My contacts at Panasonic have moved, but @heacol knows Panasonic heat pumps inside out and hopefully he can shed some light on the topic. 

Reading the relevant catalogue it would appear that there is no actual filter, instead it uses Hydroxl Radicals produced using a nanoe X device. Apparently Hydroxl Radicals can reduce pollen levels along with quite a number of other benefits.

Hmm, there's no mention of such things in the (quite brief) tech specs pdf I have.  It certainly says "filter" and not some alternative.  Note: My particular model does not have the Nanoe tech stuff, that was the next model up (TZ range).  As my model was advertised as having PM2.5 filtration, and the fact that I don't have specific allergies, I determined that PM2.5 filtration would be perfect for my needs.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the unit, I've had it for a year now.  The plastic filter is still spotless, but if there is an actual PM2.5 filter inside the unit, I don't think it's something I'm going to find.  I will speak to the service tech tomorrow and see what they say.

I just struggle to believe that a plastic mesh filter - very similar to those on my PC - are truly PM2.5, when others seem to be made of multiple layers of material.  Perhaps it's some sort of special plastic, I'm hardly an air filtration expert, but do have some prior experience.

Edit:  A friend actually has a very sophisticated (for home use) air quality measuring device with HEPA filtration.  That could, in theory, actually test the air quality in my office, to see if the AC is indeed filtering out PM2.5's.  That's a good, solid nerd project methinks lol.

@scoob can you post a photo of the plastic mesh filter please?

Without seeing your filter, mesh filters are typically designed to catch larger particles like dust, hair and debris. Their pores are usually too large to effectively trap PM2.5 particles.

That’s why home air purifiers typically have multi-layer filters. These often combine several types of materials, including activated carbon, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters and electrostatically charged fibres. Each layer serves a specific purpose, such as trapping large particles, adsorbing odours and capturing tiny particles like PM2.5.

Hi,

Yes, of course, it'll need to wait until tomorrow though.

I'm am familiar with other PM10 and PM2.5 filters, as well as HEPA, and they were all made of several layers of various materials as you say.  I'll pop out one of the filters, and lay it on a light-coloured background as they're black.

Morning 🙂

Had the service Engineer here this morning, can confirm that the filter is certainly not PM2.5 - the mesh on my PC is actually finer and that's just a basic dust filter.  Panasonic claim PM2.5 compliance and the ability to filter pollen etc., this filter cannot do that!

Here's a photo of the filter, a simple plastic mesh, not a multi-layered, multi-material filter as I'd expect:

I'm wondering what to do next, as the item is not as advertised.  It works well for both cooling and heating, I'm pleased with that, but it lacks the advertised PM2.5 filtration abilities that were also a not-insignificant selling point for me.

Here's a link to Panasonic's own product page for this item, PM2.5 filtration clearly stated.  There are also .pdf data sheets, one of which I have and snipped that first image from here.

@scoob Hmmm. I'll reach out to Panasonic and see what they have to say.

Posted by: @editor

↑

@scoob Hmmm. I'll reach out to Panasonic and see what they have to say.

Thank you, much appreciated.

I'm not going crazy here right?  There's no way that plastic mesh - with holes around 1mm - can actually qualify as PM2.5.

@scoob My wife has allergies, so we have several air filters around the house. From your photo, it looks like a basic pre-filter or coarse particulate filter, typically found in air purifiers to capture larger particles like dust, lint and pet hair.

A PM2.5 filter, however, captures much finer particles (2.5 micrometers or smaller). These filters are usually dense and fibrous, without the visible grid structure seen in your image. They look more like dense sheets or mats.

I contacted Panasonic, and their response was underwhelming—they suggested contacting them to resolve the issue but didn't provide specifics. This attitude is frustrating, especially since their website touts the PM2.5 filter as a key selling point.

If I were in your shoes and discovered no additional filter inside the unit, I'd report them for false advertising. Without a proper PM2.5 filter, this unit cannot effectively filter out PM2.5 particles. I have very little patience for this kind of marketing and behaviour from massive, multinational manufacturers.

I don't have allergies as such but, as mentioned, the air around here can get quite dusty with lots of pollen in the air.  So, the PM2.5 Filter - like I have in the car - was a definite plus, if not the primary reason for getting the unit.

Yes, that's my experience with true PM2.5 filters, layers of a more dense material, certainly not a plastic mesh.  To me Panasonic's claims regarding PM2.5 filtration are unambiguous - no room for misinterpretation I thought.

I concur, I think I will mention this to the supplier as a courtesy - they've been really good - but see if I can take this further.  I'm not the most well person in the world, so cannot handle a big "fight" for this so to speak, but I can try to set things in motion.  Not sure exactly what my next step should be, UK advertising / trading standards or some other body?  Any guidance or suggestions welcome, this is not something I've challenged before, I've never had something so apparently blatantly miss-represented before.

@scoob this doesn’t have to be a stressful fight. I’d write a general email outlining this issue. Take a screen grab of the website to show their claim, and say you’ve purchased this unit expecting it filter PM2.5, but the unit doesn’t have the required filtration in it to do it, falsely advertising what they sold you.

I’d then contact:

Trading Standards can help with issues related to false advertising and product misrepresentation. You can contact them through your local council. The Citizens Advice Consumer Service can provide advice and will forward your complaint to Trading Standards if necessary. You can reach them at 0808 223 1133 or via their website.

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA): They handle complaints about misleading advertisements. You can submit a complaint through their website.

Which? Consumer Rights: Which? provides advice and support for consumer issues. They can offer guidance on how to handle the complaint and what steps to take. Visit their consumer rights website for more information.

I’d also send MCS an email.

If I think of another angle I’ll drop it here, and if anyone else can think of another place to drop a complaint, please add a comment.