Filtrete FAP-SC02 Air Purifier: Trusted Review & Specs

The Filtrete FAP-SC02 swells its sibling internal power and charges us more for smart features. And for that only, it would be a child that’s destined to be forgotten, together with the new Filtrete FAP-ST02. Let’s see the reason in our today Filtrete FAP-SC02 Review.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 ranks B+ in our air purifier ranking list. We give the biggest and most thorough database of air purifier reviews in the world.

Updated: If you want an air purifier for larger room coverage, you should look for the Filtrete FAP-C03BA-G2 or Filtrete FAP-T03BA-G2.

In Breathe Quality, we have reviewed all air purifiers under these sections. Also, we guarantee that:

• We do give honest reviews (both pros and cons) so anyone will guarantee to have the wisest choices.
• We do not (and never) exaggerate one product just to let you click the links and buy that product blindly.

Sections

Filtrete answered the COVID-19 global pandemic with two new smart air purifiers, and the 3M company has already been a place to get air purifiers in the past. As the direct smart version of the Filtrete FAP-C02WA G2, what could we expect? Okay, let’s check our today Filtrete FAP-SC02 Review.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Price

The Filtrete FAP-SC02 is the company’s latest attempt to manufacture smart air purifiers, and as we frequently discuss, a smart air purifier is a “must-have” at the present. However, in the series of low-range budget air purifiers that Filtrete make, the Filtrete FAP-SC02 suddenly isn’t that “affordable”.

So, the Filtrete FAP-SC02 is literally the Filtrete FAP-C02WA G2 with new design and smart features, and it asks for $239. At its best, the new device is double the price from the old one.

So far, in the Filtrete lineup, the Filtrete FAP-SC02 feels like the one that most people will forget about. The Filtrete FAP-ST02 offers much better performance for just a little increase in price. Other devices in Filtrete lineup is easy to recommend: it’s small enough to fit your small room, and has a low price that won’t immediately alienate buyers.

I don’t recommend the Filtrete FAP-SC02 because of the high competition out there, like the Blue Pure 311 Auto, Winix AM90 or even the new Levoit Core 600S are better in all front. If you don’t need to have voice commands, you can look for the Coway AP-1512HH or Airthereal AGH380 for much less than both new Filtrete air purifiers.

Still, if you’re truly loyal to the Filtrete brand, the Filtrete FAP-SC02, after our ranking list update, is in top 16%.

Related post: Best air purifiers 2023.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Design and Size

The Filtrete FAP-SC02 is positioned in the midst of the Filtrete FAP-C02WA G2 and Filtrete FAP-C03BA-G2 sizes. I love the way it looks. The air purifier comes in both black and white color versions just like any Filtrete traditional air purifiers, so you have loads of choices in the shade with some great options.

The hate factor becomes apparent when you pick up the air purifier in your small room, as it doesn’t feel as small as the FAP-C02. The Filtrete FAP-SC02 is a little on the big side, with dimensions of 20.3 inches in height and 14 inches in width.

We still have the common bottom-to-top air flow system concept in this air purifier. One difference between this and the old traditional air purifier is the implementation of the touch control panel. It looks obviously more modern, but I don’t really think for some people it is an “upgrade”.

Source: Amazon.com

At 12.25 lbs, the air purifier is not overwhelmingly heavy. You can pick it up and put it anywhere in your home.

Related post: Best air purifiers for bedroom.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Filters

When you want to check the performance of one air purifier, normally you will look at the quantity and quality of the air filters inside. As the number one manufacturer of the air filter, we can trust in the performance of the Filtrete FAP-SC02, which has only a 2-stage air cleaning system.

1. True HEPA filter – Filtrete FAP-SC02 uses an in-house True HEPA Filter to reduce 99.97% of as small as 0.3 microns allergens like mites and pet dander, virus particles, mold spores, pollen, germs and bacteria particles.
2. Activated Carbon Filter – This in-house Activated Carbon filter adsorb unwanted odors and fume such as cooking smells, smoke, ammonia and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

This is truly the new bottle of old wine, as the Filtrete FAP-SC02 runs the same F2 or A2 filter from the past. It is, however, one of the better-quality air filters in the market right now.

However, its performance is strictly limited by its fan power. It could handle 100 square feet coverage much better at 99.9% of cleaning any particles as small as 0.3 microns. However, in the same 200-square-feet test with other devices in the same price bracket, the Filtrete FAP-SC02 can clean only 99.2% of any particles down to 0.3 microns. It is really even better than I expected, as the manufacturer recommends this air purifier for only 150 square feet.

Below is the F2 filter replacement for the Filtrete FAP-SC02. Luckily, this air filter is quite affordable and it can last for 6 months to keep the optimal performance.

Related post: Best air purifiers for allergies.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Room Coverage

Filtrete FAP-SC02 is verified by both AHAM and Energy Star for its performance, and we can completely trust its result. The manufacturer recommends to run this air purifier in 150 square feet. However, its performance is far behind the competition, as the Levoit Core 600S can handle 300 square feet even better.

The ACH of Filtrete FAP-SC02 is 4X. This air purifier can exchange the air in your room every 15 minutes.

The CADR of Filtrete FAP-SC02 is 105 Dust/ 98 Smoke/ 115 Pollen (cfm). Even the cheaper Levoit Core 300S (also one of our recommended best air purifiers) can do a lot better.

Related post: Best large room air purifiers.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Sound

Low fan power usually hints its quiet operation, but the Filtrete FAP-SC02 really doesn’t impress us with the number. Its lowest fan power is 31 decibels (db), however, in real-world it’s quiet enough.

Even if you turn the Filtrete FAP-SC02 on highest speed, the noise level is only 52 decibels. It is the same as the normal conversation at home, and the white noise released from the air purifier can actually support you sleep faster.

Related post: Best air purifiers for baby.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Power Consumption

One of our most FAQs is “Do air purifiers use a lot of energy?” In fact, air purifier must be used for a long time to be efficient. And power consumption is one important criteria to review if this air purifier is good or not.

Another Energy Star air purifier is made by Filtrete, and the Filtrete FAP-SC02 has rated power of 45 watts. Even it is just a little bit better than the Filtrete FAP-C02WA G2, I believe it is a great upgrade.

If you run the Filtrete FAP-SC02 for 8 hours per day, the annual cost is just $16.

Related post: Best air purifiers for pets.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Additional Features

Now, the main reason you’re looking for the Filtrete FAP-SC02. It is a true smart air purifier with both color and numerical scales for air quality indicator. The Smart Sensor also allows the Filtrete FAP-SC02 to run in Auto Mode, when it automatically change the fan speed according to real-time indoor air quality. Filtrete uses laser air sensor (only dust sensor) to give result faster and more accurate.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 is connected with a smartphone app. It can also be controlled via Alexa for quick manage.

Source: Amazon.com

Other than that, we still have the old Timer function, as well as a lighting function to dim or turn off the light completely. Finally, the LED indicator for filter replacement will remind you when to change the new filter.

Related posts:

1, Best air purifiers for smoke.

2, Best air purifiers for dust.

3, Best air purifiers for mold.

Filtrete FAP-SC02 Customer Service

Filtrete is the official air purifier brand developed by the 3M Company, so this company really focuses on the customer service. You can find a very strong knowledge base on Filtrete website, to know any definitions commonly associated with indoor air quality.

If you have questions, make sure to contact them via live chat or phone at 800-388-3458. The customer service is available from 8 AM to 5 PM CST, Monday – Friday.

Any Filtrete air purifiers are covered with a 1-year warranty. If you want to send them a message, you should follow the instructions in their Contact Us page. They will respond to your email request in 24 – 48 business hours.

Our verdict

The Filtrete FAP-SC02 is basically smarter Filtrete FAP-C02WA G2, and for its actual performance, it is a tough sell at more than $200. In many other areas, Filtrete is doing right by implementing stable and smooth smart features inside its new air purifiers. However, the company should do it with an actual improvement in the air cleaning system, which is hindered by the low fan power.

You can buy either the Levoit Core 300S or Levoit Core 400S for a better performance and excellent smart features implementation combination.