GermGuardian AC4100 Review: Cheap + UVC Sanitizer

Last updated on March 18th, 2020

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.

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)	60 sq. ft. (6 m²)
Airflow speed
Dust free (CADR)
Pollen free (CADR)
Smoke free (CADR)
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

Report incorrect information

Key features

4-stage filtration with 3 speed
Charcoal pre-filter
Combination HEPA Filter
Optional UV-C Metal Shield with Ti0²

GermGuardian AC4100 review

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.

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

60 sq. ft. (6 m²)

Fanspeed

As an entry-level compact air purifier, AC4100 estimated 60 sq. ft. purifying coverage is rather poor. Probably best used in close range like desktop, bedside or next to litter tray. The 3-speed airflow delivery rate isn't any better either although that is expected given the air purifier limited performance. No official CADR but it should follow the similar low output pattern.

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.

In general GermGuardian AC4100 effective plus purifying coverage and airflow delivery rate is magnificent in clearing away common airborne pollutants notably dust, pet hair. stand up against allergens, irritants, bacteria, GermGuardian AC4100 bundled , 3 fanspeed and 4-stage filtration is at somewhat average grade in destroying mold, spores, mildew, pollen, germs, dust mites and pet dander.

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

Other than the different variants from GermGuardian, AC4100 it's the only few affordable air purifier that comes with UV-C light technology. While the comprehensive 4-stage filtration is good to have, it does add up to the annual filter maintenance cost unless you want to skip the UV-C bulb. Another thing is the combination filter E set cannot be purchased separately and you have to replace it every 6 months on regular use.

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.

Good to know

GermGuardian AC4100 charcoal pre-filter + 60 square feet purifying coverage can remove dust, hair, tobacco smoke, and pet odor within its small surrounding. Same goes with the HEPA filter and UV-C light, mold, pet dander, bacteria, and viruses that flows within its zone.

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.