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List Price: $149.99
Sale Price: $104.25
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If economy is your primary weighted variable in the selection of an air filter, then the FAP02 is NOT for you. If however, breathing cleaner air is worth about $40/unit per year then this filter may be a good choice for you.
A few points to know about the filters before buying this unit.
One, this filter looks good. It seems designed to fit "up against a wall" and in this regard it is easy to position ascetically while still maintaining function (air filtering). Hence, it is both technically successful and yet offers a stylish design that does not junkup a room.
Another nice feature is that it "sucks" from the back of the unit and "blows" out of the top, and therefore one is not simply blowing dust across the floor and behind furniture. And lastly, especially nice for the one in the bedroom, is it is very quite. On highest speed, the faint "hum" that can be heard is actually rather relaxing and in no way annoying. In short, a small audible footprint.
Now about filter price.
They are at first glance over-priced. Then, I considered what I was actually paying for: a relatively small and custom size (15.2x8.9). Indeed, it is this "small custom size" that makes the 3M-FAP02 so appealing in the first place!
Hence, unfortunately, for now, the filter replacements possess the an associated small-volume, high-margin pricing strategy. In economics speak, supply and demand are relatively low but the price-elasticity of the latter is very low -the old "Schick Model -give away the shavers and sell the blades."
There is no doubt that these filters trade at a relative premium and the resulting solution will in turn probably increase the annual maintenance costs over units which use "standard-size filters." However, here are two things you can do to essentially eliminate the "replacement filter gap" in this regard.
First, sweep the external (dirty) side of the filter once a week just enough to remove the build-up. The filter itself actually continues to filter well even after it becomes dirty; the problem with dirty filters is suction is usually reduced by the "stuff" that accumulates over time on the outside of the filter. Hence, keep the filter's outside edge free from build-up. On our weekly "sweeping day" we simply vacuum the back of the filter (the back cover pops off/on easily).
Second, If you don't want to sweep the filter, or as often, try using a very simple (and cheap) disposable "pre-filter" material to trap the big stuff -like cat hair! :)
People vary widely in their preferences of course, but we have found these particular machines (3M FAP02) to be outstanding in both form and function; not merely in spite of, but even because of its current relatively high replacement filter prices. We have one in just about every major room.
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I have incredible allergies and have tried many filters machines to help clean the air. I have a whole house filter that connects to my furnace, and I change my regular furnace filters monthly and I still end up with dust and pollen in the house. Screen doors, garage doors, kids running in and out, etc... it all contributes.
I've bought the sharper image filters and other brands that claim to be great, but haven't been that impressed. I ended up buying this unit on because I've been very pleased with my 3M furnace filters.
I put this unit in my bedroom because that room gets more dust than most of my house along with the sleeping problems I'd have from dust.
Within two days I noticed I was sleeping better. Two weeks later I noticed that I hadn't needed to dust the room since I bought the machine.
Overall I'm very satisfied with the machine I have. It's reasonably quiet, ( I leave it set on 1, so I can barely hear it) it fit under a table in the room, so it didn't take up much space. It also has an interesting control dial with funky lights on it. Replacement filters are easy to find and from the looks of it I should only have to change them out every 4-6 months...
Of all the machines out there, this is far less gimmicky and actually works. I'd recommend it to anyone.
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The filter is amazing, looks awesome, and quiet. My main complaint is that the fan speed selector has tiny lights on it that, in a way similar to xmas "chasing" lights, appear to spin at various speeds. The problem I have with this is that there's something frustratingly addictive about playing with the fan speeds and watching the lights! Other than that, great all around!!
Now, the money saving tip: There's a certain department store out there with a carbon/charcoal mesh and blue mesh trim-to-fit air filter for $10 (the store is based in Arkansas and has the word "Mart" in it). If you set that up as a "pre-filter" of sorts, you'll not only get nearly a year out of your 3M one, but you'll get rid of odors much better. I believe the $10 filter is made by WEB I've been able to cut it in such a way as to get 3 pre-filters out of each.
Honest reviews on 3m FAP02-RS FiltreteTM ultra-clean air Purifier For Bedroom
Having purchased many air purifiers over the years, this one (FAP02) has been the best! I also have the larger FAP03 purifier and am pleased with its performance too, though it's rather large. They work so well that the filter only lasts 1 to 3 months, and I love that each unit tells you when the filter is restricted, but don't chg the filter immediately; try vaccuming the filter first to extend the filter life. Also, rotate the filter, since the bottom of the filter fills up first.
HERE'S THE PROBLEM: the replacement filters are TOO expensive!!! Between the cost of the unit, plus replacement filters with shipping, you should consider the true cost before purchasing this unit.
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I have two of these units and it works very well. However, I have been having a hard time finding replacement filters. I ordered a 4-pack replacement filter for 21 dollars (part# FAPF02-4, which no longer on web site) on Amazon in Feburary and still in backorder. (and projected to be backordered until October) I could not find replacement filters anywhere!!! Now, Amazon is selling "ONE" filter for $20!!!! What!?!!?!?!??!?!? Out of necessity, I have to get it at a high price because both of my filters are clogged up! For a three month replacement filter, it is quite expensive. If they would had initially sell "one" filter for 20 bucks, I probably wouldn't have purchased it. Looks like a scam to me..... bait and switch!
