GermGuardian AC4300 Air Purifier Review

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GermGuardian is a familiar name in the air purifier game, with a sizable range of models to pick from. This review focuses on the GermGuardian AC4300, a compact model designed for small rooms and serious allergen removal.

We at AirHonest have studied the filtration system, special features, maintenance requirements, and user reviews to figure out who this air purifier best suits in 2020. Our review also compares the AC4300 to its close sibling, the AC4825.

Check GermGuardian AC4300 Purifier on Amazon (Link Opens in a New Tab)

What is the GermGuardian AC4300 Air Purifier Best For? 

Homes with pets: the AC4300 is also known as the “Pet Pure” model thanks to the pet-specific true-HEPA filter that has been treated with an antimicrobial substance. This means it kills bacteria and odors, as well as catching small allergens that may set off a pet-related allergy. Customers who reviewed the AC4300 specifically mentioned that pet odors were greatly reduced in their home since using this model. 

Small rooms: this air purifier is recommended for rooms up to 153 square feet, or a small living room, bedroom or office. The small footprint and slender design sit discreetly in tight spaces.

Asthma and allergies: the true-HEPA filter, UV-C light, and pre-filter are excellent at reducing allergens from the air, easing allergy symptoms such as runny noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Many customer reviews confirm this, with mentions of reduced cat allergies, and easier breathing in the home.

Size, Weight, Coverage, and Ratings

CADR: the AC4300 has been verified by AHAM for rooms up to 153 square feet, where it will change the air just over 4 times per hour. The CADR ratings are:

Smoke: 99
Dust: 107
Pollen: 116

CADR refers to “clean air delivery rate” and indicates how fast the air purifier takes to clear a certain room size.

Size: 8.88 x 6.38 x 22 inches
Weight: 9.45 pounds
Coverage: up to 153 square feet
Energy-Star certified? Yes

Filtration System

The filtration system comprises of three main parts; a pre-filter that doubles as a carbon filter, a true-HEPA filter, and a UV-C light. The pre/carbon filter catches large particles such as dust and pet hair. What’s more, the carbon absorbs and reduces pet, food, and smoke odors for noticeably fresher air.

The true-HEPA filter (catches 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns) takes care of the tinier allergens such as dander. Plus, the true-HEPA filter has a special addition of antimicrobial treatment to stop odor-causing bacteria from thriving.

A UV-C light destroys airborne nasties such as viruses, bacteria, and mold spores, great for protecting you during cold and flu season.

The filter system in brief: 

• Pre/carbon filter
• Pet Pure true-HEPA filter
• UV-C light (optional, can be switched off)

Does the GermGuardian AC4300 UV-C light produce ozone?

UV-C lights are controversial because some people believe they produce harmful ozone. However, the UV-C lights used by GermGuardian do not produce harmful amounts of ozone, if any at all.

The AC4300 is approved by CARB (the California Air Resources Board) passing their strict rules of compliance. For any air purifier with UV-C light to gain the certification, it must “produce an ozone emission concentration less than 0.050 parts per million”, well below the levels that can affect humans. 

Style, Operation, Modes, and Features 

The AC4300 is a tower-style air purifier with clean lines and shiny exterior, in either black or white. The control panel sits at the top of the unit, with two simple buttons and a few tiny indicator lights. Plus, a blue circle LED features on the out-facing side of the unit to indicate when the UV-C light is in use.

There are no fancy features or extras to complicate the operation of this unit, such as remote controls, apps, WiFi, or auto modes. It’s a machine for fast, easy, and no-fuss usage. Your options are to simply turn the unit on and off, change the fan speeds (1-3), and turn the UV-C light on and off.

We like the no-fuss nature of the AC4300, as the filtration system and overall efficiency is the real star of the product. 

Maintenance and Filter Requirements 

The maintenance requirements are as to be expected with a simple air purifier, aside from changing the filters, it requires no more than a wipe down of the exterior casing.

How often do the filters need to be changed?

The Pet Pure filter should be replaced every 6-9 months depending on how often you run the air purifier and how contaminated your air is. The UV-C light should be changed every 10-12 months as indicated by the flickering UV-C light circle LED on the front of the unit.

Can the filters be cleaned or washed?

The pre/carbon filter can be vacuumed and this should be done weekly to preserve the longevity of the filters. The Pet Pure (main filter) cannot be washed or cleaned, it must be replaced once it turns from white to grey.

Where can I get replacement filters for the AC4300 and how much are they?

You can find filter replacement packs on Amazon here, with options for a 1, 2, or 4-pack. This pack includes the pre/carbon filter and the Pet Pure main filter (model number FLT4825 Filter B). You can purchase a replacement UV-C light bulb (model number LB4000) here for a very low cost considering you’ll only need to change it once a year.

Noise and Light 

In terms of light, the AC4300 comes out with two thumbs up, almost. The control panel lights are very small and not bright enough to disrupt a dark room, but you could always stick opaque tape over them if they bug you. The UV-C ring light is deep blue, but can be switched off by turning off the UV-C function altogether.

GermGuardian AC4300 Air Purifier vs AC4825

The GermGuardian AC4825 is very similar to the AC4300, with a few minor variations. In fact, the AC4300 is known as the “upgraded version” of the AC4825. They are both tower-style, cater to rooms under 170 square feet (the AC4825 is rated for 167 square feet), and both have a charcoal/pre-filter, UV-C light, and true-HEPA filter.

AC4300 (View on Amazon)

AC4825 (View on Amazon)

However, the AC4825 does not feature antimicrobial treatment. They are both very similar in price and effectiveness, but the AC4300 is slightly better for pet owners. Check out our in-depth review of the GermGuardian AC4825 here.

Nothing incenses an air purifier user quite as much as a noisy fan, second only to bright lights that cannot be dimmed or switched off. However, it can be hard to judge what “loud” is, as everyone has different thresholds. According to many customers who reviewed the AC4300, it does veer on the loud side, with some describing it as “white noise” and others deeming it as simply “too loud”.

GermGuardian AC4300 Pros & Cons

Review Verdict

The GermGuardian AC4300 is a slightly more sophisticated version of the popular AC4825, with excellent allergy-relieving and odor-reducing abilities. We think this is a great choice for small rooms, small-medium budgets, and those with pets at home. If after reading our GermGuardian AC4300 review you’d like to know more, check it out here for an affordable price on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions