Winix is a famous company that has been on the market for many years. They produce air purifiers for all room sizes. The Winix C535 (Winix Zero) has gained tremendous popularity primarily because of the features it offers for an affordable price. So far, I have tested several models from Winix.
The design and advanced options of the Winix C535 are very similar to the Winix 5500-2 model. The C535 is designed for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. It uses a three-stage filtration with an ionizer option that can be turned on or off at your desire.
Table of Contents
- Winix C535 Specifications
- Design
- Features Overview
- Room Coverage and CADR Rating
- Winix C535 Video Review
- Filtration Technology
- How to Replace the Winix C535 Filter?
- Does Winix C535 produce ozone?
- Noise Test
- Performance Tests
- Operating Costs
- Winix Warranty and Customer Service
- FAQ on Winix C535
- Pros and Cons
- Final Thoughts
I tested the Winix C535 in a variety of conditions and rooms. How good it is, whether it justifies its popularity, and whether it will be the right choice for the average user find out in this Winix C535 review.
Winix C535 is an air purifier that can clean air in the room rapidly thanks to its three-stage filtration system and the additional boost it gets with the ionizer turned on. Large filters allow this air purifier to perform at the highest level.
Short on Time? Here’s My Short Summary of The Winix C535!
- Winix C535 is an air purifier intended for rooms up to 360 sq. ft.
- It is available in the US, Europe, and some other markets.
- Remote controller, air quality sensor, and auto mode are just some of many advanced features Winix C535 offers.
- C535 will fit into any room in your home; you can use it in a bedroom, living room, or even in the basement.
- Winix gives a two-year warranty for this model.
Winix C535 Specifications
Below is a complete list of important specifications and features included on the Winix C535 Air Purifier:
| Manufacturer | Winix |
| Model | C535 |
| Dimensions | 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches |
| Filters | Pre-Filter, Odor Absorbing Carbon Filter and True HEPA Filter |
| Filter Longevity | up to 12 months |
| Coverage | 360 sq. ft. |
| CADR | Smoke 232 / Dust 243 / Pollen 246 |
| Power Consumption | 70W |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| User manual |
Design
The build quality of the Winix C535 model is top-notch. The Winix C535 is white, except for the control panel on top of the device, which is black.
The device is bulky. The edges are straight. It looks a bit old-fashioned.
The color and appearance can fit into many rooms, such as the bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc. The device is easily transported thanks to the handle located on the top of the device. At the top of the device is the control panel with all the buttons, indicators, and sensors. I will say more about the control panel later in the following Winix C535 review. One thing that I need to mention is the power cord; its length is standard.
Control Panel – Initial Operations
There are buttons on the control panel for complete device control. Besides, there are all the necessary indicators and sensors that the Winix C535 has. The buttons are standard press buttons; they don’t respond on touch. They react to smooth pressure.
The buttons do not light up. However, you will hear a beep sound at each press. The control panel buttons are the on or off switch, the select mode button, the PlasmaWave technology on or off button, the fan speed button, and the timer button.
In addition to the buttons, there are indicators above each button.
When the Winix C535 is facing you, on the left side, next to the edge of the device, is a filter reset indicator as well as light and odor sensors.
Airflow
Air enters on the front of the device, through the cover, and from the sides. After that, the air is filtered through a pre-filter, then through a carbon filter, and finally through a true HEPA filter. If PlasmaWave is on, the air will be additionally filtered. The filtered air comes out on the top of the device and is directed upwards.
Size and Dimensions
The air purifier weighs 14.7 lb. Although a little heavier than average air purifiers on the market, the C535 is easily transported from location to location thanks to the carrying handle. The dimensions of the device are 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 inches.
What’s in the box?
When you buy the device, you get 1x Winix C535, 1x True HEPA filter, 4x Carbon Filter, 1x Remote Control (with battery included), 1x User Manual, and 1x Warranty Card.
Features Overview
Auto Mode
This mode regulates the speed of the device based on air pollution in the room. If the air quality is low, auto mode will automatically switch the fan speed to turbo mode, and vice versa if the air quality is good. In addition to the smart sensor, auto mode is also affected by the light sensor. This means that if the room is dark and the device is operating in auto mode, the C535 will automatically switch to sleep mode.
I used the Winix C535 for a while in the bedroom, and I can say that I was delighted, mainly because of auto mode. Because literally all I need to do is turn on the device, and I can comfortably forget about it. Besides, the remote controller was always at hand, so I could turn it off whenever I wanted. In the evening, when I go to sleep, auto mode on the C535 automatically switches to sleep mode, so I didn’t even notice it, and the air quality in the room was always exceptional.
PlasmaWave
This advanced technology produces hydroxyls to neutralize bacteria and viruses. PlasmaWave is an ionizer. It can be switched off or on as desired by the user.
Air Quality Indicator
The air quality indicator will display the current air quality by illuminating specific colors depending on what air quality is detected via the smart sensor.
Winix C535 air quality indicator will display three states. When the indicator lights up blue, then the air is good, orange means the air is not good, and when you see red, then the air is horrible.
Smart Sensor
The smart sensor detects odors in the air. Based on that, it determines the speed of the device if auto mode is on.
Based on the smart sensor’s detected air quality, the air quality indicator will illuminate specific colors. I have described this process above in the air quality indicator section.
Sleep Mode
When sleep mode is on, the Winix C535 is barely hearable. The device produces almost inaudible sound, 40.8 dBA. I used the Winix C535 in the bedroom, and I can say that I didn’t even notice that the device is there, especially in combination with auto mode, which will automatically turn on sleep mode when the room gets dark. At the end of the review is the section about the volume that the Winix C535 produces at all speeds; check it out.
Timer
The Winix C535 uses a timer as an advanced option. The timer can be set to 1h, 4h, and 8h. A timer is a useful option if you like to use an air purifier for a particular period. After a set timer is up, the air purifier will turn off automatically.
Remote Control
The Winix C535 air purifier comes with a remote controller with included batteries. The remote controller controls the device from a remote location at a maximum of 20 feet from the device.
With the remote controller, we can use the following options: power (on/off), auto mode, changing fan speed, and turbo mode.
Check Filter Indicator
The check filter indicator will light up when it is time to replace the filter.
It will notify you when it is time to replace the True HEPA filter and the carbon filter.
Room Coverage and CADR Rating
Winix C535 is designed for rooms up to 360 sq. ft. AHAM verified for five clean air changes per hour in 360 sq. ft. space. Proper for medium to large size living rooms.
| Smoke | 232 |
| Dust | 243 |
| Pollen | 246 |
CADR ratings show us how good is this air purifier at purifying air by pollution. In the table above, you can see ratings for dust, smoke, and pollen.
Winix C535 Video Review
Check out the video and see Winix C535 in action. All our tests are documented in detail. Also, we recorded additional tests that are not mentioned in the review.
Filtration Technology
The Winix C535 uses three-stage filtration. The primary filter is the True HEPA filter, the second stage filtration is the carbon filter, and the third stage of filtration is PlasmaWave.
Besides, there is a pre-filter that removes large particles. All filters used in the C535 are not washable except the pre-filter.
Pre-Filter
The air first goes through the Winix C535 pre-filter. This stage is the first line of defense against the most extensive airborne particles found indoors.
The pre-filter is washable and should be cleaned on average every 14 days. Pre-filter will protect other filters, extend their lives, and make the whole machine work better.
Carbon Filter
The carbon filter is not made up of carbon pellets. The carbon filter in the Winix C535 is a fibrous filter coated with carbon. Carbon filters reduce VOCs and household odors from cooking, pets, and smoke.
This type of carbon filtration is common in many air purifiers. For example, Coway Mighty uses a fibrous carbon filter. The Winix 5300-2 and Winix P300, which are also popular models from the Winix company, use an identical filter for gas filtration.
True HEPA filter
The true HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles, including pollen, mold spores, dust, pet dander, microbes, and smoke. Almost all the particles that are as small as 0.3 microns in size.
A true HEPA filter is not washable, and under no circumstances should it be washed or cleaned in any other way.
PlasmaWave
I don’t particularly appreciate that PlasmaWave turns on every time the device starts. I think it would be more practical to leave this option off and let users decide to use it. However, the PlasmaWave can be turned off at any time.
How does PlasmaWave technology work?
The PlasmaWave technology creates a low electrical discharge to produce dual polarity ions ( + hydrogen (H+) and – oxygen ions (-O2)) from air moisture. The ions connect themselves to air pollutants’ surface to form Hydroxyls by removing hydrogen from the air structure. This synergy eliminates air pollutants and allows the ions to use the absent Hydrogen ion, removed from the air pollutants’ structure to return as air moisture (H2O).
How to Replace the Winix C535 Filter?
Always use Winix genuine replacement filters for the best performance.
Total time: 10 minutes.
Step 1
Remove the front panel to access filters.
Step 2
Take out pre-filter, carbon, and True HEPA filter from the device.
Step 3
Use a vacuum cleaner and clean the inside of the air purifier to remove dust and other particles inside the device.
Step 4
Unpack the new filters and pull them out of the plastic bag.
Step 5
Finally, you can place new filters in this order: first goes true HEPA filter, then carbon filter and in the end pre-filter.
Step 6
Now you can close the front panel.
Step 7
Insert the power cord into an electrical plug, and reset the filter reset indicator.
Does Winix C535 produce ozone?
Winix claims C535 does not produce harmful ozone. Plasmawave CARB certificate has strict California state rules, which then implies that Winix C535 is actually safe to use. C535 has an ozone emission rating below the 0.05 parts per million limit, far from dangerous levels.
Noise Test
The Winix C535 is truly not a very loud device. A small objection is a drastic difference in volume between 4th, and 3rd speeds. I feel like one speed is missing in between.
At the first speed, Winix produces a noise of 42.4 dBA. At the second speed, it makes a noise of 44.2 dBA; at the third speed, it creates a noise of 47.1 dBA, while at the fourth speed, i.e., in turbo mode, the Winix C535 produces 63.2 dBA.
I am extremely satisfied and delighted with the sleep mode, which, when turned on, produces a noise of about 40.8 dBA.
Thanks to the high-quality motor, there is no rattling or unpleasant sound at any speed.
Below you can see a table with all the noise results. My measurements may differ from the manufacturer’s measurements because I perform measurements at home, not in the laboratory.
| Speed | Value (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Speed 1 | 42.4 dBA |
| Speed 2 | 44.2 dBA |
| Speed 3 | 47.1 dBA |
| Speed 4 (Turbo Mode) | 63.2 dBA |
| Sleep Mode | 40.8 dBA |
Performance Tests
I tested the Winix C535 in various rooms and conditions.
When it comes to general performance, the biggest complaint I have is the auto mode, and only because the smart sensor only detects odors. The main reason is that this way, the Winix C535 is not predestined for every user. It is a widespread situation when there is more dust in the room than smoke or other odors.
On the other hand, the auto mode feature has made it much easier for me to use the Winix C535 model, mostly due to the automatic switch to sleep mode during the night.
Anyway, I think Winix could have put in a little more effort and improved the smart sensor on this and other models. Below I will show the tests that I believe are the most interesting. I did not use PlasmaWave technology in my tests because I did not notice a significant improvement in air quality in several tests I did.
320 sq. ft. Room Test
I tested the Winix C535 in a room of 320 sq. ft. for 60 min.
The device has made enviable results. The Winix C535 has significantly improved air quality. I used it on Turbo Mode (4 fan speed) all the time.
Winix improved the air quality in the first 30 minutes, so the AQI dropped below 50, which is a sign that the air is of good quality.
After 60 minutes, the Winix C535 lowered the AQI from 107 to 5, thus improving the room’s air quality by about 95%. Below is a table with more details about this test.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 80.7 | 4.1 |
| PM 10 | 113 | 5.7 |
| Particles | 117077 | 6051 |
| AQI | 107 | 5 |
320 sq. ft. Room Test – Auto Mode
I tested the Winix C535 in the same room, in identical conditions, but this time with the auto mode ion.
As I already mentioned in the review, the auto mode is not always the best solution because the smart sensor only detects odors. However, the device improved air quality by about 90% in 60 minutes.
The Winix C535 lowered the Air Quality Index from 86 to 9. My recommendation is to use auto mode if you plan to use the Winix C535 at night or if your environment is polluted by wild smoke, cooking odors, smog, or something like that.
| # | Starting Baseline | After 60min |
|---|---|---|
| PM 2.5 | 63.8 | 6.4 |
| PM 10 | 89.4 | 9 |
| Particles | 92654 | 9387 |
| AQI | 86 | 9 |
Operating Costs
The Winix C535 uses a 70W motor. This device is much more potent than some other, smaller devices, which I have tested so far. Interestingly, the C535 consumes only about 6W at a first speed, which is in the range of much smaller and weaker devices. In sleep mode, the Winix C535 is an even smaller consumer; more precisely, it consumes only 3W.
If you leave the Winix C535, running 24h on turbo mode, your electricity bill will be increased by about $ 4.8. In addition to the electricity bill, there is also a filter replacement cost that is slightly higher for the Winix C535. A replacement filter costs about half as much as a Winix C535 product. Therefore, if we consider the replacement filter’s price and the annual electricity consumption in one year, the C535 air purifier’s maintenance will cost you almost as much as the C535 device itself.
| Speed | Power Usage (W) |
|---|---|
| Speed 1 | 6.0W |
| Speed 2 | 7.7W |
| Speed 3 | 11.4W |
| Speed 4 (Turbo Mode) | 54.1W |
| Sleep Mode | 3.0W |
| Stand-by | 1.2W |
Winix Warranty and Customer Service
Winix offers a 2-year warranty on the C535 model. Support is accommodating, fast, and efficient. You can contact them via Facebook, Twitter, or Email. Besides, you can contact Winix through the WinixAmerica website or other international Winix websites.
The contact email for Winix support is info@winixinc.com.
The Winix support phone number in the US is (877) 699-4649.
I also tested how fast Winix customer support is. I received a reply to the message I sent to Facebook within 3 hours. In comparison, I was waiting for an email reply for about 13 hours.
Also, the team from Winix answered all the questions professionally and correctly, and I have no objections.
FAQ on Winix C535
Is PlasmaWave safe?
Yes, it is. The CARB certificate proves that.
Can PlasmaWave be turned off?
Yes, PlasmaWave can be turned off or on as desired by the user. The button is located in the middle of the device. If the PlasmaWave indicator is lit, it is on.
Does it produce ozone?
Are Winix C535 filters washable?
The filters on the Winix C535 are not washable. Washing a true HEPA filter and activated carbon filter is not recommended under any circumstances. However, the pre-filter should be cleaned on average every 14 days.
How often should I change the filters?
The true HEPA filter should be changed on average every 12 months. The carbon filter should be changed every three months. Please note that with the purchase of the C535 model, you get four carbon filters and one true HEPA filter.
Is the Winix C535 AHAM Verified?
Yes, it is; you can read the results in this review.
Pros and Cons
To revise, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Winix C535:
I have a question for you: I will be purchasing the Winix C535 at our Costco in Mexico in a few days. Since I have a big dog, a Golden Retriever, that sheds a lot of hair, and I may have an allergy to dog hair, will it work for me? Additionally, my living space consists of a kitchen, living room, and dining room that together exceed 70 square meters. Do I need to move the purifier from one room to another, or will leaving it in one place 24/7 effectively purify the air, considering the rooms are open with no closed doors?
The Winix C535 has a washable pre-filter that effectively captures dog hair, providing a solution for your Golden Retriever’s shedding. However, if your living space exceeds 360 sq. ft., moving the air purifier from room to room is recommended to ensure optimal coverage.
Leaving it on 24/7 will enhance filtration efficiency, but I also recommend occasionally opening windows for fresh air circulation.
One more note for the end: you will have to clean/wash your air purifier filter regularly, at least twice per month.
Just received my C535 an hour ago. Have yet to see it up. Looked at a lot of machines before purchasing this one. Hopeful that it will help with a mold issue within the house that I have due to a roof leak and pipe failure. Mold is not as often mentioned in reviews as dust, odors, etc.., are. It’s nasty stuff.
Excellent review! Didn’t see it until after purchase. Would’ve preferred a machine that could handle even a larger area but they were too expensive for my wallet. Hope this does a good enough job.
I’m sure that the Winix C535, with its advanced filtration system, will do a great job in removing airborne mold from your house!
I have just bought it…I hope it worth the bucks. To me it is a good looking unit and has few capabilities more than competition…and on Amazon it is very cheap now
I’m sure it will do the job!
hey.
can u test some out of market filters? from amazon winix are so expensive.
That’s a great idea to consider. Thanks!
Is the cost of running this an extra $5 a month or year?
It is the cost of running it at the max speed for one month, 24h a day.
We have had the WINIX c535 unit for quite a while now and are very happy with it as it does the job great. Recently the red change filter light came on. I changed the filters and I did not know how to turn the light off so on your site one comment had the same problem and your response was to hold the reset down for 5 to 10 seconds (a toothpick works for this) you will hear a beep and the light goes out. now everything is normal again. Great unit for cleaning the air . Thanks Ed.
Hi Ed,
I’m glad you are content with the Winix C535, and also that you managed to reset the filter reset indicator. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I keep one of these in my bedroom when my allergies go nuts and i cant stop sneezing I turn it on and in 20-30 minutes my allergies are nearly gone. Its a great unit that does filter out a lot and work. I have a bigger levoit unit in my living room which does like 1300 square feet per its rating since winix doesnt make anything higher than like 500 square feet.
Thanks, Chris for sharing your experience.
I’m glad the Winix C535 works well against your allergies.
I change the filter and the red light that says check filter will not go off. Any suggestions? Yes I did press the filter reset button but that did not turn the red light off
With the power on, press the filter replacement reset button and hold for 5-10 seconds or until the light turns off.
That’s will do the job.
I must say that this is the most valuable air purifier in the market.
I’m using the Winix products over the years, and they are still the best.