Improving the air quality in your home is one of the most effective ways of dealing with chronic allergies and air pollution. Our Aprilaire 5000 review will help you understand why HVAC professionals recommend this air cleaner to homeowners who suffer from allergies.
This Aprilaire’s model is designed to work with furnaces or central HVAC systems, and you can only use it as an add-on to an existing cooling or heating system. This air cleaner can also extend the HVAC’s lifespan because it prevents dust build-up on the evaporator coil and other system components.
In this guide, we’re going to take you through some of the air cleaner’s most important features and suggest several alternative options that might be a more suitable air filtration solution for your home if the Aprilaire 5,000 is not for you.
Our guide to the best washable furnace filters might assist you in finding a reusable air filter for your home’s heating system.
Key Specifications
Aprilaire manufactures a wide range of whole-house air purifiers designed to work with cooling and heating systems of different sizes. The brand also offers room air purifiers designed to work independently from the HVAC system.
Here are some of the most important features of Aprilaire’s model 5000, one of the brand’s best air cleaners.
| Air filtering method | Electronic |
| Minimum particle size | 0.3 microns |
| Particle retention percentage | Up to 99% |
| Maximum capacity | Up to 5 tons |
| Filter media type | Aprilaire Model 500 |
| Thermostat model | Aprilaire Model 8476 |
| MERV rating | Merv 16 |
| Latest price | Check latest price here |
Core Features of the Aprilaire 5000
The particle removal efficiency of most air cleaners declines as the filter media gets dirtier, and most models offer only a fraction of their air filtering capacities after six months of usage.
Unlike many other models, the Aprilaire 5000 maintains its efficiency between two filter-cleaning sessions at the same level. Also, HVAC professionals often recommend this air cleaner because of its durability since its components don’t wear out quickly.
However, the model 5000 doesn’t have a HEPA filter, and it isn’t as efficient at trapping microscopic particles as the units equipped with a HEPA filter. Still, it is capable of removing the majority of air pollutants that enter a home.
The device’s design is fairly simple because it only contains the case, fan, and filter, and each of these components can withstand heavy-duty usage. Go through our guide to ventilation systems to find out more about different ways to keep the air in your home fresh and clean.
Cooling and Heating System Compatibility
The Aprilaire 5000 is a whole-house air cleaner, and you can use it with cooling and heating systems that have output capacities between 1 and 5 tons.
The manufacturer doesn’t offer any information regarding the unit’s compatibility with differently sized HVAC systems. You must consult with a local dealer and the HVAC technician to find the version of the air cleaner that is compatible with your air conditioning system.
Besides the system output capacity, you should also know the size and layout of the area where you’d like to install this air cleaner. This unit should be installed near an indoor air handler or a furnace, and examining the layout of the space will make it easier to find the right location for it.
The device doesn’t make noise, and you can install it in all parts of your home because it will not disrupt your activities. Read our guide to heat pump systems if you need an energy-efficient way to regulate the temperature in your home.
Air Filtering Capabilities
Particle retention statistics don’t always reflect the air cleaner’s performance capabilities. It’s almost impossible to know if a unit capable of trapping 0.35-micron particles is less efficient than the one that can capture 0.30-micron particles.
Ultimately the best way to check if an air cleaner can help you deal with asthma or strong allergic reactions is to try using it for a while and see if your health improves during that period.
The Aprilaire 5000 combines the conventional air filtering method with electrostatic technology to trap different types of air pollutants. This simply means that the unit uses electrostatic to charge the particles it encounters and sticks them to the filter.
According to the manufacturer, this unit can retain up to 89% of particles that are as small as 0.3 microns, while its particle retention increases up to 99% when capturing pollen, mold, and other particles that are up to 120 times smaller than a single human hair.
Check out our guide to the best wall exhaust fans if you want to improve your home’s ventilation system.
Maximum Airflow Resistance
Adding an air cleaner to your HVAC system might slow down the air flow and make the system work harder to achieve the set room temperature. Consequently, these devices can increase the HVAC’s power consumption if their static pressure is high.
The Aprilaire 5000 doesn’t restrict the airflow because its filter media has only 0.16 W.C of resistance at the 400 FPM or face velocity. Hence, pairing this air cleaner with your HVAC system isn’t going to increase your monthly heating and cooling costs.
Despite low airflow resistance, this Aprilaire’s model still has a higher MERV rating than most competitors.
Upkeep Requirements
Besides cleaning the filter and the control electrode, the model 5000 doesn’t have any other upkeep requirements. In addition, its performance doesn’t decline drastically as the filter gathers more and more particles.
The air cleaner’s particle retention efficiency remains between 90% and 99.9% even after six months of daily usage. The manufacturer claims that cleaning the filter once per year is enough to maintain the device’s efficiency at the same level.
Nonetheless, cleaning the filtering system every six months will ensure the air cleaner’s optimal performance. This model utilizes the Aprilaire Model 501 filter media, and it is advisable to replace the old filter every two years.
Go through our guide to mini-split systems if you’re searching for a cooling and heating system with a built-in air filtration feature.
Thermostat Properties
Like the Aprilaire 5000 air cleaner, the Aprilaire model 8476 thermostat is compatible with central HVAC and heat pump systems. This programmable thermostat utilizes the Event-Based™ technology that allows you to choose when and how long you want the air cleaner to work.
The thermostat lets you decide if you want the air cleaner to perform cleaning runs over a 24 hour period, run the unit continually for three hours or perform a 24-hour allergy cleaning run and then return to the previous mode.
This thermostat allows you to activate the Aprilaire 5000 for 30 minutes every hour, and it reminds you when you need to clean the filter. In the event of a power outage, the thermostat will remember its most recent settings so that you don’t have to reprogram it every time the power goes out.
Browse through our guide to millivolt thermostats if you need a new thermostat for your furnace.
Coil Protection
Although its primary function is to filter the air in your home, the Aprilaire also protects the components of an HVAC system by collecting the dust and debris that can affect their performance.
Aprilaire offers a 10-year coil guarantee that claims you won’t have to clean or replace the evaporator coil for a decade. In addition, the brand contributes $100 to cover the costs of cleaning the coil if this part accumulates too much dirt ten years after the model 5000 is installed.
However, this service is only available if the coil is less than six months old at the time when this air cleaner is added to the HVAC system. Check out our guide to the best HVAC gauges if you’re looking for a tool you can use to measure the pressure in your cooling or heating system.
Installation Process
Even though the Aprilaire 5000 is a simple device that has only a handful of components, the installation process is still too complicated for DIYers. Also, it is advisable to consult with an HVAC technician to determine if this electronic air cleaner is compatible with your HVAC system.
The manufacturer recommends professional installation, and you can use Aprilaire’s website to find a local contractor to install the air cleaner for you. The cost of this service spans from $150 to $500, depending on your place of residence and the contractor you choose.
Our guide to humidity control systems can help you find a way to regulate the air humidity levels in your home.
Price and Warranty
You will receive a 5-year warranty if you decide to add Aprilaire 5000 to your home’s air conditioning system. The brand also provides a 5-year warranty for the unit’s thermostat, but you must register both products to activate their warranties.
The warranty becomes void if a non-licensed HVAC technician installs either of these components. The price of the Aprilaire 5000 electronic air cleaner is approximately $800.
You should also factor in the installation costs while trying to estimate the budget you will need to add this air cleaner to your air conditioning system. Check out our guide to the best concentric vent kits if you’re looking for a way to dispose of gases your gas furnace produces.
The Pros of the Aprilaire 5000
High Particle Retention Percentages
Aprilaire’s product is capable of trapping up to 99.9% of pollen or spores as well as 95% of tobacco smoke, smog, and bacteria.
Great For People Who Suffer From Allergies
This air cleaner enables you to perform 24-hour allergy runs that remove pet dander, dust, and all other allergenic particles from the air. The unit doesn’t limit the frequency of these runs, and you can use this mode as often as you want.
Wide Coverage Area
The electronic air cleaner is designed to work with 1 to 5-ton HVAC systems. Nonetheless, you need to consult with the retailer and the HVAC technician to determine if you can pair the Aprilaire 5000 with the heat pump or any other cooling and heating system.
The Performance Doesn’t Decrease Over Time
The model’s particle retention rate doesn’t decrease, and it slightly improves over a six-month period. Consequently, you don’t have to replace its filter media more often than once per year, while the thermostat informs you when you need to clean the filter.
More Curable Than most Electronic Air Filters
Even though the product’s warranty lasts for just five years, the chances are that you’ll be using this electronic air cleaner much longer. Its components aren’t prone to failure, and according to HVAC professionals, the unit breaks down less frequently than competing models.
The Cons of the Aprilaire 5000
The Air Cleaner Doesn’t Have a HEPA Filter.
The model 501 filter media can’t trap more than 89% of 0.3-micron particles. You should search for an air cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter if you want to remove 99.9% of microscopic particles from the air in your home.
High Cost
You’ll have to spend around $1,000 to add the Aprilaire 5000 air cleaner to your HVAC system because the unit requires professional installation, and attempting to connect it to your heating or cooling system on your own is going to void the product’s warranty.
The Best Alternatives to the Aprilaire 5000
High-end performances the Aprilaire 5000 air purifier offers make it an excellent addition to all homes that need a way to get rid of pet dander, dust, and other air pollutants. However, the model’s price might be too steep for anyone who can’t afford to spend almost $800 on an air cleaner.
The brand’s models like the Aprilaire 1310 are considerably less expensive, but their air purification capacities are also significantly lower than those offered by the model 5000.
We’ve selected a few models produced by competing brands that might be a suitable air filtration solution for your HVAC system.
Honeywell F300
The sturdy and corrosion-resistant zinc-coated case ensures that all components of the Honeywell F300 electronic air cleaner are protected from physical damage. The unit utilizes a 3-stage filtration system to capture more than 90% of particles that pass through it.
This air purifier can’t trap more than 80% of particles smaller than 0.5 microns it gets in contact with. The unit’s airflow resistance is at 0.26, and your HVAC system may have to work harder to achieve the room temperature you chose.
You don’t have to clean the reusable filter media more frequently than once every 6 to 12 months.
GreenTech GT3000
You can use the GreenTech GT3000 to purify the air in spaces that have up to 3,000sq/ft. Unlike other air cleaners we mentioned, the GT3000 can be used independently from an HVAC system.
This GreenTech model removes odors, mold, or bacteria from the air, but it doesn’t have the capacity to trap high amounts of microscopic particles. You can use the air purifier in several modes, adjust its fan speed or use the away mode to filter the air while you’re not at home.
The unit’s filter is washable, and you won’t have to replace it often.
Trane CleanEffects
The ability to trap more than 90% of 0.3-micron particles that pass through its filter media makes the Trane CleanEffects one of the best HVAC system air cleaners on the market.
Its particle retention capacities decline rapidly after just two months of usage, and you need to clean the filter media often to maintain its performance at the same level.
The Trane CleanEffects has asthma and allergy-friendly certification, and it is a great choice for people who want to remove allergenic particles from their living space. The installation process isn’t difficult, but it should still be completed by a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Aprilaire 5000
Question: Can I switch on the Aprilaire 5000 independently from the HVAC system?
Answer: No, you must switch on your air conditioning system before you can start using the Aprilaire 5000.
Question: Is Aprilaire 5000 noisy?
Answer: This air cleaner is quiet, and you won’t be able to hear it while it is working.
Question: How to get replacement filter media for the Aprilaire 5000?
Answer: The easiest way to get replacement filter media for this air cleaner is to use the Dealer Locator option at the manufacturer’s website to find a retailer that can help you obtain the Aprilaire model 501 filter media.
Question: How to know if the Aprilaire 5000 is compatible with my HVAC system?
Answer: You should consult with an HVAC technician to determine if you can pair this air cleaner with a furnace, heat pump, or some other type of AC system.
Our Verdict: Is Aprilaire 5000 the Right Air Filtration Solution For Your Home?
Dust, pet dander, and other types of air pollutants can cause a variety of health issues, but they can also be the reason why components of your HVAC system break down.
An air cleaner like the Aprilaire 5000 helps you deal with both of these problems by removing even microscopic particles from the air in your home. Moreover, this unit won’t affect the performance of your HVAC system because it has a low airflow resistance.
We recommend the Aprilaire 5000 because it is highly efficient at trapping different types of air pollutants. Besides, the unit is durable, and its components don’t break down often.
You should consider getting a model like the GreenTech GT3000 if you need a powerful air filtration option, you don’t have to connect to an HVAC system.
Was this Aprilaire 5000 review useful? Let us know in the comments, or continue reading our guide to the best flame rollout switches if you want to replace this part of your gas furnace.
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