Product Review: Sharp FPA60UW Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifier
Company: Amazon
Price Range: $150 – $200
Feedback: Read Consumer Reviews on the Sharp FPA60UW Air Purifier
Who Would Buy This: Those shopping for an ultra quiet, entry level air purifier that provides dual-action air purification with HEPA filtration for rooms up to 341 square feet.
Features
- Dual-stage filter system
- Plasmacluster Ion technology
- Multi-speed fan
- Quick clean mode
- Library quiet operation
Design
Sharp have long produced appliances that are sleek and attractive. The FPA60UW is no exception. The white unit has a free-standing design and is somewhat large, but lightweight and elegant in appearance. The integrated side handles on both sides allow for easy lifting of the unit.
It comes with a 6.5 ft power cord and runs on 110-volts AC, so it’s compatible with standard electrical outlets.
Library Quiet Operation
This Sharp air purifier incorporates Library Quiet Operation which means you can relax and enjoy whisper quiet operation. The noise level is only 25 dBA on it’s low fan setting, making it ideal for the bedroom where you want quietness throughout the night.
Controls
The FP-A60UW is fitted with a basic four button control panel which is conveniently accessible at the top front of the unit above the front panel. The indicator lights make it easy to know which function is activated.
Quick Clean – Activates the Quick Clean mode. This runs the unit at the highest fan speed for 15 minutes then reverts back to its previous setting.
On/Off – Turns the Plasmacluster Ion mode On/Off. This button can also be used to control the lights on the Plasmacluster sign, simply by pressing it for 3 seconds.
Fan Speed – Using this button you can manually cycle between the three fan speeds (Low, Med, Max). There is no Auto Mode on this model, but there is on the next model up (the FP-A80U).
Power – Turns the unit On/Off.
Dual Action Filtration
This model makes use of a carbon pre-filter along with the familiar True HEPA filter which is the golden standard for air purification since it can trap 99.97 percent of common allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke. Watch the video at the end of this review to see a real time demonstration of how quickly and effectively it can remove smoke from the air within a small chamber.
It also features patented Ion technology which creates positive and negative ions that cleverly work to eliminate impurities such as bacteria, mold, viruses and common household odors.
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is an important factor to consider for air cleaning efficiency. This unit has a CADR of 232 for dust, 220 for smoke and 238 for pollen.
Maintenance
This unit is fitted with two filters, which are long lasting. The filters should be vacuum cleaned regularly to maintain high cleaning efficiency.
It’s recommended that the True HEPA filter is replaced every 2 years. Depending on frequency of usage however you may need to replace it after about 18 months if you run the unit 24/7.
The deodorizing pre-filter should be replaced every 6 months.
Manual: Sharp FPA60UW manual
Guarantee: 1-year limited warranty.
Summary
This is an excellent low-cost air purifier from Sharp that is both stylish and functional. It packs in some advanced purification technologies that tackle both allergens and odors, doing wonders to improve air quality, which is great for asthma and allergy sufferers.
The near silent operation and renowned performance of the Sharp FPA60UW Plasmacluster Ion Air Purifier make it an attractive choice for anyone looking for a cost effective way to get cleaner air in their home.
