purifier keeps getting cheaper and cheaper every day. For such a low price, GermGuardian AC4100 has strong 73% 4-5 stars rating in Amazon that mostly focuses on its price tag, and effectiveness against dust, pet allergies. The 17% that gave 1-2 stars bad review are mostly concern about 2 things. 1) The durability where the air purifier dies with burning smell that likely coming from the circuit board. 2) It's loud. For an air purifier that supposes to place on the desktop, fan noise can be clearly heard. If you want something that is dirt cheap and does not mind the relatively short 1-year warranty, go for it.Verdicts and ratings
6.5
6.5
