Winix HR1000 Review: Cheapest 5-stage WiFi Enabled Air Purifier?

Winix HR1000 review

The starters

Winix HR1000 is a modern, simplistic air purifier that would blend in nicely as part of home decor. At 16.3 x 23.6 x 9.6 in and 18.7 lb weight, it shares the same platform as HR950 where you will find familiarity in the design. Circling the body, there is the usual air inlet on front sides and air outlet at the top. The front AQ indicator light will display blue when air quality is good, yellow when is fair, and red when is poor. There is also a back handle that you can hold on to when transporting the unit. Build quality wise, Winix HR1000 is made entirely in plastic from top to bottom. Not premium but everything is well fitted that does not feel cheap and will not release ozone gas at any heat.

Operating Winix HR1000 is simple with controls all well laid out at the top. From the left, you have the Smart + Light Sensor, Wi-Fi, Mode, Power, PlasmaWave, and Timer button. The Smart Sensor is used to detects indoor air quality for autonomous purifying. The light sensor checks nearby ambient light and adjusts the LED indicators brightness. Next to it is the sole Wi-Fi button will either enable or disable the Wi-Fi function. You can also check the strength of the Wi-Fi connectivity or if is active via the 2 LED indicator above. The mode button is pretty much self-explanatory. Every time you press the button, the air purifier will cycle between Auto, Sleep, Low, Medium, High, Turbo. Right at the center, you have the Power button that will turn on or off the machine. Moving on, the PlasmaWave/ Child lock button that will on/ off PlasmaWave with a single press. Press and hold for at least 3 seconds will activate Child lock mode where all controls are locked. Repeat the step to disables Child lock. Lastly, Timer/ Air Quality button will cycle between 1, 4, 8 hours and no timer on a single press. Again press and hold for at least 3 seconds will enable/ disable the Air Quality light.

Similar to NK100, Winix HR1000 is WiFi enabled that allows pairing with Winix SMART app. Available in Google Play and Apple store, it’s not the most intuitive way in linking the 2. You will need to go through steps like enter the setting in the app, disconnect from your current network and join the air purifier network. Once connected, the Winix SMART app is highly functional where you could set multiple scheduling at any date, time and fan speed. You can control the lighting, rename your unit, and check filter remaining lifespan. Turning on/ off the air purifier is also a click away at any destination. Other features available include air quality check with historical charts and local weather.

To recap on the features, you have the exclusive WiFi-enabled access. Powered by 5-stage filtration including PlasmaWave technology and Anti-microbial coating. 4 speed plus Auto/ Sleep mode, ever useful Childlock, Smart/ Light sensor, and AQ indicator. Finally, HR1000 is AHAM, Ozone-safe certified, UL listed, and ENERGY STAR rated.

Airflow, speed, and CADR

Winix HR1000 just about passed the 400 sq. ft. large purifying air purifier. It is ideally suited for kitchen, living hall or large-size bedroom. Airflow is consistent that stand between 56.5-286 cfm across the 4 speed. With smart sensor, default Auto mode will set the fan speed according to current room air quality. Sleep mode is best used in night time to reduce fan speed and diminish the air purifier into the background. Superb especially on pollen CADR. Winix HR1000 Dust CADR is verified at 264 cfm, Pollen CADR at 301 cfm and Smoke CADR at 258 cfm. The combined HEPA filter and high pollen output show it is best in handling allergens like mold. With the rest passed the 200 cfm bar, expect decent filtration on dust, smoke, and odor irritants.

What’s inside count

HR1000 5-stage filtration is best if you are frequently haunted by seasonal allergies. The full-size permanent pre-filter (washable) would first capture large particles like dust. At the same time, it will protect and prolong other filters lifespan. Smoke and odor that manage to bypass the pre-filter would now be trapped by the coated carbon filter. The True HEPA filter will deal with those uncaptured, non-gas microscopic allergens. There is an anti-microbial coated on the filter that will halt germ from growth. Very important as bacteria and viruses can spread through the dispersed air. Wrapping up is PlasmaWave Technology that will generate Hydroxyl to neutralize any germs. No harmful ozone is created during the entire process.

Keep it down

Judging on its power output, Winix HR1000 26.4 - 60 dB noise level is on the lower side of the mid-range. Expect virtually no noise in low speed, minimal noise at medium/ high speed and loud noise at turbo speed. For night time use, you can rely on the air purifier Auto/ Sleep mode. Power consumption is good too for this ENERGY STAR rated unit. Official figure lands between 11 - 83 Watt based on the selected speed and usage frequency. Again Auto mode is available to autonomously manage the air purifier energy consumption.

At what cost

Not the most expensive air purifier targeted for the large purifying group. With the given spec and 5-stage filtration, Winix HR1000 is worth every single penny you have to churn out. If this fall to other brands, expect the cost to push up double or even higher! However, that could not be said for the annual filter replacement cost. The replacement fees will surpass the air purifier price within 3-4 years period. Costly it may be, everything is included in the bundled pack so no need to worry about the availability.

Winix HR1000 VS the challengers

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