VitaMINT Conditioning®
Products for keeping in "Mint®" condition

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Cleaners
and
Hunter® Air Purification Systems™

Are these '"true" HEPA systems?
Yes, they are HEPAtech Air Purifiers, which means true HEPA, plus the latest in technological research.  There is a HEPA filter in every model, plus added stages of filtration to make them more efficient.

What is HEPA?
HEPA stands for:  High Energy Particulate Arrestance.   It is tightly woven pleated paper filter that was invented in the 1940's to trap radioactive dust particles.  HEPA filters catch particles as small as .3 microns, which include many allergies, but not viruses or many smoke particles.  They are considered to be 99.97% effective.

Why is Hunter's HEPAtech Air Purification System better than HEPA?
Hunter's air purifiers use 3 to 5 stages of filtration (depending ion the model) including HEPA.  They are also laboratory tested to evaluate their total ability to clean the air in a room, not just the efficiency of the filter in isolation. Hunter HEPAtech Air Purifiers achieve 99.99% efffectiveness in removing airborne particles as small as .1 micron.

What is CADR?
Clean Air Delivery Rate.  CADR is the amount of clean air measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm) that an air cleaner delivers to a room.  The larger the number, the larger the size of the room that can be effectively cleaned.  Hunter Air Purification Systems deliver some of the highest CADRs in the industry.

Who detemines the CADR rating?
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) certifies air cleaners, based on their testing for three basic pollutants;  tobacco smoke, pollen and dust.

Are these machines noisy?
Hunter Air Purifiers use famous "Whisper Quiet" fan motor that has been :"quietly improving your indoor air since 1886"  On the lowest setting, you may hear a small humming sound - even a 'whisper" is not totally silent.

Do air cleaners get noisier over time?
As a filter captures more and more particles, it will become clogged and reduce air flow, causing more noise.  Filters should be checked monthly.

How long will a filter last?
The average Hunter filter will last about six months, depending on the model and the specific conditions where it is being used.  You may prolong the life of your filter by:
a)  Dusting the outside of the unit with a damp cloth.
b)  Cleaning the front vents (where the air is pulled in) with soapy water.
c)  Washing the pre-filter (on applicable models).
d)  Vacuuming the unit and the filter with a brush attachment.

How will I know when to change the filter?
Flip open the front grill.  Every model has a color coded chart inside the housing.  If it has gone from white to dark gray/black, it is time to replace the HEPAtech filter.

How much electricity will air cleaners use?
Hunter Air Purifiers range in wattage from 35 to 194.  Assuming you run your air purifier on low for 24 hours a day, a Hunter model may cost as little as 4˘ a day to operate.  The highest cost for any Hunter  model is 22˘ per day.  Competitive brands may cost nearly $1.00 per day to run.

How do I select the right model of  Hunter air purifier to purchase?
a)  Determine the approximate width and length of the room where the air cleaner will be used.
b)  Review the features of the units (auto shut-off, ionizer, portability, size) and determine which model is most appropriate for your individual  requirements.

Will an air purifier protect my home from gases, such as radon, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, or formaldehyde?
No.  Most air cleaners will only clean airborne particles such as pet dander, pollen, bacteria, mold, household dust, insecticide dust, fly ash, viruses and hair.  Those  with activated carbon filters will also eliminate odors from cooking, smoking and perfumes.

How many filters do I need to change or replace?
On Hunter models, just one.  It is a combination anti-microbial mesh, HEPA, and carbon filter, all in a cardboard frame.  Just slip it out with your thumb and forefinger, throw it in a garbage bag and slip in a new filter pack.  Other manufacturers have pre-filters or charcoal filters that need to be replaced every three months, as well as HEPA filters that need changing every year or two.  Few are as quick and easy to replace as the Hunter filter system.  The annual filter replacement costs are less on Hunter Air Purifiers than on most competitive brands.

Where can I get replacement filters for all models of Hunter HEPAtech Air Purification Systems?
Replacement Filters can be ordered on-line from the same page as you ordered the appropriate model.

Have these units been tested for ozone levels?
Yes, they have been tested,  and the ozone amounts measured were so small they were insignificant.  Hunter units do not use an ozone generator.  Selected models are equipped with an optional ionizer, which DOES NOT directly produce ozone.

Why is ozone important?
Ozone in the upper layer of our atmosphere )10-30 miles above us) protects us from the sun and harmful ultraviolet rays.  At ground level, it is a pollutant which damages lungs and respiratory tracts, particularly in those people already susceptible.  There are some air cleaners that use an electrical charge to increase performance by generating ozone.  They are not generally recommended.
Several Hunter models (30025. 65, 75. 125, 165, 250 and 375) have an ionizer as an enhancement to the HEPAtech filters.  The ionizer DOES NOT produce ozone.  Microscopic particles that would not be removed from air by other methods are ionized with negatively charged particles in order to make them dense enough to cling to filtration material or drop to the floor where they can be vacuumed up.  The ionizers are an option, with a separate switch so that they can be left off if you desire.

Should you leave the ionizer on all the time?
It is a personal preference.  Do not leave the ionizer on when the motor is not operating.  It is not recommended for use within 10 feet of a computer, when there are heavy smokers in the room, or if an oxygen concentrator is running.  The ionizer does freshen the air in a room, much like a rain storm clears the outdoor air.

What do I do for a very large room, or my whole home?
Air cleaners are most efficient in self-contained spaces.  You may need more than one air purifier.  They're most beneficial in spaces frequently inhabited, such as family rooms, the office or bedrooms.

Where should I place my air cleaner?
Hunter air purifiers are effective anywhere in a room, even in a corner.  Several models may be placed on a shelf or desk.  Many models can be mounted on a wall.  All units are lightweight and easy to move.