GermGuardian AC3000 Airsafe+ Review: A Pint-sized Powerhouse

At just 12 inches tall and 10 inches in circumference, the 7-pound GermGuardian AC3000 can fit almost anywhere—and does a pretty good job considering its low profile.

The device includes a combination of a cylindrical HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, as well as a feature that is barely visible in this price range: a UV-C lamp that is used to combat pervasive bacteria and mold spores. The unit is designed for a maximum area of ​​1,040 square feet (with one air change per hour) and offers CADR ratings of 139 cfm (smoke), 146 (dust), and 150 (pollen). For such a small air purifier, these reviews are impressive.

It’s a no-fuss operator, and the no-fuss device sucks in dirty air from all sides and releases clean, filtered air at the top. Operating the air purifier couldn’t be easier. The controls are all on top and provide access to three manual speed modes, an automatic mode and a sleep mode. In sleep mode, the fan runs at its lowest speed, turning off all ambient lights. With a separate button you can switch the UV-C lamp on and off.

Christopher Null/Foundry

Christopher Null/Foundry

Christopher Null/Foundry

On the front, a wide LED band gives a visual indication of ambient air conditions: green represents a PM2.5 rating of 100 or less, yellow indicates 101 to 200, and red indicates over 201. The fan speed used in automatic mode correlates to these three PM2.5 conditions: low, medium and high.

This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best air purifiers.

By the way, these levels are pretty out of control. A typical “good” PM2.5 rating would peak at around 12 and a “moderate” PM2.5 rating would be as low as 35, according to the EPA’s AQI ratings. A PM2.5 level of 100 is considered “unhealthy” and 200 is considered “very unhealthy,” according to the latest EPA guidelines.

However, this isn’t a major issue as it only affects status bar lighting and automatic mode, but the manufacturer should probably address it for accuracy. No one with a PM2.5 reading of 100 should be fooled into thinking that their air quality is “good.”

Lasko/GermGuardian

Lasko/GermGuardian

Lasko/GermGuardian

During use, I found that the air purifier wasn’t the quietest, and even in sleep mode it emits a quiet white noise-like hissing sound that’s easy to detect in an otherwise quiet room. I wouldn’t use it in a bedroom, but in a more busy environment during the day it’s not loud enough to be a significant distraction.

Replacement filters—which, remember, combine both HEPA and activated carbon—cost $30 to $38, depending on the style, and each has a recommended lifespan of 6 months. For a few dollars more, you can purchase a filter specifically designed for pet owners, one that targets smoke, or a filter that is tuned to capture VOCs. A standard filter is included with the device. Replacement UC-C bulbs cost $15 and last 6 to 8 months.

Unfortunately, the device doesn’t have any smart features (it doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi) or a remote control, meaning you have to go to the device and operate it manually to do anything at all. If there is no schedule or even a countdown timer, my best advice is to leave the device in sleep mode and let it do its work in peace in the background.

Should you buy the GermGuardian AC3000 Airsafe+?

With its extremely affordable street price of just $87 (after redeeming a $20 coupon available on Amazon at time of writing) and inexpensive replacement filters, any additional consumable consumption that might arise from 24/7 operation seems forgivable. If you don’t need smart features, it is definitely one of the best air purifiers for small rooms on the market.

Note to buyers: We tested the white model (AC3000W); You may also come across a functionally identical black model (AC3000B) as well as the AP3151W (white) model, which does not have a UVC-C lamp.