Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier w/ True HEPA Carbon Filter Expired

I purchased this from Savers a few months ago for $30. I replaced the filter and dismantled the unit to clean it with disinfectant.

The entire unit is very easy to disassemble. Remove the filters for four screws and a black screw under the handle. Comes apart. The PCB is also easily replaceable if you can find a replacement. Remove four more screws and the fan is easily accessed as well which is great because my nephew spilled hot chocolate down the exhaust. I was able to clean the fan compartment easily. The whole fan can be lifted out and brought back in. Make sure the nut that keeps the fan mounted is tight as the air purifier will make whirring noises if you don't tighten it enough.

As for purifying, it works fantastic. Bought new filters a week ago and here is a photo of my new one vs old one.
https://i.imgur.com/21UqaKE.jpg

Note, the old one was giving me allergies so you should probably check your filter often. If it looks as bad as my old one, buy a new filter. The OEM winix filter A typically go for around $40 though I bought an offbrand one on Amazon for $18 that is pretty similar.

The plasmawave feature is silly. Upon dismantling, I saw that it's just two tiny carbon fiber twigs sticking from tiny box. They dont actually do anything, I think.

I should also note that you can use any carbon filter of any brand you want with this purifier as long as it is the same size as the OEM winix filter A. I purchased a Fellowes carbon filter from Home Depot that was the same size and it worked just fine. This is the one that fits the Winix 5300-2.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fello.../205609761

Personally I say this air purifier is worth it just because it is so easy to self-service. This machine will last a long time if you treat it right.

I have this unit. I prefer my other units because this carbon filter is washable and not a replaced one like the others. This has tiny carbon pellets in a honeycomb grid and you are supposed to run it under water every 3 months to clean it and replace it once per year. The other units are a bit more convenient because they just have the carbon coated fiber sheets that you replace every 3 months. However, I believe (I have nothing to back this up) the carbon pellets in this unit are possibly more effective at odor reduction than the carbon coated fiber sheets you replace. I would check into that before making your decision. Overall no complaints though, still a great unit.

I've had electrical tape over mine for about a year now. It's been great.