Initial value is good but the continued operation of the unit is costly. Figure it will cost you near the price of the unit each year in replacement filters and bulbs. Higher line units may have an initial cost of 2-3 times the price of this unit... but if you operate the unit for 3 or more years you have reached the pay-back point. Also higher line units offer higher CFM rates that will cover a larger area. If Hamilton Beach would cut the cost of their replacement parts in half.. this would be a very nice unit.