Best For
- Large Coverage Area of 2,002 sq ft with 2 air changes per hour
- 2 air intakes with 3 filters each – 6 total filters
- Simple – easy-to-use controls.
Considerations
- Higher price compared to other similar systems
- No remote / app connectivity
- Increased maintenance cost with 6 filter replacements annually
Our Verdict
The AirDoctor 5500 is the successor to the AirDoctor 5000. These air purifiers are built to handle large rooms for air purification. In short, the new AD5500 scored exceptionally well on the air purification test due to its 6 filters split between two side air intakes. The addition of another intake is what sets the 5500 apart from the single air intake on the 5000.
The only major con to the AD5500 is higher filter replacement costs. Since the 5500 has AirDoctors patented filter design, you will need to purchase the AirDoctor brand filters.
Filter Type: Carbon, HEPA
Coverage Area: 2,002 sq. ft.
CADR: 534 CFM
In This Review
Purification Performance | Ozone Test | Filters | Coverage | Build Quality | Noise Test | Usability | Maintenance | Size | Specs | Product Evolution | Comparison | FAQs
Performance Summary
At Modern Castle we put air purifiers to the test.
We test 11 different factors that impact the performance, build quality, and usability of the air purifier. Below is a complete list of our testing categories and their performance.
| Test Type | Test Data |
|---|---|
| PM2.5 (2 hour test) | 0.1 |
| PM10 (2 hour test) | 0.2 |
| Particles (2 hour test) | 12 |
| AQI (2 hour test) | 1 |
| Ozone Detected | 0.0 ppm |
| Filter Quality | Exceptional |
| Filter Type | HEPA, Carbon |
| Coverage Area | 2,002 sq. ft. |
| CADR | 534 CFM |
| Max Wind Speed | 17.4 mph |
| Noise Test | 65.1 dB |
Video Review
Purification Performance
To test the purification performance of the AirDoctor 5500, we placed it in a medium sized room in our office (~14’ x 10`). Next, we lit incense to introduce smoke and other particulates into the air for 30 seconds. After, we use a professional air quality detector to take a measurement of the smoke filled air.
Next, we run the air purifier on the highest fan speed for 2 hours, taking measurements of the air quality at the one hour mark and the end of the test. Here is what we found:
| Performance Metric | Starting Baseline | After 1 Hour | After 2 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 | 96.9 ppm | 0.1 ppm | 0.1 ppm |
| PM10 | 168.1 ppm | 0.1 ppm | 0.2 ppm |
| Particles | 13933 | 15 | 12 |
| AQI | 172 | 1 | 1 |
The AirDoctor 5500 scored nearly identical numbers in the air purification test when compared to its older model – the AirDoctor 5000. However, the AirDoctor 5500 did perform slightly better in the number of particles removed. Looking at the testing averages across similar air purifiers with comparable coverage areas, the 5500 had excellent scores. Furthermore, the 5500 beat our current testing averages in all purification performance categories.
Below, we’ve included information on the testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality. Simply, the lower the numbers the better.
Within the first hour of testing the AirDoctor 5500 on its maximum fan speed, the system significantly reduced all testing metrics on our air quality measurements. When measuring the baseline PM2.5, the AirDoctor 5500 reduced testing measurements from 96.9 ppm to 0.1 ppm.
For comparison, the testing average for PM2.5 reduction after the first hour is 0.47 ppm. The AirDoctor 5500’s 0.1 ppm is a notable improvement. As a result, the Airdoctor removed 98% of airborne particulates within the first hour. In conclusion, the AirDoctor 5500 is an exceptional purification performance update to the AirDoctor 5000 series.
Ozone Test
With most air purifiers ozone generation isn’t an issue. That said, some that use negative ion generators have the potential to create ozone. To test this, we run the AirDoctor 5500, letting it run for 1 hour and measure the levels of ozone before and after with an ozone meter device.
Pre-test Ozone
0.0 ppm
Post-test Ozone
0.0 ppm
The AirDoctor 5500 had no measurable ozone produced during our air purification tests.
Filters
The AirDoctor 5500 has its new patented filter design. It utilizes three different air filters to purify the air. Additionally, the system has a negative ionizer feature that can be toggled on/off.
Pre-filter – These air filters are designed to catch larger particulates in the air before the main filters. It’s best designed to catch human/animal hair, lint, or large dust particles.
Carbon/VOC filter – These filters focus on capturing VOCs and gasses that the pre-filter and the HEPA filter miss. Filtering out harmful gasses, the carbon filter catches and reduces the amount of harmful contaminants floating around your room.
HEPA – HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air [filter], which is common in most modern air purifiers. These filters aim to reduce the amount of air particles from dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and small airborne particulates. The AD5500 uses an H13 HEPA filter and is able to catch particulates as small as 0.003 microns.
Ionizer – This feature releases negatively charged particles into your environment, forcing extremely small airborne particles to clump together and fall to the floor. This feature can be turned on or off.
Coverage
The AirDoctor 5500 has a coverage area of 2,002 sq. ft. Its large coverage and high airflow allows it to handle the largest rooms or even entire homes. Additionally, the CADR rating on this system is an impressive 534 CFM, demonstrating a high-efficiency indoor purification performance.
Coverage Area
2,002 sq. ft.
CADR
534 CFM
Wind Speed Test
Our wind speed test uses an anemometer placed directly on the air vents of the AirDoctor 5500 to measure the fan speeds in miles per hour. We run it on the lowest and highest fan speeds and record the speed of the air coming out of the device.
Minimum Wind Speed
3.3 mph
Maximum Wind Speed
17.4 mph
When placed on its highest filtration speed, the AirDoctor 5500 produced a 17.4 mph wind speed, while the lowest speed generated a wind speed of 3.3 mph.
As a result, the AD5500 has among the highest wind speed we’ve tested to date (on the max filtration power). On average, we’ve measured the max wind speeds of 11.6 mph across all air purifiers we’ve tested to date.
Build Quality Test
Our build quality test is a subjective test where we examine and assess the major material and design components of the air purifier. Specifically, we are looking for build and design issues that are more likely to break and/or be difficult to use.
The AirDoctor 5500 is primarily built out of plastic material from top to bottom. While testing this air purifier, the unit felt well-constructed and sturdy. Its heavy base and properly fitted plastic paneling give the AirDoctor 5500 excellent scores in build quality.
My only build quality concern is the filter covers. While removing the panels, the plastic retention clips could be damaged with repeated use of opening and closing the filter covers
| Part | Build Quality |
|---|---|
| Overall | Excellent |
| Body | Excellent |
| Fan | Excellent |
| Filters | Excellent |
| Controls | Excellent |
| Display | Excellent |
| Remote | N/A |
| Wheels | Excellent |
Noise Test
To determine the level of noise that the AirDoctor 5500 creates we use a sound meter and measure the decibel levels on both the lowest and highest fan speeds. In addition, we measure the ambient noise levels of the room as a baseline comparison.
Ambient Noise
43.0 dB
Min Noise
43.7 dB
Max Noise
65.1 dB
We first measured the ambient noise of our testing facility at 43 dB. Next, we placed it on the lowest fan speed setting in which the AirDoctor 5500 measured at 43.7 dB.
Lastly, we turned the fan speed to the highest setting where the system measured the output noise at 65.1 dB. In comparison, the AirDoctor 5500 does produce a higher dB measurement, scoring just above our current testing average of 62.7 dB.
Usability
Overall usability for the AirDoctor 5500 was exceptional. Between the simple setup, easy-to-use controls, and convenient wheels for mobility, the AirDoctor 5500 is an extremely user-friendly air purification system.
Setup
Setup was fast and easy. The AirDoctor 5500 came nearly ready to plug in right out of the box. The only small tasks includes removing the plastic and packaging from the filters.
Controls & Display
The AirDoctor 5500 has simple-to-use, easy controls on the top panel. They have a quick response time to user touch and offer backlight icons for high visibility display.
Additionally, the front-facing illuminated ring acts as an air quality meter. Depending on the room’s current air quality index, you will see:
- Blue – Good air Quality
- Orange – Moderate Air Quality
- Red – Poor Air Quality
An extremely convenient feature is the auto mode. The AirDoctor 5500 is equipped with an auto-adjustment fan feature to help maintain your air quality in good health. This feature demonstrates the true ability of a “plug in and forget” air purification system.
Wireless Controls
The AirDoctor 5500 does not have wireless controls or app connectivity
In The Box
- AirDoctor 5500
- User Manual
- 2 PreFilters
- 2 Carbon / VOC Filters
- 2 HEPA Filters
Maintenance
The AirDoctor 5500 has an estimated yearly maintenance cost of $250. The following are the major maintenance tasks for the AirDoctor 5500.
| Task | Description | Est. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Replace every 8-12 months | $125 |
| Carbon Filter | Replace every 12 months | $125 |
| Pre-Filter | Wash as needed | $0 |
| Sensors | Wipe clean as needed | $0 |
Size & Dimensions
The AirDoctor 5500 Dimensions are 28.8”(H) x 16”(L) x 16”(W). With the system weighing 33 pounds (14.9 kg), be sure to use proper lifting techniques while lifting the AirDoctor 5500. The AirDoctor 5500 does have wheels for added mobility.
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 28.8″ (73.2 cm) |
| Length | 16.0″ (40.6 cm) |
| Width | 16.0″ (40.6 cm) |
| Weight | 33.0 lbs. (15.0 kg) |
Specifications
The following table details the product specifications according to the manufacturer.
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AirDoctor |
| Model | AD5500 |
| Height | 28.8″ (73.2 cm) |
| Length | 16.0″ (40.6 cm) |
| Width | 16.0″ (40.6 cm) |
| Weight | 33.0 lbs. (15.0 kg) |
| Filter | Pre-filter, HEPA, Carbon, Ionic |
| Noise Levels | 65.1 dB (max) |
| Coverage Area | 2,002 sq. ft. |
| CADR | 534 CFM |
| Wi-Fi Compatible | No |
| Warranty | 1 years |
| Price | Check Price |
Product Evolution
With the AirDoctor 5500 being the updated version of the AD5000, we did see some trade-offs between the two systems. While the 5500 coverage area is larger, it does produce more noise than the 5000 when on max fan speed.
The only other significant change is the patented design of the 5500, which means there will not be any 3rd party filters available. If you only ever buy filters directly from AirDoctor.com, this is a non-issue. However, more frugal shoppers who prefer the cost savings of a 3rd party filter will not be able to find those for the AD5500.
How does AirDoctor 5500 compare?
Below is a complete list of our air purifier tests and critical product data compared side by side to the average based on all of our air purifier tests to date.
Across all data points, we found that the AirDoctor 5500 excels in purification performance, filter quality, area coverage, and CADR. However, those excellent scores do increase the max noise levels above our current testing averages.
| Test Type | Test Data | Avg. Data |
|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 (1 hours) | 0.1 | 0.47 |
| PM10 (1 hours) | 0.1 | 0.70 |
| Particles (1 hours) | 15 | 57.07 |
| AQI (1 hours) | 1. | 1.81 |
| Ozone Detected | 0.0 ppm | 0.0 ppm |
| Filter Quality | Excellent | Very Good |
| Filter Types | HEPA, Carbon | HEPA, Carbon |
| Coverage Area | 2,002 sq. ft. | 709 sq. ft. |
| CADR | 532 CFM | 288 CFM |
| Max Wind Speed | 17.4 mph | 11.6 mph |
| Noise Test | 65.1 dB | 61.5 dB |
Comparing the AirDoctor 5500 to similar products solidifies the excellent capabilities of this system. Specifically looking at products like the Medify MA-112, Medify MA-125, IQAir Health Pro, Harthaspace HSP002, and the previous model AirDoctor 5000, each has its own tradeoffs but performs with top-tier air purification.
Other Air Purifiers to Consider
For Coverage
Medify MA-112
The Medify MA-112 is an air purifier with a large size and an ultra-large coverage area.
This air purifier is best used for filtering large/high-traffic rooms in a home or office. Ideally, this purifier would be placed in a centralized location within the home/office to ensure even coverage.
For Wireless Controls
IQAir Health Pro
The IQAir HealthPro Plus is a HEPA air purifier with a large coverage area of 1125 sq. ft.
This system is best used for medium to large rooms in a home or office. The air purification unit does come with a remote to allow for ease of use across the room.
For Purification
Oransi Mod
The Oransi Mod is a large air purification system that has an exceptional rating in air purification.
This system is best used for large rooms where noise from the fan might be a factor. Its low dB rating while having high purification scores makes it an excellent choice for quiet environments
FAQs
The 5500 consumes 11 watts on low, and 110 watts on high.
AirDoctor recommends you change the Carbon / VOC filters every six months and the HEPA filters every twelve. Remember, you will need to purchase AirDoctor patented filter design replacements.
No. The Carbon / VOC and HEPA filters cannot be washed with water.
Depending on the environment, you can adjust the fan speed at your discretion to accommodate your needs. Generally, you can leave the air purifier running on a low / medium fan speed to avoid increased noise from the fans.
Yes – they can remove mold spores from the air but do not kill the spores. If the filter does capture the spores and becomes damp, it could provide a space for mold to grow. Forcing you to replace the HEPA filter sooner. If you have mold growing on furniture or the building structure, we recommend safe disposal/cleaning with proper equipment to prevent further growth.
Yes – according to AirDoctor, their filter technology removes 99.97% of live airborne SARS-Cov-2 from the air.