The things people actually ask.
Grouped by topic. If your question isn't here, drop us a line and we'll add it.
Does it work?
Will a purifier actually help my allergies or asthma?
True HEPA H13/H14 captures pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores — the main indoor allergy triggers. NHS guidance recommends air purification as part of asthma and allergy management for sensitive sufferers. We can't make medical claims about your specific case, but customers commonly report fewer morning symptoms after running a properly-sized unit in their bedroom for 2–4 weeks. Speak to your GP if your symptoms are severe.
How long until I notice cleaner air?
Particulate levels in the room typically drop within 20–60 minutes of switching on a properly-sized unit — measurable on PM2.5 sensors. Most people notice subjective changes (less congestion, better sleep, fewer morning symptoms) within 1–2 weeks. Smells like cooking or pets clear in 30 minutes. Use our sizing calculator to make sure the unit you pick has enough airflow for your room.
Does it actually kill viruses?
We use the word "inactivates" rather than "kills" because that's what manufacturer testing supports. HEPA H13/H14 captures virus-sized droplets mechanically. Concealed UV-C then disrupts the genetic material of any captured microbes so they can't replicate. The MAXVAC Medi 10 has independent research data on SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. We will never claim to "cure" or "prevent" a specific illness — that would be a medical claim we're not authorised to make.
Will it remove cooking smells, smoke, or pet odour?
Yes — odours are particles, and the activated carbon stage in every unit we sell absorbs them at the source. Typical timeframes: cooking smells, 20–30 minutes; cigarette smoke, 30–60 minutes; persistent pet odour, a few days of continuous operation. Activated carbon eventually saturates — that's why filter replacement matters.
Practical day-to-day
How loud is it, really?
Quieter than you think. On sleep mode the MAXVAC Medi range runs at 15 dB — quieter than rustling leaves. The MedicAir Pro Mini starts at 21 dB, about a soft whisper. Even at top speed, the loudest unit (Medi 8) is 69 dB — similar to a normal conversation, and you'd only run it that fast briefly. Most users leave them on a middle setting at 25–40 dB, similar to a quiet library.
What's the running cost in electricity?
Most units draw 15–80 W on normal settings. At UK domestic electricity prices (~27p/kWh in 2026), running a unit at an average 40 W for 12 hours a day costs roughly £35–£45 a year. Larger commercial units (Medi 10 at 150–280 W) cost more — around £100–£200/yr depending on speed and hours.
How often do I change the filter, and what does it cost?
Filter lifespan depends on use, but typically 12–18 months for the MedicAir HEPA + carbon stack (rated for ~5,000 hours of running). Replacement filters: £129 for Pro Mini, £199 for Pro, £299 for Pro Max. MAXVAC filters are similar mid-range and last comparably. Annual running cost including electricity: roughly £100–£300 depending on the unit.
Do I need one for every room?
No — but ideally one in each space where you spend hours: bedroom (priority for allergy sufferers), living room, home office. A single large unit (Pro Max or Medi 10) can cover an open-plan ground floor; smaller units are better for individual closed rooms. Use the calculator — it'll tell you if one bigger unit or two smaller ones is cheaper for your layout.
Can I move it between rooms?
The MedicAir Pro Mini (5 kg) and Medi 4e (8.5 kg) are easily portable — pick them up and walk. The Pro and Medi 8 (14–15 kg) are room-to-room with a bit of effort. The Pro Max and Medi 10 (29 kg / 43 kg) are floor-standing and meant to stay put — the Medi 10 has optional casters. Many customers buy two cheaper units rather than one bigger one for exactly this reason.
Does it work with smart home (Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit)?
The MedicAir range has its own app (ReAKT auto mode, scheduling, filter status). Direct Alexa/Google/HomeKit integration is not officially supported on either brand. We can confirm exactly what's available for a specific model — get in touch if smart-home control is critical for you.
Safety
Is UV-C safe? Doesn't it create ozone?
Yes, safe — every unit we sell uses concealed, ozone-free UV-C. The lamp lives inside the air path where the light never reaches occupants, and is selected to inactivate pathogens (254 nm) without producing ozone. The MAXVAC range carries ISO 15858 certification specifically for UV-C safety; the MedicAir UV-C chamber is designed by clinicians for use in homes, clinics, and care settings.
Safe around pets and children?
Yes. UV-C is concealed (no exposure risk). External surfaces stay close to room temperature. The fans are guarded — fingers can't reach the blades. No ozone, no chemicals released. As with any electrical appliance, keep the unit upright and don't let children play with the power cable.
Can I run it 24/7?
Yes — all six units are rated for continuous operation. MAXVAC units are specifically built for 24/7 in clinics and care homes. Running 24/7 will use more filter life, but that's normal usage.
Buying & comparison
Why is this so much more than a £80 Argos purifier?
You're paying for three things a cheap unit can't deliver: true H13/H14 HEPA (most £80 units use a thinner partial-HEPA media), concealed UV-C inactivation (only certified medical-grade units include this safely), and certified CADR sized for whole rooms (cheaper units overclaim and underdeliver). The MAXVAC Medi 4e at £133 inc VAT is the closest we offer to entry-level pricing — but every PurHaven unit is ISO 15858, ISO 16890-1:2016, and EN1822-1:2019 tested, which Argos generally isn't.
What's the difference between MedicAir and MAXVAC?
MedicAir is the premium tier — engineered by UK healthcare professionals, used in NHS Trusts and Fortune 500 healthcare. App-controlled, ReAKT auto mode, antimicrobial-coated HEPA H14, 3-year warranty. From £555 inc VAT. MAXVAC is the certified value tier — ISO 15858 + ISO 16890 + EN1822 tested, built for 24/7 in clinics, schools, and offices. Bigger CADR ranges available. From £133 inc VAT. Both clean your air to a high standard; MedicAir is the more refined consumer experience, MAXVAC is the more professional workhorse.
What's the warranty?
MedicAir units come with a 2–3 year manufacturer warranty (varies by model — see each product page). MAXVAC units come with 24 months. We process warranty claims as the UK distributor — you contact us, we handle the manufacturer side.
What's the return policy?
30-day right of return if unused and in original packaging. If you've used it for a few days and it's not working out, talk to us — we're reasonable. Contact sales [at] uvcvtm.com to arrange a return; we'll provide a returns label and refund within 7 days of receipt.
How long is shipping?
Free UK delivery, normally 3–5 working days. Next-day delivery is available on most MedicAir units at checkout. We ship to mainland UK; for Highlands & Islands or Northern Ireland, delivery may add 1–2 days. International shipping is not currently offered.
Do you offer bulk pricing for clinics, offices, schools, or care homes?
Yes — bulk discounts apply automatically from 3 units (~2% off) and increase up to 10+ units (6% off) on MedicAir Pro Max. We also offer bespoke proposals with sizing guidance, install advice, and consolidated invoicing for larger deployments. Get in touch with your floor plan or unit count.
Can I get a VAT invoice?
Yes — every order includes a VAT invoice. PurHaven is a trading name of UVCVTM Limited, VAT registered in the UK. All prices on the site are shown inc VAT; the ex-VAT figure is displayed in small print on each product card and your invoice will break it out.
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