How to Choose the Right Air Purifier for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best air purifiers

Overview

In this air purifier buying guide, we will explore the different types of air purifiers, their features, and the benefits of using one. We’ll explain the different types of filtration, how to choose the correct size for your space, and the best practices when using an air purifier. Additionally, we’ll provide some tips on how to maintain your air purifier and keep your air fresh and clean. By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of air purifiers and how to find the best one for your needs.

Key features

  1. Filters - Type, size, and quality of the air purifier's filters will determine how effective your air purifier is at trapping and eliminating pollutants. Air purifiers come with multiple types of filters, including HEPA, carbon, and pre-filters. Consider filter maintenance, cost, and replacement schedules.
  2. Purification Technology - Determine how your air purifier cleans the air. Options include ionizers, ozone generators, air scrubbers, photo catalytic oxidizers, and UV purifiers. Consider the pros and cons of each type of technology.
  3. Size of the Room - Air purifiers come in different sizes. Choose one that is suitable for the size of the room you want to purify. A larger room requires a larger air purifier in order to effectively remove contaminations from the air.
  4. Noise Level - Air purifiers make noise when running, so consider the noise level before you buy. Find out the noise level of the air purifier and make sure it is suitable for the space you plan to use it in.
  5. Energy Efficiency - Air purifiers use energy to operate, so look for an energy-efficient model to save money on your electricity bill.
  6. Additional Features - Check for additional features such as remote control, adjustable speeds, digital display, etc.

See the most popular air purifiers on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Improved Breathing Air purifiers can help improve your breathing by reducing the amount of pollutants in the air. These pollutants can include dust, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and smoke particles.
  • Reduced Allergies Air purifiers can help reduce allergies by taking out the allergens in the air. These allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
  • Reduced Odors Air purifiers can help reduce unpleasant odors by filtering out airborne particles that can cause bad smells. This includes cigarette smoke, pet odors and cooking odors.
  • Better Sleep Air purifiers can help improve your sleep quality by removing airborne particles that can cause sleeping problems. This includes dust, pet dander, mold, and bacteria.
  • Cleaner Air Air purifiers can help make your indoor air cleaner by removing dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other pollutants from the air.
  • Reduced Maintenance Air purifiers can help reduce your maintenance workload by taking out the particles that can cause your filters to clog. This can include dust, pet dander, and smoke particles.

Cons

  • Cost: Air purifiers can be expensive, depending on the size and type purchased.
  • Maintenance: Air purifiers require regular maintenance and filter replacements.
  • Noise: Some air purifiers can be noisy when running.
  • Space: Air purifiers can be large and take up floor space.
  • Limited Effectiveness: Air purifiers are not capable of removing all pollutants from the air.
  • Power Consumption: Air purifiers can consume a lot of energy.
  • Health Concerns: Some air purifiers emit ozone, which has been linked to potential health risks.

Best alternatives

  1. HEPA Filters – High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are typically used in air purification systems to remove small particles from the air.
  2. Air Cleaners – Air cleaners are machines that use an ultraviolet light source to clean the air by trapping dust, allergens, and other airborne particles.
  3. Air Purifying Plants – Air purifying plants are natural air purifiers that use their leaves and root systems to absorb toxins and other pollutants from the air.
  4. Activated Charcoal Filters – Activated charcoal filters are a type of filter that uses activated charcoal to absorb odors and pollutants from the air.
  5. Ionic Air Purifiers – Ionic air purifiers work by using an electrical charge to attract particles and pollutants in the air and remove them from the air.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • HEPA Filters – High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to catch particles and allergens in the air.
  • Air Purifying Bags – These bags are filled with activated charcoal or other air purifying materials to help remove pollutants from the air.
  • Ultraviolet Light Bulbs – These bulbs are designed to kill bacteria and viruses in the air.
  • Ionizers – These devices create ozone or negative ions to help reduce allergens in the air.
  • Air Purifier Covers – These covers protect the air purifier from dust and other particles.
  • Air Cleaners – These devices help to remove dust, smoke, and other pollutants from the air.
  • Air Purifier Parts – Replacement filters, motors, and other parts are available for most air purifiers.
  • Air Purifier Accessories – Accessories such as remote controls, power cords, and air freshening products can be used with air purifiers.

Common questions

  1. What types of air purifiers are available?

    Air purifiers can be categorized by their type of filtration system, such as a HEPA filter, ionizer, ozone filter, activated carbon filter, or UV light filter. Some air purifiers may combine more than one type of filtration system.

  2. What size air purifier do I need?

    The size of air purifier needed depends on the size of the space that needs to be purified. Generally, the air purifier should cover an area up to four times larger than the room size. It is also important to consider the air flow rate, which is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM).

  3. How much does an air purifier cost?

    Air purifiers vary in price depending on the type and size. Air purifiers with more advanced filters and larger sizes tend to cost more. Prices can range from $50 for a smaller, basic model to several hundreds of dollars for a larger, high-end model.

  4. Can an air purifier reduce allergens in the air?

    Yes, air purifiers can help reduce allergens in the air. HEPA filters are especially effective at capturing small particles, such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, which are common allergens. Other types of air purifiers, such as ozone filters and UV light filters, can also help reduce allergens in the air.

  5. How often should I change the filter in my air purifier?

    The frequency of filter changes depends on the type of filter and the amount of air that is being purified. HEPA filters typically need to be changed every 3-6 months, while activated carbon filters and other types of filters may need to be changed more or less frequently. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations.

  6. Do air purifiers produce any noise?

    Yes, some air

Trivia

A humorous fact about air purifiers is that they have been used to clean up the air in a variety of environments! For example, in the early 1990s, an air purifier was famously used in a hotel room in Las Vegas to clean the air of smoke from a nearby wildfire. Since then, many air purifiers have been used in factories, hospitals, and even museums to help regulate air quality. Source: Air Purifier History

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.