Winix WAC9500 Review: The Ultimate Pet Air Purifier (and More)

For pet owners, allergy sufferers, and anyone concerned about indoor air quality, the Winix WAC9500 has long been a popular choice. Marketed as the “Ultimate Pet True HEPA Air Cleaner,” this model aimed to tackle common household pollutants, especially those associated with furry friends. While the WAC9500 has since been discontinued and replaced by newer models like the HR900, its legacy and performance are still worth examining. This review will delve into the features, effectiveness, and overall value of the Winix WAC9500.

Design and Aesthetics

The Winix WAC9500 features a relatively compact and unassuming design, typically in a dark gray or black finish. Its vertical orientation allows it to fit neatly into corners or against walls without taking up too much floor space. The control panel is usually located on the top, offering easy access to various settings. While not as sleek or futuristic as some modern purifiers, its functional design prioritizes performance.

Filtration System: A Multi-Stage Approach

The strength of the Winix WAC9500 lies in its comprehensive multi-stage filtration system, designed to capture a wide array of airborne contaminants:

• Pre-Filter: This washable pre-filter is the first line of defense, capturing larger particles like pet hair, lint, and dust. Regular cleaning of this filter helps extend the life of the subsequent filters.
• True HEPA Filter: The core of the WAC9500’s particle removal capability. This filter is certified to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other common allergens and irritants.
• Advanced Odor Control (Activated Carbon) Filter: This granular activated carbon filter is specifically designed to absorb odors from pets, cooking, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For a “pet” model, a robust carbon filter is crucial, and the WAC9500 aimed to deliver on this.
• PlasmaWave® Technology: This optional feature generates hydroxyls that break down airborne pollutants at a molecular level. While Winix claims it’s safe and effective, some users prefer to keep this feature off due to concerns about ozone production, although Winix states it produces ozone levels well below the FDA, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and UL standards.

Features and Controls

The WAC9500 offered a range of features aimed at convenience and effective air cleaning:

• Auto Mode: Utilizes an air quality sensor to automatically adjust fan speed based on the detected level of pollutants in the air.
• Sleep Mode: Operates at the lowest fan speed with dimmed lights for quiet, undisturbed nighttime operation.
• Timer: Allows users to set the purifier to run for a specific duration.
• Filter Replacement Indicators: Lights notify users when it’s time to clean the pre-filter or replace the HEPA and carbon filters.
• Remote Control: For convenient operation from a distance.

Performance: Tackling Pet-Related Issues and More

The Winix WAC9500 generally received positive reviews for its performance, particularly in its ability to handle pet-related air quality issues.

• Pet Dander and Hair: The combination of a washable pre-filter and a True HEPA filter was effective at capturing pet dander and hair, reducing allergens in the air.
• Pet Odors: The activated carbon filter was noted for its effectiveness in neutralizing pet odors, a common concern for multi-pet households.
• General Particle Removal: Beyond pets, the True HEPA filter performed well in removing general household dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
• Smoke Removal: While not specifically designed for heavy smoke, its HEPA and carbon filters contributed to reducing smoke particles and odors.

However, some reviews noted that while the carbon filter was good for general odors, it might not be sufficient for very heavy chemical or VOC removal compared to purifiers with significantly larger carbon beds.

Noise Levels

Like most air purifiers, the noise level of the WAC9500 varied with the fan speed:

Its quiet operation on lower settings made it a good choice for bedrooms and living areas.

Filter Replacement and Maintenance

Maintenance for the WAC9500 involved regular cleaning of the washable pre-filter and periodic replacement of the True HEPA and activated carbon filters. The combined filter cassette made replacement relatively straightforward. Filter life typically ranged from 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and air quality. The cost of replacement filters was a recurring expense, as with all air purifiers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Effective Pet Hair and Dander Removal: Excellent for households with pets.
• Good Odor Control: Activated carbon filter effectively neutralizes pet and household odors.
• True HEPA Filtration: Captures 99.97% of fine particles.
• Quiet Operation: Especially on lower settings, suitable for bedrooms.
• Auto Mode: Convenient hands-free operation based on air quality.
• Washable Pre-Filter: Reduces long-term filter costs.

Cons:

• Discontinued Model: No longer widely available new, replaced by newer Winix models.
• PlasmaWave® Concerns: Some users prefer to disable this feature due to ozone concerns, despite manufacturer claims.
• Limited VOC/Chemical Removal: While good for odors, not designed for heavy-duty chemical filtration.
• Filter Replacement Costs: Ongoing expense for proprietary filters.

Winix WAC9500 vs. Winix 5500-2 (and other Winix models)

The Winix WAC9500 was often compared to the Winix 5500-2, another highly popular model from the brand. While both offered similar core filtration, the WAC9500 was specifically marketed towards pet owners, often featuring a slightly more robust carbon filter for odors. The 5500-2, however, became the more widely recognized and recommended model due to its consistent performance and value.

Winix has continued to evolve its product line, with models like the HR900 directly replacing the WAC9500, offering updated designs and potentially improved features while maintaining the core filtration principles.

Conclusion

The Winix WAC9500, despite being a discontinued model, left a positive mark as a reliable and effective air purifier, particularly for pet owners. Its multi-stage filtration system, including a True HEPA filter and a dedicated activated carbon filter, made it a strong contender for reducing pet dander, hair, and odors, as well as general airborne particles. While newer models offer updated features and designs, the WAC9500 demonstrated Winix’s commitment to providing quality air purification solutions. If you happen to find a well-maintained WAC9500, it can still be a valuable addition to a home seeking cleaner air, especially if pet-related allergens and odors are a primary concern. However, for new purchases, exploring Winix’s current lineup, such as the HR900 or 5500-2, would be the more practical approach.