Dyson Pure Cool Formaldehyde: The ultimate home air filter

Dyson introduces two air filters from the Dyson Pure Cool Formaldehyde series, featuring new sensing technology for a safer and cleaner home environment. We put them to the test.

  (photo credit: PR)
(photo credit: PR)

Everyone has their quirks. When trying to describe something dull, they say it's "like watching paint dry on a wall." But really, what's wrong with watching paint dry on a wall? It's a fascinating process, even if it's slow. Think otherwise? Well, sorry, you just don't understand.

Lately, I've found a new hobby, better than watching paint dry: tracking in an app how the clean air in my home becomes polluted and then returns to its pristine state. This is thanks to the air filter with the short and snappy name Dyson Pure Cool Formaldehyde - the most advanced edition of the company's home air filters. We'll dive into this hobby, but for now, let's talk a bit about the product.

Formaldehyde... What's That?First, let's explain what formaldehyde actually is. It's a colorless gas pollutant that emanates from furniture and wood products containing formaldehyde-based resins, such as particleboard, insulation materials, and products like paint, wallpaper, and household cleaners. Due to its minuscule size - 500 times smaller than particles of 0.1 microns - it's hard to detect and trap, potentially leading to prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals carried in the air. In short, if you or your household members suffer from breathing difficulties, it's better to keep this stuff away.

Dyson Pure Cool Hot+Cool Formaldehyde offers two devices in the series - 09HP (filter, fan, and heater) and 09TP (filter and fan) - with new formaldehyde sensing technology designed to capture ultrafine dust particles. The company explains that "the sensor works alongside Dyson's unique algorithm to precisely monitor formaldehyde levels - integrating with the detection of other gases detected by a dedicated VOC sensor."

  (credit: David Rosenthal)
(credit: David Rosenthal)
  (credit: David Rosenthal)
(credit: David Rosenthal)

Six years ago, at the right time, the company launched the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool HP04 filter, a significant upgrade from the old 11AM model - smart and with heating options. Shortly after, COVID-19 hit, and the product's popularity dwindled. The new device resembles the 04HP, with several upgrades. In addition to the new sensor, Dyson engineers also redesigned the airflow paths of the filter. A fully sealed HEPA 13 filtration level (you need to see this magic wand; it provides a delightful feast for your eyes), ensures that no air bypasses the filter and blocks any potential leakage points through which polluted air could penetrate the filtration path. This means that Dyson's new filters capture 99.95% of particles down to 0.1 microns in size.

Another upgrade is the noise level. In the previous filter, level 10 was impractical for our small home, so we settled for 7, or in extreme cases, 8. This time it's a different story. This product is significantly quieter, and at its maximum fan speed, it efficiently ventilates the home much faster. The company states that through a process of planning, testing, and building conducted in Dyson Malaysia Development Centre's internal acoustic chamber, the filter was designed to be 20% quieter. To reduce noise, Dyson engineers altered the airflow path, including widening the aperture (the slot from which air exits the filter) and improving its geometry. The result is reduced friction between the air and the filter surface, and less noise. The noise has been reduced from 64 to 61 decibels at maximum fan speed - and it's noticeable.

The app allows remote control, including turning the device on and off. Using Air Multiplier™ technology, the filter can release purified air to every corner of the room. The auto mode allows the filter to maintain a preferred temperature and air quality. Additionally, the filter is fully controllable through the Dyson Link app.

  (credit: PR)
(credit: PR)

Now, onto the fun part - playing with the air quality monitor. On a hot spring day, my wife decided to grill chicken breast. I spotted the opportunity and went to the app. The screen showed "critical" and turned purple. A little more smoke, and a hand emerging from the screen would give us a slap, shouting "run away, you fools." Honestly, "critical" for grilling smoke sounds a bit extreme to me, but I don't suffer from breathing difficulties, so one can never be too careful. Anyway, thanks to its maximum power mode, within less than ten minutes, the home returned to "good," and you know how hard it is to get rid of cooking smells. I repeated this exercise several times. It's fun, and whoever thinks otherwise - well, tough luck.

Prices and Purchasing Details


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  • Dyson Pure Cool Formaldehyde TP09 model - air filter and fan. Recommended consumer price: NIS 2,950.
  • Dyson Pure Cool Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 model - air filter, fan, and heater. Recommended consumer price: NIS 3,290.
  • Two-year warranty and in-home service by B.N.Z.K. Trading, the official importer of Dyson products in Israel.
  • Available for purchase on the Dyson website.

Pros

  • Reliability: Since Dyson filters have been around in various forms for over 15 years, the company has managed to build trust and improve technology that was reliable even before. The result is a perfect product, especially for those sensitive to dust and formaldehyde.
  • Design: Dyson invests heavily in design, and this product is relatively small, compact, and fits in any room. However, those who owned the 04 model will be disappointed that it's been six years, and the design is similar, albeit more rounded and slightly sleeker. Guys, give us a bit more of a quirky twist next time.
  • Control: The app is very convenient, allowing you to monitor and adjust the room's air changes like watching paint dry on the wall. We've already agreed that this is a good thing.
  • Service: From experience, especially with vacuum cleaner parts that got worn out, B.N.Z.K.'s service is one of the best you'll get, adhering to American standards. You might need to venture to the outskirts of hope, but hey, we've cracked enough jokes about this city. Make sure the warranty (two years) is provided by the official importer.
  • ConsThe Price: As always, Dyson products are top-notch and accordingly, the most expensive on the market. The initial cost - NIS 2,950-3,290 - is already steep, and you'll need to add the filter replacement once a year to year and a half, costing around NIS 400. The cumulative sum you'll invest is definitely not cheap.
  • Cost-Benefit Considerations - this is also a derivative of the price. There are air filters at various price points, and if you're sensitive to dust and allergens, this filter is a great solution. If not, you might be satisfied with a more modest product.

Bottom LineThe company's slogan is "only Dyson works like Dyson," and what's true for the vacuum world is also true for the realm of filters. It's a super-premium product, almost a must-have for people whose air contamination can affect their daily routine.