One of the big questions we get asked from readers is, “What air purifiers are manufactured in the USA?”
Like many consumer products, most air purifiers are built in China, with a smaller number being made in Korea.
Buying American-made means you will support manufacturing jobs in the USA and benefit from the extra rules and regulations that factories in America must follow.
I am the lead tester here at HouseFresh, so my job is to review and test air purifiers in our home lab regularly. Based on my data and first-hand experience, I have uncovered the best-performing units completely built in the United States.
If you don’t have time to read the full article, the main point is that these are best air purifiers on the market that are manufactured here in the United States:
2. Oransi EJ120
As well as looking at where each purifier was made, I also made sure each unit came with the following features:
- HEPA Filtration – Widely considered the benchmark of a quality filter, High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters are guaranteed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
- Activated Carbon Filters – These filters capture gaseous pollutants known as VOCs. This includes toxic fumes, chemicals such as formaldehyde, and household odors.
- Powerful Fans – Even with the best filters, if your purifier doesn’t have adequately powerful fans, it will be ineffective at cleaning the air in your space.
Before purchasing a purifier, it’s important to remember that each unit is designed differently and may not be best suited to your specific needs. That’s why I have included a range of options for varying room sizes and budgets and a scope of different features so that you can find the perfect purifier for you below.
1. The best American-made air purifier: Austin Air HealthMate
All Austin air purifiers are built at the largest air-cleaning manufacturing facility in the world in Buffalo, New York.
I recently got a chance to review and test the Austin Healthmate in our home lab, and it removed all pollutants measuring less than 1 micron in 37 minutes.
The Austin Air HealthMate is a highly efficient air purifier with four stages of filtration to protect your home from a wide range of pollutants. With a medical-grade HEPA filter, this air purifier doesn’t just capture 99.97% of polluting particles as small as 0.3 microns. It goes one step further, removing 95% of particles that measure as small as 0.1 microns.
Ensuring even the most minor irritants — such as dust, pet dander, pollen, viruses and other toxins — will be removed from your home.
What we really like
What we think could be better
The HealthMate isn’t just an excellent option for particulate matter either. With a carbon blend filter comprising 15 lbs of Activated Carbon and Zeolite (which equates to 1500 acres of adsorbent material), this massive Carbon filter will work wonders in removing VOCs and odors from your space. While the two-stage pre-filter handles larger particles, protecting and improving the efficiency of the HEPA filter in the process.
Austin Air has utilized a single dial for fuss-free operation for those looking for a functional unit. Thanks to its castor wheels, it’s also easily transported to target different rooms or stored out of sight when not in use. You’ll also find a 360-degree filtering system, meaning the Austin Air HealthMate targets pollutants from all corners of the room, even within a large space.
SPECS & FEATURES
HouseFresh Rating: | ★★★★☆ |
Time to clean our test room: | 36 minutes |
Air purifier technology: | Carbon Filter, HEPA Filter, Pre-Filter, Large Particle Pre-Filter |
Recommended room size: | 750 to 1500 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 150 CFM (estimated based on HouseFresh tests) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 23H x 14.5W x 14.5D inches (58.4H x 36.8W x 36.8D cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 47 lbs (21.3 kg) |
Noise level (measured from 3 ft. away): | Speed 1: 42 dB Speed 2: 53.2 dB Speed 3: 61.5 dB |
Filter life: | 5 years |
Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hour): | Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 61.1 kWh Speed 2: 85.05 kWh Speed 3: 147.6 kWh |
Estimated running costs (electricity consumption + filter replacements): | $254.56 per year |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 years |
Country of manufacture: | US – Buffalo, New York |
As all Austin Models are made in the USA, you could also look at the following other air purifier models:
- Austin Air Healthmate Plus®
- Austin Air Bedroom Machine®
- Austin Air Allergy Machine®
2. Oransi EJ120
This is the only Oransi air purifier that is made in the USA.
Known for its use in hospitals, laboratories and even the Javits Center Covid field hospital, the Oransi EJ120 is a highly effective air purifier made in the USA. Using MERV17 rated, True HEPA filters along with a 1” deep pleated Activated Carbon filter, this unit can deliver excellent air quality within your space, removing a host of particulate matter and VOC pollutants.
The German-engineered, US-built EC motor provides high-powered airflow while being quieter and more energy-efficient, typifying the quality components and brilliant build quality that the Oransi EJ120 possesses. A generous 10-year product backs up this technology.
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The EJ120 also uses a no-air bypass system, offering extra efficiency. It reportedly filters 99.99% of airborne particles at 0.3 microns, including dust, smoke, mold and pet dander, making it highly beneficial for those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
Oransi’s filters can even be vacuumed in between changes to keep them performing at a highly efficient level. Be aware that the many other models of Oransi are now made in China, so only look for the EJ120 if you want to stick to a USA-made air purifier.
SPECS & FEATURES
Air purifier technology: | True HEPA plus Activated Carbon filters. |
Recommended room size: | 1250 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 330 CFM (561 m3/h) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 19H x 17W x 10D inches (48H x 43W x 25.5D cm) |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 27 lbs. (12 kg) |
Noise level (low – high): | 19 – 59 dB |
Filter life: | 12 months |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 10 years |
Estimated energy consumption: | $112.97 per year |
3. Enviroklenz Mobile Air System
Enviroklenz manufactures its air purifiers in a production facility in Topeka, Kansas.
When it comes to finding a quality U.S made purifier, you’ll no doubt be looking for something that will get the job done quickly and go the distance. The Mobile Air System from Enviroklenz is just that. Boasting powerful motors, long-lasting filters and the ability to clean the air in spaces as large as 1000 square feet.
What I like about this purifier is that its performance doesn’t drop off whenever used on its lower speed settings. While you can expect a decent CADR score of 250 CFM on its highest power, what’s even more impressive is that this purifier can still reach 150 CFM on its lowest, allowing you to save money by using less energy and reducing operating volumes too, all without compromising on protection from airborne pollutants.
What we really like
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Although Enviroklenz is unlikely to win any awards for the aesthetic design of this air purifier, they may just have struck gold when creating their patented Air Cartridge filter to tackle VOCs.
This filter uses a combination of earth minerals, including zinc, magnesium and titanium oxides, to neutralize and destroy harmful gas, chemical or bacteria pollutants, which was independently tested to effectively remove 99.9% of pollutants while emitting no off-gasses or ozone.
Enviroklenz also has an air system plus model that uses UV-C, which we recommend avoiding due to the possibility of releasing chemical byproducts.
SPECS & FEATURES
Air purifier technology: | Pre Filter, HEPA and Activated Carbon Filters |
Recommended room size: | 470 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 250 CFM (425 m3/h) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 22H x 15.5W x 15D inches / 55.9H x 39.4W x 38.1D cm |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 38 lbs / 17.2 kg |
Noise level (low – high): | 54 – 63 dB |
Filter life: | 24 Months |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 5 Years |
Estimated energy consumption: | $260.70 per year |
4. Air Oasis Range
All Air Oasis are assembled in-house in the USA in their factory in Amarillo, Texas.
The Air Oasis iAdaptAir would be my preference over the IonicAir models as they utilize large H13 HEPA filters and activated carbon. As with all USA-made air purifiers, you pay a big premium for the CADR level you would find from a unit made in China, Korea or Taiwan. The Air Oasis iAdaptair has a CADR of 165 CFM, which is only slightly more than the $99 Levoit Core 300 made in China.
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We didn’t rate them higher in our list because they use UV-C, which we feel carries some risk that some consumers might not appreciate.
SPECS & FEATURES
Air purifier technology: | Pre Filter, HEPA, Activated Carbon Filters, Ionization, UV Light |
Recommended room size: | 550 sq. ft. (I would choose a smaller space based on CADR) |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 165 CFM (425 m3/h) |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 31D x 12W x 12H inches |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 38 lbs / 17.2 kg |
Noise level (low – high): | 25 – 52 dB |
Filter life: | 4-12 Months |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | Lifetime |
Estimated energy consumption: | $25.23 per year |
5. Lakeair Max-700
All LakeAir products are completely manufactured at LakeAir’s plant in Racine, Wisconsin.
Lakeair has been making air purifiers in the USA since 1968, and unlike other companies on this list, they don’t import components. They build the whole air purifier, everything in the United States.
Lakeair, like Air Oasis, uses a combination of electrostatic, HEPA, carbon and UVGI. Their whole house units have CFMs up to 1100 and cost just over $3k, while their portable room air purifiers are from $500-$1000 but also have very high CADR compared to most air purifiers you find available for sale.
What we really like
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As these devices start at $500, there are no budget options available. But considering the CADR scores, you get a lot of air-cleaning performance.
SPECS & FEATURES
Air purifier technology: | Pre Filter, HEPA, Activated Carbon Filters and Ionizer |
Recommended room size: | 470 sq. ft. |
Clean air delivery rate (CADR): | 750CFM |
Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 17H x 13W x 13D inches / |
Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 38 lbs / 17.2 kg |
Noise level (low – high): | 54 – 63 dB |
Filter life: | 12 Months |
Manufacturer’s warranty: | 7 Years |
Estimated energy consumption: | $243.88 per year |
What to look for when buying an air purifier made in the USA
While shopping for a U.S made or designed air purifier is an excellent place to start for a quality unit, you should still pay close attention to the purifier’s specification, ensuring it is a good fit for your needs, whether it needs to be capable of cleaning the air in a large open-plan home or be able to target specific pollutants that may be detrimental to your health.
Consider these five key factors to make life easier when choosing the right unit for your needs:
1. Does the air purifier use HEPA filters?
High-efficiency particulate Air filters consist of tightly woven fibers constructed layer upon layer of densely packed pleats. This provides an inescapable maze for pollutants to travel through as they enter the purifier, removing at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
While other filtration methods exist, HEPA filters are tried and tested to provide the most effective changes to poor air quality.
2. Is your home affected by VOC pollutants?
Whether you live near a busy road affected by traffic fumes or have a stinky pet, pollutants known as VOCs comprise nuisance and often harmful gasses rather than particulate matter. In reality, every home will be affected by VOCs to some extent, as they emit from many household items (carpets, furniture and cookers) and occur naturally in the earth’s atmosphere.
To tackle VOCs, look for an air purifier that utilizes Activated Carbon filters. These filters usually work alongside HEPA filters to provide the most comprehensive level of protection.
If you think that your air quality might be adversely affected by VOC pollutants, look for a carbon filter with a large amount of charcoal and that the substrate is made of pellets rather than dust for the best results.
3. What size space would you like to use the air purifier in?
Unbeknown to many, each air purifier is designed to work optimally in a specific-sized space. This means the fans and filters can only effectively process a given amount of air.
Purchasing a small purifier in a large, open-plan space won’t affect air quality. By measuring your room and comparing the dimensions to the manufacturer’s recommended room size, you’ll get a good idea of the right unit for you.
Once you’ve measured the room where you will place the air purifier, you can use our calculator to find out what CADR rating you should be looking for:
4. How much you’d like to spend
Like many goods, air purifiers made in the USA often have a premium price tag. You must opt for a unit that meets the minimum requirement for your space without compromising on room coverage or filtration.
If you find that no suitable options are made in the USA within your budget, look for options that may be designed here yet are manufactured overseas, as this will usually reduce the cost considerably.
5. How much energy the purifier uses
As the cost of living rises and energy prices continue to fluctuate, it’s important to understand what you will expect to pay when using an air purifier before taking the plunge. Using our energy cost calculator, you can enter the unit’s wattage and receive an approximate cost to avoid any nasty surprises when your energy bills arrive.
Common questions about American-made air purifiers
The Austin Air Healthmate impressed me after I completed our three-stage testing process. It’s not cheap, but I am confident it is the best air purifier made in the USA right now.
Regarding manufacturing, China has very high-quality factories and lower production costs, making it hard for US companies to build their goods on US soil. This has been happening across various industries for some time, but if you want to read more about it, check out this Proquest study.
You’ll also find that eastern technology hubs such as Beijing and Seoul are somewhat ahead of the game regarding air quality, having needed a solution to polluted air due to their increasing industrialization and booming populations over the years.
Most air purifiers are made in China due to lower costs associated with production. Levoit, Blueair, Medify and Honeywell are headquartered in the United States, but their factories are based in China.
Products designed and made in the U.S. must meet the requirements for the “Made in the USA” standard set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), implying a higher level of quality and the promise of jobs for American workers.
In addition, the “Made in the USA” label comes with a sense of pride and support for the U.S. manufacturing sector. Read more about this topic on Investopedia.
Air pollution is increasingly on the radar for many people in the USA. And for good reason, too. Whether affected by high traffic or industrial areas that emit harmful fumes, the toxic smoke created when wildfires strike or simply the desire for a healthier environment in your home, free from dust, allergens or odor. There are plenty of factors that negatively impact air quality in American homes.
Using an air purifier in your home will protect yourself and your loved ones from breathing in these harmful pollutants daily. Many of which can contribute to health concerns in the long run.
Here in the USA, we’ve been making promising strides in recent decades, seeing a reduction in the level of toxic pollution emitted into our atmosphere from unregulated industries.
Yet, as our planet faces new challenges, hundreds of millions of Americans live daily in environments plagued by poor air quality, often unaware that the air they breathe harms their health.
As air pollution, consisting of microscopic particles, is usually invisible to the naked eye, it can be easy to turn our attention elsewhere. However, the particulate matter from burning fossil fuels, agriculture, construction and wildfires contribute to 100,000 deaths in the USA annually.
Other common pollutants found in the home, such as bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens, directly affect millions more, all of which can kill any vulnerable person.
Wrapping up
Air pollution in the USA remains a key issue, with no sign of things changing for the better soon. Investing in an air purifier with HEPA and Activated Carbon filters can help protect yourself and your family from the range of pollutants we face.
Opting for a purifier made in the USA is a great way to guarantee you’ll be purchasing a purifier made and designed to tackle the challenges we experience in the U.S. while being made to the highest standard by American workers.
Suppose your budget doesn’t allow you to buy an American-made air purifier. In that case, there are plenty of excellent options from US-owned businesses that develop air purifiers here in the USA before having them assembled overseas, meaning you can reap the rewards of an American-designed unit without paying a premium. Our favorite US brand that manufactures well-priced air purifiers is Levoit, which makes the Levoit Core 300, Core 600S and EverestAir in China, and they performed very well in our in-house performance tests.