In case you didn’t know, we perform air-cleaning performance experiments for the air purifiers we review here at HouseFresh.
We fill our home lab with incense smoke and track how fast an air purifier can clean so we can confidently understand how well the air purifiers perform their primary job of removing particle pollutants from the air.
All our tests are done in the same room using incense smoke to create pollutants in the air before we can get the air purifiers to do their magic. Throughout the test, we use our Purple Air Indoor Sensor to track how quickly PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3, and PM10ug/m3 are removed.
We gather air quality data every two minutes to visualize performance with nifty charts we produce with Flourish (see an example above). On top of this, we track energy consumption with the help of an electricity usage monitor, and we measure noise levels in decibels across all power levels of the unit.
This year, we tested 40 different air purifiers in our home lab. The result was a long spreadsheet full of data points that allowed us to compare units of all different types and sizes – from battery-powered portable air purifiers to the largest purifiers for use in rooms over 1000 sqft.
In 2022, we uncovered great air purifiers that blew us away with their efficiency and cleaning power. But not everything was good news: we also identified a small number of air purifiers that should be avoided due to their lack of cleaning power, high energy costs and poor value for money.
While there was some correlation between price and cleaning power, there were also many examples of overpriced machines that performed way less than even our lowest budget recommendation.
TL;DR: The 5 Air Purifiers That Blew Us Away
Before we jump into our detailed review, here are what we think are the 5 air purifiers for 2023:
Why You Should Trust This List
Most lists of “best air purifiers” are nothing more than a ranking of the current bestsellers, regardless of actual capabilities. If you pair that with the fact that there are a ton of air purifiers that promise the world with their marketing but fail to deliver, then you end up with countless publishers recommending crappy units with big marketing budgets behind them.
We don’t want to contribute to that.
That is why here at HouseFresh, we test and review every air purifier we recommend in our home lab. We can then compare them using first-hand data that doesn’t rely on manufacturers’ specifications. Here’s what we do:
- We create particulate pollutants in our home lab with the help of incense sticks.
- We use a Purple Air Indoor sensor to record how long it takes the air purifier to reduce the levels of PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3, and PM10ug/m3 particles in the air.
- We test smart modes and app support for both Apple and Android
- We track energy consumption with an electricity usage monitor.
- We measure noise levels in decibels across all power levels available.
One of the main reasons we test so many air purifiers every year is so we can identify which are the best units overall for that current year. As of 2022, based on our in-depth reviews and evaluations, these are the four best air purifiers for most people:
1. Taotronics AP003 – Best Budget
I discovered the Taotronics AP003 on Twitter as I follow several indoor air quality experts on there, and this unit was regularly shared as one of the best they had evaluated, especially when it came to air cleaning performance per $ spent, so I knew I had to test it for myself.
The reported CADR scores of the Taotronics AP003 were impressive; it has the same level of cleaning power as a $200 air purifier but for $79.99! When we tested the unit in our test lab, it managed to clean our room in 29 minutes which matched the CADR scores provided.
The fact that this also comes with an auto-mode and screen that gives you the pollutant level to the nearest ug/m3 was the cherry on top and makes this air purifier an easy one to recommend for 2022.
OneAP-003 won’t be suitable for larger rooms, with a recommended max of 322 square feet, but thanks to its low price, it makes sense to add additional units to double your cleaning power, and it’s still cheaper than larger units with less cleaning power. Many schools will use multiple units in one classroom for a large cleaning power for low initial and long-term cost and this has been shown to reduce COVID-19 according to the CDC.
There are no app features with this air purifier, but it does have an auto-mode which means the unit will switch on automatically if it detects pollutants. I was also super impressed by the electricity usage of this unit, with a maximum draw of 29.2 watts and a maximum sound of 52 dB.
If you want the best air cleaning power for your budget, the Taotronics AP003 is currently the best option in the world.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | H13 HEPA with activated carbon pellets |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 226 CFM / 384 m³/hr |
| Cost per CADR CFM: | 35 cents |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 322 sq. ft/30 m² |
| Filter life: | 3-6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | ≤32dB – 52dB |
| Cost per month for filter: | HEPA and activated charcoal total:$5.83 |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 21.8 x 14.1 x 7.9in / 554 x 358 x 200mm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 18 lbs / 8.16 kg |
| Energy consumption: | $61.26 per year |
| Time to clean our test room: | 29 minutes |
What We Really Like:
👍 The best air purifier for the money we have ever tested
👍 Screen clearly shows the pollutant levels, so there is no need for an air quality monitor
👍 Super efficient fan that doesn’t draw lots of electricity or create too much noise
👍 Filter replacement costs are fair and at the lower end compared to competitor models
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Amount of carbon is lower than the IQAir and other larger air purifiers
👎 No app support
2. Smart Air Blast Mini – Best Quiet Air Purifier
If you don’t want to deal with many air purifiers for use in one large room, you will be interested in an air purifier like the Smart Air mini. Similar to the Taotronics AP-003, it keeps things simple with a huge HEPA H13 filter and an optional activated charcoal filter. When we tested it in our test room, it cleaned all pollutants in our test room in 17 minutes and more impressively managed to do this without breaking 49dB, which is less than the sound of light rainfall!
The Smart Air Mini is one of the quietest air purifiers we have tested and also has a high level of single-unit air-cleaning performance with a reported CADR of 435 CFM. If you value quiet and low cost in filters, then the Smart air mini blast is the perfect choice for large rooms up to 900sq. ft.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | H13 HEPA Filter and activated charcoal |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 435 CFM / 740 m³/h |
| Cost per CADR CFM: | $1.37 |
| Recommended room size: | 915 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 33 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 36 – 49 dB |
| Cost per month for filter: | HEPA: $3.12 Activated Charcoal: $4.9 Total: $8.02 |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 22.6L x 13W x 24.8H inches / 57.5L × 33W × 63H cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 59 lbs / 26.8 kg |
| Electricity costs per year: | $284.38 per year |
| Time to clean our test room: | 17 Minutes |
What We Really Like:
👍 It cleaned our test room in 17 minutes – the second fastest
👍 HEPA Filter replacement costs are some of the cheapest on the market
👍 Wheels make it easy to move into different positions in your house
👍 Quiet with a maximum sound level of 49dB
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Cost per CFM is lower than other air purifiers on this list
👎 No app support or auto mode, which didn’t bother us but is worth considering if these features are important
3. Levoit Core 600S – Best for Large Rooms
The Levoit Core 600S is currently the fastest air purifier we have tested in our home lab for removing PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3, and PM10ug/m3 from our test room. It’s a large machine which makes sense considering that HEPA and activated charcoal filters require a large amount of air to be pushed through to work effectively.
For a huge space, the Levoit Core 600S is the air purifier to beat, although it runs loud at its highest speed, hitting 55dB.
As with all Levoit air purifiers, it comes with app support that allows you to access the air purifier without being at home. The auto-mode works well with the Levoit Core 600S, quickly switching its fans on as soon as it detects particular pollutants.
You need to be aware that the quality sensor is at the back of the air purifier, so be careful not to keep it too close to the wall as this will block the air access.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | H13 True HEPA filter |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 410 CFM / 697 m³/h |
| Cost per CADR CFM: | 72 cents |
| Recommended room size: | Up to 3175 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Noise level (low – high): | 26 – 55 dB |
| Cost per month for filter: | One filter with HEPA and Activated Charcoal: $11.66 |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12.3L x 12.3W x 23.6H inches / 31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
| Energy consumption: | $102.11 per year |
| Time to clean our test room | 15 minutes |
What We Really Like:
👍 The fastest air purifier to clean our test room we have tested
👍 App support and auto-mode that quickly adjust to pollutants in the air
👍 Value for money when compared to other units that have similar air cleaning performance
👍 Combined carbon and H13 HEPA for easy replacement
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 A large unit that wouldn’t be appropriate for use in smaller rooms
👎 Would like to see more carbon used in the filters
4. IQAir Healthpro Plus – Best Quality
The IQAir Healthpro Plus is a challenge to recommend to most people as it costs close to $900, but after testing this unit in our lab and using it in my own home over the past 12 months, it’s still the unit that I would recommend if budget is not your primary concern.
As soon as I opened the box to this air purifier, I knew it would be a little different. It came with a signed confirmation of the in-house testing which had been performed on my unit at the factory in Switzerland. Design-wise, it’s pretty standard, but when you open it up, you see that your $900 is spent on the quality of the filters.
The HyperHEPA is IQAir’s patented filter system that can stop smaller particles than standard HEPA and only needs replacing every 3 years if used for 10hrs per day.
The V5-Cell is what deals with gasses and odors, and it contains large amounts of activated carbon. This is something you don’t see with budget units and needs replacing every 2 years, assuming 10hrs of usage per day.
The IQAir Healthpro Plus is not without its downsides, with the main issue being the initial cost of purchase, energy costs, and that the filters have a high price compared with other air purifiers – the HyperHEPA costs $199, and the V5 Cell costs $99.
If you have the money and are ok with this unit costing more, then this is the air purifier that is at the top of my list for 2022.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | Pre-max filter, V5-Cell Filter, HyperHEPA filter |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 330 CFM / 560 m³/hr |
| Cost per CADR CFM: | $2.72 |
| Recommended room size: | 450 sq ft to 1125 sq ft |
| Filter life: | HyperHEPA – 4 years / V5 Cell – 2 years |
| Noise level (low – high): | 25dB – 69dB |
| Cost per month for filter: | HEPA: $4.1 Charcoal: $4.3 Pre-filter: $5 Total: $13.40 |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 28H x 18W x 16D inches / 71H x 38W x 41D cm |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 16 kg / 35 lbs |
| Energy consumption: | $467.08 |
| Time to clean our test room | 25 minutes |
What We Really Like:
👍 HyperHEPA is one of the highest-quality filters on the market
👍 A large amount of activated carbon – over 5lbs in the V5-Cell filter
👍 Powerful fan that is capable of pulling air through both filters and the pre-filter
👍 Wheels included for moving to other rooms easily
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 High electricity costs and filter replacements are more costly than most competitors at this cleaning power
👎 Design is very standard, and it also lacks smart features or auto mode
5. Mila Air Purifier – Best Smart Mode
We managed to get around the Mila Air Purifier that first appeared on the market with a large Kickstarter campaign. It’s now available in most retailers, and I have to say, I was impressed with the results. If you are looking for the very best $ to cleaning level, then this isn’t it, but in exchange for a little more money, you get an intuitive app-based system that allows you to keep a tab on your levels of clean air with the device making most of the decisions.
Similar to how the smart thermostat was a game changer in the heating world, smart” air purifiers might be something we see much more of in 2023. Many causes of indoor air pollutants are irregular and having the ability to save electricity and reduce sound levels can be a significant benefit worth paying for.
I was a big fan of how little technology you need to get going; out of the box, it will start analyzing the air in your home and adjusting power levels based on it. You can also customize your settings to a large degree, such as setting the maximum speed it will go even it detects lots of pollutants which can be an issue with auto modes with other models we tested.
Mila recommends a number of these for a whole house, and I would agree, but then this unit is no slouch. In our particle test, it removes all PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 in 35 minutes.
SPECS & FEATURES
| Purifier technology: | HEPA (depends on type but ranges from H12-H14) and activated charcoal (granular carbon) |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 263 CFM (447 m³/hr) |
| Recommended room size: | 1000 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Filter costs yearly: | $150-$200 (based on type filter) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24 dB -74 dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12L x 12W x 15H inches |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 8 KG / 18 lbs |
| Energy consumption: | $108.62 per year |
| Time to clean test room: | 35 minutes |
What We Really Like:
👍 Great smart features with app support for Apple and Android
👍Automatic mode can be adjusted to a large degree targeting specific situations
👍 Doesn’t use too much electricity, especially when in “automagik” mode
👍Great screen that quickly shares information on the top of the unit
What We Think Could Be Better:
👎 Filter customization is excellent but the filter cost are a little higher than brands like Levoit or Honeywell
👎 High price for air cleaning performance due to smart features
| Purifier technology: | HEPA (depends on type but ranges from H12-H14) and activated charcoal (granular carbon) |
| CADR (CFM / m³/h): | 263 CFM (447 m³/hr) |
| Recommended room size: | 1000 sq. ft. |
| Filter life: | 6 months |
| Filter costs yearly: | $150-$200 (based on type filter) |
| Noise level (low – high): | 24 dB -74 dB |
| Dimensions (in inches / in cm): | 12L x 12W x 15H inches |
| Weight (in pounds / in kg): | 8 KG / 18 lbs |
| Energy consumption: | $108.62 per year |
| Time to clean test room: | 35 minutes |
The 3 Air Purifiers We Don’t Recommend in 2023
Testing so many air purifiers, we also uncover several devices that fail to meet even basic standards for air cleaning. As part of our goal to help consumers look beyond the marketing hype, we wanted to share those units that didn’t match expectations.
1. Molekule Mini
Molekule has made a name for itself with its slick advertising on social media and its patented new technology PECO. When we finally got to test the Molekule Mini (priced at $399 at the time), we were very disappointed with its ability to clean particulate matter from the air.
Even after running the unit for many hours, we found it had difficulty in removing all particles and was only able to get the air quality to safe after 1 hour and 19 minutes. Considering our test lab is the smallest room in our house, it’s hard to see that the Molekule mini would be a good choice for cleaning the air in any situation.
While the design and size seem to be the perfect fit for the modern home, the sound at full power hit 85dB, which is the loudest we have ever tested.
| Why We Suggest You Avoid This Unit: 👎 Very poor at removing particles from the air, which is the main health benefit of an air purifier 👎 Poor value for money. At $399, you can find units that can clean much quicker and for less money |
2. AROEVE MK01
Sometimes you do get what you pay for with air purifiers, and the AROEVE MK01 at $59.99 just failed to deliver in our lab tests. Whilst they don’t publish CADR scores for this unit, you might see the 4.5-star review on Amazon and assume it’s a hidden gem.
When we tested it, we found it took 2 hours and 43 minutes* to clean our room to WHO guidelines and had the same issue as the Molekule Mini: it couldn’t reduce the pollutant level to zero.
While it’s cheap and small, it will do very little to clean the air in your home, so we would suggest paying the extra $20 and getting the Taotronics AP-003, our top-budget air purifier for 2022.
| Why We Suggest You Avoid This Unit: 👎 The size is very small, which means the fan has to work very hard, creating a lot of noise and drawing a lot of power 👎 Only uses a HEPA filter, so it does nothing for odors or VOCs and has no option to add an activated carbon filter |
3. GermGuardian AC4825e
This air purifier, for some reason, still ends up on “best lists” from major publishers, and I don’t understand why.
When we tested this HEPA unit with a UV filter, we found it very poor at removing particles from the air. It took 1 hour and 44 minutes to remove all pollutants from our test lab.
This means it took the GermGuardian AC482e over one hour longer than our top budget choice from last year, the Levoit Core 300, which managed to clean our room in just 40 minutes.
| Why We Suggest You Avoid This Unit: 👎 Poor cleaning performance for the money – use your money elsewhere 👎 Dislike the use of UV-C. It seems gimmicky and only adds electricity costs with no increase in effectiveness |
How HEPA Filters Work
If you’re in the market for an air cleaner, you’ve probably come across the term “HEPA” used in regard to filtration. So, what does it mean?
Today, the air filtration market is saturated with different filters, all claiming to remove pollutants from the indoor air. From HEPA and activated carbon to electrostatic filters, TiO2 filters, UV light filters, and more, there’s a wide variety of filters out there.
While each filter type has its advantages, many people prefer appliances with HEPA filters due to their efficiency in trapping pollutants and cleaning the air.
In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into HEPA filters and explain what they are and how they work. We’ll also share some tips on how to maintain the performance of your HEPA unit.
What Is a HEPA Filter?
HEPA, an acronym for “high-efficiency particulate air,” is a designation used to describe filters capable of removing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. It has a range from
| HEPA H10 | captures 85% of particles over 0.5 microns in size |
| HEPA H11 | captures 95% of particles over 0.5 microns in size |
| HEPA H12 | H12: captures 99.5% of particles over 0.5 microns in size |
| HEPA H13 | captures 99.97% of particles over 0.3 microns in size |
HEPA filters do a stellar job at filtering different types of particles, and even a grade H10 is more effective than Merve 12 as per US ASHRAE 52.2.
These filters are tested using 0.3-0.5-micron size particles, which are the most difficult to catch. Even when particles are smaller than this, they still get filtered through diffusion, meaning HEPA filters are very effective at capturing nanoparticles.
When you buy a HEPA filter, you’re not purchasing the HEPA brand but a grading of filters from h10-h13 that can effectively clean air according to HEPA standards. Hence, HEPA is simply an efficiency standard of air filters, not a product.
What Particles do HEPA Filters Capture
When the term pollutant is mentioned, most people think of outdoor pollutants, like smoke and other industrial pollutants. But the indoor air we breathe also contains pollutants that can harm our health.
EPA studies indicate that indoor air is two to five times—and sometimes up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. The indoor air contains different pollutants that can be removed using an air purifier. HEPA air purifiers can capture these particles:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Mold
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Microorganisms
If you wish to filter out odors and other particles in a gaseous state, look for a HEPA filter with activated carbon filtration. These filters can help remove odors, like cigarette smells, and chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by many household products.
How Do HEPA Filters Work?
Different HEPA filters exist, but all HEPAs employ a mechanical air filtration method. Air is forced through a mesh, which can capture particles of up to 0.3 microns in size and below.
However, HEPA filters don’t work like a sieve that only filters particles up to a particular size. HEPA filters are made by arranging polypropylene or fiberglass fibers in a way that traps particles while allowing air to pass through.
The fibers create a narrow pathway for air to pass through. Pollutant particles are filtered because they can’t keep up with the constant movement through the fibers. With a HEPA filter, particles are captured through three mechanisms:
- Diffusion
- Interception
- Impaction
Diffusion
Diffusion works on trapping the tiniest particles. Microscopic particles are not held tight by the viscous fluid and diffuse in the flow system.
The small particles are captured using diffusion, which applies the principle of the Brownian Motion—a mechanism that slows down particles as they collide with gaseous molecules, causing them to get trapped in the fibers.
Here, the particles smaller than 0.3 microns are trapped due to the collision of gas molecules with smaller particles (0.1 microns).
Interception
Interception works on mid-sized particles or particles not big enough to have inertia or small enough to diffuse within the flow system. As the particles follow the flow of air to the fiber, they’re “intercepted” and captured.
Impaction
Inertial works on large particles suspended in the flow system. These particles are usually heavier than the fluid surrounding them. As the fluid changes direction to enter the fiber space, the particles continue in a straight line where they collide with the fibers and get trapped.
5 Ways to Improve the Performance of Your HEPA Unit
HEPA filters in your air purifier unit are crucial in removing contaminants and chemicals from our air. If these filters fail, your unit won’t perform effectively and may be unable to clean the air as it should.
For these reasons, you need to do everything possible to maintain the filters and ensure they’re operating optimally. Here are a few things you can do to take care of your HEPA filters and improve the performance of your HEPA air purifier.
1. Clean the Filters and Pre Filters Regularly.
You may wonder, “how often should I clean my air purifier filters?”
Well, experts recommend cleaning your filters every three months. But you should do it sooner than that if the filters are visibly dirty. If you can spot dirt in the filters, clean them immediately to improve operational efficiency.
You can wash your HEPA filters with warm water if the model states doing so is safe. Non-washable permanent HEPA filters should only be cleaned with a vacuum to remove dirt and debris.
2. Monitor Your Filters
Your HEPA filters must be monitored regularly to ensure they’re not clogged.
Clogged filters can reduce the operational efficiency of your air purifier. They may also cause it to overwork itself, shortening its lifespan.
Some units have filter change indicator lights that show when the filters need to be changed. Always change when the indicator says so. If your unit doesn’t show when the filters need to be changed, follow your air filter maintenance schedule.
3. Inspect Exterior Grills and Panels
Like the filters, the exterior grills and panels must be inspected regularly and cleaned to remove dust. To clean them, first unplug the unit, then vacuum these components or wipe them with a clean cloth.
4. Put Your Air Purifier in the Right Place
Experts recommend keeping the unit in a sealed room with closed windows and doors. This helps prevent contaminated air from entering the room.
If the unit is put next to an open window, dust, pollen, and other foreign particles might clog the filters, lowering the unit’s efficiency in cleaning the air.
5. Reduce Air Pollutants in the Room
The more contaminants in the space, the harder your purifier must work.
You can take some steps to reduce the number of pollutants in the room, such as closing the windows to prevent more pollutants from entering the space. Additionally, routinely vacuuming the carpet can lessen the amount of pet hair and dander.
TL:DR
HEPA is a designation used to describe filters capable of removing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove many pollutants, including dust, pollen, viruses, and dander.
However, if not well maintained, HEPA air purifiers can get clogged with dirt and other particles, reducing their effectiveness in cleaning the air. You can improve the effectiveness and lifespan of your HEPA unit by regularly cleaning the filters, inspecting and cleaning the exterior grills and panels, placing the unit in the right place, and reducing air pollutants in the room.
Common Types of Indoor Air Allergens – that can be removed using Air Purifiers
Are swollen eyes, running nose, uncontrolled sneezing, or other fever-like symptoms keeping you from relaxing at home? Chances are your home could be compromised by allergens.
Allergy control begins at home. Many people with allergies stay at home, not knowing that allergic triggers are rampant in the indoor environment. But there are steps you can take to remove these allergens. The EPA recommends these three ways to improve indoor air quality.
- Minimize contact with indoor airborne allergens
- Ventilate your home well
- Use air purifiers to clean the indoor air
But it all starts with knowing what type of allergens you’re dealing with at home. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the six common allergens lurking in your home. Let’s dive in!
1. Dust
Dust contains dust mites which are the leading cause of sneezing and wheezing. According to the American Lung Association, 4 out of 5 homes have detectable dust mites. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, persistent runny nose, and post-nasal drip.
You can alleviate these symptoms using a good air purifier, preferably with HEPA filters. Steam cleaners can also help remove some of these harmful particles.
2. Pollen
When plants pollinate, the outdoors become saturated with these tiny airborne particles. These particles eventually find their way into our homes through open doors and windows and attach themselves to various household items.
When pollen infiltrates the indoor air, it may cause several symptoms, including itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. You can alleviate these problems by using cleaning products like air purifiers.
3. Pet Dander
We love our furry friends, but they produce dander that can harm our health.
When this dander mixes with the indoor air we breathe, it can cause allergies. Symptoms can range from sneezing to hoarseness, runny nose and more. You can alleviate these symptoms by using air purifiers or staying away from pets if you’re hyper-allergic to dander. High-grade HEPA such as H13 is perfect for picking up pet dander particles.
4. Mold Spores
Experts agree that molds are present in every home. If not removed, molds can multiply quickly, especially in dark, damp areas like the basement. Mold floats easily in the air and can cause chronic problems, especially for those suffering from allergies. HEPA filters will do an excellent job of removing mold from the air.
High concentrations of mold spores in the indoor air can cause severe reactions, including sneezing, wheezing, coughing, and a runny nose. You can quickly alleviate these problems using dehumidifiers to dry out moisture that molds need to grow.
5. Second-Hand Smoke
Smoke is undeniably one of the most harmful indoor air pollutants. Cigarette smoke is not an allergen but a dangerous irritant. While smoke may not cause allergic reactions, it can cause more severe symptoms, including coughing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing.
Cigarette smoke also leaves an unpleasant smell that makes a house unbearable. Smoke particles can be removed with proper ventilation and HEPA + activated charcoal air purifiers.
6. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic gas that is flammable at room temperature. This chemical compound is widely used in various home products, including paint, markers, liquid cleaners, dyes, adhesives, and air fresheners.
High levels of formaldehyde can trigger allergic reactions. Even low levels, formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. The most effective way to remove formaldehyde from your home is through activated charcoal filters.
Common Questions About Air Purifiers
🤔 Is it worth getting an air purifier?
Air purifiers that use HEPA and activated charcoal are one of the best ways of keeping your home air clean of particulate matter, gasses, VOCs and odors.
HEPA is the main thing to look for if you care about particulate matter, such as pollen, for those with allergies, as HEPA has been proven time and again to be effective at removing even particles as small as viruses.
If you have more of an issue with gasses or odors, then you will want to look for an air purifier with a large, activated charcoal filter, such as the Austin Healthmate; we also have an extensive list of the best VOC air purifiers that will be useful for this type of pollutant vs. particulate matter.
The air purifiers we recommend above all use HEPA and activated charcoal filters.
But please don’t just take my word for it; check out our article – are air purifiers a waste of money? – it includes references to 10 academic studies that show how effective these types of technologies are at removing pollutants from the air.
🤔 What is the most highly recommended air purifier?
Based on our performance test and reviews, our top air purifier would be the IQAir Healthpro Plus for those who don’t mind paying more and for those on a budget, we would recommend the Taotronics AP-003. For larger spaces, the Levoit Core 600S is our top-recommended unit for 2023, and if you value your quiet, you can’t go wrong with the Smart Air Blast Mini. If smart features are what you prefer, then go for the Mila Air Purifier.
🤔 What is the best natural air purifier?
Open a window!
It might seem simple, but allowing air to enter and leave a room can be a great way to remove pollutants that have built up over time. CO2 also naturally builds over time as you breathe, so you should try and keep your home as ventilated as possible.
Why Should You Trust HouseFresh?
Far too many “air purifier reviews” are made by people with little understanding of the air purifier industry. On top of this, most reviews are incredibly shallow and based solely on comparing manufacturers’ data. This means rankings of top units are made without experiential testing to compare the real-life performance of the many different air purifiers in the market.
Here at HouseFresh, we bring together experts who have been evaluating air purifiers for the last 10+ years, utilizing a solid process for real-life performance testing. That is why we can reveal the true reality of an air purifier based on actual data we have gathered and analyzed ourselves in our own homes. Add to that our knowledge (and borderline obsession) with the industry, and you will get helpful reviews that will cut through all the marketing BS manufacturers like to push on people.
Our ultimate goal with all our air purifier reviews is to help more consumers look beyond the marketing jargon and see clearly which air purifiers do an excellent job of cleaning the air.
That’s why:
1. We test all our air purifiers using a Purple Air Indoor sensor that allows us to have real-time data on pollutant levels for particles sized PM1ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3, and PM10ug/m3 and share this data with our readers.
2. We compare the actual real-life performance between units thanks to the fact that we test all our units in the same room performing the same task. This allows us to offer an easy-to-understand, jargon-free answer to the question, “how well will this air purifier clean the air in my room?”
3. We use the air purifiers in our own homes to evaluate long-term user experience, as well as keep an eye on long-term costs, such as how often its filters need replacing under normal conditions.
4. We are continuously evaluating the latest air purifier models on the market and identifying those that we want to test. To give you an idea, as of January we have tested 45 air purifiers in our home lab.
Be sure to contact me directly if you have any specific questions that would help to find the best air purifier for you.
Last update on 2023-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API