Energy Costs and Filter Replacement Fees for Air Purifiers Differ by Up to Twice as Much

Korea Consumer Agency, Results of Investigation on 8 Products

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] As the number of people using air purifiers has recently increased, a survey found that annual energy costs and filter replacement costs can differ by up to twice depending on the product. Additionally, some performance aspects such as harmful gas removal, deodorization efficiency, and noise levels varied by product.

On the 6th, the Korea Consumer Agency disclosed the results of performance tests and evaluations conducted on eight products from eight air purifier brands. The evaluated brands and models were Samsung Electronics (model AX40A5311WMD), Xiaomi (AC-M14-SC), Winix (ATGH500-JWK), Coway (AP-1019C), Cuckoo (AC-12X30FW), Klasse (WKPA11D0XPDP1), LG Electronics (AS120VELA), and SK Magic (ACL-131T0) (listed in alphabetical order).

Regarding the standard usage area indicating fine dust (diameter 0.3㎛) removal performance, all seven products subject to labeling met the relevant standards. The SK Magic product was excluded from the evaluation as it was not subject to standard usage area labeling. In the removal rates of five harmful gases?formaldehyde and toluene, known to cause sick house syndrome, and ammonia, acetaldehyde, and acetic acid, which are common household odors?Samsung, Coway, Cuckoo, LG, and SK Magic products received a "relatively excellent" rating.

Noise generated when operating at maximum airflow ranged from 45 to 50 dB(A) depending on the product. According to the Ministry of Environment’s National Noise Information System, noise levels in quiet residential living rooms are about 40 dB(A), and quiet office noise is around 50 dB(A). The average time taken in automatic mode for high concentrations of fine dust to reduce to normal levels was 18 minutes, with six products?Samsung, Xiaomi, Winix, Coway, LG, and SK Magic?receiving a "relatively excellent" rating.

Based on 7.2 hours of daily use, the annual energy cost was lowest for the Cuckoo product at 8,000 KRW and highest for the Samsung product at 16,000 KRW. Filter replacement costs for one year were lowest for the Xiaomi product at 28,900 KRW and highest for the SK Magic product at 60,000 KRW. Recommended filter replacement intervals varied from 6 to 16 months depending on the product.

The Coway product was found non-compliant with relevant standards as some items, including carbon dioxide emissions and annual energy costs indicated on the energy consumption efficiency grade label, exceeded allowable error margins. Coway responded that improvement work has been completed. Safety standards were met by all products.

The Consumer Agency stated, "In addition to quality and performance, it is necessary to comprehensively consider annual maintenance costs when selecting a product." Test and evaluation results can be found in the "Comparison Sympathy" section on the Consumer24 website.