Honeywell HPA100 Air Purifier: A Tiny Air Purifier Review

Full Review

Honeywell is a well-known brand, especially in the USA. They have been available in the air purifier market for almost three decades. Many users trust them not only for their air purifiers but also for many other products.

The Honeywell HPA100 is a small air purifier designed for rooms up to 155 sq. ft. (14 m²). It fits ideally into a small office, home living room, small kitchen, or similar room.

Honeywell offers several models in this series; I would like to highlight the HPA200 and HPA300 models if you are looking for a similar air purifier for larger rooms and a more powerful CADR.

What fascinated me most about the Honeywell HPA100 air purifier is that this model has been on the market for years. Despite the many new, advanced, smart air purifiers on the market, users still want to buy a Honeywell and trust the brand after so many years.

Perhaps the key factor for some users is the warranty, which is very generous for the HPA100 and lasts for as long as five years.

How We Tested the Honeywell HPA100?

1. For the filter efficiency testing, we used the Temtop LKC-1000S laser particle meter, which measures PM2.5 (µg/m3), PM10 (µg/m3), Particles (per/L), and HCHO (mg/m3) in the air, and also calculates the AQI.

2. We placed the Honeywell HPA100 in two separate performance tests, one in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) room and the other in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) room. Then, we recorded the initial air quality values using the Temtop laser particle meter and let the Honeywell HPA100 run at maximum speed.

3. After 60 minutes, we measured the new values using the Temtop laser particle meter and saved the data.

4. Next, we placed the Honeywell HPA100 in a glass box, which we then filled with smoke. Then, we measured how much time was needed for the air purifier to remove all the smoke from the box.

5. Using a special noise measurement tool, we tested the air purifier’s noise level at all speeds. We measured the noise level on the dBA scale.

6. Finally, we measured the power usage at all speeds using an energy meter, after which we calculated how much it would cost to use the device at a particular fan speed for one month. For reference, we used an energy price of $0.12 per kWh.

The Honeywell HPA100 is a small air purifier designed for rooms up to 155 sq. ft. (14 m²).

We tested this air purifier in our testing rooms, but I’ve also been using it in my home for some time.

The main thing I noticed when using it is that its performance is acceptable, but it struggles to remove odors, whether from cigarettes or cooking.

I believe the low odor neutralization capabilities are due to having a fibrous carbon filter instead of a pellet-based one.

However, this model is perfect for allergies, dust removal, and almost any situation where the True HEPA filter is widely known to do a superior job.

Testing in a 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) Room

In the first test, we placed the Honeywell HPA100 in a room of 120 sq. ft. (11 m²) and let it run at the maximum speed for 60 minutes.

It reduced PM2.5 particulate matter from 99.4 to 5.7 µg/m³, which is an air quality improvement of 93%.

This is an excellent result, which I expected because this room is a bit smaller than recommended for the Honeywell HPA100.

Testing in a 194 sq. ft. (18 m²) Room

In the second test, the Honeywell HPA100 faced a slightly more difficult task in a room slightly larger than recommended.

The room we tested it in is 194 sq. ft. (18 m²), while the Honeywell HPA100 is designed for coverage up to 155 sq. ft. (14 m²).

It managed to reduce the PM2.5 particulate matter from 94.9 to 11.3 µg/m³, an air quality improvement of about 89%. The device worked at maximum speed for 60 minutes.

When compared to some competitive air purifiers, the Honeywell isn’t at the top, but it’s fairly efficient. For example, the Blueair 411 Auto improved the air quality by 94% under the same conditions, the GermGuardian AC4825 improved the air quality by about 92%, while the small IKEA FÖRNUFTIG improved it by also 89%.

Overall, I think the Honeywell HPA100 was just okay in this test, but it didn’t show anything revolutionary.

Performance – Smoke Removal Test

The Honeywell HPA100 has a CADR of just 100 CFM (170 m³/h) and doesn’t use a pellet-based carbon filter.

However, even with these shortcomings, this device achieved very good results in the smoke test. It managed to remove all the smoke from the glass box in just 33 seconds.

I must say that I’m pretty satisfied with the Honeywell HPA100’s performance in this test.

The Honeywell HPA100 uses 4 speeds. The more speeds the device has, the easier it is for the user to adapt and determine the speed that suits them best.

To begin with, I would like to point out that the Honeywell is very loud at the first speed, much louder than I expected.

At the first speed, the HPA100 produces 48.2 dBA of sound, which is really loud. This is why I wouldn’t recommend this air purifier for bedroom use. I believe they could fix this noise issue by adding a sleep mode as an additional fan speed.

At the max speed, it produces a sound of 58.5 dBA. Compared to the competition, this is a very good result, placing the Honeywell HPA100 in a strong position and making it one of the quietest devices at maximum speed. For example, the Blueair 411 Auto produces a sound of 61.2 dBA, while the Levoit Vital 100S produces a sound of 65.4 dBA.

Overall, the Honeywell HPA100 is much quieter than some air purifiers at the maximum speeds, but it definitely needs improvement when operating at the lowest speed.

The Honeywell HPA100 is a small Energy Star-certified air purifier with a 50W motor. It uses only 16W at the lowest speed and 32.7W at the maximum speed.

This means that if you left the HPA100 running at full speed for a month, 24 hours a day, your electricity bill would increase by about $2.87.

Comparing the power use at the maximum speed with some competitors, the Honeywell HPA100 is quite efficient. The only competitor that consumes more power is the GermGuardian AC4825, which uses a 53W motor and costs $3.78 if run at maximum speed for one month.

What I find very interesting is that the much larger and more powerful Blueair 211+ uses a 61W motor. Considering that the Blueair has a much higher CADR, we can say that the Honeywell could have been much better optimized for power use.

Besides the power use, there is also the cost of replacement filters. This air purifier uses slightly costly replacement filters, which need to be changed on average once per year for the True HEPA filter and about four times per year for the pre-filter.

Overall, the price of replacement filters and slightly higher power use make the Honeywell HPA100 a bit more expensive to maintain.

Filtration Technology

Honeywell contains two filters, which means that it essentially uses 2-stage filtration. The first filtration stage combines a pre-filter and an odor-reducing filter. While the second filtration stage is a True HEPA filter.

The filters are rectangular in shape, located on the front of the unit, and are not washable.

What differs from the HPA100 and the other larger models in the series is that the HPA200 uses 2 of the same filters as the HPA100 or the HPA300 uses 3 of the same filters as the HPA100. These are essentially the same models, just larger, with more space to put more filters. The Honeywell HPA100 air purifier lacks a removable pre-filter, which would be easier to clean and maintain.

Pre-Filter and Odor Reducing Combo

Combining a pre-filter and odor-reducing filter is the first stage of filtration. This filter is responsible for neutralizing odors and preventing the ingress of all larger particles of dust, hair, and the like to the True HEPA filter. In this way, this filter will prolong the lifetime of the True HEPA filter.

True HEPA Filter

True HEPA is the last and basic level of filtration in the HPA100 air purifier.

This filter is responsible for the performance and results achieved by the HPA100. This filter helps to capture up to 99.97% of microscopic allergens, 0.3 microns and larger, from any air passing through the filter. If you are looking for a replacement filter, always purchase the original filters by looking for the mark on the filter: HRF-R1.

How to Replace Honeywell HPA100 Filters?

The Honeywell HPA100 uses filters that are not washable and need to be replaced periodically.

Fortunately, this model uses filter reset indicators to let you know when it’s time to change the filter. On the control panel, you can see two indicators, the filter check indicator, which indicates when the True HEPA filter has expired, and the check pre-filter indicator, which will let you know when it’s time to replace the pre-filter and odor-reducing filter combination.

The True HEPA filter should be replaced every 12 months on average, and the pre-filter and odor-reducing filter combination should be replaced every 3 months on average. Suppose you change the filter before the indicator lights up. In that case, you need to reset the indicator by holding your finger on the check filter or check the pre-filter button for 5 seconds, but make sure the unit is switched off.

Total time: 10 minutes.

Installation and Setup

The Honeywell HPA100 air purifier comes with a filter that is ready to go but still requires some preparation before the first start. All you need to do is open the cover on the front, remove the filters, and unpack them from the plastic bag. Then return the unpacked filters, first the True HEPA and then the Carbon Filter, to the machine and close the lid.

With the HPA100 ready to use, place it in the desired location, at least 15 inches away from walls or other obstacles, plug it in, and turn it on.

I would also advise you to place the unit on a hard surface to avoid tipping and possible damage. Also, do not cover air inlet and exhaust under any circumstances.

Design

In terms of design, the Honeywell HPA100 air purifier has a slightly older, somewhat industrial design. Although it won’t fit into any modern environment, it is not ugly. However, I would recommend a new air purifier, such as the Levoit Vital 100, or something similar for a somewhat more modern room.

My one complaint about the manufacturer is the quality of the workmanship, particularly the stickers for the buttons on the top and the quality of the plastic. The model I am showing in this test is black, but this Honeywell is also available in white color.

The buttons on the device are located, as I mentioned, on the top; they are touch-sensitive but not very practical. They do not always respond to pressure as they should. Next to the buttons are LED indicators that light up to indicate which button or option is currently active.

I would like to praise the carrying handles located on the sides of the device. Many air purifiers do not have this specific feature which is very useful, especially if you move the machine from room to room.

Although it looks a bit industrial, the Honeywell HPA100 is a lovely device. I believe it will fit into many environments.

Control Panel

The control panel is located at the top of the device, covered with grey-colored graphic elements.

The buttons located on the panel are the auto-off timer, filter check reminders, power button, fan speed button, and dimmer button.

The Honeywell HPA100 is not a smart device. It does not have a remote control, so the only way to operate it is by pressing the touch buttons located on the top panel.

Although the buttons can sometimes be awkward, this is not the only drawback of the control panel, especially as the LED lights are strangely illuminated, especially at fan speeds, and cannot always be distinguished well.

Airflow

The Honeywell HPA100 is a rectangular air purifier with filters mounted on the front. This means that the unit draws air through openings in the front cover, which is then filtered and pushed out through grilles at the top.

Size and Dimensions

The air purifier weighs 7.74 lb. The dimensions of the device are: 13.54 x 8.9 x 13.94 inches. This very small air purifier is a bit heavier than I thought, but carrying this device will not be a problem, thanks to the slots on the sides.

What’s in the box?

You get a Honeywell HPA100 air purifier, odor-reducing pre-filter, True HEPA filter, and user manual when you buy the device.

Features Overview

The Honeywell HPA100 is an older air purifier that has been on the market for years, so I didn’t expect it to have some advanced features like an air quality sensor or a smart app option. However, I am happy with the fact that this model has more options than some of the much newer air purifiers.

Filter Check Indicator

The Honeywell HPA100 has two built-in filter check indicators connected to the pre-filter and the HEPA filter.

The check filter indicator will light up every 12 months to indicate that the filters on the unit need to be changed. The check pre-filter indicator will light up every 3 months to tell when it is time to change this filter.

This is a handy option, so you don’t have to keep track of when it’s time to change the filter, as the machine will do it all for you.

Timer

The Honeywell HPA100 has another handy option built-in, and that is the timer option. The timer works by setting it for 2h, 4h, or 8h, which means the device switches itself off after the set time. In the absence of smart options, the timer is a command that can be useful as it allows at least partial programming of the device.

Dimmer

The dimmer serves to dim all the indicators on the device. This is a beneficial option if you intend to use the Honeywell HPA100 in a bedroom or other room where you may be disturbed by the lights on the air purifier.

I used the Honeywell HPA100 in a bedroom for a while. The combination of first fan speed and dimmer proved to be very good, but I would not recommend using it in a bedroom due to the slightly higher volume produced by the HPA100 motor.

Warranty

Honeywell provides a 5-year warranty on this model. However, it should be noted that the warranty is limited and does not cover any defects or breakages that may occur in the use of the appliance.

Although this warranty is very generous, I have to say that there are two things that I do not like, namely that the warranty is limited and the customer support at Honeywell is not very adequate, so many customers have had problems with a warranty for their product.

FAQ on Honeywell HPA100