Honeywell/Enviracaire Aftermarket Prefilters #34002 (2 pk)

by Honeywell

Product Features

• Honeywell/Enviracaire Charcoal Prefltrs #34002 (2 per pack) fits 13503(EV35B), 13520, 13523, 13525<br>Honeywell 52500, 63200, 63500

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0001XH6WQ
• Average Customer Review: 1.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #92,530 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen)

Product Description

Featuring HEPA Filters, CPZ Filters and Charcoal Prefilters for Enviracaire models. These filters are designed to remove harmful allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria and harmful fibers. They also eliminate odors and tobacco smoke. They are ideal for those suffering from allergies, asthma, respiratory problems and environmental concerns.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars 3rd part product- flimsy in comparison to original, March 8, 2008

By 

Brian Whistler (Forestville, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Honeywell/Enviracaire Aftermarket Prefilters #34002 (2 pk) (Kitchen)

Though I'd save money and buy these. They are about half as thick as the original charcoal prefilter, so I doubt they will do as an effective job or last as long as the originals.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not quite as advertised, January 3, 2009

By 

W. Kerr (Kentwood, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Honeywell/Enviracaire Aftermarket Prefilters #34002 (2 pk) (Kitchen)

Confirmed observation by previous reviewer - not the same as a Honeywell-branded filter - about half as thick. Advertising a little misleading which does imply a "Honeywell/Enviracaire" prefilter. I am anticipating my HEPA filter will now clog more quickly unless I replace these about twice as often as I'm used to. The ad should not say "Honeywell" in it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Needs more activated carbon, generic or not, October 20, 2010

By 

try/star - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Honeywell/Enviracaire Aftermarket Prefilters #34002 (2 pk) (Kitchen)

These generic brand(s) have the same in thickness as the available Honeywell version. Honeywell has changed to a "Universal Replacement" version for all it's prefilters, and yes, they are (all) not as thick as they once were. I have recently used both Honewell and other manufacturer's versions of this product, results seem the same for any maker. Thickness may not be the issue, read on to see why.

The key seems to be the activated carbon component or lack thereof. Some of these prefilters seem almost non-effective to the point I've considered they might be just sprayed/colored black, and could be lacking (or highly under utilizing) any activated carbon. I am concerned about quality control here. The original filters were, at first, terrific, giving a thrilling improvement in my breathing. However, this result dissipated quickly, I suspect because of the surface area of the activated carbon being "used up" in having done it's job.

The "Universal Replacement" prefilters are less thick than the original prefilters, but increased thickness may not be the solution. I have tried doubling them. After a point, a certain thickness of the mesh prefilters is sufficient to collect particulates (dust, pollen, lint etc). The prefilter stops larger stuff, the inner, HEPA filter takes out smaller (specs say to .03 microns). But the porosity of the mesh prefilter must be balanced to let air come in while allowing an efficient quantity of air to come into contact with the activated carbon surface. Once the carbon is "used up" it is no longer effective. At that point the machine may still be filtering particulates, but no longer effects VOC's and other things for which the activated carbon is useful.

My solution is to change these prefilters very, very frequently (twice a week!). The prefilters have 2 jobs, but they cease to be usfull as active carbon components long before they stop being useful as larger particulate filters. It's fairly easy to feel the results. New prefilter = better breathing. I have reduced household contaminants/exposure. It's unlikely that there is an unusual out-gassing problem in my home. I have had similar difficulties at multiple venues.

To clean the air, the air must contact the carbon (this is why the noisy fans, an entire review issue in itself, are be necessary). I'm now researching units containing much larger amounts of activated carbon (like Austin Air HealthMate). My concern is the surface area of the activated carbon. Despite having 17 pounds of carbon in them, once the surface area of the carbon becomes coated with the contaminantes it removes, new air just passes over. Will I need to have a truckload of the carbon beads/rocks in the garage? Could a stirring mechanism/some way to clean/recycle the carbon beads be added? I'd love constructive responses.