You’ve seen them in every minimalist living room on Instagram. Those sleek, bladeless loops that look more like modern art than an appliance. But honestly, when you’re staring at a $700 price tag for a Dyson hot and cool machine, the "cool factor" starts to feel a little expensive. Is it a heater? A fan? A magic air-scrubbing wand?
It’s actually all of those, mostly.
But here’s the thing: people buy these expecting a portable air conditioner. They aren’t. If you buy a Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool expecting it to drop your room temperature to a crisp 65 degrees while it's 90 outside, you’re going to be disappointed. These machines don't have compressors or refrigerant. They use physics to make you feel cooler, which is a big distinction.
The Air Multiplier Secret
Dyson uses something called Air Multiplier technology. Basically, air is pulled in through the base by a small, high-speed impeller. It's then forced out through a tiny slit that runs all the way around the inside of the loop.
Because of the shape of the hoop—which is basically an airplane wing—a low-pressure area is created. This pulls in the air behind the fan and the air surrounding the sides. It "multiplies" the air.
The result? A smooth, constant stream of air. No buffeting. You know that "choppy" feeling you get from a regular desk fan? That’s gone. It’s a literal wall of air hitting you. It’s quiet, too, though once you crank it past speed 7, you’re definitely going to hear that familiar whirring sound.
Heating vs. Cooling: The Real-World Reality
When it comes to the Dyson hot and cool functionality, the "hot" side is actually where these machines shine. Inside the machine are ceramic plates. These plates heat up, but they never get hot enough to burn the dust in the air—which is why you don't get that weird "burning smell" that cheap space heaters often produce.
I’ve used the AM09 and the newer HP07 models. They heat a room incredibly fast. Because they project the air across the room rather than just letting it rise to the ceiling, the heat distribution is way more even.
- Jet Focus Mode: This is for when you're sitting on the couch and want a direct blast of heat.
- Diffused Mode: This widens the arc. It's better for warming up the whole room before you head to bed.
Now, for the "cool" part. Like I mentioned, it's a fan. It doesn't chill the air. If the room is 80 degrees, the air coming out is 80 degrees. However, because of the high velocity, the evaporative cooling effect on your skin is quite powerful. It’s the difference between a gentle breeze and a focused wind.
Why the "Formaldehyde" Models Cost So Much
If you’re looking at the lineup, you’ll see the "Formaldehyde" version (like the HP09). It’s usually $100 more than the standard Hot+Cool (HP07).
Is it worth it?
Most people don't realize that formaldehyde is everywhere—it off-gasses from your furniture, your new carpets, and even some plywood. Standard HEPA filters can't catch it because the molecules are too small. Dyson’s formaldehyde models have a special catalytic filter. It doesn’t just trap the gas; it breaks it down into water and $CO_2$.
👉 See also: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Clear Case: Why Most People Choose the Wrong One
The best part? That specific filter never needs to be replaced. It regenerates itself. If you live in a new build or just did a major renovation, that’s actually a solid investment for your lungs.
Connectivity and the "MyDyson" App
Honestly, the app is kind of the sleeper hit here. You can see real-time graphs of your air quality. It tracks PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, and $NO_2$.
If you’re cooking bacon and the air quality spikes into the "Poor" zone, the machine (if set to Auto) will kick into high gear on its own. It’s satisfying to watch the graph go from red back to green. You can also hook it up to Alexa or Google Home. "Hey Google, set the Dyson to 72 degrees" works surprisingly well when you're tucked under a blanket and don't want to find the remote.
The Maintenance Trap
Here is where it gets real. Dyson filters are expensive. We’re talking $70 to $80 every 12 months, depending on how much you run it.
💡 You might also like: UFO High Bay LED Lights: Why Your Warehouse Lighting Probably Sucks and How to Fix It
The machine is sealed to HEPA H13 standards. This means what goes in stays in. But if you try to save money by buying cheap third-party filters on Amazon, you might lose that seal. I’ve seen third-party filters trigger "filter change" warnings even when they're new because the airflow sensors are so sensitive.
Also, the remote. It’s tiny. It’s magnetic and sits on top of the machine, but if you lose it, you’re stuck using the app for almost everything. There’s usually only one physical button on the machine itself—the power button.
Is It Actually Energy Efficient?
If you're using it as a fan, it uses very little power. Roughly 5 to 40 watts.
But when you turn on the heat? It’s a different story. Like any electric space heater, it’s pulling about 1,500 watts. If you run it on high all day during a blizzard, you’re going to see it on your electric bill. The "Intelligent Thermostat" helps by turning the heating elements off once the room reaches your target temperature, but it's still an electric heater at its core.
👉 See also: Why Is Microcenter Website Down? What Most People Get Wrong
Comparing the Versions (Quick Look)
| Model | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| AM09 | No purification, just Hot+Cool | Budget-conscious heating |
| HP07 | HEPA filtration + Hot+Cool | General air quality needs |
| HP09 | Formaldehyde destruction | New homes / Renovations |
| HP10 (Gen1) | Basic HEPA, no app | Simplicity over smarts |
The AM09 is the old-school favorite. It's smaller and doesn't have the "tower" look, but it's a beast at moving air. The newer HP series (Heater + Purifier) are much taller and handle the air cleaning.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a Dyson hot and cool unit, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Check the "Gen1" models first: If you don't care about the MyDyson app or checking air quality graphs on your phone, the Gen1 (HP10) models are often $200 cheaper than the latest versions while offering the exact same heating and cooling power.
- Placement is everything: Because it uses "entrainment" to pull in surrounding air, don't shove it in a tight corner. Give it at least 8 inches of clearance on all sides so it can breathe.
- Use the Sleep Timer: The heating is powerful. If you leave it on all night, you might wake up in a sauna. Set the timer for 30 minutes to warm the room as you fall asleep.
- Vacuum the inlets: Every few months, take a vacuum hose to the little holes at the base. Dust builds up there, and it can make the motor work harder (and louder) than it needs to.
Ultimately, you’re paying for three things: the engineering, the aesthetics, and the fact that it's the only machine that genuinely combines high-end air purification with effective space heating. It’s a luxury, sure, but for a studio apartment or a bedroom that’s always five degrees colder than the rest of the house, it's a problem-solver.