Air purifier buying guide: Finding the Best Fit for Clean Air

Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Pro Handyman Australia – Editorial Team

The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

Clean air isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining our health. Our lungs, heart, blood circulation, and overall physical well-being are profoundly affected by the quality of the air we breathe. Yet, many might be surprised to learn that the air inside our homes could be more polluted than the air outside. Studies from reliable environmental sources reveal that indoor air can have pollutant concentrations that are two to five times higher than outdoor levels.

Addressing the sources of indoor air pollution is an ideal first step. Actions such as designating specific zones for pets or ensuring that smokers enjoy their habit outside can significantly reduce contaminants. However, not all sources can be easily managed. In such cases, regularly ventilating the house by opening windows can introduce fresh air. If these measures don’t suffice, or if they aren’t feasible, room air purifiers emerge as the next best solution.

The Rise of Air Purifiers

With the advent of the recent pandemic and an increase in remote work, air purifiers have gained significant traction. These devices are designed to filter airborne contaminants like smoke, pollen, and dust. Some advanced models are even touted to capture particles that could potentially carry viruses like COVID-19. The growing demand has led to a plethora of options in the market, making the choice overwhelming for potential buyers. To ensure you select the perfect purifier, understanding your requirements and the device’s capabilities is crucial.

Deciphering Your Air Purifier Needs

Navigating the world of air purifiers can be daunting. Questions may arise like: Do you genuinely need one? If so, which size would be optimal? What features should you prioritize? And how can you be sure of its efficacy? Let’s delve deeper to help you unravel these queries and guide you towards the ideal choice for your living space.

Understanding the Role of Portable Room Air Purifiers

Portable room air purifiers cater to individual rooms, distinguishing them from whole-house air purification systems that integrate into a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. These purifiers aim to enhance the air quality of a specific room, much like a space heater supplements a home’s overall heating system.

For instance, consider a home with a well-functioning HVAC system. Although the general ambiance might be warm, certain rooms with characteristics like old, drafty windows could remain chilly. Introducing a space heater in such a room would enhance its comfort level. In the same vein, while an HVAC system effectively filters air across the home, positioning a room air purifier next to specific pollution sources, such as a fireplace, can be beneficial. Furthermore, in spaces where you might share close quarters with pets, like bedrooms, a room air purifier can be a worthy addition.

The Functionality of Air Purifiers

Air purifiers excel in removing airborne allergens. However, once these allergens settle on surfaces, they escape the purifier’s reach, necessitating a vacuum cleaner for effective removal.

Research into room air purifiers indicates that those using HEPA filters can be particularly adept at eliminating common household irritants. HEPA filters, characterized by an ultra-fine mesh, are certified to trap 99.97% of challenging-to-capture particles that are 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This makes them efficient at catching a wide range of irritants, from minute viral droplets and particulate matter (such as residues from cigarette smoke or burning wood) to pet dander, dust, and dust mites. For an in-depth look into what air purifiers can effectively capture, consider further reading on the subject.

Exploring Air Purifier Technologies

Air purifiers employ a myriad of technologies to cleanse the air we breathe. While some prove beneficial, others might not be as effective or could even potentially jeopardize your health. Let’s take a closer look at these technologies.

Mechanical Filters

Mechanical purifiers compel air through a dense network of fine fibers to ensnare particles. The highly efficient HEPA filters fall under this category. Renowned for their capability to trap microscopic particles, HEPA filters also capture larger suspended particles such as dust, pollen, and some mold spores. Beware of filters marketed as “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like” – while they might offer a decent performance, they haven’t been certified as genuine HEPA filters. It’s worth noting that mechanical filters don’t neutralize gases or odors and can be somewhat costly in terms of maintenance. Typically, a replacement is needed every six to 12 months, with costs ranging up to $200, although most are priced below $80.

Activated Carbon Filters

These filters utilize activated carbon to ensnare specific types of gases, including some that cause odors. However, they aren’t exceptionally efficient against formaldehyde, ammonia, or nitrogen oxide. Given that they don’t address particles, many purifiers incorporate both activated carbon and mechanical filters. It’s essential to understand that activated carbon filters tend to saturate faster than mechanical ones, requiring replacements every three months. Typically, these replacements cost up to $50 each.

Ozone Generators

Despite claims of safe ozone levels from manufacturers, the use of ozone generators can be detrimental to indoor air quality. Ozone can transform certain pollutants’ chemical compositions, but not always in a favorable or safe manner. Research underscores the link between ozone and various health issues, including diminished lung function and respiratory irritations. Consequently, the usage of ozone generators isn’t generally recommended.

Electrostatic Precipitators and Ionizers

These electronic models charge airborne particles so they adhere to machine plates or nearby surfaces. However, they are not typically recommended due to their potential ozone production.

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI)

While some manufacturers assert their purifiers can annihilate airborne pathogens using UV lamps, it’s crucial to understand that the effectiveness depends on the intensity and duration of UV exposure. Not all pathogens are equally susceptible to UV radiation.

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) and Photoelectrochemical Oxidation (PECO)

PCO air purifiers combine ultraviolet radiation and a photocatalyst, like titanium dioxide, to produce radicals that oxidize gaseous pollutants. However, this reaction might yield harmful byproducts. Although limited studies have been conducted on PCO effectiveness, some findings suggest they might not be reliably effective in purifying indoor air. The PECO variant, introduced by specific manufacturers, has also been under scrutiny for its effectiveness and efficiency.

Consumer Reports’ Methodology for Testing Air Purifiers

To ensure that air purifiers genuinely benefit the user, Consumer Reports employs a rigorous testing method that assesses the device’s ability to purify the air from various pollutants.

Particle Elimination Efficiency

A sealed chamber filled with smoke and dust provides the testing environment. Here, a particle counter gauges the fluctuation in air particle concentration as the air purifier operates for a span of 15 minutes. The focus of the tests lies between particles as small as 0.1 micrometer and those up to 1 micrometer. This range encompasses a variety of irritants, including allergens from dust mites and cats, smog, smoke, and atmospheric dust. It’s worth noting that the tests don’t extend to particles larger than 1 micrometer, like pollen. The rationale? Any purifier that excels in the specified range will effortlessly handle more sizable airborne particles.

Functionality Across Speed Settings and Noise Levels

Recognizing that most air purifiers come with a range of speed settings, the testing process assesses dust and smoke removal capabilities at both the highest and a quieter speed, ensuring the latter doesn’t exceed 50 decibels. Noise levels across all available speed settings are meticulously measured. The long-term functionality is vital, so the tests also factor in annual operating expenses. This includes the financial implications of filter replacements and the energy consumption for non-stop operation over a year.

Reliability and Owner Satisfaction

A product’s durability and user contentment are paramount. As such, a model’s overall score encompasses owner satisfaction and reliability ratings. This data stems from a comprehensive survey conducted in 2022, capturing the experiences of users who purchased air purifiers between 2012 and 2022. Top-performing models in these tests not only proficiently purify the air from dust, smoke, and pollen but also receive commendations for anticipated reliability and user contentment.

Recommendations and Filter Types

It’s noteworthy that more than three dozen models receive recommendations in the air purifier ratings. A significant majority of these employ a HEPA filter, and many also incorporate carbon filters, enhancing their ability to neutralize odors. All recommended models satisfy the stringent criteria set for safety, performance, value, and dependability. For a more in-depth understanding, one can refer to the comprehensive article detailing the standout and underwhelming air purifiers for the year.

Factors to Keep in Mind When Purchasing an Air Purifier

Filter Replacement and Maintenance

Regular maintenance of an air purifier is crucial to its performance. Pleated filters typically require replacement or cleaning (if they’re designed to be vacuumed) every six to 12 months, whereas activated carbon filters have a shorter lifespan of around three months. It’s worth noting that many air purifiers come with an indicator light that signals when it’s time for a filter change or cleaning. The cost of these replacement filters can vary significantly, from a modest $20 to an upward of $200. Filters equipped with odor-removing carbon can sometimes carry a price tag close to $50.

Evaluating Clear Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

The Clear Air Delivery Rate, or CADR, is a crucial metric that indicates the efficiency of an air purifier. Tested and provided by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), it measures the volume of clean air (in cubic feet per minute) that an air purifier can produce on its highest setting. For instance, a CADR of 250 for dust means that the purifier can reduce dust particle levels as if 250 cubic feet of clean air were being added every minute. A higher CADR means the air purifier works more quickly and efficiently. It’s essential to select an air purifier with a CADR rating that matches your primary pollution concern. For those living with smokers, an air purifier with a high CADR for tobacco smoke would be ideal.

Prioritizing Energy Efficiency

An air purifier’s effectiveness is contingent upon continuous operation, which means energy consumption can become a concern. Air purifiers with Energy Star certification are about 40% more energy-efficient than their non-certified counterparts, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run

Selecting the Right Size for Your Room

Air purifiers displaying the AHAM Verifide seal are trustworthy in terms of their suggested room size capacities. However, it’s prudent to be skeptical of some manufacturer claims. Numerous air purifiers on the market may not perform efficiently in the room sizes they claim to support. It’s advisable to refer to independent test results to ascertain the suitable room size for a specific model. On a related note, opting for an air purifier designed for larger rooms might be a good strategy even for smaller rooms since these units can operate at lower, quieter speeds.

Consideration of Noise Levels

An often-overlooked factor, the noise level of an air purifier, can impact the overall user experience. A continuously running machine should ideally not be disruptive. For context, a noise rating of about 50 decibels is comparable to a refrigerator’s hum. Potential buyers should research the noise levels of an air purifier before purchase, either through product listings or independent ratings.

Optimizing Your Air Purifier’s Performance

Filter Maintenance is Key

To ensure your air purifier operates at peak efficiency, it’s paramount to either clean or replace its filters regularly. A clogged or dirty filter can significantly hamper the device’s performance.

Strategic Placement

For households with only one air purifier, placing it in the most frequented room, like the bedroom, is recommended. When positioning the device, ensure that there are no obstructions hindering the airflow. It’s best to keep it at a distance from items like curtains.

Modulating Speed Settings

To strike a balance between performance and noise levels, consider running the air purifier on its highest speed when the room is unoccupied and lowering the speed when you’re present. Alternatively, investing in a purifier designed for larger spaces can allow for efficient operation at quieter, lower speeds.

Key Features to Look for in an Air Purifier

Importance of Washable Prefilters

Prefilters that can be washed and reused are invaluable in air purifiers. They function by capturing larger particles before these can reach the main filter. This not only ensures cleaner air but also prolongs the lifespan of the primary filter. Over time, this could lead to considerable savings on replacement filters.

The Utility of a Filter Service Indicator

An integral component of some air purifiers is the filter service indicator light. This feature provides a timely reminder, alerting users when it’s time to either replace or clean the filter. This convenience ensures that the device runs optimally, maintaining high air quality.

Leveraging Air-Quality Sensors

Incorporating particle counters or air-quality sensors adds a layer of intelligence to air purifiers. These sensors have the capability to gauge the degree of air pollution in real-time. Based on this data, the air purifier can then automatically modulate its cleaning speed, providing an adaptive and efficient response to varying air quality conditions.

Mobility Features: Carrying Handles and Wheels

For those who wish to move their air purifiers across different rooms, the device’s weight becomes a significant factor. Most portable air purifiers tip the scales between 10 and 20 pounds. Therefore, selecting a model equipped with casters or wheels can greatly simplify its transportation. Such models are easily rolled from one location to another, providing flexibility in where the device can be used.

The Convenience of Remote Control

A remote control feature can considerably enhance the user experience, enabling effortless adjustments to the air purifier’s settings from a distance. Moreover, some modern air purifiers come integrated with smartphone applications that mimic the functionality of a traditional remote control.

Embracing WiFi-Enabled Models

WiFi-capable air purifiers are at the forefront of modern air-cleaning technology. Through a dedicated smartphone application, users can access real-time data, such as Particulate Matter (PM) readings and the specific pollutants being filtered out. This seamless integration of smart technology and sensors provides users with comprehensive insights into both indoor and outdoor air quality. Moreover, the accompanying app, apart from acting as a remote, facilitates scheduling the device’s operations and sending notifications for filter replacements, ensuring uninterrupted air purification.

Other Ways in Maintaining Optimal Indoor Air Quality

Consistent Cleaning Practices

To maintain a healthy indoor atmosphere, regular vacuuming is paramount. Larger allergens such as dust mites and pet hair tend to settle on surfaces. While air purifiers can tackle airborne particles, they might not address these settled pollutants unless agitated. Therefore, to effectively remove these allergens, it’s essential to vacuum both floors and furniture with a HEPA-certified cleaner at least once or twice weekly.

Effective Ventilation in Specific Areas

Employing exhaust fans is a practical step in managing indoor air quality. Installing them in areas that are prone to moisture or smoke, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, can help in exhausting pollutants and preventing mold growth.

Mindful Habits for Indoor Activities

For those who smoke, it’s highly advisable to avoid doing so indoors. Similarly, refraining from burning candles and wood fires indoors can significantly improve the air you breathe. These practices release numerous particles and gases that can be harmful when inhaled over prolonged periods.

Natural Ventilation Techniques

Embrace the benefits of fresh outdoor air. On days when the weather is favorable, open your windows to allow clean and dry air to circulate within your home. However, if you have concerns about pollen or suffer from related allergies, consider running your air conditioner or a forced-air cooling system. Always ensure that the air filters in these systems are clean to maximize their efficiency.

Minimizing Chemical Exposure

Household chemicals can be a significant source of indoor air pollution. It’s wise to minimize the use of cleaning products that are rich in chemicals. Furthermore, items like house paint, glues, and insecticides should be stored in locations like the basement or other areas separate from the main living spaces. This can prevent the unnecessary circulation of harmful chemical fumes where you spend most of your time.

Guidance for Choosing the Ideal Air Purifier

Assessing Room Size and Device Capacity Before diving into the vast array of air purifiers, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the space you wish to purify. Desktop devices designed for smaller spaces may not be as effective in expansive living areas. On the other hand, deploying a high-capacity air purifier in a small space, such as a child’s bedroom, might be excessive.

A constructive way to identify an apt purifier for your space is by checking its ‘air changes per hour’ specification. This can provide a tangible understanding of the device’s efficiency. For instance, a compact purifier might process the air in a 350-square-foot room eight times in one hour but may only manage half of that rate in a room twice the size.

Additionally, the clean air delivery rates (CADR) offer another valuable point of comparison.

Addressing Specific Pollutants Different air purifiers have distinct strengths when it comes to filtering out specific pollutants. For those troubled by cigarette smoke, a specialized purifier might be more suitable than the one designed for homes with multiple pets.

While most purifiers exhibit consistent performance in filtering varied pollutants, some might show a slight edge in trapping either dust and dander or smoke. If your primary concern revolves around odors, opt for purifiers equipped with an activated carbon filter. And for those seeking a holistic solution to air quality, consider a device known for its all-around efficiency.

Decoding the CADR Rating The clean air delivery rate (CADR) is a standardized metric introduced by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to assist consumers in gauging the efficiency of an air purifier. A CADR of 200 for pollen, for example, signifies that the device can decrease the pollen concentration to an equivalent level of introducing 200 cubic feet of fresh air every minute.

Generally, a higher CADR number suggests that the purifier can remove particles swiftly and is suitable for larger spaces. For environments housing COVID-19 patients, it’s advisable to invest in a purifier with a CADR of 240 or above, considering the room size it’s recommended for.

It’s also worth noting that some purifiers may display a singular CADR number, while others may provide varied ratings for different particle sizes, such as smoke, dust, or pollen. However, it’s crucial to remember that most air purifiers, based on typical room sizes, may not have CADR ratings sufficient to effectively eliminate larger pollutants like dust mites or allergens linked to cockroaches.

Mechanical Filtration: Prefilters and Main Filters Air purifiers employing mechanical filtration utilize physical barriers to capture pollutants passing through them. Typically, such devices possess a minimum of two filters: a prefilter to ensnare larger pollutants like pet fur, and a more intricate main filter to secure finer pollutants.

When it comes to prefilters, distinctions are minimal. While some are designed to be washable or vacuumable, others are intended for single use and disposal. The latter may lead to slightly increased maintenance costs over time. However, the critical component to focus on is the main filter. It’s advisable to opt for an air purifier featuring a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, a standard endorsed by both the EPA and the American Lung Association. Renowned for their effectiveness, HEPA filters capture a remarkable 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns or larger. For context, the smallest entities discernible to the human eye hover around 70 microns, although we can sometimes detect light-scattering particles as minute as 10 microns.

Beware of devices promoting “HEPA-type” filters. Although they might resemble authentic HEPA filters, they might not necessarily match the stringent filtration standards set by HEPA. It’s prudent to choose purifiers that explicitly mention the use of HEPA or “True” HEPA filters.

Specialized Filters for Specific Needs Some advanced air purifiers incorporate supplementary filters, predominantly composed of activated carbon or charcoal. These specialized filters are adept at trapping gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odorous compounds. Particularly valuable for households with smokers or pets, these filters, however, have a finite capacity to absorb specific compounds, necessitating periodic replacements.

While some air purifiers vaunt filtration systems rooted in ionizers or ultraviolet (UV) light, there’s insufficient evidence validating their efficacy. Furthermore, they may produce ozone—a respiratory irritant—which could exacerbate rather than alleviate respiratory issues.

Sound Emission: Balancing Efficacy and Comfort Considering the fans embedded within most air purifiers, noise is an inevitable byproduct. While some are ingeniously silent—especially on minimal settings—others might emit a noticeable hum on intensifying their operation.

For serene environments such as bedrooms or a baby’s room, it’s paramount to pick a purifier that harmoniously combines efficiency with quietness.

Decibel measurements, found in the device’s specifications, provide a sound benchmark. Some models boast a noise level as low as 17 dB—equivalent to the gentle rustle of leaves. Conversely, others can escalate to a robust 60 dB, reminiscent of an air conditioning unit positioned 100 feet away.

Balancing Size and Mobility The portability of air purifiers varies significantly across models. Compact air purifiers are typically designed to perch on a desk or shelf and are convenient for frequent relocation between rooms. In contrast, the larger and weightier models are best suited for a fixed location, though some do come equipped with casters to enhance mobility.

If your lifestyle involves transitioning the air purifier from a home office during the day to the living room in the evening and then to the bedroom at night, it’s wise to opt for a more compact model or one with smooth-rolling wheels. However, it’s essential to remember that an air purifier’s size usually influences its cleaning capacity. Hence, the optimal choice for a compact space might not suffice for a spacious family room. Striking a balance between size and mobility is crucial if you envision a single purifier serving multiple spaces in your residence.

Maintenance: Beyond the Initial Investment

Assessing Filter Replacement and Costs While the initial investment in an air purifier is crucial, especially if you’re budget-conscious, the expenses don’t end post-purchase. Periodic filter replacements are integral to the device’s efficiency. The expenditure associated with these replacements varies; certain models require pricier filters that last longer, whereas others utilize cost-effective filters that necessitate more frequent changes. While some prefilters can be cleaned and reused, the HEPA filters are generally single-use and warrant complete replacement.

Before committing to a particular model, it’s prudent to project the annual maintenance costs and weigh them against other prospective choices. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the long-term financial commitment.

Evaluating Energy Efficiency

Continuous Operation and Power Consumption

Given that air purifiers deliver optimal performance when operational continuously, it’s vital to factor in their electricity consumption. While several recommended models are Energy Star-certified, their power consumption differs, particularly based on fan speed.

Typically, compact air purifiers consume less power, but they cater to limited spaces. In contrast, models designed for extensive rooms or featuring higher fan speeds might be more energy-intensive. Some advanced models are equipped with “eco” modes, which significantly reduce power consumption when sensors detect minimal airborne pollutants.

To gauge the potential impact on your electricity bill, it’s beneficial to refer to the product’s estimated energy consumption specifications. While certain devices are incredibly efficient, consuming negligible power, others can be more demanding, potentially influencing monthly energy costs.