lifehacker lifehacker LifeHacker LifeHacker [2021 version] 12 recommended Sharp air purifiers | Professionals explain how to choose
Many people are looking for an air purifier as a virus countermeasure against the prolonged Korona-ka, or to keep the room comfortable where they spend a lot of time by remote work.
In particular, Sharp's air purifier equipped with the original technology "Plasmacluster" is known to be environmentally friendly to the human body and indoors, and it is also attracting attention because it has abundant functions, and it is difficult to obtain it at one time. There was also a model.
This time, with the cooperation of Mr. Kenta Akiba, who is active as a home appliance writer, we will introduce the features of "Plasmacluster", points when choosing a model, comparison with other manufacturers, and so on.
In the second half, we also introduce the most recommended models of Sharp's air purifiers as of 2021, so please refer to them.
The prices listed below are subject to change, so please check the sales page.
■ Supervisor
Kenta Akiba: Belongs to editorial production Mica. Active as a writer for magazines and specialized magazines. He specializes in writing home appliances and IT in general, and provides content in various fields such as books, newspapers, trade magazines, web contents, and owned media.
■ Table of contents
Features and selection of Sharp air purifiers
・ What is Plasmacluster?Functions / features
・ How to choose
・ Plus alpha function of air purifier
12 Recommended Sharp Air Purifiers
・ When the number of tatami mats is wide, such as for living rooms and families (equipped with dehumidifying / humidifying functions)
・ When emphasizing measures against pet odors
・ When emphasizing measures against the smell of cigarettes
・ When the number of tatami mats is small, such as in the bedroom or living alone (equipped with dehumidifying / humidifying functions)
・ When emphasizing measures against the smell of dried rooms
・ When emphasizing measures against ticks
summary
Features and selection of Sharp air purifiers
What is Plasmacluster?Functions / features
Plasmacluster, which is Sharp's original technology, produces the same positive ions of hydrogen and negative ions of oxygen as in the natural world. It has been approved that the action of these ions cuts, decomposes, and removes proteins in the cell membrane of bacteria and viruses, but the higher the ion concentration, the more effective it can be expected.
The ion concentration of Sharp's air purifier equipped with such remarkable technology is divided into three stages of 7,000, 25,000, and 50,000 (all the number of ions per 1 cm3) depending on the model.
For example, if you have a studio or children's room with 6 to 14 tatami mats, you should choose the model of "Plasmacluster 7000" (7,000 pieces / cm3) according to the size of the room.
Even models with high ion concentration have been confirmed to be safe for skin, eyes, inhalation, etc., and their effects have been proven by public institutions in Japan and overseas, so they can be used safely and with peace of mind.
| Number of positive ions (*) | Number of negative ions (*) | Room size guide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasmacluster NEXT | Over 50,000 | Over 50,000 | 6 to 14 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster 25000 | 25,000 or more | 25,000 or more | 10 to 21 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster 7000 | Over 7,000 | Over 7,000 | ~ 23 tatami mats |
* The number of positive (+) ions and negative (-) ions per 1 cm3 measured near the center of the room (1.2 m above the floor) with an air purifier installed near the wall.
・ Comparison with Daikin's streamer technology
Daikin has also announced an air purifier equipped with its own oxidative decomposition technology "Streamer", but when compared, it turns out that it is Plasmacluster that the manufacturer strongly emphasizes the effect on bacteria and viruses. increase.
| sharp | Daikin | |
|---|---|---|
| Original technology | plasma cluster | Streamer |
| Contents | Cleaves proteins on the surface cell membrane against bacteria and viruses. Deodorizes and purifies the air by disassembling and removing it. | The streamer emits high-speed electrons into the sucked air. Decomposes mold fungi, allergens, diesel dust and formaldehyde. |
| Prefilter | No need to remove parts for cleaning | Open the front panel and need maintenance |
| Dust collection filter | Electrostatic HEPA filter | Electrostatic HEPA filter |
| Deodorizing filter | Activated carbon filter / maintenance required | Disassemble the odor with a streamer / no maintenance required |
・ Comparison with Panasonic's ion technology
Panasonic's original technology "Nanoe" also generates ions, but only negative ions. For example, to suppress static electricity, both positive and negative ions are required, so Nanoe will not be able to expect the effect of suppressing static electricity.
Also, it is recommended to install Sharp's air purifier about 30 cm away from the wall and the back of the main unit, but Panasonic does not have any problem if it is about 1 cm away. This difference is due to the specifications of the product, but it also greatly affects the installation location, so care must be taken in this regard.
| sharp | Daikin | |
|---|---|---|
| Original technology | plasma cluster | Nanoe |
| Ions to generate | Negative and positive ions | Negative ions only |
| Occurrence condition | Regardless of temperature and humidity | Temperature and humidity are within the standard values |
| Direction to inhale air | Backward | Forward |
| effect | ・ Static electricity removal (static electricity removal) ・ Air purification ・ Deodorization ・ Face care ・ Stress reduction ・ Concentration maintenance, etc. | ・ Deodorant, air purifier, allergies, fungi, mold, virus, face care, etc. |
| Distance between the wall and the body | Approximately 30 cm or more is recommended | Approximately 1 cm or more is recommended |
・ Installation location when used in combination with an air conditioner
According to Sharp's combined verification with an air conditioner in a closed room, it seems that the air purifier can collect the virus most efficiently if the air purifier is installed directly under the air conditioner. On the other hand, if an air purifier is installed opposite the air conditioner, it may collide with the airflow of the air conditioner and spread the virus.
In this way, even though the air is purified, the airflow generated by the purification may have an unexpected adverse effect, so the air from the air conditioner does not hit the air purifier, directly below or diagonally opposite. Let's install it. However, if you install it directly below, the direction of the air conditioner blades may be directly below and hit the air purifier, so you need to be careful when setting the air conditioner blades.
How to choose
・ Select by applicable floor area
It is necessary to select an air purifier according to the size of the room, but the guideline for this is the "applicable floor area". The standard value is set by the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association standard (JEMA1467) regardless of the manufacturer, and represents the size of the room (ceiling height 2.4 m) that can purify the particles and gas within the regulation in 30 minutes. I am.
When installing in a room with 8 tatami mats, it is easy to think that the applicable floor area is 12 tatami mats, but the calculation method for the applicable floor area is "the size of the room to be used (number of tatami mats) x 2". Therefore, in the case of 8 tatami mats, at least double 16 tatami mats is a guide, and if you want to wash more quickly, triple 24 tatami mats is a guideline.
| Room size | Estimated applicable floor area | A guideline for cleaning the air |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 tatami mats | ~ 16 tatami mats | About 13 to 17 minutes |
| 8-10 tatami mats | ~ 21 tatami mats | About 13-16 minutes |
| 10-12 tatami mats | ~ 24 tatami mats | About 14 to 17 minutes |
| 12-14 tatami mats | ~ 31 tatami | About 14-16 minutes |
Generally, the air purifying power will be higher if you select a model with a large applicable floor area. However, please note that the price will increase and the main body will become larger.
・ Choose by ease of maintenance
Some air purifiers claim that "filter replacement is not required for 10 years."
However, it is common for air purifiers to incorporate multiple filters, such as "pre-filters," "deodorizing filters," and "electrostatic HEPA filters," and by cleaning them diligently. It also makes a difference in the effect. It should also be noted that the degree of dirt on the filter varies greatly depending on where the air purifier is installed.
Based on these, if the filter is cleaned infrequently, it is likely that the filter will be replaced earlier, and running costs may be increased accordingly. Therefore, it is recommended to select a model that can be easily cleaned without delaying the cleaning of the filter in terms of future cost.
Many Sharp air purifiers do not require replacement of deodorizing filters and dust collection filters for about 10 years, and more and more models have pre-filters that are automatically cleaned. If you want to reduce the maintenance effort as much as possible, check for the automatic cleaning function.
In general, the frequency of cleaning the filter is once every few weeks, and it is necessary to use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust, so it is recommended to thoroughly ventilate the room before cleaning.
・ Select by filter
Keep in mind that pollen, house dust, etc. have larger particles than odorous substances. It is recommended to select the filter according to the purpose such as measures against odors of cigarettes and pets, measures against house dust and pollen.
| HEPA filter | Activated carbon filter | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An air filter with a particle collection rate of 99.97% or more for particles with a particle size of 0.3 μm at the rated flow rate and an initial pressure loss of 245 Pa or less. | A cartridge filter for liquid filtration made by molding activated carbon into a cylinder.A mechanism that takes in odorous components into the innumerable elongated openings on the surface and adsorbs them |
| feature | "Electrostatic HEPA filter" that uses static electricity is common in air purifiers made by domestic manufacturers. | Fine-grained, removes odorous components and gas by physical adsorption or chemical adsorption. Also called a carbon filter. |
| measures | ・ House dust ・ Pollen | ・ Smell of cigarettes |
Among the HEPA filters, the filter that can catch 99% of particles of 0.1 to 2.5 μm is said to be "PM2.5 compatible". Sharp's Plasmacluster Air Purifier is PM2.5 compliant.
Plus alpha function of air purifier
・ Equipped with odor sensor
It is a function that the sensor detects and removes air stains and odors. An excellent product that quickly detects and deodorizes pet odors. For example, in the case of Sharp's "COCORO AIR" equipped model, the excrement of pets who are away is quickly detected and deodorized, and the owner's smartphone is notified.
・ What is Sharp "COCORO AIR"?
It is a service that connects an air purifier and cloud-type artificial intelligence via the Internet. For example, artificial intelligence learns the times and strengths of air purifiers that are frequently used, how to use the family, etc., and automatically sets the optimum settings. In addition, you can see the temperature / humidity and the degree of air pollution as data on your smartphone, so you can use it with even more peace of mind.
・ Equipped with dust sensor
The dust sensor is a function that detects dust in the air, switches the mode, and quickly absorbs it. It can be expected to be effective not only for dust, but also for pollen, dead mites, and house dust.
・ Equipped with dehumidifying / humidifying functions
In addition to air purification, it is a function that automatically adjusts the humidity by dehumidifying and humidifying. It will come in handy especially in winter when you are often worried about dryness.
12 Recommended Sharp Air Purifiers
When the number of tatami mats is wide, such as for living rooms and families (equipped with dehumidifying / humidifying functions)
● KC-L50
Tamahiyo Baby Goods Target 2020 Air purifier category No. 1 humidified air purifier with a maximum humidification amount of 500 mL / h. The speed circulatory system circulates the air in the room firmly. The quiet mode driving sound is 20 dB, which keeps the baby in a quiet environment from sleeping to remote work. In addition, the three filters do not need to be replaced for 10 years, so cost performance can be expected. It is a product that is nice at a reasonable price while holding down the necessary functions.
| size | 613 mm x 399 mm x 230 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 23 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster 7000 | About 13 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Plasmacluster 7000 ・ Smell / Humidity / Temperature sensor |
22,800 yen
● KI-LP100
As the catch phrase of "To the next stage of air purification" shows, it is a humidified air purifier equipped with the latest functions. The wide-speed circulatory system delivers ions far into the room. Easy to clean with automatic pre-filter cleaning function. It is a high-spec model that is worth the price.
| size | 738mm x 427mm x 371mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Yes |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 46 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster NEXT | About 23 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Smell sensor ・ Effect realization mode ・ COCORO AIR ・ Plasmacluster powerful shot |
102,490 yen
When emphasizing measures against pet odors
● Airest Air Conditioner AY-L28P-W (mainly 10 tatami mats)
It is the only air conditioner that has cleared the industry standard for air purifiers. By adopting cloud AI, the air conditioner will be adjusted from day to night. Equipped with high quality Plasmacluster NEXT, it firmly deodorizes and sterilizes attached odors and bacteria that cannot be collected by the filter. Not only pollen, but also PM2.5, cigarettes, pets, cooking odors, and other stubborn odors can be deodorized.
| size | 278 mm x 798 mm x 447 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Nothing |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 10 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Plasmacluster NEXT / COCORO AIR |
138,600 yen
● KI-JP100
Equipped with a 3-way airflow control louver, it is an air purifier that efficiently delivers ions even in a large living room. With the function of the motion sensor, it is an excellent product that realizes optimum air purification regardless of whether you are at home or away. By utilizing "Plasmacluster Powerful Shot" operation that emits high-concentration plasmacluster ions intensively in the forward direction, it is possible to deodorize and sterilize odors and bacteria adhering to difficult-to-wash items such as sofas and carpets. In addition, the "automatic cleaning power unit" is activated regularly, so maintenance is easy.
| size | 738mm x 427mm x 371mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Yes |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 46 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster NEXT | About 23 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Plasmacluster NEXT / COCORO AIR / Plasmacluster Powerful Shot / Smell / Dust Sensor |
102,490 yen
When emphasizing measures against the smell of cigarettes
● Airest air conditioner AY-L40P-W (mainly 14 tatami mats)
It is the only air conditioner that has cleared the industry standard for air purifiers. By adopting cloud AI, the air conditioner will be adjusted from day to night. Equipped with high quality Plasmacluster NEXT, it firmly deodorizes and sterilizes attached odors and bacteria that cannot be collected by filters. Compared to Plasmacluster 25000, it deodorizes attached tobacco odor about 2.6 times faster.
| size | 278 mm x 798 mm x 447 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Nothing |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 14 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Plasmacluster NEXT / COCORO AIR |
170,100 yen
When the number of tatami mats is small, such as in the bedroom or living alone (equipped with dehumidifying / humidifying functions)
● KI-NS50
It is a humidified air purifier that achieves 43 dB, which is 9 dB lower than the conventional product, even during humidified "strong" operation. If you want to use it in a quieter environment, you can also select the silent mode (driving sound 19 dB). Due to the thin design with a depth of 230 mm, it does not easily get in the way of live activity lines and can be installed anywhere. In addition to being able to handle humidification and air cleaning with one unit, cost performance can be expected because the pre-filter does not need to be replaced.
| size | 619mm x 384mm x 230mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 23 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster 25000 | About 13 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Low noise, Ag⁺ ion cartridge, odor / humidity / temperature sensor, good night operation, pollen operation |
52,000 yen
When emphasizing measures against the smell of room drying
● Airest air conditioner AY-L22P-W (mainly 6 tatami mats)
It is the only air conditioner that has cleared the industry standard for air purifiers. For those who live alone, there is no need to have two air conditioners and an air purifier, and cost performance can be expected. By adopting cloud AI, the air conditioner will be adjusted from day to night, so it will keep a comfortable environment.
Furthermore, because it is equipped with high quality Plasmacluster NEXT, it firmly deodorizes and sterilizes attached odors and bacteria that cannot be collected by the filter.It is stress-free because it removes the unpleasant odor of drying the room.
| size | 278 mm x 798 mm x 447 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Nothing |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 6 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Plasmacluster NEXT / COCORO AIR |
119,800 yen
● Airest air conditioner AY-L25P-W (mainly 8 tatami mats)
It is the only air conditioner that has cleared the industry standard for air purifiers. By adopting cloud AI, the air conditioner will be adjusted from day to night. Not only pollen, but also PM2.5, cigarettes, pets, and food odors are completely absorbed and deodorized, making it ideal for living alone.
| size | 278 mm x 798 mm x 447 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Nothing |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 8 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Plasmacluster NEXT / COCORO AIR |
129,800 yen
● FU-LK50
It is an air purifier equipped with a mosquito repellent function that takes advantage of the mosquito habits and the features of the air purifier. Not only mosquitoes but also flies can be caught. One of the features is the speed circulation airflow that allows the wind to flow quickly throughout the room. It also attracts distant dust, so the dirt in the entire room is quickly cleaned. By turning off the monitor on the front and suppressing the glare of the UV lamp, it supports sleeping quietly while catching mosquitoes.
| size | 540 mm x 391 mm x 281 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 23 tatami mats (floor area applicable to air purification) |
| Plasmacluster 7000 | About 14 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Mosquito coil function / odor sensor |
29,780 yen
● FU-J50
With a thin depth of 209 mm, it is an air purifier that is easy to install in bedrooms and compact places. Powerful dust suction operation is an excellent one that collects more pollen and fine particles. When cleaning the pre-filter, you can simply vacuum it without removing the panel. The electricity bill when used 24 hours a day is about 32 yen for strong driving, about 8.4 yen for medium driving, and about 1.7 yen for quiet driving, so you can't miss the point that it is kind to your wallet.
| size | 540 mm x 383 mm x 209 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 23 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster 7000 | About 14 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Smell sensor powerful dust absorption |
23,400 yen
● KI-JS70
A humidified air purifier compatible with COCORO AIR. Equipped with an automatic operation function that matches the air in the room, it works well even when you are away. By adding an adsorbent to activated carbon, the power of the deodorizing filter that firmly adsorbs the sweat odor that tends to stay in the bedroom keeps the air in the room comfortable at all times. Since it will be released in 2018, it is a recommended point to have a full range of functions at a reasonable price.
| size | 660 mm x 370 mm x 293 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 31 tatami |
| Plasmacluster 25000 | About 16 tatami mats |
| + Α function | COCORO AIR / Plasmacluster Powerful Shot / Dust Smell Humidity Temperature Illuminance Sensor |
38,980 yen
When emphasizing measures against ticks
● FU-L50
Tamahiyo Baby Goods Target 2020 Air Purifier Category No. 1 standard type air purifier. It is equipped with functions that are easy to use and is reasonably priced. The speed circulation airflow quickly sucks in distant dust, so it is safe for those who are raising children. You can clean the pre-filter just by removing the panel and vacuuming it, so it's easy to clean.
| size | 540 mm x 383 mm x 209 mm |
| Presence or absence of dehumidifying function | Nothing |
| Presence or absence of humidification function | Yes |
| Presence or absence of filter function | Yes |
| Whether the filter needs to be replaced | Yes |
| Automatic filter cleaning function | Nothing |
| Applicable floor area (air purification) | ~ 23 tatami mats |
| Plasmacluster 7000 | About 14 tatami mats |
| + Α function | Smell sensor powerful dust absorption |
19,500 yen
summary
An air purifier that keeps the air in your room clean at all times. The functions of Plasmacluster, which is a feature of Sharp's air purifiers, vary greatly depending on the model. Therefore, it is necessary to select according to the important points and lifestyle such as virus, tick, dust control and pet odor control.
In addition, the integrated type of air conditioner and air purifier and the integrated type of humidifier and air purifier can be expected to save space and cost performance.
Please refer to the contents introduced this time and find the air purifier that suits you best from among Sharp products.
Image: Amazon.co.jp