Price: $250 - $500	Area Coverage: 250 - 500 Sq. Ft.	Warranty: 1 Year
Filtration Type: HEPA Filter, Humidifier, Ionizer		Filter Life: 5 Years

Sharp KC-860: Innovative and Efficient

The neat thing about the Sharp KC-860 is that it functions as both a true HEPA air purifier and a humidifier.  While the humidifying capabilities may be seen as an unneeded luxury to some, there are many people who may benefit from having this function available.

The core of the Sharp KC-860, like other Sharp purifiers, is a true HEPA air filter with an antimicrobial layer to help prevent the proliferation of bacteria and viruses.  The additional “Plasmacluster” feature is essentially an ionizer which splits water molecules into positive and negative ions and sends them out to bind and thus neutralize contaminants in the air.  The purification portion of this unit is rated to clean rooms up to 347 sq. feet (18′ x 19′) and seems to have a quality filter and construction that I am confident would do a good job. I have even read about a woman using it in a room that was at least 500 sq. ft. and claiming great results.

The Sharp KC-860 – Two in One

What the Sharp KC-860 has that most do not, is a built-in humidifier.  But why would we want to add moisture to the air if what we set out to clean it.  There are several reasons.  For one, it has been shown that bacteria and viruses spread and multiply quicker and more easily in dry air.  Seeing as how many purifiers include antimicrobial protection measures and many people seeking a HEPA air purifier are in fact targeting living contaminants, it would make sense that we limit the microbes ability to live easily in our homes.  This is even more important during cold/flu season and, when you live with many other people, or when you have children or the elderly living with you as they are more susceptible to these things.

Another reason is that it is harder for floating particulates to stay suspended in moister air.  This is the same principal as with the microbes.  Moister air is thicker and makes materials in it more moist and thus heavier.  It is more difficult to for suspended particles to travel through moist air.  In addition, by adding moisture to the air inside your home, you can effectively add moisture to the skin of all the occupants in the house.  Seeing as dead skin cells are the most abundant ingredient in household dust, this seems a desirable outcome.  Dust is one of the most common allergens and is one of the most common things we are seeking help with when purchasing a HEPA air purifier.  One final added benefit of having a humidifier is one that hits home with me – the reduction of static electricity! Dryer air allows the build up of these static charges that often released during the recognizable “shock” many of us feel upon touching a doorknob after removing a fleece jacket or sweater.  In the winter, I get shocked constantly and love the idea of being able to reduce these occurrences by using a the Sharp KC-860.

Final Thoughts on the Sharp KC-860

The water tank that feeds the humidifier on the Sharp KC-860 is 8.5 pints which means you shouldn’t find yourself having to constantly fill it up.  There is humidity level indication on the front panel along with an air quality sensor.  The Sharp KC-860 is considered to be energy efficient and uses HEPA filters which are designed to last up to 5 years under normal use.  With three fan speeds and manual and automatic options, you can decide which speed is right or you can leave it up to the purifier, which decides based on the current level of air quality in the room.  Overall the Sharp KC-860 has quite a few bells and whistles and the humidifier is a nice feature to combine with the true HEPA air purificiation. The thing I love about the Sharp KC-860 is that it offers you the space saving convenience of having only one unit in your room as apposed to two separate appliances.  This could be the ideal solution for those of you who always keep a humidifier on during the dryer months and are also looking for a capable air purifier. I would definitely give the Sharp KC-860 a go if using both a large-room purifier and a humidifier would benefit you or your family.

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