The Art and Science Behind the IQAir Atem X: A Michael Lewis Dive

Updated On: June 14, 2023

UNIQUE DESIGN; LARGE COVERAGE

IQAir Atem X

The IQAir Atem X is a circular HEPA air purifier. During our tests it reduced both PM2.5 and PM10 to 0.1, showcasing fantastic purification performance. It has a maximum wind speed of 12.5 mph which creates 65.1 dB of noise. The Atem takes little setup, is easy to use thanks to touch buttons and a simple app, and requires infrequent maintenance.

Pros

Fantastic purification performance with PM2.5 and PM10 at 0.1
Doesn’t create ozone
Easy to set up, use, and maintain
Large 1,650 sq. ft. coverage area

Cons

Pricey option
Rotating nature can move controls out of reach

Scoring

Large coverage HEPA air purifier with a unique design

Design - 100%

Performance - 100%

Quality - 99%

Usability - 98%

Value - 95%

Summary

The IQAir Atem X is a circular HEPA air purifier with an extra large coverage area of 1,650 sq. ft. In our testing it was able to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 to 0.1 showcasing near perfect results. Setting up the Atem X was a breeze and using the device is easy with the touch buttons or AirVisual app. It comes at a higher than normal price, but the performance and features speak for themselves.

In This Review

Purification Performance

Statistical Revolution: Much like how “Moneyball” changed our understanding of baseball player performance through statistics, the Atem X delivers unparalleled stats in air purification.

Next, we ran the Atem on the maximum fan speed for 1 hour, letting it purify the air. After 1 hour, we took another measurement of the post-test air quality which we can use to compare to the baseline and determine performance.

Starting Baseline

PM2.5: 7.3

PM10: 12.1

Particles: 624

AQI: 31

After 1 hour

PM2.5: 0.1

PM10: 0.1

Particles: 54

AQI: 1

PM2.5 and PM10 Levels: From an initial reading of 7.3 and 12.1 respectively, a mere hour later, the Atem X reduces them to an almost negligible 0.1.

Air Quality Index (AQI): This air maestro transformed an AQI of 31 (considered to be good, but not perfect) to a staggering AQI of 1, the epitome of pristine air.

Below, we’ve included information on the testing criteria and what defines good vs. bad air quality.

The Filters

The IQAir Atem X boasts revolutionary tools:

Pre-filter: Named ‘Impactor’, it acts as a robust frontline defense, sweeping out larger particles before they even enter the arena.

HEPA: This is where the magic happens. Comparable to the genius minds Lewis often profiles, this filter targets minuscule particles as tiny as 0.3 microns.

Wind Speed Tests

To truly understand the strength of a player, you need to witness their range. For the Atem X:

Here’s what we found on the MultiGas:

Minimum Wind Speed

2.2 mph

Maximum Wind Speed

12.5 mph

Ozone Test

To test whether or not the IQAir Atem X creates any ozone while running, we use an electronic ozone meter to measure the current ozone levels of the room while the device is running.

We take measurements beforehand, let the air purifier run for 1 hour, and take post-test measurements to compare to the pre-test results.

Pre-Test Ozone

0.0 PPM

Post-Test Ozone

0.0 PPM

Most air purifiers won’t create any ozone and that is exactly what we found with the IQAir Atem X.

Noise Test

Our results showed the following decibel levels from each mode.

Ambient

39.5 dB

Minimum

40.1 dB

Maximum

65.1 dB

The noise levels for the IQAir Atem X fall between 40.1 – 66 dB.

It’s one thing to perform, but how you do it matters. The Atem X’s noise levels:

Ambient: The soft hum of 39.5 dB.

Max Speed: A louder, yet bearable, 65.1 dB.

Common noise levels:

20 dB – rustling leaves
30 dB – whisper
40 dB – quiet library, babbling brook
50 dB – refrigerator, moderate rainfall
60 dB – normal conversation, dishwashers
70 dB – traffic, showers
80 dB – alarm clock, telephone dial tone

Usability Tests

A unique, circular marvel that, unlike its counterparts, glides smoothly on wheels.

Setup

Almost ready to operate straight out of the box, much like the immediate impact of a key player in a financial market.

Atem X
Wheel base
Manual

Controls & App

Intuitive touch buttons paired with the AirVisual app make navigation a breeze.

These buttons give you access to the standard controls of the device like toggling power on/off, adjusting the fan speed, and toggling on/off the lights.

Additionally, the fan speed buttons double as an air quality indicator showing the current air quality it measures through internal sensors.

For further control of the device you can connect it to the AirVisual app for wireless control and additional features.

These include:

Mode controls
Scheduling
Outdoor air quality information
Control lock toggle

The app is quite simple, which makes it easy to navigate and use.

Maintenance

Routine Care: Filters require occasional replacement or cleaning. A light serves as a reminder.

The filter indicator light will notify you when that needs to happen, however we have found that HEPA filters need to be replaced every 8-12 months depending on usage and environment.

Size & Dimensions

The Atem X is medium-large, weighing in at 28.7 lbs. Its diameter stretches 10.0”, with a height of 27.1”.

Here are the exact dimensions of the IQAir Atem X:

Diameter – 10.0″
Height – 27.1”
Weight – 28.7 lbs.

The Atem X isn’t just a player; it’s a major league star. Covering up to 1,650 sq. ft., it stands out in its ability to purify expansive spaces with a CADR of 440 CFM. This level of coverage should be more than enough for any large room, quite possibly whole apartments.

IQAir Atem X Specifications

Specifications
Manufacturer	IQAir
Model	Atem X
Diameter	10.0″
Height	27.1″
Weight	28.7 lbs.
Filters	HEPA
Wi-Fi Compatible	Yes
Max. Wind Speed	12.5 mph
Room Coverage	1,650 sq. ft.
CADR	440 cfm
Returns	Varies by retailer.
Warranty	10 years
Price	Check Price

Should you buy the IQAir Atem X?

I would recommend the IQAir Atem X if you’re looking for the following features:

Unrivaled Performance: Reducing PM2.5 and PM10 to nearly perfect levels.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive controls and minimal setup.
Vast Reach: A coverage area that encapsulates large rooms and entire apartments.

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