Indoor air quality is one of the most important to maintain a healthy home, or even an office. With this, it is easy to understand why a lot of people invest in the best air purifier, which can be beneficial in more ways than one. It cleans the air that we breathe and also eliminates foul odor. It gets rid of airborne pollutants that would otherwise be harmful for our health.
If you are thinking of buying an air purifier, keep in mind that they are not all the same. You should take a look at the technical specifications, and more importantly, consult with air purifier reviews. By doing such, it will be easier to weigh the pros and cons of the alternatives that you will be confronted with, increasing the likelihood of making the right decision.
Features of Air Purifiers
Filter Type
As you read through reviews about air purifiers, you will find there are several purifier filter types available. Included in these are: carbon filters, HEPA, ultraviolet and ionic. You’ll find that some purifiers utilize only one type of filter while others will often have a combination of two different types.
- HEPA is the abbreviation for High Efficiency Particulate Air. In order to be a HEPA certified filter, it must be 99.97% efficient at removing dust mites, pollen, dust and pet dander. HEPA purifiers are highly recommended by Allergists and doctors due to their ability to remove contaminants that are harmful, down to the microscopic level. These filters must be replaced every year, so you will want to know how much the replacement cost will be for the particular model you have chosen to purchase.
- There is a unique technology involved with Ionic filter models (also known as ionizers). A negative ion generator is used with air ionizers. The generator sends out negative ions into the air, which in turn will attract positive particles, like allergens and dust. As the two ions come together, the resulting particles become quite heavier, which causes them to fall out of the air and on to the floor. There are ionic filter purifiers which contain a metal plate with an electrostatic precipitator that will collect these particles. This plate must be regularly cleaned in order for the unit to work properly. If this is the kind of unit you are considering, be sure to keep this in mind.
- Ultra Violet (UV) purifiers are a little different as that they do not use a filter in order to remove contaminants from the air. Through the use of ultraviolet light, the molecular bonds of DNA in the harmful pathogens and bacteria, which are floating in the air, is broken down, thereby killing them off. These units are quite efficient at killing molds, harmful yeast, bacteria, and viruses. However, the dust and allergens are not removed from the air. Because of this, this method of air purification is best utilized in conjunction with another filter type.
- Carbon filter are usually found combined with another filter type and used as a pre-filter. They are extremely efficient when it comes to removing the particulate contaminants found in chemicals, gases, smoke, and those associated with odors.
Area Coverage (Room Size)
No matter which of the technologies you will be using, it is extremely important that you consider the area which the air purifier will be used in. You want to make sure that it is able to work efficiently in the square footage of the space it will be utilized for; check the square footage listed on the device.
If you’re not sure how to calculate the square footage use the square footage calculator.
Air Changes per Hour (ACH) Rating
This is a rating given to air purifiers that lets you know how frequently air within a room is exchanged. If a unit has an ACH rating of six, this means that it is able to exchange all the air in its maximum area of coverage six times every hour. Asthmatics need to have a rating that is at least four, but it is preferred to have a rating of six or eight.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) Rating
How well air is purified by a given device is indicated by its CADR rating. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) is the organization that calculates this rating. Units that have been tested against the standards of the AHAM will also have a seal of certification. This rating is of importance when you are considering a particular air purifier because it will let you know precisely how efficient the unit is at removing three particular air contaminants: tobacco smoke, pollen, dust.
Noise Level
For many people wanting to purchase an air purifier for home use, the amount of noise produced by the unit is of great concern. It would not be very practical to have a unit that is extremely noisy if you plan on placing it in your bedroom or living room. Likewise, if the unit is being purchased for a warehouse, or a large business, then noise level may not be much of a factor, and a more powerful louder unit may still be quite acceptable.
The decibel levels of most units are listed on the package. By using the chart below, you will be able to see how loud it may be as compared to sound you are more familiar with.
- 10 dB – Breathing
- 20 dB – Rustling Leaves
- 30 dB – Quiet Library
- 40 dB – Raindrops
- 50 dB – Average Home
- 60 dB – Normal Conversation
- 70 dB – Inside a Car
- 80 dB – Phone Dial Tone
Energy Usage
Air purifiers are not like most other appliances as they are continuously run throughout the day. When thinking about purchasing an air purifier, you may have concerns as to how much your electric bill may be increased. What you will find out is that the majority of purifiers operate on very little electricity. The majority of units utilize somewhere between 50 to 300 W of electricity. As a comparison, a standard light bulb uses 60 W, and 350 W are used by most computers.
Here is a little sample of energy costs and usage: an air purifier that uses 175 W, operating 24 hours every day, for an entire year, would cost approximately $12.50 each month, or a total of $153 annually to operate. If you are still concerned over cost, we would suggest looking for an Energy Star Certified unit that best meets your needs. These units are 40% more efficient than the standard models which can save you approximately 230 kW per hour every year. This would result in a savings of $25 from your electric bill. It’s a good idea to always look for this rating when you are reading reviews on air purifiers.
Best special purpose air purifiers
If you’re looking for specialty air purifiers – we have also looked into that for you. We have researched the best air purifiers for specific purposes as can be found in the links below:
- Dust
- Allergies
- Smoke
- HEPA
Things to Consider Before Buying a Best Air Purifier
The types of air purifiers available on the market include heating air purifiers and cordless air purifiers. Many clients who wish to maintain their surrounding air clean from bacteria and other germs are looking for air purifiers. Air purifiers do not disturb an individual during sleep and can be managed 24 hours per day.
Ultraviolet air purifiers come a little more expensive than others but provide excellent protection against all kinds of germs. They are also great for neutralizing household odors. Air purifiers which use filters are also quite hot and are extremely cheap. Prior to purchasing the best air purifier in USA, you ought to keep these points in mind.
Searching on Internet
The first step towards buying an excellent quiet air purifier would be to search online. With technology changing at a rapid rate, occasionally it becomes hard to keep track of the products which are being released later on market. You will be taken to a list of websites offering information on several sorts of sophisticated and state-of-the-art silent air purifiers.
By looking online you can also get a concept of the prices of the air purifiers. If you are trying to find a premium quality product that works flawlessly and is long-lasting and durable, take a look at the ones listed under the expensive class. This way you could also compare different attributes against distinct price ranges and review some of them.
There are various types of air purifiers out there for different room sizes. By viewing these products online it is possible to choose which one is going to be suitable for your needs. Furthermore, there are a few online shops that enable you to place an order directly there and then and have the product sent to your doorstep in days.
Testing Performance
After short-listing, a couple of air purifier models, be sure that you collect enough information about them to gauge their performance before purchasing them. Again, the Web can be employed to conduct this step. You could even ask friends and coworkers who have air purifiers inside their own homes to learn about their quality and performance.
You can go to an electronics store near to check an air purifier. Pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the solution and see whether it suits your requirements. Also, check how much power an air purifier should operate smoothly. If the silent air purifier is cordless, check what kind of batteries it requires and how frequently they have to get replaced.
Top Picks for the Best Air Purifier
In this section, we will have a quick look at some of the best options available in the market. We will also have brief air purifier reviews to help you understand how one option is different from the other.
1. GermGuardian AC4825 Air Cleaning System Review
This is one of the best picks for budget-conscious buyers. More than its affordable price, the slim profile can also be a good thing, especially if you have limited space. For larger rooms, however, this can actually be a drawback. It has True Stage HEPA Filtration and can filter out up to 99.97% of the pollutants that can be possibly mixed in the air. The indicator lights is also an excellent feature, which will provide you with an immediate notification if there is already a need for the filters to be changed.
Pros
- Budget-Friendly
- Impressive-Filtration System
- Energy-Efficient
- Compact Design
- Simple to Use
Cons
- Minimal Coverage
- Can Be Loud
2. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier Review
This is another option that is highly-recommended for people who are looking for the best air purifier with an affordable price. It has True HEPA Filtration. It is integrated with Smart Sensor, making it possible to automatically detect the quality of the air and modify the functionality of the unit based on the conditions of the surrounding. The unit is designed with a useful control panel, which will also provide you with an immediate notification when there is a need to have the filters changed. To make it versatile, you will have the option to choose from four fan speeds.
Pros
- Energy-Efficient
- Washable Air Filters
- High Clean Air Delivery Rate
- Has a Remote Control
- Effective Air Filtration
Cons
- Can Produce a Loud Noise
- Lack of Clear Instructions
3. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier Review
With True HEPA filtration system and an ionizer, you can be confident that it will be able to deliver an impressive job when it comes to purifying air. It has a number of features that will make it user-friendly, such as the integration of an electronic control panel. It also automatically detects air quality and change the fan speed based on what it senses. It also comes with an indicator light, providing you with immediate notification when the filters need to be changed. Ideally, however, you should see to it that the filters will be replaced at least once every six months.
Pros
- Operates Quietly
- User-Friendly Controls
- Easy to Clean
- Comes with Automatic Mode
Cons
- Not for Large Rooms
- Weak Odor Elimination
4. Alen BreatheSmart Customizable Air Purifier Review
Among other things, the 1,100 square feet area coverage is perhaps one of the best thigs about this model, making it functional even in larger rooms. It is equipped with an impressive filtration, although some complained that it is not True HEPA filtration. Users, however, will be able to customize the filters as desired. It can be used even in the bedroom because of its whisper-quiet motor. When it comes to style, it is already going to deliver the highest level of satisfaction especially because it is available in 15 different colors.
Pros
- Wide Coverage
- Efficient Cleaning Performance
- Automatic Sensors
- Excellent Airflow
Cons
- Expensive Price
- No True HEPA Filters
5. Whirlpool AP51030K Whispure Air Purifier Hepa Cleaner Review
Equipped with True HEPA filtration and a high Clean Air Delivery Rate, this is another product that can prove to be promising. The presence of a charcoal pre-filter is also worth noting. It has four fan speeds, including a Turbo mode, which means that it is going to clean air in a room in a manner that is quick. It has sleep mode and it consumes energy efficiently. It also comes with built-in handles, making it easy to be moved from one location to another.
Pros
- Excellent for Larger Rooms
- Impressive Pre-filter
- Energy-efficient
- Operates Quietly
Cons
- Lacks Aesthetic Appeal
- Replacement Filters are Expensive
6. Honeywell HPA 300 Air Purifier Review
As the manufacturer claims, this is recommended by 7 out of 10 physicians, which is indicative of its superior functionality. It has True HEPA Filters and multiple stages of filtration. This makes it possible to deal with up to 99.97% of pollutants, including those that are .3 microns. It has a mechanical filtration process, which is asserted to be able to circulate air up to five times within an hour. It is also approved by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, which is a testament that it has passed stringent tests.
Pros
- Operates Quietly
- Powerful Performance
- Recommended by Doctors
- Works Fast
Cons
- Need for Frequent Cleaning
- No Automatic Function
7. Honeywell 50250-S Air Purifier Review
Are you looking for an air purifier that comes with an affordable price? This model is perhaps hard to match. It comes with an economical price tag, which makes it one of the cheapest that you can find in the market. It has carbon pre-filter to trap odor and True HEPA Filter, which is able to eliminate up to 99.97% of pollutants in the air. It also comes with an IntelliCheck Filter Indicator, which will provide you with immediate notification when there is a need to replace the current filters.
Pros
- Efficient Filtration
- Affordable Price
- Long-lasting Filters
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Can Produce Noise
- Lacks Appeal
8. Honeywell 17000-S Air Purifier Review
With a coverage of 168 square feet, this might be smaller compared to other products, but it does not make it less impressive. It is equipped with charcoal pre-filter for odor elimination. This is complemented with True HEPA filter, which is able to get rid of up to 99.97% of pollutants in the air, even those that are as small as .3 microns. It offers an IntelliCheck System, which is an easy way to monitor the life of the filter. When the light is blinking, it means that the filters should be changed. It also has soft electronic controls, making it easy to operate.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Activated Charcoal Pre-Filter
- Compact Design
- Minimal Maintenance Required
Cons
- Minimal Coverage
- High Power Consumption
9. IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier Review
Made in Switzerland, the manufacturer takes pride in the fact that it has passed rigorous testing, making sure that it does not only meet but even surpass global standards. It has patented HyperHEPA Filtration, an innovation that allows it to be 100 times more effective compared to the capacity of traditional filters. To add, it can also trap dirt with size of up to .3 microns. It has 6 programmable fan speeds, allowing you to choose which one is best for the room. Regardless of the speed, you can be sure that it is going to consume energy efficiently. Lastly, it is designed in such a way that air is distributed evenly, and not just in one direction.
Pros
- Energy-efficient
- Guaranteed High-Quality
- Solid Construction
- Modular Filter Design
Cons
- Can be a Bit Loud
- Expensive Price
10. Winix 5300-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA Review
The HEPA Winix 5300, at about $169, is a top-of-the-line true HEPA air purifier. It has the majority of features that you would find on more expensive units, yet it is only half the cost. When you purchase this unit, you get a built-in sensor for air quality that will automatically adjust fan speed, three-stage air cleaning, is certified for areas up to 360 ft.², has a sleep mode, and is Energy Star approved. For the money, this is undoubtedly one of the best air purifiers you can get
Pros
- Effective night mode
- Has PlasmaWave Feature
- Filters can be used for a long time.
Cons
- Voice control is not available.
11. RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet Hepa Air Purifier Review
This model is very versatile and it is pretty quiet. It is a nice futuristic looking air purifier that does great cleaning your indoor air. It doesn’t allow you to schedule an air cleaning schedule, but it will do its job and fairly well too. The sleek design will allow you to place it just about anywhere in your home and it won’t keep you up by being super noisy.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Remote controller effective
- Very quiet
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- The price is a little high
- Filters expensive
12. Hamilton Beach 04383 Air Purifier Review
This is another affordable brand of air filter. It can be purchased for $59 at most retailers. It is designed to be used in rooms of up to 160 ft.². It comes with a permanent HEPA grade filter that will help reduce allergens.
It comes with an upright tower design with intuitive control knob. It weighs only 6 pounds and it is also easy to clean the filter using your standard vacuum cleaner.
One reason why some will want to invest in this appliance is because you do not have to constantly change the filters which can be the case for other brands.
Pros
- Very quietly
- Compact
- Permanent filter
Cons
- Effective only in small rooms
What is the Best Air Purifier for Pet Dander?
There are some wonderful products on the market that rid the environment of pet dander problems. The following air purifying appliances will answer the question, What is the best air purifier for pet dander? They are great to have around and are highly recommended by a lot of people as being effective and great value.
1. Honeywell HFD-010 QuietClean Compact Tower Air Purifier Review
The first product I immediately am reminded of is the Honeywell QuietClean Tower Air Purifier model HFD-010 with Permanent Filter. This device is affordable on virtually any budget, and is especially cool because it uses a permanent filter that can be washed as is needed.
Many air purifiers will make you buy replacements, but this device saves you money in this simple manner.
2. GT50 – Small Space Plug In Air Purifier System Review
Investing in this affordable air filter that will allow you to eliminate odors, reduce pet allergens, dust and other airborne irritants. This is a device that those who want a maintenance-free appliance will appreciate. You do not have to worry about replacing filters or constantly maintaining the air purifier.
3. Airfree Air Purifier Onix 3000 Review
A more expensive alternative that I must recommend is the Onix model 3000 is a Silent Air Purifier which is good for Germs, Mold, Allergies. I understand that this is a fairly pricey device, but its range and silence makes it an absolute must buy if you have the money.
In essence, this is one of the best air purifiers for pet allergens.
With that said, I have included other products in this article to cater to people of all budget ranges. Still, the point remains; this home appliance can be used to rid your environment of allergens in no time.
Pet dander is cleaned up and transferred into a cool flow of healthy air. The simple fact that this device attacks all sorts of particles in the air is ideal as well.
4. Winix WAC9500 Air Cleaner Review
Among other things, the five-stage filtration is perhaps the best thing about this air purifier. This is one of the most extensive within the product category, besting many of its competitors. It also has smart sensing technology, automatically adjusting the speed of the fan depending on the quality of the air indoors. It comes with an intelligent notification system, letting users know when there is a need to have the filters replaced. The unit also delivers exceptional energy efficiency and whisper-quiet operation, but only when it is not used under Turbo Mode.
5. Surround Air Intelli-Pro XJ-3800 7-in-1 Intelligent Air Purifier Review
The final product I can recommend is a mid-range device named the Surround Air XJ-3800 with its Intelli-Pro Air Purifier. This is one of the best air purifiers based solely on clinical testing and consumer reviews.
While the actual device is takes up more space than you would immediate think, it is well worth the investment. Included are seven filtration settings that allow this product to digest specific odors and toxins in your air.
Whether you are just looking to combat pet dander, or even cigarette smoke and smells, you will find that this device works like a charm.
Final
These are the best air purifiers that money can buy you, and when it comes to your indoor air, the best is what you need…
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