Winix - D480 (Refurbished)

Winix D480 or build a CR box. Do NOT buy the levoit for Covid. I’ve owned at least half a dozen and was never impressed with the particulate filtering. For whatever reason, anything with a round filter media seems to not filter well in general.

I have multiple Winix D480 air purifiers and love them. So I believe that the 1824 sf is the hourly turn over rate. The smaller sq footage number is what we used in figuring out how many we needed. The D480 is very quiet. Obviously louder if I turn it on full blast. My house is way less dusty since we got them. I have 3 of them for my 2369 sf house. I do have a Filtrete purifier in my bedroom. It works but is a lot louder.

My fiancée has bad allergies in all the rooms but our bedroom We have the [winix 480](https://www.winixamerica.com/product/d480-refurbished-3-stage-true-hepa-air-purifier/?utm_source=Google%20Shopping&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping%20Product%20Feed&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=183191&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI87bSpLeZjAMV1YRaBR2llBOfEAQYAiABEgKG9_D_BwE) The link is a refurbished model which honestly is all you need. We bought ours from Home Depot for double that cost

Winix D480. I just bought a refurbished one from them for $110 which is a steal. Idk how well it works for odors as I got mine for dust, but it works great.

This is my review of my favorite air purifier, and in my opinion the best air purifier for the price. The Winix D360 and D480. The D360 is pretty much a 5500-2 without an ionizer and the D480 is the same thing but rated for rooms that 480 square feet. I recently bought a D480 and am more than happy with it, it’s the best air purifier I’ve seen for the price and owned personally. When you're looking for an air purifier, you don’t need to be dazzled by flashy features. What you should care about is how effectively it cleans your air, and in my opinion, the Winix D360 and D480 deliver solid results without overcomplicating things. The D480’s closest competitor is most likely the Shark 3 in 1 max, which runs double or sometimes triple the price with a similar or better CADR. I’m pretty going to be shilling the hell out of this air purifier, but I’ll mention its faults, so strap in. ##What They Do Well: Both the D360 and D480 come with True HEPA filters, which like most HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. These are the most harmful particles that are also the most difficult to catch. Smaller and larger particles most likely are captured more, so it really puts it in perspective. Things like viruses, smoke, and allergens. If it’s in the air and you can’t see it, these purifiers, like most HEPA filters, are going to catch it. Having a HEPA filter that captures a lot of filters is only half the battle though. As most of you know by now, your purifier needs to be able to filter a large volume of air for that HEPA filter to make any difference. Like, if it captures 100% of particles but can only do a square foot an hour, then it’s completely useless. It’s like having a microwave that heats up your foot in six hours. Which is why you should really pay attention to the Clean Air Delivery Rate or CADR which is measured in cubic feet per minute or CFM. The CADR for these models is extremely solid for its price (maybe even best in class?): •D360: 235 for smoke, 233 for dust, and 230 for pollen. •D480: 310 for smoke, 312 for dust, and 348 for pollen. These are all pretty impressive for its price. Comparable HEPA CADRs come from the Honeywell HPA300 ($160-$250, 300 CADR), Levoit Core 400s ($180-$225, 260 CADR), and Coway Mighty AP-1512HH ($150-$215, CADR 240-250). This has a better CADR than the blueair 311i max which I also own and dislike. It doesn’t need an ionizer or a non HEPA filter to fluff up its CADR. That means you’re getting reliable air circulation and cleaning efficiency, without the unnecessary features. Winix claims these models can even capture particles down to 0.003 microns, this makes sense since 0.3 microns are the hardest size to catch. This is honestly impressive for purifiers in this price range. Someone enlighten me if there’s a true HEPA air purifier with a better CADR in this price range. ##Downsides: Let’s get into some of the things you might not love. First, neither of these models has app connectivity. Some people may see that as a downside, but personally, I’m not looking to control my air purifier from my phone. I’d rather invest in a quality air quality sensor. The sensors built into these purifiers are decent for the price, but if you're serious about tracking your air quality, standalone sensors start at around $200-$300 and for perspective, the D360 and D480 are priced between $150-$220. You can’t expect top of the line sensors in a unit at this price point. You also have to replace the carbon filters every 1.5 months. In box it comes with four. The replacements with a HEPA filter and 4 carbon filters are a bit pricy at around $60, but I think it’s worth it personally. These are also Home Depot exclusives, you need to buy the replacement filters at Home Depot or from a resellers. So, if you don’t like Home Depot this isn’t for you. I promise you this purifier is worth it, I’m not the biggest Home Depot guy either. ##Why is the lack of an ionizer appealing?: Now, let’s talk about ionizers. These two models don’t use ionization unlike most winix models which use “Plasmawave.” This is a big plus to me, even though you can just turn the ionizer off on other Winix models. It’s not that I’m afraid of the ozone or have any side effects, I just hate the dust on the surfaces building up. Ionizers in air purifiers, like what you’ll find in Blueair air purifiers, use an electrostatic precipitator. I actually owned a Blueair 311i Max model, so I can explain the full scope here. The way it works is they pass the air through an ionization chamber, where particles get charged with static electricity. Once the particles are charged, they’re supposed to clump up and get caught by the non HEPA filter more easily with the efficiency of a HEPA filter, while getting more airflow than a HEPA filter. In Blueair’s case, they call this proprietary filter technology “Hepasilent.” The problem is that Hepasilent isn’t a true HEPA filter, it’s a non-HEPA system designed to rely on the particles being charged to “stick” to the filter. This means that without the electrostatic precipitation, the filter would have a much harder time capturing the smallest, most harmful particles. It might work, but it has a downside. The other part of the system that’s the worst part of it is post-ionization. After the air passes through the ionizer, the leftover particles get charged again and end up getting released back into your room. These are the sticky dust particles you find on surfaces and furniture. And then there’s the issue of ozone release, which can be harmful in itself, but I’ve never had a problem with. So yeah, while Blueair’s tech may sound appealing because it doesn’t technically need a HEPA filter, I’m not a fan. If you want real mechanical air purification, you’re better off sticking with something like the D360 or D480, which rely on actual True HEPA filtration and don’t give you the negative side effects of ionization. This also adds some efficiency in power usage. ##Performance and Efficiency: Both models are energy efficient for what they offer. Here’s a quick look at their annual energy use: •D360: 360.4 kWh/year •D480: 477.3 kWh/year If you're looking for fast air cleaning, these units do the job well. The D480, for instance, can clean up to 2,320 sq. ft. in one hour, which breaks down to 1,160 sq. ft. in 30 minutes or 580 sq. ft. in 15 minutes. That’s a pretty solid performance if you’re using it in a decently sized room or apartment. ##Final Thoughts: For the price range, the Winix D360 and D480 are great air purifiers that don’t try to dazzle you with unnecessary features. They focus on what matters: solid filtration, reliable performance, and reasonable energy use. Yes, they don’t have app connectivity, and their built-in sensors aren’t the best, but you’re not paying premium prices here. If you're serious about air quality, grab a standalone air quality sensor, and let these purifiers do what they’re designed to do: clean your air effectively.

I'm pretty sure that that is nottrue, at least I know the 2nd point isn't. **I accidentally just started rambling to stay with me here💀** Not trying to be a Reddit arguer, so I hope my tone doesn't appear like that. The price for the 5500-2 is around $145-$250, but most likely you wont pay more $160 for it. The D360/480 is only sold at Home Depot so it has a more solid price. The 360 runs $149 solid and the 480 is $220. The D480 is a stupid good deal for $220 and a 348 CADR and 480 square foot rating. To put that in perspective the next winix model that comes close to the is the 9800 which is $260-$320 and has only slightly better CADR (384) and rating (500ft) I can see the argument for the D360 though, but I consider that the ionizier uses a lot of energy even if its not on. Personally, I would never use an ionizer and will definitely forget to turn it off on startup, so paying an extra $5 for that isn’t a big deal to me.

When I cleaned my screen and changed carbon filter, it really showed that it works well. I have a dog that sheds, really really good.

Got it, I was wrong. I stand corrected and your point is made. I personally am not in it for the VOC removal since I love my essential oils, I have a big pet hair problem. If I had a VOC problem I’d return my D480 immediately. So, yes the 5500-2 is superior, but I enjoy my D480 for the extended range for the entire floor.

Alen and Winix are definitely better brands, your best bet to mitigate dust storms is to get a air purifier that just runs, same speed 24/7. Oversize everything so you can run at lower speeds, all air purifiers are rated at their highest speed which is also their loudest speed. I happened to notice the Winix D480 is currently on sale and is a great no frills just runs air purifier.

So for that size room you need a CADR rating of around 140 to 5 air exchanges per hour. I would try and aim for an air purifier that has a CADR of 300 or more so you can run it at a lower speed and still get the required air exchanges. That Coway 400 would be alright or Winix D480 would be good, the Winix 5500-2 would be ok but you would have to run it at a higher speed so it would be more noisy.

Yes I understood your numbers.. it's 1500 cubic feet not square but close enough. Yeah always oversize if you can, it's never a bad idea as you can run at a lower speed and get the same amount of air exchanges so much less noise. I just noticed the Winix D480 is on sale at home depot right now, for a no frills air purifier that just works it's hard to beat that price..

We have a WINIX D480 and it works very well. The air quality in Dallas is garbage, and while we have central air, opening the door often introduces pollen and other crap from the outside. The HEPA filter adds an extra layer of protection for me, as I am hypersensitive to all kinds of allergens. As others note, you may need a larger unit than that A231 depending on the area coverage you need.

Purifiers with a little more sorbent media tend to be really expensive. The [IQAir HealthPro Plus XE](https://www.iqair.com/us/products/air-purifiers/healthpro-plus) has a 5 lbs. gaseous filter, but it's $1,199.99. So in needing two, you would be shelling out over $2,000. The [Alen BreatheSmart 75i with the "Fresh" filter](https://alen.com/products/alen-breathesmart-75i-air-purifier?variant=13172054949955) is $814, but I don't think the activated carbon is impregnated for better removal of VOCs like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. The good news is that your rooms are relatively small. The main room needs a Smoke CADR of 288 CFM and the bedroom requires a Smoke CADR of 121 CFM. Remember that CADRs are given for the top speed setting only. Lower speeds have lower CADRs; if you need these figures, you should contact each brand. For the main room, a good value would be the **Winix D480**. It's [sold at The Home Depot only for $219](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Winix-D480True-HEPA-3-Stage-Air-Purifier-AHAM-Verified-for-480-sq-ft-1022-0221-02/315963577). Smoke CADR is 310 CFM. For the bedroom: **Levoit Vital 200S Smart Air Purifier**. Smoke CADR of 250 CFM. Price: [$189.99 on Levoit's website](https://levoit.com/products/vital-200s-smart-air-purifier), but available elsewhere. **Winix 5500-2**. Smoke CADR of 232 CFM. Mid-grade quality. Has an on/off ionizer. Price: [$249 on Winix's website](https://www.winixamerica.com/product/5500-2/), but usually much cheaper on Amazon and from other retailers. **Coway Airmega 240**. Smoke CADR of 282 CFM. Brand is considered higher quality than Winix or Levoit. Price: [$299 on Coway's website](https://cowaymega.com/products/airmega-240), but should be cheaper on Amazon. Again, these suggestions are for particulates only. An AC Infinity configuration would be your best bet for DIY sorbent media purifiers targeting VOCs and other gases.

I picked up a Winnix D480 for $200USD from Home Depot. It’s rated for up to 2300 sq ft at its slowest return. I’m very happy w it. I was having lots of dust and pet allergies and within a day of running it I noticed a huge difference. A week later I am not sneezing or coughing AT ALL. It comes w a few carbon replacement filters as well, to makes a year’s worth of filters. I think the replacement filter is $60 a year if you buy from HD. I also vacuum w a Prolux 4 stage HEPA vacuum (love it!), but that alone was not cutting it. I plan on grabbing a Clorox air purifier for the bedroom, bc I read good reviews. The Clorox is meant for smaller rooms. 

I like this brand too, I purchased a small one from Costco and then found a great deal on a big refurbished one on the Winix website. 

You want a HEPA filter and actual activated carbon granules-sometimes the activated carbon is just a paper thin layer-not doing much. For cost, consider replacement filter costs not just up front ones. I also like ones that have a sensor so you can leave it on “auto” and it will kick on when you cook or air gets worse without you having to keep track of it. Also don’t splurge on plasma ion or ozone or whatever else-mixed studies show it can react with chemicals to form more dangerous ones at worst and generally not much better at best. Right now you may want to sacrifice optimality for actually having something going to clean your air since it’s a time of high uncertainty. What’s in stock at home depot may be superior to the “best” air purifier that arrives in 2 weeks. Those caveats-no one can give better advice based on “feel” than what’s tests show-and wirecutter actually tested performance https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-purifier/ . If you prefer anecdotes, here are some of my experiences: Winnix has been in stock at home depot. I evacuated with my air purifier and I needed something to leave during cleaning to try and detox my pasadena apartment. It was in stock and had hepa+carbon-it seems to be working. Oransi is the one I evacuated with, love the looks, it really seems to work well, lots of aftermarket filters available-downside is that sleep mode sets fan speed to auto, I want it to just turn lights off and leave the fan mode. But It has lasted at least 6+ years. Levoit is what was at the apartment I evacuated to. It seems a little less powerful per dollar spent than my oransi, but it’s night mode turns off the lights while still letting you set the fan speed. My roommate left a Coway going in his room and that thing worked very well to prevent any smoke smell from settling, and it’s highly recommended by wirecutter. If I had to buy right now and I could get one in a reasonable timeline, it’s how I would go.

Any filter with a charcoal filter layer will help some (Winix is one brand commonly available at Costco…I also have a more elaborate Rowenta)…my Winix came with multiple charcoal layer replacements. Dealing with total incontinence here, and not to criticize your MILs efforts, but you might want to look into the actual sources of the odors. Chairs, clothes that sit around waiting for wash, previously soaked furniture or carpet? If bedding or fabric furniture smells and you can replace it, do so. I use a combo of Depends on my father, and all his sleeping or seating surfaces have a first layer of puppy pee pads (Costco has large ones that work well and are cheap), and then a fabric layer on top (whether sheets or a chair cover or towel, tucked into the sides of the chair). Once he’s wet, after I changes his pants all clothes and chair covers and bedding goes in the wash (3-5 loads a day).  For the mattress you can find on Amazon washable mattress covers (the whole bed ones don’t work that well but that’s my base layer and then a thicker more absorbent one that I fit across the middle section of his bed, and on top of that layered dog pee pads).  So again, not sure if any of this advice helps but this method works for me.

I have 2 Winix HEPAs that have been running 24/7 for 6+ years. I clean the screen every week or so, replace the carbon every month, and the HEPA every ~8 months.