Basements are usually the most neglected space in the house. The “ugly duckling” room — filled with pipes, exposed walls, and limited natural light (if any). It can feel like a dingy dungeon, an outlier compared to the rest of the home.
There are many reasons why your basement can turn out this way, from external factors such as radon or rising damp to dusty old belongings stored away. All of these are made much worse by the fact that the basement has restricted ventilation, which intensifies pollutants.
One good way to ensure your basement is free from particulates, gasses, and odors is to install an air purifier with HEPA and activated carbon filters.
An air purifier in the basement means airborne particulates like mold will be trapped in the filter instead of on your walls. Additionally, the activated charcoal filter catches nasty odors to boost freshness.
But knowing which air purifier is best for you isn’t simple. So, the HouseFresh team tested over 50 different devices to truly understand which devices work and which don’t.
- In our home lab of 728 cubic feet, we light an incense stick to generate particle pollution and VOCs.
- We set up our trusted Purpleair Indoor Sensor with the latest Bosch gas sensor to track levels of PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10ug/m3 and VOCs in the air.
- We switch the air purifier to its highest speed and measure how long it takes to get our room air quality down to PM1 level to 0.
- We use an energy meter to measure precisely how much electricity is used when running the unit at the lowest and highest fan speed settings.
- We track sound levels emitted by the air purifier at different fan speeds with the help of a commercial sound meter.
Using our in-house data, I’ve hand-picked the five best air purifiers that can tackle basement maintenance, paying close attention to filters, purification speed, and long-term running costs.
Staff picks: Top 3 air purifiers for basements
For those in a hurry, here’s a look at our top three purifier picks for your basement.
👑 BEST OVERALL | 💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS | 🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES | |
---|---|---|---|
Levoit Core 600S | TaoTronics AP-003 | Alen Breathsmart 75i | |
AIR CLEANING SPEED ⚡ | 15 minutes | 29 minutes | 24 minutes |
CADR 👩🔬 | 410 CFM (697 m³/h) | 226 CFM (384 m³/h) | 347 CFM (589 m³/h) |
FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨 | 3-stage filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses) | Pre-filter, H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
MAX ROOM SIZE 📏 | 635 ft² | 322 ft² | 1,300 ft² |
WEIGHT ⚖️ | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) | 27 lbs (12.2 kg) |
OUR REVIEW 🔍 | Levoit Core 600S review | TaoTronics review | Alen 75i review |
PRICE 💵 | $249.99 | Price not available | $748.99 |
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Of course, all basements are different. So, it’s important to understand your specific needs and assess all available options. Read on to find a range of units that cover different-sized spaces, have multiple features, and fit into various budgets.
1. Best overall: Levoit Core 600S
The Levoit Core 600S is the best basement air purifier on the market that provides rapid results, even in larger spaces.
The Core 600S is a no-brainer when facing the stubborn pollutants found in basements. Its powerful fans can clean large volumes of air every minute with a CADR of 410 CFM. Another plus is its relatively inexpensive price tag ( just $0.61 per CADR), which means you probably won’t mind keeping it on around the clock.
Our review shows that Levoit’s filters can remove even the smallest airborne particles. The 600S uses a high-quality 3-in-1 filter consisting of a pre-filter for larger pollutants like dust, a primary filter for smaller particles such as mold spores, and an activated carbon filter for odors and other VOCs rife in the space.
What we really like
What we think could be better
During our clean air speed test, the unit removed all traces of pollutants in just 15 minutes — the second-fastest purifier to do so. Although our test space is slightly smaller than the average basement, Levoit designed this unit to perform 4.8 air changes every hour in spaces up to 635 sq. ft., providing plenty of fresh air to larger rooms.
Despite this powerful performance, this unit is also ultra-energy efficient. This will be particularly useful as you can leave the device to run at its top speed around the clock to ensure it cleans up any pollutants. Once you’re happy that the air is safer to breathe, you can utilize the 600S’s auto mode to operate at lower fan speeds and automatically react snappily whenever pollutant levels rise.
SPECS & FEATURES
HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
Time to clean our test room: | 15 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gasses) |
Recommended room size: | 635 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 410 CFM (697 m³/h) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 40.9 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 61.4 dB |
Filter life: | 6 months |
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 1.53 kWh Speed 1: 7.92 kWh Speed 2: 11.35 kWh Speed 3: 21.15 kWh Speed 4: 49.27 kWh |
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $107.29 per year |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 years |
Country of manufacture: | China |
2. Less than $100: TaoTronics AP-003
If you want a cost-effective solution to your basement’s poor air quality, look no further than the TaoTronics AP-003.
The TaoTronics AP-003 is proof that not all cheap electronics made in China are junk. This unit from a lowkey brand promised a lot in its sales pitch, but boy, did it deliver with performance and specifications to rival units 2-3 times its RRP.
Setting you back just $79.99, this air purifier has many features to combat basement pollutants. First up is its medical grade H13 HEPA filter. It’s proven to capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is far smaller than the average dust or mold particle. Couple this with a granular carbon filter, and the TaoTronics AP-003 will take care of any musky odors, too.
What we really like
What we think could be better
One of the main features that jumped off the spec sheet for this unit was a CADR of 226 CFM. This is super powerful for a unit costing less than 100 bucks, so we had to see it for ourselves. Lo and behold, the AP-003 made light work of our speed test, removing the smallest PM1 particles in less than half an hour, which is exactly what you’ll need when cleaning a basement.
With a low energy draw and a highly accurate air sensor to monitor pollutant levels, this purifier continues to prove its worth. You might be wondering what the catch is. Well, it can be tricky to find in stock online (perhaps an indicator of its popularity), and it’s not the quietest air purifier on this list. But this shouldn’t be too much of an issue for use in a basement.
SPECS & FEATURES
HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★★ |
Time to clean our test room: | 29 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets |
Recommended room size: | 322 sq ft (30 m²) |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 226 CFM (384 m³/h ) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 21.8 x 14.1 x 7.9 inches (55.4 x 35.8 x 20cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) |
Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 38.4 dB Speed 2: 42.8 dB Speed 3: 54 dB |
Filter life: | 3 – 6 months |
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.7 kWh Speed 1: 5.9 kWh Speed 2: 10.5 kWh Speed 3: 36.5 kWh |
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $65.47 per year |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 1 year |
Country of manufacture: | China |
3. Less than $200: Honeywell HPA300
Honeywell’s HPA300 offers powerful performance without the premium price tag.
To put it simply, the HPA300 is a workhorse of an air purifier. It may not come with the latest smart features or a shiny new design, but it clears pollutants quickly thanks to its powerful fan and quality HEPA filters.
What we really like
What we think could be better
Available for less than $200, this air purifier offers valuable bang for your buck. With a CADR of 300 CFM, this equates to just 66 cents per CFM, which is incredibly cost-efficient.
This power makes the HPA300 a great option for use in basements as large as 465 sq. ft, as we saw when reviewing the unit, taking just 26 minutes to clear our test space of all PM1 particles.
Being an older unit, it’s not quite as energy efficient or quiet as its counterparts on this list, but this is traded off by a low initial purchase price and cheap True-HEPA filter replacements that are readily available online and in many stores, allowing you to keep your basement’s air clean and healthy long into the future.
SPECS & FEATURES
HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★☆☆ |
---|---|
Time to clean our test room: | 26 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | Activated Carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter |
Recommended room size: | 465 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 300 CFM (509 m³/h) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 20.8L x 10.83W x 22.38H inches (52.8L x 27.5W x 56.8H cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) |
Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 43.6 dB Speed 2: 48.8 dB Speed 3: 53.9 dB Speed 4: 59.5 dB |
Filter life: | HEPA every 12 months, Pre-filters every 3 months |
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 28.35 kWh Speed 2: 42.92 kWh Speed 3: 55.8 kWh Speed 4: 76.2 kWh |
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $151.22 per year |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
Country of manufacture: | China |
4. For large basements: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
Big basements meet their match with the Alen BreatheSmart 75i.
The 75i is a giant among air purifiers. As the largest of Alen’s BreatheSmart range, it takes on the mantle of the beefy big bro to the average-sized 45i and FLEX. With this added size comes added versatility, as the unit can take on huge spaces and eliminate larger quantities of pollutants thanks to its customizable filters.
What we really like
What we think could be better
So just how large of a basement are we talking about? Alen designed this unit to circulate air in a 1,300 sq. ft. space every 30 minutes, with a generous CADR of 347 CFM. Yet somehow, this unit draws a meager 45 watts on its top speed setting, allowing you to run the purifier for longer without racking up higher energy bills.
What I love about this option is that Alen offers a range of filters to suit your needs. Each option includes an H13 HEPA that captures particles as small as 0.1 microns with impressive effectiveness, but you can also tailor the amount of activated carbon the filter contains. Higher carbon quantities (found in the Odor or Smoke filter) provide enhanced protection from VOCs and odor, which is paramount if your basement is subject to radon or other chemical pollutants.
SPECS & FEATURES
HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
Time to clean our test room: | 24 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | True HEPA H13 filters with activated carbon pellets + Ionizer technology |
Recommended room size: | Up to 1,300 sq. ft. (2 ACH) |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 347 CFM (589 m³/h) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 27H x 18.5W x 11.5D inches (68.58H x 46.99W x 29.21D cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 12.2 kg (27 lbs) |
Noise level (low – high): | 24 – 49dB |
Filter life: | 12 – 15 months |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime (with product registration & active filter subscription) |
Estimated energy consumption: | $47.30 per year |
Country of manufacture: | China |
5. On/off ionizer function: Winix 5500-2
Sleek style meets speedy performance. The Winix 5500-2 is one of the latest units to light up our clean air speed test.
Winix has been making air purifiers for a while. But with the 5500-2, the company has mastered its craft. This air purifier utilizes four stages of purification, including Winix’s trademark PlasmaWave technology (a type of bipolar ionizer), which can help remove particles from the air even faster.
What we really like
What we think could be better
This unit blends style and function, with impressive qualities under the hood. As well as Plasmawave technology, you’ll find a washable pre-filter ideal for dirty spaces, a granular activated carbon filter for odors and VOCs and a True HEPA filter to remove the smallest dust and mold particulates.
Boasting a CADR score of 243 CFM when independently tested against dust makes for a highly efficient unit to use in a basement environment. We were blown away by how fast the 5500-2 performed in our speed test, clearing all pollutants in just 18 minutes.
SPECS & FEATURES
HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
Time to clean our test room: | – 18 minutes with PlasmaWave ionizer – 22 minutes without PlasmaWave enabled |
Air purifier technology: | PlasmaWave, removable pre-filter, washable activated carbon filter and True HEPA filter |
Recommended room size: | 360 sq. ft. (4.8 ACH) |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | – Smoke: 232 CFM – Dust: 243 CFM – Pollen: 246 CFM |
Dimensions (in inches / cm): | 15W x 8.2D x 23.6H inches (38W x 21D x 60H cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) |
Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 38.8 dB Speed 2: 42.5 dB Speed 3: 47.5 dB Speed 4: 58.9 dB |
Filter life: | 12 months |
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0.34 kWh Speed 1: 6.5 (7.1) kWh Speed 2: 9.11 (9.2) kWh Speed 3: 14.80 (15) kWh Speed 4: 53.46 (53.8) kWh |
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $135.70 per year |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 2 year |
Country of manufacture: | South Korea |
Other air purifiers we tested but don’t recommend for basements
Having reviewed and tested over 50 different air purifiers, there were more than many that didn’t quite meet our high standards. To help our readers avoid wasting their money, we’ll happily call out a disappointment when we see one. So, if you’re looking to improve the air quality in your basement, steer clear of these units:
- GermGuardian AC4825e – GermGuardian has been a staple in the air purifier world for some time. Yet, its products are unfortunately stuck in the past. When we tested the AC4825e, it took almost 2 hours to clear our test space of pollutants. At the same time, its bacteria-killing UV-C technology failed to impress and instead managed to spike electricity use.
- AROEVE MK01 – Billed as a medical-grade air purifier, AROEVE seemingly put all its eggs in the H13 HEPA basket, forgetting that for the filter to work, the purifier must circulate air effectively. With lackluster fans providing a poor CADR of 25 cfm, this unit would always struggle to reduce indoor air pollution, especially in an enclosed basement environment.
- PuroAir HEPA 14 240 – After receiving glowing reviews from the likes of USAToday and the LAtimes, the PuroAir became Amazon.com’s best-selling air purifier of 2023. All this hype meant we had to test it for ourselves. But what a disappointment it turned out to be. We’re not sure what it did to impress so many journalists because, as far as we could tell, it’s merely a poor imitation of the Levoit Core 300 — a unit that costs less than $100.
What to look for when buying an air purifier for basements
Basements are usually where you’ll find the worst air quality in your home.
The reason is simple: basements lack ventilation. This means that excess moisture has nowhere to escape, resulting in mold, mildew, and an unmistakable musky odor. Other pollutants, such as dust, allergens, and VOCs, are left to linger, exacerbating the issue further.
To fix this, you need to take action by increasing airflow and rooting out the causes of your air pollution problem. Utilizing an air purifier is an easy solution. However, to guarantee you get a device up to the task at hand, be sure to look for the following features:
1. High-quality filters
It’s vital that your air purifier can remove the smallest particles to improve air quality. It’ll need tightly woven filters to capture minuscule dust, mold, and any other particulate lurking in your basement.
As a rule of thumb, HEPA filters guarantee results. They’re rigorously tested to show they can remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The average dust and mold spore particles vary in size between 2 and 10 microns, so they fall comfortably within the HEPA range.
While not all manufacturers use HEPA-certified filters (see Levoit), we’ve tested each option on this list, making sure each unit is a safe choice for you.
2. Odor-busting activated carbon
As well as an excellent primary or HEPA filter, you’ll need activated carbon to remove VOCs such as musky odor and chemical fumes.
These filters work by trapping gaseous pollutants in the pores of a carbon substrate found inside the filter in a process known as adsorption. The more carbon a filter possesses, the more effective it will be, so keep an eye out for that when purchasing your device.
3. Energy efficiency
Tackling build-ups of air pollution in your basement is a big task for any air purifier. You’ll need to use your air purifier 24/7 to remove these pollutants as quickly as possible.
If you opt for a power-hungry unit, this could skyrocket your electricity bill.
Look for an air purifier with an Energy Star rating, or check out our annual energy expenses for each unit we test, where we measure how many watts a unit uses at its top speed and calculate an estimated cost using the Department of Energy’s appliance energy calculator.
4. Room size suitability
Air purifiers are most effective when used in an appropriate-sized space. Some units are effective in smaller rooms, and others can clean the air in much larger rooms, like a basement.
Ensuring you’ve found a suitably sized air purifier is critical, as an underpowered unit used in a basement will struggle to make a difference in your air quality.
The advertised space should indicate that the device can perform 4-5 air changes every hour, helping to increase ventilation and deliver much-needed clean air throughout your basement.
Manufacturers usually share what size room they have developed the unit for, so take a close look at the specifications or check out our specs and features table, where we always list the correct room size.
Common questions about air purifiers in the basement
Air purifiers can work inside any space in your home. To improve air quality, ensure it’s powerful enough to circulate the air in the specific size of your basement and use quality filters that can remove small particulates.
Place your air purifier as close as possible to the source of the pollutants. Leave at least five centimeters between your purifier and any wall or large furniture to allow air to flow freely in and out of the unit
Radon is a radioactive gas that seeps through cracks in a building’s foundation or vents. Seal any entry points before using a HEPA and activated carbon filter air purifier.
Air purifiers remove harmful airborne pollutants, while dehumidifiers expel excess moisture from the air. If you have a damp basement, using a quality dehumidifier and air purifier together can eradicate musty air and stop its spread or inhalation.
Using an air purifier if you live in a basement improves airflow and captures pollutants. This means less exposure to allergens, dust particles, and odors, creating a happier and healthier living environment.
The average mold particle ranges between 2 and 10 microns. The best air purifiers with a HEPA or high-quality primary filter can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. Ensure your basement is the right size for your air purifier to maximize effectiveness.
Wrapping up
Basements are notorious for their poor air quality, so investing in an air purifier is a surefire way to keep the space cleaner and healthier.
As these spaces have a large footprint, measuring the space and purchasing a purifier that can circulate the air is extra important. Opt for as high a CADR as your budget will allow, even if this means overlooking smart features and operating volumes that are less useful in a basement. Finally, make sure the unit you choose is cheap to run, as you’ll likely use it much more to combat the challenges in a basement setting.
Here at HouseFresh, we’re driven by the desire to help our readers and their homes. We have no relationship with any manufacturers or editorial directives, allowing us to relay facts as they are.
Well, what are the facts? By this, we mean real-world testing data. Unlike other major publishers who rely on Amazon sales data to form an opinion, we’ve tested over 50 devices with our intensive hands-on testing. Looking at how easy they are to use and how quickly they’ll get to work. If you have any questions about our process or would like to know more about the units on this list, feel free to drop me a line at paul@housefresh.com
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API