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Does the Molekule Air Purifier Live Up to the Hype? - ConsumerReports.org

Does the Molekule Air Purifier Live Up to the Hype? - ConsumerReports.org


Does the Molekule Air Purifier Live Up to the Hype? - ConsumerReports.org

Posted: 25 Oct 2019 08:31 AM PDT

The Molekule Air gets a Fair rating for smoke and dust removal at high speed and a Poor—the lowest score possible—at low speed. It is the third-lowest-scoring air purifier of the 48 we tested. The manufacturer says the Molekule Air is sized for rooms up to 600 square feet, but its performance in our tests ranks it among compact models that are designed for small rooms. Based on our lab's calculated rate at which it can process the air, the Molekule Air wouldn't be able to handle any room larger than 100 square feet.

We shared our methodology and findings with Rao, and she took issue with our testing.

"It's a very limited assessment of Molekule because instantaneous removal of particles is not the full picture of what air purification looks like," Rao says. "And while we may be destroying at a slower rate, we're still doing something much more complicated, which is truly purifying the air at the nanoscale level and making it safer."

But if the Molekule Air isn't pulling enough air into the machine in the first place, it may struggle to clean the air at any scale. 

"Even if the PECO filter works and it purifies the air of microscopic particles, it's still not effectively catching the large particles, which are also irritants," Dickerson says.

In addition to the Molekule Air's poor performance in our testing for particle reduction, there's the price to consider. The Molekule Air costs $800, with an annual cost of $130 for filter replacements, plus an additional $50 a year for energy use, based on our calculations. (The model is not Energy Star certified, unlike the majority of air purifiers we test.)

It's also not very quiet, garnering a Fair score for noise on the high-speed setting and a Good score on the low-speed setting.

Our verdict? Pass on the Molekule Air and opt for one of CR's recommended air purifiers.

Here are three models, listed in alphabetical order, that perform well in our particle removal tests and cost hundreds less.

November Checklist - Lansing State Journal

Posted: 30 Oct 2019 02:57 PM PDT

Amanda Oboza, Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® Published 4:57 p.m. ET Oct. 30, 2019

CLOSE

Clean the Carpets 

Replacing carpeting is costly, so regular cleaning will protect your investment. Carpet attracts dust mites, pet dander, salt, dirt, and much more. It is also a breeding site for mold, as the warmth of the material is conducive for growth. All of these contaminants can wear down carpet and permanently damage fibers. Regular cleaning not only makes carpet look better, but also extends the life of your carpet and creates a sanitary environment. 

Air Duct Cleaning

Air ducts are large collectors of dust, dander, dirt, etc. These contaminants pollute the air in your home and trigger allergies. Also, if dust is present in your ducts, the air blowing through can spread that dust around your home, requiring more frequent cleaning. If ducts are easy to access and no major problems exist – mold, rodents, etc. – you can probably clean them yourself. However, if the problem is more complicated you may want to hire a professional to ensure proper cleaning.

Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 71 percent of smoke alarms that failed to operate had missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.  

Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that consumers test their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month to ensure they are properly working. Smoke alarms should be placed on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. If you do not have a carbon monoxide detector, be sure to get one. 

Check Fire Extinguisher 

If your home fire extinguisher is not routinely checked and maintained, it will serve little purpose. The National Fire Protection Agency says portable fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly and should undergo thorough maintenance once a year. While monthly checks can be done by a homeowner, annual maintenance should be done by a professional. You can find more information online to guide you through this process. 

Clean Kitchen Exhaust Hood and Filter

While this may be an often overlooked area, it is very important to clean your kitchen exhaust hood and clean or replace the filter. When regularly cleaned, your stove hood filters can help reduce cooking odors, kitchen grime and grease, and indoor air pollution. 

Clean Garbage Disposal

You may think your disposal is relatively clean considering how often water runs through it, but food particles can often get trapped inside creating the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Take the extra step to clean and sanitize your garbage disposal this month.

Oil Garage Door Tracks

Your garage door should be inspected and maintained every year. First, inspect the tracks to make sure there is no debris to catch the rollers.  Then, you can lubricate the rollers with regular engine oil, putting a drop on each roller and allowing the rolling action to draw it into the bearings. 

Visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® Facebook and Pinterest page for more home maintenance ideas.

Read or Share this story: https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/marketplace/real-estate/2019/10/30/november-checklist/4102613002/

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