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IQAir GC Multigas: HyperHEPA Air Purifier with Ultrafine Filtration

IQAir GC Multigas: HyperHEPA Air Purifier with Ultrafine Filtration

  • Do you suffer from asthma, MCS, or other environmental-based health concerns? The IQAir GC Multigas is designed to help address these concerns head-on by keeping the air in your home free of harmful chemicals, compounds, and even viruses!
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The IQAir GC Multigas is a high-end consumer air purifier capable of filtering ultrafine particles down to .003 microns, volatile organic compounds, odors, and even viral and bacterial threats. This is one of the best air purifiers on the market today and offers a range of design features to tackle air quality head-on.

The IQAir GC Multigas air purifier features a unique 3-stage gaseous filtration system, a HyperHEPA filter paired with a low-energy-maximum-efficiency fan, and is capable of removing air pollution as small as .003 microns—nearly 100 times smaller than regular HEPA air purifiers!  The IQAir GC Multigas’ award-winning design makes it a front-runner in any consumer’s search for the best air purifier. This review will show you why.

Introduction

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Illustration of particulate matter sizes of common air pollutants. Image adapted from materials provided by the CDC

Air quality has risen to the forefront of modern health concerns. Finding a quality air purifier has become a priority for many consumers and businesses alike. Air purifiers like the IQAir GC Multigas have become essential tools whether you’re a health provider looking to create a safer, cleaner, regulation-confirming environment for patients or simply a homeowner looking for better sleep. 

Particulate Matter 101

Particulate matter comes in a range of sizes and potential dangers. For example, water vapor is typically in the range of 10 microns in diameter (2). This is just within the size threshold of particulate matter pollutants, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Common allergens like dust and pollen are nearer the 2.5-micron range—categorized as PM2.5 pollutants.

Air Pollution & Health

Research is quickly emerging to describe how negatively fine particulate air pollution is affecting human health (3). For example, researchers have shown that exposure to air pollutants for as little as 24 hours can have a years-long negative impact on the developing immunity of children.

Household Threats

What’s more, common household products such as furniture, cleaning chemicals, and mattresses have been realized as generators of toxins such as VOCs and other toxic gasses. Such research paints a portrait of modern life is riddled with hazards, many of which are airborne. Having a well-designed air purifier has become an essential aspect of healthy modern living.

GC Multigas Filtration

particulate matter comparison chart
An illustration of the relative size of many airborne pollutants, pathogens, and common materials. Image from Visual Capitalist

Most quality consumer-grade air purifiers filter particles of size .3 microns and larger. A fair grade above PM2.5, but still not encompassing of potential threats from mold, certain bacteria, or viruses.

The IQAir GC Multigas’ filtration system has been tested at a 95% effectiveness rating for removal of particles .003 microns and up.  That’s a far denser removal rating than common air purifiers with HEPA-only filtration systems. Systems such as these may prove to be our best front-line defense against environmental toxins in the future.

The IQAir GC Multigas features a cartridge-based absorption system to remove ultrafine particles and, VOCs, and other harmful chemicals. This 3-stages filtration design allows things like formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, and by-products of cooking gasses.

In addition to the removal of these compounds, the IQAir GC’s filtration canisters are equipped with a “post-filter sleeve” designed to ensure all collected particles stay that way—not escaping back into your home.

Design Considerations

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The IQAir GC Multigas has a specialized locking case design to ensure maximal HEPA efficiency.

The GC Multigas Air Purifier by IQAir is an industry-leading design backed by warranties, certifications, and multiple international awards. It’s the go-to choice for many major organizations including the United Nations, Greenpeace, and even HGTV’s Extreme Home Makeover. I don’t advocate endorsements solely on social credit alone. Let’s consider some design features by which the IQAir GC Multigas has earned its reputation.

Toxin-Free Materials

The IQAir GC Multigas air purifier makes several design considerations that separate it from competing designs. First, the entire unit is made with high-grade Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastics. Research shows ABS-based products release less harmful chemicals than compounds like PVC (1). An air purifier that releases toxic compounds is a bit self-defeating in purpose!

High-Efficiency Fan

The AQAir’s fan unit (what forces air through the filters) has been re-designed from the ground up. It now features steel bearings for a longer lifespan, shock absorption components for quieter running, and still only uses as much power as a common household lightbulb! The fan location in the new-generation models is now centralized providing a “32% reduction in noise,” making the IQAir a welcomed nighttime guest in any home.

Longer Filter Lifespan

The IQAir GC Multigas air purifier’s filtration system has been re-designed to not only improve performance but to also extend the time between filter replacements. This re-design is most notable on the HEPA filter characterized by an increased folding design that has increased loading capacity by 20% compared to previous iterations.

Filters

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The IQAir GC Multigas utilizes three primary filtration stages with an average yearly cost of $234 for units ran 10-hours per day on a power setting of 3.

Filter lifespans are rated using metrics derived from 10-hour per day usage in mid-power settings. If you anticipate running your unit 24/7 the replacement frequency may be more often depending on the speed at which the unit runs. Below are the filters the IQAir GC Multigas unit uses, their estimated lifespans, and replacement cost. Averaged out, the IQAir GC Multigas has a filter replacement cost of $234 per year

GC HEPA Pre-Filter H11

This is the HEPA prefiltration system through which the unit first pushes air. It’s rated at 99% efficiency for the removal of particles .3 microns and above and has an average lifespan of 12 months. The replacement cost is $78 USD.

Gas Filtration Canisters

These are the filtration units that remove VOCs, chemicals, and other smaller particulates. These units contain a mixture of granular activated carbon, granular impregnated carbon, and impregnated activated alumina. This filtration set has an average replacement time of 2-1/2 years. The replacement cost is $275 USD. 

Post-Filter Sleeves

This filter is what ensures fine and ultra-fine particles stay trapped in the unit and are not released back into your home. They contain a statically charged fiber and wrap around the gas filtration canisters.  These filters need to be replaced every 2-1/2 years just like the gas canisters around which they wrap. The replacement cost is $95 USD.

Swiss-Made Design

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IQAir purifiers like the GC Multigas unit have been manufactured in IQAir’s Switzerland-based facilities for nearly 50 years

Each IQAir GC Multigas unit is manufactured in IQAir’s Switzerland manufacturing facilities located on Lake Constance. IQAir has been making air purification units for over 50 years and is regarded among the best air purifier brands in the world. 

IQAir describes its company mission as being one to improve the air quality for millions of people worldwide. They maintain the largest free-to-access air quality monitoring network in the world. Visit the official IQAir global air quality monitoring page to see that in action.

Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the United Nations, IQAir has developed consumer technology to boost awareness regarding the health impacts of air pollution. They offer a smartphone app by which anyone can freely monitor the air quality in the area they live. I can confirm the usefulness and quality of this app from my personal experience!

Warranties, Pricing, & Financing Options

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The IQAir GC Multigas unit fits conveniently into most common living spaces without intrusion. Image from IQAir.

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The IQAir GC Multigas air purifier is backed by the IQAir 10-year limited warranty. This is an extension from previously offered 5-year warranties you may still see advertised by some dealers. This warranty went into effect for all units sold after November 2015.

The IQAir GC Multigas is priced at $1,299 and ships with free, guaranteed same-day shipping. An initial filter set is included so the unit can be brought into action right away. Per the company warranty documentation, it’s prudent to keep the original packaging should the unit become defective and require replacement. IQAir offers 0% financing on all residential units. That comes out to roughly $90/mo. per IQAirs financing terms which require an initial payment of $199.

Review

A demonstration of an IQAir air purifier removing smoke from an enclosed space.

Air quality has been brought to the forefront of modern health concerns. Exposure to fine particulate matter impacts health in long-lasting negative ways. The use of air purifiers both in residential and commercial spaces is likely to become more and more common as research focused on the health impacts of air pollution continues to emerge.

While one can stumble onto Amazon and find a couple of dozen air purifiers with 5-star ratings—not all air purifiers are created equally. The IQAir GC Multigas air purifier is an example of a quality air purifier with extensive design considerations for addressing a range of health concerns. I believe it’s one of the best options on the consumer market today and deserves consideration by anyone seeking to improve the air quality of their home.

NOTE: I haven’t had the opportunity to test this unit yet personally. The information presented here is taken from consumer reports, company white sheets, and consumer reviews.

References

  1. Lithner, Delilah et al. “Comparative acute toxicity of leachates from plastic products made of polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, and epoxy to Daphnia magna.” Environmental science and pollution research international vol. 19,5 (2012): 1763-72. doi:10.1007/s11356-011-0663-5.
  2. Mostinsky, I. L. “AEROSOLS.” A-to-Z Guide to Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer, and Fluids Engineering, 2010. doi:10.1615/atoz.a.aerosols.
  3. Kwon, HS., Ryu, M.H. & Carlsten, C. Ultrafine particles: unique physicochemical properties relevant to health and disease. Exp Mol Med 52, 318–328 (2020). doi: 10.1038/s12276-020-0405-1.