When it comes to air purification, IQAir is known for manufacturing the best products in the industry. In this product comparison, we will discuss the features and functionality of two of their most renowned air purifiers: the famous HealthPro 250 and the new and revolutionary Atem X. Both models offer exceptional air purification performance but have some key differences that cater to specific needs. Let's delve into the details of each product.
IQAir HealthPro 250: The IQAir HealthPro 250 has been IQAir's flagship air purifier for over a decade and has won more independent air purifier awards than any other air cleaner. It is used and relied upon in government institutions such as the Environment Agency, the NHS, Border Force, and many others in the UK and around the world, as well as large and small private companies and domestic homes. A robust and powerful air purifier, suitable for small and large rooms, it is appreciated for its individually tested, certified, and guaranteed high performance, reliability, and high build quality, long filter life, timer and filter life indicators, and a great range of accessories. The IQAir HealthPro 250 incorporates IQAir's advanced HyperHEPA filtration and intelligent features to deliver the highest quality in air purification. Some of its key individual features are:
a. HyperHEPA Filtration: The HealthPro 250 is equipped with IQAir's H13 HyperHEPA filter that captures ultra fine particles as small as 0.3 microns with a guaranteed efficiency of over 99.97%. This actual high filtration efficiency surpasses most other air purifiers that are advertised as HEPA air purifiers and is validated through the unit's individual certified and guaranteed performance.
b. Achieving up to 440m3/h on the highest speed setting, with maximum sound pressure levels of 57 dB(A). This means, in an average-sized room, settings one and two are appropriate for a sleep environment (22 & 33 dB(A)), setting 3 and 4 during the day and a work environment (41 & 47 dB(A)), and setting 5 and 6 for boost cleaning a room (52 & 57 dB(A)).
c. Gas and Odor Filtration: In addition to particle filtration, the HealthPro 250 includes a 2.5 kg high-quality activated carbon V5-Cell filter to remove various gases, odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. It effectively targets the broadest range of harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and benzene.
d. Triple-Seal Design: The HealthPro 250's triple-seal design prevents air leakage, ensuring that all the air drawn into the system is filtered before being released back into the room, making the air purifier efficient.
e) Intelligent Control Panel: The HealthPro 250 has an intuitive control panel that allows users to adjust fan speed, set a timer, and monitor filter life through its LED display.
f) A wide range of accessories allows you to create the perfect clean air environment. The IQAir InFlow and OutFlow, for example, enable you to use the IQAir HealthPro 250 to create an over- or under-pressure environment. You can wall-mount the HealthPro 250, add an optional coarse dust pre-filter for especially dusty environments, or transform it into an 'at-source-capture' filtration system. All this makes the IQAir HealthPro 250 the most versatile and reliable air cleaner for domestic and commercial settings alike.
IQAir Atem X: The IQAir Atem X is a standalone air purifier designed for personal and commercial use. Released in the UK in July 2023, the Atem X offers IQAir's decades of experience as the leader in standalone air purifiers, the latest developments in air quality monitoring, and a new revolutionary design. The Atem X is sleek, smart, compact, yet remarkably powerful and quiet. Let's explore its features in more detail:
a. HyperHEPA Filtration: Similar to the HealthPro 250, the Atem X utilises advanced HyperHEPA filtration, EN1822 classified at E11 to H13. The Atem X captures ultra fine particles at 0.3 microns with an efficiency of over 95% on the highest setting and 99.95% on settings 1 and 2.
b. BionicCore Technology: The Atem X features a new design approach in which the fan motor’s round shape is at the core of the unit, and all major components are arranged harmoniously around the fan. This enables the unit to have a 300-degree air intake, drawing in air from all directions. The BionicCore design allows the Atem X to purify more air while producing less noise and consuming less energy compared to other air purifiers of its size. Due to this design, the Atem X can be placed virtually anywhere in a room and still deliver outstanding air purification results.
c. Advanced Air Quality Sensors: The Atem X is equipped with built-in sensors that continuously monitor essential air quality parameters inside the room, including particulate matter (PM2.5), CO2 levels, temperature, and humidity. The colour-coded LEDs of the integrated Air Quality Indicator provide instant feedback on air quality, and detailed data is displayed through the IQAir app for your mobile phone.
Due to the integrated particle sensor, the Atem X offers intelligent operation that automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the detected air quality levels. You have the option to choose from three smart modes: 1. Quiet Mode: Ideal for environments where noise sensitivity is paramount. 2. Balanced Mode: Perfect for normal living and working environments. 3. Max Mode: Recommended for environments that require the highest level of air purification.
d. Smartphone Control: The Atem X offers convenient smartphone control via a dedicated app. Users can adjust fan speed, have a range of automatic settings, set timers, and monitor filter life using their smartphones. The app also provides air quality data and filter replacement notifications, ensuring optimal performance.
e. Whisper-Quiet Operation: Despite its powerful air purification capabilities, the Atem X operates exceptionally quietly, allowing users to work, sleep, or relax without distractions. It employs advanced noise reduction technology, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments.
Conclusion: The IQAir HealthPro 250 and the IQAir Atem X are both exceptional air purifiers from a company that understands indoor air filtration better than anybody else. The two units do, however, cater to slightly different needs. The HealthPro 250 is a robust, high-capacity air purifier suitable for small to large spaces and, in addition to exceptional particulate filtration, offers high-quality gas, chemical, and odour filtration. Its advanced filtration system, comprehensive features, and wide range of accessories make it an excellent choice for those seeking the highest level of filtration and a range of possible customisation.
On the other hand, the Atem X offers the very best of cutting-edge air purification. Its elegant look, intelligent design, smartphone control, and integrated air quality monitor provide users with an air cleaner that is beautiful, powerful, and quiet - even in a large space.
Ultimately, the choice between the HealthPro 250 and the Atem X depends on your specific requirements, budget, and room size. Both models exemplify IQAir's commitment to delivering superior air quality solutions.
FAQ - Product Comparison: IQAir HealthPro 250 vs. IQAir Atem X Air Purifier
Does the Atem X offer gas filtration?
The HyperHEPA HF does not hold any activated carbon, so it is unable to capture and absorb chemicals and gas contamination. For environments where gas filtration is needed to remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, VOCs, and others, the HealthPro 250 and IQAir GC Series are the units of choice due to their significant amount of high-quality activated granular carbon.
What new features does the Atem X have?
Smart Mode is one of a few new and exciting features that IQAir has introduced to allow users complete control over their indoor air quality. Located on the Atem X's control panel and on the IQAir app, Smart Mode seamlessly interacts with the Atem X's built-in air quality monitor to adjust the air purifier's fan speed according to pollution levels detected in the room. It is accessed by simply touching the Smart Mode icon on the control panel.
Many air purifiers that feature an automatic function disappointed customers, as the constant fan adjustments would wake them up. This obstacle has been addressed. Through the IQAir app, you can set a cap on how high the fan speed is allowed to go. If used in a noise-sensitive environment like a bedroom, 'Quiet Mode' will prevent the Atem X from going above speed 5. On 'Max Mode,' the Atem X will run on its highest speed setting if needed.
The Atem X can also be connected to your IQAir AirVisual Pro air quality monitor, which provides the unit with more data to adjust fan speeds when needed.
Is the Atem X's HyperHEPA HF Filter compatible with any other IQAir air purifier? And vice versa?
Due to the new form factor of the Atem X, the HyperHEPA HF filter cannot be used in any other IQAir air purifier, and neither can the filters in HealthPro and GC Series be used in the Atem X. However, as mentioned, the Atem X offers IQAir's patented HyperHEPA filtration to ensure virtually all particles are captured efficiently.
How mobile is the IQAir Atem X?
The Atem X can be fitted with a sleek caster stand that comes with the unit as standard. It already has the casters pre-fitted, so the unit's stand just needs to be slotted into the caster stand to allow users to move it between rooms with ease. To move it, users should use the leather strap located on its back to give you more security in moving it around.
What type of environments can the Atem X be used in?
Like the HealthPro Series, the IQAir Atem X high-quality performance is ideal for both residential and commercial environments, and it is particularly suited for environments where high filtration performance is required in conjunction with low noise levels. The combination of powerful air purification capability, quiet operation, and low energy consumption - in a modern and sleek design - means the IQAir Atem X can be fitted seamlessly into living rooms, hotel rooms, restaurants, offices, school classrooms, GP waiting rooms, and many more.
How do the IQAir Atem X's filters differ from the HealthPro Series?
The IQAir Atem X's HyperHEPA HF filter uses the same filter technology as other IQAir units. It is mechanical filtration to capture the smallest airborne contamination at a minimum efficiency of E11, i.e., 99.5% at 0.3 microns. Where it differs is in the number of filters used and their individual functions: the HyperHEPA HF is one filter, split into three parts. This gives the Atem X a large total surface area of 2.8m². The "Impactor" is a mesh that sits before the HF filter and can be washed if needed.
The HyperHEPA HF also uses synthetic and inorganic fibres, whereas the HealthPro Series' PreMax F8 Filters and HyperHEPA Filter use wet-laid non-woven glass microfibre. However, both sets of filters are equally adept at capturing all airborne particle sizes such as diesel soot, dust mite allergens, bacteria, viruses, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and more.
