GermGuardian AC5000E Review: Best Budget Air Purifier?

You want an air purifier that will clear out dust, eliminate bad odors, give you relief from your allergy issues, and kill germs in the air - all at the same time.

Is that too much to ask?

No, it's not!

Some air purifiers are made to solve only one or two indoor air quality problems. Not so the GermGuardian AC5000E 3-in-1. This amazing air purifier can take care of airborne particles, odors and germs. And it won't bust your budget!

If you're in a big hurry and just want to know how much it costs, you can check the current price and availability at Amazon by clicking here.

Want to hear more?

In this review, we'll take a close look at the GermGuardian AC5000E's features and how it works. We'll talk about its good points and bad points and where you can get a good price on one.

Then you can decide if this is the best option for you.

If you don't have time to read the whole review, you can click on a question in the quick navigation below. Or just scroll down to read all of it.

The pre-filter is combined with an activated carbon (charcoal) filter. It does an excellent job of eliminating odors from pets, cooking, and smoking.

It'll also take the musty smell out of basements and closets and make them smell clean and fresh.

True HEPA filters are the best for filtering tiny particles from the air. This filter captures 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns.

It eliminates dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen.

You'll experience a noticeable improvement in your breathing and a big reduction in sneezing, coughing, and runny eyes.

This amazing technology kills common airborne germs and bacteria.

It's the same type of light that hospitals use to sanitize surface, air and water. It works by altering the genetic structure of the microorganisms so they die.

So that means a better chance of staying healthy during cold and flu season. Nobody wants to be sick or to make others sick, so this is a big plus.

The CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) is a measurement of the amount of contaminant-free air that an air cleaner is able to deliver. It's expressed as the number of cubic feet per minute.

This unit's CADR is 125+, which makes it ideal for small to large rooms up to 193 square feet.

There's nothing complicated about operating the AC5000E.

Simply turn the knob to power it on and to select from one of three speeds. You also just press a button to turn the UV-C light on and off.

There are no other settings that you have to adjust.

An indicator light near the control knob flashes to tell you when the filter needs to be replaced.

That means there's no need to rely on your memory. You have enough to think about!

Who makes the GermGuardian?

The GermGuardian AC5000E is just one of many innovative products made by Guardian Technologies.

This is an American company that makes small home environment appliances including air purifiers, humidifiers, air sanitizers, and essential oil diffusers.

How big is the AC5000E?

This model's dimensions are 6.1 x 9.5 x 27.25 inches, and it weighs about 10 pounds.

Because it's lightweight and has a small footprint, you won't have any trouble finding a place for it in the room.

It also has a carrying handle, so it's easy to move around to where you need it.

How often do I need to replace the filter?

You should replace the combination filter every 6 to 9 months. 

You'll know it's time to replace it when the indicator light blinks. You can also tell when the HEPA filter turns from white to dark grey or black.

Replacement filters are available from the manufacturer or other online retailers.

Can I clean the filter?

You can vacuum the charcoal pre-filter to remove excess hair and dust.

I recommend that you do this often. It will help the air purifier to work better and it will extend the life of the filter.

What is UV-C light?

UV-C is an energy-rich light that's part of the ultraviolet light spectrum.

It penetrates the cell membranes of bacteria, viruses and mold and kills them by attacking their DNA.

Disinfection using UV-C light has been around since the mid twentieth century. It's an inexpensive and effective way to disinfect water, air, food, and other surfaces.

Will I need to replace the UV-C bulb?

Yes. The bulb has to be replaced every 10 to 12 months.

Normally, the light is blue. When it starts to flicker and turns orange, it's about to die. You'll want to have an extra bulb on hand for when that happens.

Does the GermGuardian AC5000E emit ozone?

No, it does not.

UV-C lights with wavelengths below 200 nm produce ozone. But this one runs at 253.7 nm, so it doesn't emit any ozone.

That means it's perfectly safe to use.

Does it give off an odor?

Some people report a plastic smell when they first use it, but it goes away after a day or two. This is typical of many appliances made of plastic.

So I wouldn't advise running it in your bedroom at bedtime the first time you use it. Give it a chance to run and air out where you don't have to smell it.

Does it have a shut off timer?

No, it doesn't. It's either off or on.

You might be able to plug it in to a light timer if you don't want it running 24/7. Or you could use a smart plug so you can control it remotely.

Most people just leave it on all the time.

How does it circulate the air?

It pulls in air from the back of the unit and then pushes it out through one side of the front.

Some people notice that the air only comes out one side and think that there's something wrong with it. There's nothing wrong. It's designed this way to allow the air to circulate symmetrically around the room.

And speaking of air circulation, where you put the unit is important.

You should position it a couple of feet away from walls and furniture to get the maximum effect. Just make sure that the cord isn't where people could trip over it.

Is this air purifier energy efficient?

Yes, it earned the ENERGY STAR rating for energy efficiency. That means that it won't cost you an arm and a leg to run it.

What are the pros and cons of the GermGuardian AC5000E?

I always like to read what other customers have to say about products before I buy anything. To save you some time, here's a quick list of the common likes and dislikes that I saw.

Pros:

Cons:

Where can I buy the AC5000E?

I did a quick check and found the AC5000E at several online retailers.

I prefer Amazon because of their prices, secure ordering, and great return policy. Plus, shipping is free with qualified Amazon Prime purchases.

Amazon prices are subject to change at any time, so I never post the prices in my reviews. But you can easily check the current price of the AC5000E at Amazon by clicking here.

What kind of warranty does Guardian Technologies offer?

There's a 5-year limited warranty on this air purifier.

All the details are in the user's guide.

What's the Verdict?

There are lots of low cost air purifiers to choose from today. Most of them will do a decent job of making your indoor air smell better and will give you relief from allergy symptoms.

The GermGuardian does both, and does it better than most.

But what really sets it apart is the UV-C light that kills germs and sanitizes the air.

It's not only going to give you fresh air and allergy relief. It can actually help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that can make you sick, too. That makes it one of the best all-around air purifiers available today.

The low cost combined with a 5-year warranty make this a top pick for anyone who needs cleaner healthier indoor air at a budget-friendly price.

Just keep in mind that it is rated for up to 193 square feet. Take time to measure the area of the room where you would be using it to be sure that it will work.

If this sounds like the right air purifier for your needs, head over to Amazon to shop for one for yourself today.

You'll be breathing easier in no time!

If the GermGuardian doesn't seem like a good fit, please see my review of the best HEPA air purifiers for other suggestions.