Are you considering buying an air purifier to improve the air quality in your home?
While air purifiers can be effective at removing pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air, not all air purifiers are created equal. To ensure you get the best air purifier for your needs, here are some things to avoid when making your purchase.
Avoid Air Purifiers Without True HEPA Filters
When shopping for an air purifier, one of the most important features to look for is a True HEPA filter. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and a True HEPA filter is capable of removing at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air.
However, some air purifiers claim to have “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type” filters, which may not meet the same standards as True HEPA filters. These filters may be less effective at removing small particles from the air, so it’s important to look for an air purifier with a genuine True HEPA filter.
Avoid Ozone Generators
Some air purifiers, known as ozone generators, produce ozone gas to purify the air. While ozone can be effective at removing certain odors and pollutants, it can also be harmful to human health. Inhaling ozone gas can cause respiratory irritation, chest pain, shortness of breath, and even permanent lung damage over time.
The EPA has warned against using ozone generators in homes, and many states have banned their sale entirely. Instead of an ozone generator, look for an air purifier that uses safer technologies like True HEPA filtration, activated carbon filters, or UV-C light to clean the air.
Avoid Ionizers Without HEPA Filters
Ionizers are another type of air purifier that can be controversial. These devices work by releasing negative ions into the air, which attach to pollutants and allergens, causing them to fall out of the air onto surfaces like floors and furniture.
While ionizers can be effective at removing some particles from the air, they don’t actually filter or trap the particles like a HEPA filter does.
This means the particles can easily become airborne again when disturbed. Additionally, some ionizers can produce ozone as a byproduct, which as mentioned earlier, can be harmful to health. If you do choose an air purifier with an ionizer, make sure it also includes a True HEPA filter to safely trap the particles.
Avoid Air Purifiers That Are Too Small for Your Space
Air purifiers come in a range of sizes designed for different room sizes. Choosing an air purifier that is too small for your space will result in ineffective air cleaning, as the purifier won’t be able to circulate and filter all the air in the room. When shopping for an air purifier, look for one that is designed for the size of the room you plan to use it in.
Air purifier capacity is typically measured in either CADR (clean air delivery rate) or square footage. As a general rule, choose an air purifier with a CADR rating that is at least 2/3 the size of your room’s square footage. For example, a 300 square foot room would need an air purifier with a CADR rating of at least 200.
Avoid Noisy Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can vary widely in terms of noise level, ranging from nearly silent to quite loud. If you plan to use your air purifier in a bedroom or other quiet space, a noisy air purifier can be disruptive and make it difficult to sleep or concentrate.
Look for air purifiers with multiple fan speeds, so you can run it on a lower, quieter setting when needed. Some air purifiers also have special sleep modes or ultra-quiet settings designed for use in bedrooms.
Reading customer reviews can give you a good idea of how noisy a particular air purifier model is in real-world use. You can also look for air purifiers that are rated for low noise levels, typically measured in decibels (dB).
Avoid Air Purifiers With High Maintenance Costs
While the upfront cost of an air purifier is important to consider, don’t forget to factor in the long-term maintenance costs as well. Most air purifiers require regular filter replacements to maintain effectiveness, and these replacement filters can add up over time.
Some air purifiers have very expensive replacement filters that need to be changed frequently, which can significantly add to the overall cost of ownership.
Look for air purifiers with affordable, long-lasting filters that only need to be replaced every 6-12 months. You should also consider the energy efficiency of an air purifier, as this can impact your electricity bills over time. Look for Energy Star certified air purifiers, which use 40% less energy than standard models.
Avoid Unknown Brands and Counterfeit Products
The air purifier market is unfortunately plagued by many unknown brands and counterfeit products that make false claims and may not meet safety standards.
Buying from an unknown brand or third-party seller can be risky, as you may end up with a low-quality or even dangerous product. To avoid this, stick with well-known, reputable air purifier brands that have a proven track record of quality and safety. Some of the top air purifier brands include:
- Blueair
- Coway
- Honeywell
- Levoit
- Molekule
- Rabbit Air
- Winix
If you find an air purifier from an unknown brand at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit air purifiers may use inferior components and may not deliver the level of air cleaning performance or safety that genuine products offer.
Air Purifier Comparison Table
To help you compare some of the top air purifier models and avoid common pitfalls, here is a comparison table with key specs and features:
| Model | True HEPA Filter | Ozone-Free | Ionizer | Room Size (sq. ft.) | Noise Level (dB) | Filter Life | Energy Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueair Blue Pure 211+ | Yes | Yes | No | 540 | 23-56 | 6 months | Yes |
| Coway AP-1512HH | Yes | Yes | No | 361 | 24-53 | 12 months | Yes |
| Honeywell HPA300 | Yes | Yes | No | 465 | 40-60 | 12 months | Yes |
| Levoit Core 400S | Yes | Yes | No | 403 | 24-52 | 6-8 months | Yes |
| Molekule Air | Yes | Yes | No | 600 | 41-65 | 6 months | No |
| Rabbit Air MinusA2 | Yes | Yes | Optional | 815 | 20-45 | 12-24 months | Yes |
| Winix 5500-2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | 360 | 27-60 | 12 months | Yes |
Conclusion
Buying an air purifier can be a great way to improve your indoor air quality and create a healthier home environment. However, it’s important to avoid air purifiers that use ineffective or unsafe technologies, are too small for your space, have high maintenance costs, or come from unknown brands.
By looking for an air purifier with a True HEPA filter, adequate room coverage, quiet operation, affordable maintenance, and a reputable brand name, you can find an effective and reliable air purifier that meets your needs. Use the information and comparison table in this article to help guide your air purifier shopping and avoid common mistakes.