As Derek has observed, the literature seems to indicate that this unit does not have a physical pm2.5filter per se.  It uses some proprietary technology/magic, Nanoe-G,  to trap or eliminate particles by ionising water droplets. I doubt that this is a mis-described product.

Posted by: @abernyte

↑

As Derek has observed, the literature seems to indicate that this unit does not have a physical pm2.5filter per se.  It uses some proprietary technology/magic, Nanoe-G,  to trap or eliminate particles by ionising water droplets. I doubt that this is a mis-described product.

No, that's a different model.  The one I have clearly says it has PM2.5 filtration.  Mine is the BZ, which clearly lists PM2.5 Filtration capabilities.  It's the more expensive TZ model that uses their Nanoe tech.  Mine certainly does not have that.

I'm going to ponder this further and consider my options.  Thank you @Mars for your suggestions.

Attached is the data sheet from Panasonic themselves, used in their marketing material.  This is the information installers provide to potential customers and it was this unit, with these specs, that I was sold.

Agh..okay Does your unit have the secondary filter indicated in the manual?  It seems to be an activated charcoal mesh sandwich.

Posted by: @abernyte

↑

Agh..okay Does your unit have the secondary filter indicated in the manual?  It seems to be an activated charcoal mesh sandwich.

-- Attachment is not available --

One of mine has what that diagram calls a "purifying filter" the other does not, they are both the exact same model.  It does NOT offer any filtration as it's only exposed to a very tiny portion of the overall air flow.  If that filter covered the ENTIRE intake area and fit behind the plastic mesh I'd accept that the unit was PM2.5 compliant.  However, it does not, it takes up less than 10% of the air intake area.  When I queried why the second unit had this, but the first did not, the installer said it's there to tell you when the mesh filter needs cleaning - i.e. it gets dirty - and they don't usually bother fitting them because they're pointless.

So, definitely no PM2.5 filtration ability on this unit at all.  So, dust etc. goes through the mesh and makes that little strip of material dirty = there's basically no filtration at all, let alone PM2.5.

I've not been in a position to contact Panasonic, or anyone else, about this yet, but I plan to.  I very much doubt it'll result in anything though.  I mean, it's not like they'd cover the labour to fit a device that ACTUALLY offers PM2.5 filtration even if they admit the truth.  Labour is the Lion's share of the cost with such devices.

Hi,

No updates on this yet.  I thought I'd initially raise a query with the company who both supplied and fitted the unit, as my contract is with them.  We'll see what they say.

Part of me is second-guessing myself, wondering if there is indeed hidden "filter cartridge" deep inside the unit, but surely the servicing Engineer would have been aware of that?  That said, I cannot see how it could be in the air-flow if not visible.  It's really quite a simple design, air in the top and out the flap on the front.

Here's a photo of the interior unit open:

You can see the plastic mesh, and the aluminium fins behind it.  My phone camera isn't very good, sorry about that.  There's a small section to the right, but I think that's just electrical gubbins behind that.  Not opened it and the service engineer didn't either.

The yearly servicing of these items is pretty expensive, and they don't actually do much at all, yet it's needed to preserve the seven year parts and labour warranty.

I am feeling a little irked that this unit doesn't appear to offer what it claims.  I was hoping to be proven wrong by the Service Engineer, as "clean filters" is one of their tasks, but no such filter was cleaned, just the basic mesh.

@scoob I’d be irked too. The filter can’t be too hidden because you need access to clean it… it’s just so frustrating when you can get a simple yes or no answer.