Air Quality Management

Air Quality

Articles

Can AeraMax PRO capture SARS-Cov-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)?
YES! As of October, 2021, A Fellowes AeraMax Pro AM3 & AM4 air purifiers demonstrated, through independent laboratory testing, to be effective in eliminating aerosolized concentration of SARS-CoV-2 by 99.9999% through a single air pass test of t...
Can I deactivate PlasmaTrue?
AP Models: Plasmatrue is always on and cannot be deactivated. AeraMax Models: The PlasmaTrue Technology feature on the AeraMax can be turned off by pressing and holding down on the PlasmaTrue Icon on the touch screen display panel for approximately...
Can I mount my air purifier on a wall?
Personal Units (AeraMax 100, 90, DX5, DB5, 200, 190, DX55, DB55, 300, 290, DX95, etc.) have not been designed to mount on walls.  AeraMax Pro Units (AM2, AM3 & AM4) are designed to be mounted on walls. However, AeraMax Pro AM3S and AM4S ar...
Can I run my purifier with only one of the filters?
Your machine has been designed to accommodate both Fellowes® True HEPA Filter with AeraSafe™ Antimicrobial Treatment and Fellowes® Carbon Filter. Using the machine with only one of those filters would dramatically reduce the efficiency...
Can I use AeraMax Pro air purifiers to manage radon gas levels?
While the activated carbon filter in the unit can adsorb numerous gases, air quality control systems are not designed for, or intended for use in, mitigation of radon in a facility. Contact a radon mitigation specialist. National Radon Proficiency P...
Can the AeraMax Pro help if I have mold?
Not with the source of the mold. Consult a mold remediator. For more information, contact The National Association of Mold Remediators and Inspectors. However, AeraMax Professional utilizes a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which capt...
Do I have to use Fellowes specific filters?
AeraMax Pro units: AeraMax Pro units feature our EnviroSmart™ sensor technology which takes into consideration the type of filter loaded into the unit to optimize performance. Your AeraMax Pro unit will not run if its sensors do not detect t...
Do I need to turn the air purifier off to change the filters?
You do not need to turn the air purifier off when you are changing the filters.  The unit is designed to disable the fan when the filter panel/drawer is opened.  Once the filter panel/drawer is re-inserted, the unit will return to the prev...
Does my Air Purifier harm the ozone layer?
No.  The Fellowes Air Purifier will not hurt the Ozone layer.  Appliances hurting the Ozone layer are cooling appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators which release Freon gas into the air.  Fellowes Air Purifiers do not r...
Does my Air Purifier produce Ozone?
The AeraMax Air Purifier does not create harmful ozone.  The Environmental Protection Agency has National Ambient Air Quality Standards for pollutants considered harmful to public health and the environment.  These standards provide public...
Does my air purifier work for pollutants other than smoke, dust, and pollen?
Yes.  Your Air Purifier will remove up to 99.97% of any particles with a size equal to or larger than 0.3 microns in the air going through the filters.
Does the PlasmaTrue bipolar ionizer generate ozone?
Air purifiers, like many other products (computers, monitors, copiers, ceiling fans, and more) have a normal "ozone byproduct." An acceptable level for ozone byproduct has been set in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at a maximum 50 p...
How do I adjust the speed of the fan on my Air Purifier?
For AP models:  If you want to adjust the fan manually as opposed to allowing it to adjust automatically based on the quality of the air, then you can press the "+" or the "-" key to increase (+) or decrease (-) the speed of...
How do I override the EnviroSmart™ technology?
AM3&4 PRO (non PC) - Gen 1: The below video outlines how to override the EnviroSmart™ Technology:  AM2, AM3&4 PRO PC, and all Personal Units - Gen 2: Has manual mode; press and hold manual icon for a few seconds until the light i...
How do I turn the "replace filter" light off on my Air Purifier? (Filter Indicator Light Reset)
How to fix your "replace filter" light and reset filter indicator.
How does the Fellowes Air Purifier know when filters need to be changed?
The product takes into consideration the quality of the air it cleans as well as the period of time it is being used in order to determine the amount of dirt and pollutants that have been captured by/on the filters.  Once this amount has raised...
How does the PlasmaTrue bipolar ionizer help clean the air?
For both Aeramax Pro and Personal units:The PlasmaTrue™bipolar ionizer produces clusters of positive and negative (bipolar) ions. These charged ions are dispersed into the air, and electrically charge airborne particles so that they attach to ...
How is the product different from filters in the existing HVAC today?
AeraMax Pro is designed to complement HVAC systems by filtering air at the source of the contaminant. Also, most HVAC systems do not utilize HEPA filtration, which captures airborne contaminants as small as 0.3 microns including viruses, bacteria, a...
How long do the filters for the air purifier last?
The replacement filter indicators will signal when to replace the HEPA filter(s) and/or carbon filter(s).  The replacement period will vary depending on the hours of use and air quality. However, under normal operating conditions, filter life ...
How much time should it take my air purifier to calibrate?
For both Aeramax Pro and Personal units: For approximately the first 4 minutes after turning the unit on, the Auto icon will flash while the unit measures air quality.
How often should I run my purifier and at what setting?
For both Aeramax Pro and Personal units:  If you are unsure how often to run your unit and at what settings, all our units have an Automatic Mode which will adjust as needed based on your environment. These intelligent sensors automatically adj...
If I am in a cubicle, what volume of air around me will be cleaned by my Air Purifier?
The total volume that your air purifier can cover corresponds to the square footage indicated in your product documentation..  If your cubicle has an open ceiling and an open entrance with no door, it means that the total surface of the area in...
Is it acceptable to place my Air Purifier against the wall?
It depends on where the air intakes are located on your purifier.  If the air intakes are located on each side of the unit and the air outtake is located on top of the unit, placing the product against the wall will not affect its function (i.e...
Is it acceptable to run my air purifier with only one filter?
The air purifier has been designed to accommodate two filters - one Fellowes HEPA Filter and one Fellowes Carbon Filter.  Using the machine with only one of those filters would dramatically reduce the efficiency of your air purifier and may res...
Is it acceptable to use my Air Purifier in a wet area such as a bathroom or sauna?
Using the machine in a wet area might damage your filter and create a hazard of electric shock if the power cord or any of the electrical components of your product come in contact with water.  It is not recommended to use this product in a hum...
Is it safe to leave my Air Purifier on 24-7?
Yes - the Fellowes Air Purifier is designed to clean your indoor air 24-7 and it will not consume more than an incandescent light bulb in normal conditions of use.
Is the Air Purifier capable of removing smoke from a room?
Yes.  Smoke particles are part of the pollutants that your Air Purifier will remove at 99.97% of the air going through the filter.
May I clean my purifier filters instead of using new ones?
 Filters should not be cleaned/washed as this sends all the pollutants they captured back into the air.
My Air Purifier is producing an odor. What should I do?
1. Verify that the filters are clean. 2. Verify that the air exiting the machine does not blow towards a source of smell (i.e. perfume, air freshener, etc.). Note: Your machine will remove strong odors first - such as smoke odors - and could allow...
My Air Purifier won’t turn on. The lights won’t go on.
AeraMax™ 90/100/DX5:  Verify that the On (I) /Off (O) switch, located on the back of the machine, is switched to On(I).  Verify it is plugged in.  Verify that the power outlet works by trying a different appliance...
sARS-CoV-2 Certified testing: Does the testing/certification cover all COVID variants with the same effectiveness (Alpha, Beta, Gamma Delta, etc.)?
Considering the aerosolized particulate would remain the same size regardless of COVID variants, this assumption can be made.
sARs-CoV-2 Certified testing: Where was the testing conducted?
School of Hygiene and Preventative Medicine at the University of Genoa, Italy.
sARs-CoV-2 Certified testing: Which AeraMax Pro units were tested?
The AeraMax AM PRO AM III PC unit was tested. Due to the similarities in construction between the AM III PC and AM IV PC the University has determined that the AM IV PC would provide similar performance values if subjected to this test. This also tr...
sARs-CoV-2 Certified testing: Why wasn't the AM2 tested?
The AM2 has a different construction around the fan, scroll housing, motor, and filters. It would need to be tested separately in order to be able to make this claim.
Should I use a surge protector with my Air Purifier?
It is neither a requirement or a specificity for the Air Purifier to be plugged into a surge protector.
The air quality indicator never goes up to yellow or red.  How do I know if the sensor is working?
Here are ways to test that the sensor is working properly: AeraMax™ 90/100/DX5 • Your indoor air is probably clean with no pollutants in it. To verify, place a dry erase marker or hand sanitizer – or any other object emitting ...
The filter replacement light on my air purifier remains lit after I replace the filters.
For AP models:  Press and hold the "replace filter" switch for 3-5 seconds until you hear a beep.  The "replace filter" light should shut off at the same time as the beep is heard.  Try this operation several time...
The lights on my Air Purifier screen continue to blink after four minutes.  What should I do?
Wait for a few more minutes.  If the lights continue to blink, please call customer service for assistance: 1.800-945-4545, M-F, 8am-5:30pm CST.  Please be by the unit when you call..
What are the electrical requirements for all purifier units?
All wall mounted AM3/AM4 units need to be hard wired (don’t require a dedicated line) while all stand versions (AM3S and AM4S) use a normal plug. Neither can do both (NA – Use AC 120V Only). All personal units have a power cord (NA &nda...
What are the noise levels of AeraMax machines?
Aeramax Pro: Both the AM3 and AM4 have 4 settings. The sound levels (dB) vary at each setting. For the AM3 the levels are 39, 46, 51 and 64. The AM4 sound levels (dB) are 49, 56, 61 and 74. As a reference, many hand dryers sound pressure levels ...
What are the recommended installation positions for the Aeramax Pro purifiers to assure ADA compliance for protruding objects?
If installing an AeraMax Pro within a circulation path: For rooms with at least 9’ ceilings: •High Installation: make sure the top of the unit is located 8” down from the ceiling. •In this position, airflow circulates ef...
What does the AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment do?
The AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment protects against the growth of bacteria on the True HEPA filter which cause mold, odor and product deterioration.
What is Aera+ Mode on my Personal Unit?
Aera+ Mode is designed for peak allergy and cold and flu seasons.  Our engineers have designed a specific algorithm that increases the air turnover rate by: AeraMax™90/100/DX5: 35% AeraMax™190/200/DX55/290/300/DX95: 50% ...
What is a Carbon Filter?
The Carbon filter is a pre-filter that captures the bigger particles to avoid clogging the HEPA filter.  The Carbon filter is designed to help remove VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air.  The Fellowes Carbon filters are als...
What is a True HEPA filter?
A True HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorption) air filter is a filter that removes up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The AeraMax True HEPA filters are also treated with AeraSafe Antimicrobial Treatment that prevents ...
What is CADR, what does it stand for and do all air purifiers have a CADR rating?
CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate.  It is a measure of the appliance's ability to reduce smoke, dust, and pollen particles from the air.  The higher the CADR rating your Air Purifier has, the more efficient your air purifier is a...
What is Energy Star and what are the requirements for a product to be certified?
The Air Purifier has been tested and certified eco-friendly by Energy Star because it has been designed for a low power consumption and lower impact on the environment.  In general, products carrying the Energy Star certification consume 20-30%...
What is the ACH rating?
ACH stands for “Air Changes per Hour” and is one of the least understood ratings on air purifiers. The ACH rating indicates how many times per hour and air purifying device can exchange the air within a room. For example, an ACH rating o...
What is the difference between an ionizer and PlasmaTrue?
There is no difference between an ionizer and PlasmaTrue.  Ionizers use electrostatically charged plates to produce positively or negatively charged gas ions that particulate matter sticks to in an effect similar to static electricity.  So...
What is the difference between an ozone generator and the PlasmaTrue Technology?
Ozone generators are optimized to attract an extra oxygen ion to an O2 molecule, using either a corona discharge tube or UV light.  PlasmaTrue Technology is an ionizer which uses electrostatically charged plates to produce positively or negativ...
What materials are used in the purifier filters?
What should I do if my air purifier is making a noise?
Verify that you removed the filter bags.  Verify which fan speed the product is set on.  Higher fan speeds make more noise.  If you hear a rattling or squeaking noise, call customer service. Regarding AeraMax models: if your unit is ...
What should I do if my filters look clean, but the air purifier indicates they need to be replaced?
If your machine has been set-up on Auto for several months and if your air has been perfectly clean, it is possible that the filters are still relatively clean when the "change filter" light tells you to change them. However, the filters a...
What will happen if I don't change my air purifier filters?
Eventually, the filters will be clogged and the air flow going through the machine will be dramatically reduced.  If no more air is going through the product, the air won't be cleaned anymore.  If there is an excessive quantity of dirt...
Where is the best place to put my Air Purifier in a room?
Aeramax Personal: Units should be placed as close to the source of the contaminant as possible, where contaminated air can be drawn directly into the filtering system. Acceptable places to put you air purifier include, next to a desk, in the corner ...
Which filter in my Air Purifier is the HEPA filter and which is the Carbon filter?
The HEPA filter is the thicker white filter.  The Carbon filter is the thinner black filter.
Which size purifier is recommended based on the square footage of my room or space?
Recommended room size per unit: •AeraMax100, 90, DX5, DB5: 100-200sq.ft •AeraMax 200, 190, DX55, DB55: 200-400sq.ft •AeraMax 300, 290, DX95: 300-600sq.ft •AeraMax PRO AM2:150-250sq.ft •AeraMax PRO AM3/AM3S/AM3 PC/AM3S ...
Will a stand-alone room air conditioning unit interfere with the efficacy of the AeraMax Pro commercial purifiers?
Any device that creates a strong air flow, such as an air conditioner, hand dryer, fan and HVAC system can alter the projection of the purified air coming from the unit, as well as air being drawn into the system. Air flow can also be altered by cub...