You may be wondering, while on the hunt for the best air purifier, whether you should be searching for the best plug in air purifier or the best UV air purifier. Have you stopped to consider that you should maybe be seeking both? The GermGuardian CDAP5500BCA boasts incredible air cleaning capabilities and is customizable to fit your needs.
Why We Like It – GermGuardian CDAP5500BCA
The GermGuardian CDAP5500BCA is yet another impressive showing by GermGuadian. The activated carbon filter, True HEPA Filter, and UV light all work in tandem to capture and eliminate contaminants of all sizes and varieties. And it can even be controlled via app or be voice commanded too!
- UV Light Technology Destroys Contaminants
- Can Be Controlled via Wi Fi
- Amazon and Alexa Compatible
- Consumes a lot of Energy
- A Little on the Heavy Side
- Loud
Power/Speed
Germ Guardian Technologies Tower Air Purifiers employ a charcoal filter (as a pre-filter) with an activated carbon filter to remove large airborne particles for great air. Afterward, a UV light with UV C Light Technology kills the small and large particles. If you like UV air cleaning technology, you can also check out the GermGuardian AC5350B. For tech that will monitor air quality, you’ll need something like the Elgato Eve Air Quality Room Sensor.
Efficiency
Brand GermGuardian Air Purifiers, like the GermGuardian GG1000, have never really been known for their reach, and this clean air filter is no exception. Still, the 170 square feet it does provide is decent, and the room air quality will still greatly improve. Even the Hamilton Beach 04386A improves air quality in a room of a similar size. Unfortunately, GermGuardian does consume quite a bit of energy, requiring 60 watts of power just to run.
If that energy cost is too much, check out our review of the HoMedics TotalClean air purifier and the Honeywell HPA250B.
Versatility
The CDAP5500BCA’s True HEPA Filter captures 99.97% microscopic allergens, dust, pet dander, and mold spores down to 0.3 microns. The GermGuardian also comes with five fan speeds so you can adjust it to whatever suits your needs. While this air purifier is great for pet dander, you can also check out the Germ Guardian AC4825E if you want one specifically for pets.
Durability
At 11 pounds, the unit isn’t exactly heavy, but it’s also not the lightest we’ve seen. Noise level, even at the lowest settings, is still loud too. You’ll definitely notice some noise when it’s on the highest settings. Filter replacement should occur anywhere between 6-8 months, but luckily GermGuardian provides some of the most affordable filter replacement.
Value
The CDAP5500BCA is a smart air purifier that can be controlled via the wifi smart app. You also have the option of voice control, something not available in a large number of other air purifiers, because of the unit’s compatibility with Google and Alexa. Finally, customer reviews are largely positive, scoring 4.5/5 stars on Amazon which is always nice to see. It also boasts an air quality monitor so you can keep track of the air quality in the room.
GermGuardian CDAP5500BCA Wrap Up
The GermGuardian CDAP5500BCA has the same negatives as most other GermGuardian air filters. They’re noisy, and they consume a lot of energy. However, their air cleaning capabilities are virtually un-matched. For if you are willing to put up with these annoyances, you’ll find a friend in this air purifier.
