The Holmes HAP242-NUC is a 6.7-pound desktop air purifier equipped with an Aer1 filter system. Designed for a small-size room, it has 3 speed settings, comes with a dual positioning design, and has an optional ionizer.
In this Holmes HEPA type desktop air purifier review, we give you a consumer report of what previous buyers say about this device. Does it work against allergies? Does it last long? Read on to find out.
Key Features of the Holmes HAP242-NUC
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Air purifiers come in different designs. For the Holmes HAP242-NUC air purifier, it adopts a “slim dual positioning design.” It’s rectangular in shape, and it’s stable enough to be placed either vertically or horizontally to suit your space. That said, you can put it on your bedside table (as a desktop device) or on the floor.
How does it work?
The Holmes HAP242-NUC relies on its Aer1 filter series, which consists of 5 filters, namely, Total Air, Odor Eliminator, Allergen Remover, Allergen Performance Plus, and Smoke Grabber.
Each filter is created to suit a certain purpose, targeting different types of pollutants. For instance, the Odor Eliminator is ideal for eliminating pet odors, smoke, and cooking fumes. On the other hand, the Allergen Remover targets pollen, dust, mold, and animal dander which can trigger allergies.
The Holmes HAP242-NUC comes with the Total Air filter, a HEPA filter that’s meant for dust reduction. This filter is infused with Arm & Hammer baking soda, which is supposed to help reduce odors.
The Aer1 filters can be bought separately, so if you are allergic to dust or pollen, you might want to consider getting the Allergen Remover filter.
Aside from the Aer1 filter system, the Holmes HAP242-NUC air filter also comes with an ionizer, which you may or may not want to use. The ionizer releases negative ions to bind with airborne particles (e.g., dust and pet dander) to form a larger particles that are more easily captured.
RELATED: GermGuardian AC4825 Review, 3-in-1 Air Purifier
Holmes HEPA Type Desktop Air Purifier Review: Consumer Feedback
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This Holmes HEPA type desktop air purifier review wouldn’t be complete without a summary of consumer feedback and comments. Here’s what previous buyers have to say about the unit.
Allergies
As advertised, this unit targets allergy sufferers. But does it work? Experiences vary, but one person who’s had the HAP242-NUC air filter for two years now said that there’s a “noticeable difference in our allergies at night.” This device has helped reduce waking up at night with an itchy throat.
Noise
How loud is this air purifier? Consumers have different feedback, with some sending it back because it’s “too loud” and some saying the noise “doesn’t disturb me.”
But according to Holmes, the level of noise depends on the speed setting. On low, this air purifier produces 30 dB; on medium, 45 dB; and on high, 55 dB.
Odor reduction
How well does this air purifier work in reducing odors? Theoretically, the carbon filter reduces unpleasant odors up to 44%. According to Holmes, the HAP242-NUC’s CADR rating for tobacco smoke is 70 CFM.
What does this mean? CADR (or Clean Air Delivery Rate) is a measure of the volume filtered by an air purifier. The higher the rating, the more effective the device. It’s important to note that the CADR rating for tobacco smoke has an upper limit of 450.
Comparing the CADR ratings of other brands, the GermGuardian AC4825, an air purifier designed for a medium-size room, has been given a 100+ CADR rating.
Longevity
Can it last? According to one consumer, she’s had the Holmes HAP242-NUC for two years now, although she objectively said that after 1.5 years of everyday use, her unit started to make a “rattling sound.”
Note that according to the sellers, the “rattling sound” is normal even on low setting.
Holmes HEPA Type Desktop Air Purifier Review: FAQs
In this section of our Holmes HEPA type desktop air purifier review, we list down answers to questions that you might also have about the Holmes HAP242-NUC air filter.
How often should you change the filter?
This depends on the type of filter you intend to use. Holmes says that the Odor Eliminator and Total Air filters last up to 4 months. The Allergen Remoer and Performance Plus filters last up to 1 year. The Carbon Filter lasts 60 to 90 days. It’s important to note that you may have to replace the filter earlier depending on the air qualit of your home.
Does this produce ozone?
When the ionizer is turned off, it doesn’t, but when it’s on, it does. According to the manufacturer, the Holmes HAP242-NUC produces “less ozone than the UL established limits of 50 ppb.”
Where is this made?
It’s made in China.
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VIDEO: Closer Look on the Holmes HAP242-NUC Air Purifier
Watch this video for a product demonstration of the product, including how to change the filters.