Air purifiers are not a cure-all for every possible air quality issue. Thats why you often see manufacturers claiming their products remove 99% (or more) of particles in the air.
Having various modes can also be valuable, such as an energy-saving mode to save on power or a sleep mode to lower the noise during the night.
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[Whole-house] filtration is the easiest retrofit opportunity by installing high-capture filters in HVAC systems, says Sam Rashkin, chief architect of the U.S. Department of Energys Building Technologys Office. Additionally, your air purifier should follow the 2/3 rule regarding its clean air delivery rate (CADR), measured in cubic meters per hour (m/h) or cubic feet per minute (cfm). The highest is 52 dB at the highest settings, which still isnt terribly loud. If youre running the air filter on high settings most days, the filters will likely need to be replaced sooner. We like that the model also has an LED light that constantly indicates how clean or dirty the air is. There's also a nighttime mode and a sleep timer as part of its 10 speed settings. The Toxin Absorber filter is designed for smog, toxins, and volatile organic compounds. Consumer testers said they like having that visual recognition in real-time. Next, they identify brands that have performed the best and proved the most reliable through more than a decade of air purifier testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. He's the person everyone he knows turns to for help with tech, too. Join 425,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Coverage area: Up to 540 sq. Additionally, the machine doesnt use ions to purify the air, which is safer for you and your pets. The AeroTower's 10-speed fan adds cooling power that can be distributed throughout the space in a direct, diffused or wide airflow, depending on your needs. The device uses a two-stage air filtration system with an activated carbon pre-filter and a True HEPA filter to clean 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Hathaspaces purifier covers a maximum of 1,500 square feet with a CADR of 265 cfm, cleaning the air once per hour. Some machines have a mode that automatically adjusts the fans speed depending on the air quality, which also saves on power.
You can also move the AirDoctor around using the built-in handles and recessed wheels. Need something to deal with pet hair and dander? Our testers have evaluated many Blueair air purifiers in recent years. For those who want clean air, no matter where you go, youll want to get your hands on the Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Air Purifier. These include pre-filters, mechanical filters, ionic air filters, UV light filters, and carbon activated filters. How to Manage an SSH Config File in Windows and Linux, How to Run GUI Applications in a Docker Container, How to Use Cron With Your Docker Containers, How to Check If Your Server Is Vulnerable to the log4j Java Exploit (Log4Shell).
Since it's HEPA-certified, our testers found this air purifier to be a superb choice for allergy sufferers because it can remove fine particles and common allergens from the air. ft. Dimensions: 16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6 inches Weight: 15.41 lbs. Cost of replacement filter: $40, Our experts know LG as an innovative manufacturer of appliances and electronics, and the brand is now bringing that same imaginative muscle to air purification with the AeroTower.
We select and review products independently. The PureZone runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 12 hours, depending on the speed. Can the Police Really Watch My Doorbell Camera? Most top-performing air purifiers use mechanical filters with a dense web of fine fibers that trap particles from the air as it is pushed through by a fan. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Theres also an adjustable and removable handle that makes it easy to hold.
They can improve air quality and help you breathe easier. Its also highly effective in eliminatingtoxins, bacteria, contaminants, volatile organic compounds, and other particles in the air. Theres even a pet lock feature that will prevent your pets from messing with the settings. Others quibbled that the interface takes a little getting used to, but in time, most appreciated the bevy of modes, including three fan speeds and separate modes for sleep, turbo and auto, in which the purifier uses onboard sensors to make automatic adjustments based on current air quality conditions in the room. Coverage area: Up to 679 sq. They monitor air quality and eliminate odor to ensure you're always breathing fresh air. She leads efforts for the constant evolution of GHs technical and testing protocols, responding both to market drivers and growth opportunities. ft. Dimensions: 44 x 10 x 10 inches Weight: 27.6 lbs. Cost of replacement filter: $150. For those who need a purifier that can provide extensive coverage, the AirDoctor 5000 is an excellent choice. This mid-sized model, previously the brand's largest, claims to clean the air as often as five times an hour and remove up to 99.97% of super tiny airborne particles (including viruses). This is thanks to the pre-filter, H13 true HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter creating a three-stage filtration system to filter it all out. Cleaning: Apart from wiping down the housing every now and then, cleaning the exterior of the device is minimal.
It wasnt all that long ago that air purifiers were considered novelty items, the kind of thing youd see in airline catalogs or at gadget shops. "HEPA-like" filters have not been certified to meet that standard. You can use anm/h to cfm converter to figure out the exact CADR.
However, the machines highly efficient on energy in addition to several other features. With its sleek front panel available in eight colors, the Alen is one of the best-looking air purifiers our experts have seen. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. There are five different modes to select from, including a sleep setting. She has close to a decade's experience reporting on tech, gaming, and gadgets. Theres also a pre-filter that traps large particles such as hair and dust, allowing the Max2 to clean as effectively as possible. It has a decibel level of 38 at the lowest settings and 65 at the highest. But our bottom-line advice is that the best cleaning power comes from a true HEPA filter. An exception is models with a washable pre-filter, designed to capture large particles before they reach the primary filter; this feature can cut operating costs by extending the life of the main inner filter.
Our ease-of-use tests also found a bunch of family-friendly extras on the unit: unlike other fans, it has no accessible blades, so it's safer for small hands. The higher the CADR, the faster the machine will clean the air. You can recharge it using the included USB cable. What Is a PEM File and How Do You Use It? These air purifiers can help quell allergies to pets, pollen and more. The AirDoctor 5000 has undergone independent lab testing that proved to remove 99.99% of the live SARS-CoV-2 virus. Its a hefty $1,000 but outperforms many other purifiers on the market in terms of effectiveness. The Levoit Core P350 picks up pet dander and fur, and eliminates unpleasant odors around the home. This will be great for travel since you can keep the device around you at all times. The AirDoctor 5000 might be on the expensive end of the air purifier spectrum, but if you can swing the cost, it wont disappoint. Different air purifiers will be more efficient at cleaning the air in different ways, so its important to pick the one that will work best for your health needs. You can use the Dyson app to deliver real-time air quality reports that also include temperature and humidity. For more than 15 years, Rachel has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about products across the home improvement space. You can check the indicator on the machine at any time to know when its time for a filter change. You can set timers and turn off the display light for a good nights rest as well. WiFi connectivity allows for remote control via the smartphone app, which is nice if you want to start purifying shortly before you arrive back home.
However, theyre also usually more expensive.
It also expands the lifespan of the other filters, which saves you money in the long run. Operation: For maximum air cleaning, you should run the air purifier all the time when youre home. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. Coverage area: Up to 1,560 sq.
Standing 44 inches tall, the AeroTower is the biggest air purifier weve reviewed but provided its going in a large space, that shouldnt be an issue. How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. He's the person everyone he knows turns to for help with tech, too. You can also turn on Sleep Mode to reduce the LED displays brightness and lower the fan noise as low as 24 dB. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Yes, they can be part of your overall strategy.
Learn more about our, 12 Best Air Purifiers of 2022, According to Experts, Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping Institute, Dan DiClerico, Good Housekeeping Institute, Pure Cool Purifying Tower Fan, TP04 Air Purifier, How to choose the best air purifier for your home, Do air purifiers protect against COVID-19?. Then, there are the smart capabilities, including the Levoit app, which allows you to monitor real-time air quality, view filter life and set schedules.
When you research air purifiers, youll frequently see the term HEPA, which stands for high-efficiency particulate air. Finally, even though the 5000 is cleaning this much air effectively, it runs as quietly as 30 dB at the lowest speed and 50 dB at the highest.
For example, the much-hyped, sleek-looking IKEA Frnuftig can only capture 99.5% of smaller airborne particles. How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times.
Following the combined 50-plus hours of data review, Lab testing and at-home evaluations, we arrived at our 12 top picks out of more than 40 reviewed models.
This new model from Coway claims to cover up to 1,560 square feet, making it a great option if you need to purify the air in a bigger room or even a whole apartment. They also attend trade shows and industry events, like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to stay on top of the latest innovations in indoor air quality.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter will capture particulate matter down to the size of airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Coverage area: Up to 361 sq. As you couldve guessed, this portable air purifier doesnt offer much coveragejust enough for your personal space.
The best part? One of our staff testers has been running the unit for several months in her home and says the light hum is quite peaceful at night. Reduce and eliminate your allergy symptoms with Hathaspace's HSP002 air purifier. If you dont have a lot to spend on an air purifier like our best overall pick, there are still great options out there for less. Thats why our advice is to follow CDC guidelines for COVID protection, including getting vaccinated and wearing a mask indoors if youre in an area of substantial or high transmission. ft. Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 20 inches Weight: 13 lbs. Cost of replacement filter: $70, We like the price of this newly released air purifier from Dreo as much as our product testers lauded its performance. Theres even an Auto Mode that automatically assesses the rooms air quality to adjust the device to the correct filtration level. If you're interested in buying an air cleaner that uses ionizers, make sure it meets the California Air Resources Board (CARB) limit of 50 parts per billion; the CARB website includes a list of approved air purifiers, and the information is usually listed in marketing material as well. Control All Your Smart Home Devices in One App. For certified units with ionization, we still recommend that you operate the device with this function turned off until more research is done on the effectiveness and safety of these types of machines.
Carry the PureZone Mini everywhere you go. Dealing with pet allergies can be difficult at home.
At-home testing checks for general improvement to freshness, as well as overall usability. Coway's Airmega 400S eliminates nearly 100% of ultrafine particles with a CADR of 328 m/h and coverage of 3,120 square feet. Our picks are all UL-certified for safety, though as with any electrical device, be mindful of fire hazards like frayed wires. It comes in black and white color options, both of which have a bright LED ring that signifies the air quality. ft. Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 27 inches Weight: 27 lbs. Cost of replacement filter: $129. The Levoit Core 300 is an exceptional budget-friendly option that still offers True HEPA filtration, priced at $100. Since air purifiers work best when theyre placed out in the open in commonly used rooms, design matters. Our testers also like the easy-to-clean pre-filter, which captures hair, fur and other large particulates before they reach the inner HEPA filters. In some cases, these purifiers can end up producing ozone in the process. ft Dimensions: 9.25 x 20 x 22.25 inches Weight: 17 lbs. Cost of replacement filter: $20.
He has loved computers and technology ever since he started gaming as a kid back in the 1990s. The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab provides expert reviews and advice on all things home and related, including indoor air quality.
To help clean the air around you, youll want to opt for the Hathaspace HSP002, a $440 purifier. If you need to clear allergens from the air, the HSP002 is the purifier to get. Some air filters will also need to be replaced sooner than others. The device uses a three-part filtration system: a fabric one for dust and other large particles, a true HEPA one for smaller particles like mold and bacteria and a carbon-activated one for odors caused by smoke, pets and the like. Coways Airmega 400S eliminates nearly 100% of ultrafine particles with a CADR of 328m/h and coverage of 3,120 square feet. Then the pandemic happened, driving, even more, consumer interest not to mention an influx of big-name brands like LG, Philips, Samsung and Whirlpool. Provides up to 4,340 square feet of coverage, Very inexpensive unit and replacement filters, Reduces and eliminates allergy symptoms, Only provides 54 square feet of coverage. The device cleans up to 868 square feet five times per hour, which is about the size of a small room or apartment. True HEPA filters use a very fine mesh certified to capture 99.97% of particles measuring at least 0.3 microns in diameter. This affordable purifier only costs $40, and you can bring it anywhere. This includes using an H13 True HEPA composite filter, a unique honeycomb activated-carbon filter, and a pre-filterall working together to provide you with clean and fresh air at all times. They also consider newer brands with unique features or innovations. In short, yes, air purifiers work. To zero in on the ideal air purifier for your needs, weigh the following factors: Coverage area. The Airmegas four-stage filtration system includes an activated-carbon layer thats designed to capture odors, including those from a beloved yet stinky pet. These particles include viruses, bacteria, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. If you're looking to clear the air in a smaller space, our testers also liked the Blue Pure 411 Auto Air Purifier, basically a smaller, more affordable version of our top pick. It uses a five-in-one filtration system to always provide you with fresh air. People suffering from allergies or asthma might find air purifiers with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters particularly helpful because they remove common allergens and fine particles (99.97% of those measuring 0.3 microns in diameter in a lab setting, according to industry standards) from the air. It's built to purify the air in rooms up to 361 square feet. ft. Dimensions: 9.6 x 16.8 x 18.3 inches Weight: 12.3 lbs. Cost of replacement filter: $40.
We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Smart Mode adjusts the fans speed based on the rooms air quality, which also helps to save on energy. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. But even without the use of the ionization setting, the Alen should capture plenty of dust, pollen, smoke and more, while looking good in the process.
For such an inexpensive device, the Core 300 still manages to capture 99.97% of particles and remove pollutants. Read more Air purifiers provide you with a healthy living space as they clean the air around you. With regards to IAQ, she is a leading advocate for the adoption of rigorous industry standards.
True HEPA filters are more effective than HEPA-type filters. AirDoctors 5000 air purifier provides large coverage and offers medical-grade H13 filtering. If youre looking for a powerful air purifier that has everything youd need for any home, the AirDoctor 5000 is your best bet.
ft. Dimensions: 14.8 x 14.8 x 22.8 inches Weight: 24.7 lbs. Cost of replacement filter: $30. One more thing to note: the effectiveness of air purifiers in real-world situations likely wont mimic those of controlled conditions in a lab. Coverage area: Not listed Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 9.5 inches Weight: 1 lb. Cost of replacement filter: $15. There are purifiers for allergies, asthma, smoke, pets, odor, chemical sensitives, volatile organic compounds, and more. Some filters are reusable, but they require meticulous maintenance, so you don't usually find them on the most effective air purifiers.
True HEPA filters capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are small as and even smaller than 0.3 microns. This is in addition to germs, dust mites, mold, pollen, and volatile organic compounds that carry unpleasant odors and harmful gases. Its Time to Stop Dual-Booting Linux and Windows, 10 Smart Thermostat Features You Should Be Using, 2022 LifeSavvy Media. In usability tests, our testers gave points for the fact the unit has various fan speeds, timers and modes to choose from like an eco mode that claims to automatically save energy when it doesn't detect air pollution for 30 minutes. The 400S uses a Max2 filter, an activated carbon filter combined with a Coway Green True HEPA filter. US CHIPS Act: What Is It, and Will It Make Devices Cheaper? Its a must-have if you have a litter box in your home. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. You might see multiple areas listed, say one for the coverage provided in one hour and another for the coverage provided in five hours. Elizabeth has had her commerce work featured on XDA Developers, The Inventory, and more. While we have yet to review company testing data on the air purity claims, we found the sound machine and nightly aspects easy to use and the filter easy to replace. The HSP002 captures allergens and pollutants, filtering 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and 99.95% of particles between 0.3 and 0.1 microns. Microscopic particles in smoke can trigger a range of health issues, from burning eyes to chronic lung disease, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, but "generally, outside pollution or smoke or temporary bad air isn't a constant concern for bystanders," says Ryan Roten, D.O., an emergency medicine doctor with Redlands Community Hospital in California. This is usually quiet enough to not be distracting. Theres nothing worse than dealing with allergies at your home or workspace. Whether made of paper, fiber or mesh, the filters should usually be cleaned and/or replaced every few months or so (check the owners manual for specific recommendations).
This air purifier from Honeywell, another established brand in the home comfort space, comes in five different sizes that target rooms ranging from small (75 square feet) to extra large (500 square feet). Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Its also critical to maintain and upgrade your homes heating and cooling equipment. The CADR rating in cfm should be at least two-thirds of the rooms area, or it may not be able to clean the air efficiently.