The New York City ZIP codes with the most air quality and mold complaints

Dec 17, 2025Feb 26, 2024 by G. John Cole

Header The New York Zip Codes With the Most Air Quality and Mold Complaints

New York’s 311 helpline sees it all. In 311’s 20-year history, New Yorkers have called the number over 500 million times to get help and information from non-emergency City services. The 311 call records database has become a virtual portrait of New York City — from the point of view of what its inhabitants feel the need to complain about.

As often as not, the bizarre 311 calls make the headlines. These quirky inquiries capture the unique character of the Big Apple and its inhabitants. But 311’s true purpose is to improve home and street life for locals. And so it becomes the battleground for more serious issues, from a police parking abuse case that remains unresolved after 232 calls or a decline in reports of rat sightings that may be down to New Yorkers “just getting used to them.”

In a tight and industrious city like New York, health issues like mold and air quality have the potential to impact every area of life. But all of New York City is not the same, and the 311 calls database reveals a very uneven spread of air quality and mold complaints from borough to borough. To see which ZIP codes are the worst hit, we at HouseFresh analyzed call volume from the 311 database to rank and map the neighborhoods with the most complaints in New York.

What we did

We analyzed data from the NYC Open Data website about 311 calls in the 12 months from November 2022 to October 2023. We used this data to identify the New York boroughs and ZIP codes with the most complaints (per 10,000 people) about mold, indoor air quality and outdoor air quality. We then compared these to the equivalent figures from November 2017 to October 2018 to see how the level of complaints has changed in the past five years.

Key findings

The Bronx has the most mold complaints, with 73.31 calls per 10,000 inhabitants per year.
Manhattanites make 12.12 indoor air quality complaints per 10,000 people per year, the most of any borough.
Manhattanites also make the most outdoor air quality complaints: 13.47 per 10,000 people per year.
However, indoor air quality complaints in Queens have risen by 82.28% over five years, the biggest change in our study.

The places in New York City with the most and least mold complaints

Molds are a type of fungus, and they thrive on moisture. They reproduce by spreading spores in the air and can damage the surfaces on which they grow.

Although molds are an important part of the natural environment, when they spread indoors, they can lead to allergic reactions such as sneezing, rashes and dizziness. Molds can also lead to more severe reactions, such as asthma, and are particularly harmful to children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems.

Worried about mold in your home? There are easy ways to test for it.

First, we mapped the New York boroughs with the most mold complaints per 10,000 inhabitants. The Bronx is way ahead with 73.31 complaints, practically twice that of second-placed Manhattan. This is despite complaints in Manhattan rising by 32.59% over the past five years.

01 The New York City Boroughs With the Most Mold Complaints

The Bronx is home to a dense level of public housing, an area where mold management can be slow and inconclusive. Some 8% of children living in the Bronx are living with chronic lung disease, and in the South Bronx, asthma rates are eight times the national average. The Bronx has long been New York City’s leading borough for mold, and mold reports have risen by 17.12% over the past five years.

Next, we zeroed in on the precise neighborhood ZIP codes where mold reports are most and least common. Sure enough, the two outliers are in Manhattan — specifically, in the 10030 ZIP code of Harlem — and 10474 in the Bronx, at Hunts Point.

02 The New York City ZIP Codes With the Most and Least Mold Complaints

Hunts Point has become known for a number of buildings kept in a poor state of repair, although much of this is the responsibility of landlords rather than the city. “It is draining to have to fight for something that’s really just the right that should be given to you,” says Grace Medico Cuapio, a Hunts Point organizer for Banana Kelly, a community improvement association.

The neighborhood with the tenth most complaints about mold is NYC 10040, covering parts of Washington Heights and Inwood in Manhattan. Some 99.25 complaints per 10,000 people were made here last year, an increase of 200% from 2017 to 18 figures. This makes it the ZIP code where complaints have risen most dramatically over the past five years.

03 The New York City ZIP Codes Where Mold Complaints Have Changed the Most

Washington Heights resident Jose Jimenez has had mold growing in his apartment for 20 years, with a succession of landlords either ignoring the damage or painting over it temporarily. “It is no secret there are landlords who neglect units occupied by long-term tenants, as part of a broader strategy to increase turnover and displacement,” claims Jason Wu, the attorney representing Jimenez in court. Painting over mold covers the problem, but if moisture remains, the mold will reappear and continue to grow.

The places in New York City with the most and least indoor air quality complaints

Indoor air quality is affected by a number of issues that New York residents can complain about, including:

Dust from building work.
Chemical odors, including soot and vapors, when originating in the building.
Dry cleaning odors from a neighboring home or business.
Sewage, feces and poor ventilation.
Smoke, dust and airborne debris from a neighborhood fire.

Manhattan is the leading district for indoor air quality complaints, with 44.6% more complaints per 10,000 inhabitants than second-placed Brooklyn. And this is despite complaints from Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn rising significantly more than Manhattan over the past five years. There were 12.12 complaints per 10,000 people in Manhattan last year.

04 The New York Boroughs With the Most Indoor Air Quality Complaints

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $3.5 million boost in state funding for environmental justice initiatives in November 2023, with substantial investment in air quality monitoring and improvement. “Both the community impact and air monitoring grants support the crucial work of not-for-profit, community-based organizations that develop a wide variety of projects that drive positive change and improved environmental outcomes in their communities,” said Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos.

The 10282 ZIP code, representing the area between Battery Park and Rockefeller Park, just north of the 9/11 memorial in Manhattan, is New York’s worst area for indoor air quality complaints. Here, complaints are made at just over double the citywide average rate. While developers in this area pioneered green building in New York, Battery Park remains known for its high-density population. The contrast between the area’s famed green spaces and busy living spaces may draw attention to poor air quality when it occurs.

05 The New York City ZIP Codes With the Most and Least Indoor Air Quality Complaints

Meanwhile, residents in the New Hyde Park area at ZIP code 11040 made just 0.23 per 10,000 people last year. In a previous study, HouseFresh discovered that New Hyde Park also receives the fewest sanitation-related 311 complaints, suggesting that the area is kept very clean — or that the locals don’t like to complain.

Two ZIP code areas have seen an increase of well over 1,000% in complaints made about indoor air quality. Complaints in Woodhaven (ZIP 11421) rose by 4100%, while in Middle Village (11379) they rose by 1480%. Ironically, Woodhaven nestles up alongside the Ozone Park neighborhood — the area was named before the ozone gas was properly understood, back when it was associated with fresh, healthy air. In fact, ozone — the gas, not the place — smells somewhat bleach-like.

06 The New York City ZIP Codes Where Indoor Air Quality Complaints Have Changed the Most

Additionally, the Glendale Superfund site, just north of the Woodhaven neighborhood, “has been known to send a plume of toxic tetrachloroethylene” skywards due to industrial activity when a knitting mill occupied the site nearly sixty years ago. Although the Department of Health has insisted there is no continued danger, the issue continues to rear its head due to an ongoing remediation process with locals.

The places in New York City with the most and least outdoor air quality complaints

Outdoor air quality can affect the whole city at once. The Department of Environmental Conservation uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to measure safety levels.

Citywide Air Quality Action Days are when the AQI is between 101-150. This can be due to:

Neighborhood fires.
Incoming wildfire smoke.
Chemical odors.
Vehicle emissions.

As with indoor air quality, Manhattan is the leading borough for outdoor air quality complaints — in this case, with 52.42% more than Brooklyn. While the Bronx is the third worst area for indoor air complaints, Bronx residents make the fewest complaints (per 10,000 people) about outdoor quality out of any of the five boroughs.

07 The New York City Boroughs With the Most Outdoor Air Quality Complaints

Amidst the June 2023 wildfires, New York City reached an AQI of 342, making it temporarily the worst city in the world for air quality. “This may be the first time we’ve experienced something like this of this magnitude,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “Climate change is accelerating these conditions. We must continue to draw down emissions and improve air quality and build resiliency.”

Multiple lower Manhattan ZIP codes are among those making the most complaints of all. The Tribeca Festival organizers provided masks to its staffers and considered postponing events in June 2023 as worsening conditions impacted incoming flights.

08 The New York City ZIP Codes With the Most and Least Outdoor Air Quality Complaints

SoHo occupies much of the 10012 ZIP code, where the fourth-highest number of complaints were made. Workers at the SoHo branch of outdoor retail chain REI “successfully pressured management to close,” but only after the AQI levels reached over 400, according to a union Instagram post. “Before that, they held our reduced wages over our heads, forcing workers to choose between our own safety and our livelihoods,” claimed the workers.

A Bronx ZIP code, 10462, has shown the most significant growth in complaints over the past five years. This ZIP covers Parkchester, Westchester Square and Castle Hill. Across the Bronx, the Co-op City area has seen the largest reduction in complaints.

09 The New York City ZIP Codes Where Outdoor Air Quality Complaints Have Changed the Most

Some four out of five Parkchester homes have air conditioners installed, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The air in Parkchester was found to contain 7.6 micrograms of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic meter — a little over the city average and a little under the Bronx average.

How to protect yourself from mold and common air quality issues at home

Mold and poor air quality can significantly damage your health, and researchers have shown air pollution to have a negative impact on the academic performance of children. Many issues that arise require civic or corporate intervention on a grand scale. But there are achievable steps you can take around the home to protect your family from the effects of these public health issues.

1. Control indoor humidity. Keep humidity levels well below a dew point of 50° by installing a dehumidifier of an appropriate size and capacity for the room where mold is an issue. Take short, cool showers when possible.

2. Ventilate. Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when possible. Ensure that the HVAC system is turned on (or windows opened) following cleaning activities such as mopping or during humid weather conditions.

3. Clean moldy areas. Routinely clean areas where mold builds up, such as shower curtains, bath mats and the areas around them. However, bear in mind that a professional contractor may be a better choice for cleaning up significantly moldy areas.

1. Limit exertions and excursions. Try not to go outside on Air Quality Action Days, and avoid strenuous activities to minimize bad air intake.

2. Wear a mask. City officials and health experts suggest wearing an N95 or KN95 face mask to filter out dangerous particles.

3. Avoid polluting activities. NYC 311 recommends that you don’t mow your lawn, use aerosol products, use a fireplace or drive a car on bad air days.

1. Use natural cleaning products. Keeping a clean home helps maintain clean air levels, but using products that contain certain chemicals and gasses can worsen things. Try to choose EPA Safer Choice products where possible.

2. Maintain your HVAC system. Hire a pro or learn how to clean air vents, and be sure to check them at least once a year.

3. Choose the right air purifier. Purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filters are more effective at trapping dangerous particles.

METHODOLOGY & SOURCES

To identify the New York neighborhoods and ZIP codes with the highest number of 311 complaints per 10k population for mold, indoor air quality and outdoor air quality, we analyzed 311 data for the most recent 12 months from the NYC Open Data website (November 2022 to October 2023).

For each complaint type, we recorded complaint counts for each borough and ZIP code between November 2022 and October 2023. We then repeated this process for the corresponding time period five years prior (November 2017 to October 2018).

This allowed us to calculate the boroughs and ZIP codes with the most and fewest complaints per 10k population for each metric and the five-year change in complaints per 10k.

US Climate Data. (n.d.). Climate New York – New York. usclimatedata.com
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. (2021). Monthly National Climate Report for Annual 2020. ncei.noaa.gov
American Lung Association. (n.d.). What makes indoor air unhealthy? lung.org
US EPA. (2023). Indoor air quality. epa.gov
MapsZipcode. (n.d.). ZIP code 11421 population. mapszipcode.com
American Lung Association. (n.d.). What makes outdoor air unhealthy. lung.org
New York City Health. (n.d.). Outdoor Air Quality. nyc.gov

Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 review

Dec 17, 2025Feb 23, 2024 by Danny Ashton

Dyson is a major player in the air quality appliance space. With a revenue of over $8 billion, they are a goliath compared to other air purifier manufacturers.

Most of Dyson’s business is from its vacuum cleaner range, but in March 2015, the company entered the air purification space, releasing its first air purifier: the Dyson Pure Cool Link.

Over the years, Dyson has focused on developing multifunctional appliances, with the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 being the latest iteration of their air purifier and fan combo. We have already reviewed the Dyson PH03 and Dyson HP04, which offer humidifier and heating features but failed to wow us with their pure air cleaning power ratio to the high unit price.

At first glance, the Dyson Cool TP07 ticks a lot of boxes, providing a fan and air purifier feature with third-party lab-approved HEPA H13 filters, odor-adsorbing activated charcoal, app support and auto-mode. But question marks remain over Dyson’s air cleaning power, so I will be super keen to see how it performs in our PM1 particle removal test.

Dyson doesn’t value CADR (clean air delivery rate), so they don’t list it on their site, but based on my experience with Dyson vacuum cleaners, they have a habit of improving performance with each new model so I’m keen to see how the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 performs in our tests.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

The lowdown on the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07

“Dyson does what Dyson does, and the TP07 shows major improvements in air cleaning performance and fan speed compared to earlier models. It is a high-priced device, considering its air cleaning capabilities when compared to other cheaper air cleaners.

But if you need a fan AND an air purifier with best-in-class smart features, then the Dyson TP07 is worth considering.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

We cover a lot of detail in our review, so if you are short on time, these are the key takeaways that you need to know about the Dyson TP07.

What we really like

Great UX for the smart app that can be used with other Dyson appliances you already have.

Auto-mode was super quick to respond to a vape pen — switching into high mode very quickly.

The design is much more attractive than most other air purifier models you find.

Fan performance was improved over previous generations — the TP07 was able to push a lot more air.

Remote control attaches magnetically to the top — a small item but a great way of making it easier to use the device and not lose the remote.

What we think could be better

It needed 62 minutes to clear the air in our small 728 cubic feet test room — this is longer than what we saw with the Levoit Core 300 (54 minutes), which is an air purifier that costs under $100.

As with Dyson, the initial unit cost is high at $649, but this does come with a two-year warranty, and you won’t find fan features on devices only used for air purification.

Genuine filter costs are high at $80, but plenty of lower-priced generic versions are available.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 94 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 58 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 89.8 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPA H13 and activated carbon filter
Recommended room size:	141 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	7.7 x 8 x 41 inches (19.56 x 20.32 x 104.14 cm)
Weight:	11 lbs (4.99 kg)
Noise level from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.9 dB Speed 2: 44.9 dB Speed 3: 50.2 dB Speed 4: 56 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.9 watts Speed 1: 3.5 watts Speed 2: 4.9 watts Speed 3: 10 watts Speed 4: 22.3 watts Speed 5: 28.9 watts
Filter life:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2-year parts and labor warranty
Country of origin:	UK
Country of manufacture:	Malaysia

Eye-catching Dyson design

A small footprint with a design style that looks as good as any other Dyson appliance

The TP07 has a modern white and silver design that looks great. Plus, there is the option to get a nickel and black colored — unit only if you buy directly from Dyson. The main body contains the filter units, while the tall top section is the bladeless fan.

The main design feature I like is that the device can rotate up to 350 degrees to circulate clean air all around the room.

Compared to previous generations and variants, you can see that the Dyson TP07 is the tallest Dyson model we have reviewed. Yet it has the smallest floor space due to its smaller base compared to the variants offering heating or humidification.

Even though there is a simple power button on the front of the unit, you will use either the remote control or the app to operate the purifier and adjust its settings.

The remote provides options to change fan speed, degree of rotation, auto mode, night mode, change air flow direction and even check air quality and filter life.

With all Dyson units, the remote control can attach magnetically to the top of your Dyson Cool TP07. This is super convenient as it gives you a clear (and handy) spot where to keep the remote, guaranteeing you won’t lose it around the house.

The Dysol Cool TP07 comes with onboard air quality sensors, which make it possible for the air purifier to detect pollutants in the air and get to work automatically when set to Auto mode.

When on Auto mode, the TP07 will intelligently adjust the settings according to the air quality in the room, increasing airflow speed until the target air quality has been reached. At that point, the TP07 switches the fan to low speed, running in the background until the time comes to switch on to full speed again when the air quality levels drop.

The LCD display screen on the Dyson Cool TP07 shows information about air quality, temperature, humidity, function modes and filter levels:

There’s a lot of info in there, so it’s handy to see a simple and clear explainer as part of the manual of the TP07:

When it comes to smartphone connectivity, the Dyson TP07 uses the same MyDyson app you get for managing all your Dyson devices.

The MyDyson app is super simple to set up and, after a minute or so, I could check my space’s air quality levels and adjust all the same features as the remote control.

DOWNLOAD IPHONE APP 

DOWNLOAD ANDROID APP ▶

Many apps from other air purifier brands are a little clunky to set up, and you can tell that Dyson invested a lot of thought into making the app user-friendly.

Currently, the Dyson Link app is the best app we have used for any air-quality appliance we have reviewed.

A medical grade and HEPA-certified air filter

The same H13 HEPA filter we have seen in other Dyson combo air purifiers

I like that Dyson utilizes the same filter across its air purifier product range, unlike some brands that continually introduce new filters. When manufacturers continue to launch new filters, each new filter increases the probability that filters you need for your particular unit will become obsolete in the future.

Dyson calls its filter the 360 Combi Glass HEPA+Carbon Air, which uses a medical grade HEPA H13 independently tested in a lab to confirm it’s up to the required quality.

It’s reassuring that Dyson publishes their third-party lab test result, making it available for anyone to see. Especially as Dyson was behind the recent complaint against Levoit, forcing them to remove HEPA H13 in the marketing for several different models.

Filter grade is just one element, but I appreciate that Dyson uses its power to improve the industry as a whole – no manufacturer should mislead consumers when it comes to harmful air quality.

Dyson’s filter also contains activated charcoal designed to remove gas pollutants like chemical fumes or odor. However, it contains a relatively small amount of carbon and will struggle to remove strong odors. If you have this issue, you should look at devices that list their carbon in lbs, such as the air purifiers we recommend for VOCs.

Tip

Most HEPA filters come inside a plastic bag, so be sure to remove them, or you will just move particles around the room without removing them.

The Dyson TP07 has a button on each side of the device that you push down to release the filter case and filter. The filter is then removed from the casing with a push of a button and swapped out for a new one when needed.

I’ve also given the unit design marks for encasing the filter in a rubber seal; this prevents air from escaping and increases cleaning efficiency.

However, I don’t like that so much plastic and rubber is thrown away with each filter replacement. It would be good to reduce the waste to only the filter material. Dyson seems aware of this issue and states that the material used on the filter is recycled. But for future versions, I hope Dyson could improve the design so that less waste is created when you replace the filter.

Press and hold the Night mode button (🌙) on the remote control. The display will countdown from five before resetting the filter life indicator.

The Dyson TP07 cleared our test room in 62 minutes

This is slower than devices that cost a fraction of its price, such as the $99 Core 300 (54 minutes) or the $150 AirFanta 3Pro (17 minutes).

As part of this review, I checked out the current ENERGY STAR certificate for the TP07 and the older generation the Dyson TP04, and I was surprised to see that both devices had the same CADR figures.

CADR is a lab test that provides a figure for the removal of Smoke, Dust and Pollen and helps you to get the right-sized air purifier for your space.

I was surprised that both devices had the same CADR, as my experience with Dyson is that they tend to improve with each new generation.

Based on these CADR figures, we expect the Dyson TP07 to perform as well as the Dyson HP04 that we tested last year, which took 92 minutes to clear our test room of 728 cubic feet of particles sized 1 micron or more.

Unlike most air purifier reviews you read, we test all our devices in the same room doing the same job. This means we can compare models, brands and even DIY options.

We first fill our test room with incense smoke and then switch on the Dyson TP07 to its highest fan speed (10) and track the levels of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 to see how long it takes the air purifier to remove these tiny pollutants from the air.

The Dyson TP07 took 62 minutes to clean our test room, 30 minutes quicker than the previous generation Dyson HP04:

It’s worth noting that whilst the performance is much better than the previous generation, it still took eight minutes more than the Levoit 300 – a $99 device – so it’s still not a purifier that I would recommend if you want the best bang for your buck.

I am looking forward to finding out if Dyson can keep on improving performance with future generations as they have done with their other range of appliances, from vacuum cleaners to hair dryers.

Noise levels test results

The reported sound levels for the Dyson TP07 at the lowest speed using air purification was 35.5 dB and went up to 54.4 dB at speed 10. When compared with similarly powered air purifiers, this device runs considerably quiet, particularly considering its fan function.

We know that sound levels can be personal, so we included a video of the Dyson TP07 running at its lowest and highest fan speed:

Fan performance test results

As part of this review, we used the Testo 410i anemometer, and we compared it to one of our favorite air purifier fan combos from last year, the Blueair Pure Fan Auto.

	Blueair Pure Fan Auto	Dyson TP07
Overall average	0.74 m/s	3.03 m/s
Minimum total	0.51 m/s	2.90 m/s
Maximum total	0.99 m/s	3.16 m/s

In comparison, the Dyson Cool TP07 has a much more powerful fan function, moving more than 3 times the amount of air.

Although it still performs worse at air cleaning, taking 49 minutes to clear our test lab compared to the 26 minutes it took for the Blueair Pure Fan Auto to do the same job.

The cost to run a Dyson Cool TP07: $124.07 per year

1. Electricity costs = $44.08 per year

When using an energy meter, we saw that the Dyson pulled a maximum of 28.9 watts on its top speed setting, which is low compared to other brands on the market. Assuming we left it running at high speed 24/7 every day of the year, it would add just under $50 to your annual electricity bill.

2. Filter costs = $79.99 per year

Dyson recommends changing the filters every 12 months, but this will depend on your particular air quality situation. The genuine filters are more expensive than other models, but we were pleased to see that Amazon now has many generic filters to choose from, bringing the price down. These generic filters may not be third-party lab tested, but as we saw with non-HEPA grade Levoit filters, they will likely still do a good job of removing particles from the air at a lower cost than going with genuine filters.

Choosing non-genuine filters will bring the yearly filter cost down to $35-40.

Dyson TP07 Replacement Filter (2-Pack )

【COMPATIBIE MODELS】- This TP04 HP04 filter replacement are fully compatible with Dyson Air Purifier Fan TP04 HP04 DP04 TP05 and DP05 models, for Dyson Tower Fan Sealed Two Stage 360° Air Purifier and Pure Cool Air Purifier Fan. Compared to Part # 968707-04, 968708-04, 969048-01. Please double check your model is TP04 HP04 DP04 TP05 and DP05 before order.
【HIGH EFFICIENCY TRUE HEPA FILTER】- Our TP04 DP04 filter replacements come with Dual-Layer Filtra-tion. This HEPA replacement filter helps for attaching 99.7% of the airborne particels as small as 0.3 microns, and the activated carbon filter helps you solve the problem of unpleasant odors and gases.

Bottom line: Is the Dyson TP07 worth it?

A big upgrade over previous generations of Dyson fan air purifiers but still lacking in air quality performance

Dyson has managed to upgrade the air cleaning performance over the previous generation, shaving off 30 minutes in our air cleaning performance test. Yet this device is still only as good at removing tiny particles as a $99 air purifier.

If you want a good-looking fan that can clean the air in a smaller space, this is likely the best option, but it comes with a high price tag.

I am excited to see if Dyson can continue making big improvements with future generations of the air purifier to justify the costly purchase price.

Unless you’re only in the market for a combo unit, for the same price as the Dyson Cool TP07, you can get a much more powerful air purifier such as the Levoit EverestAir — and you would still have $150 left over to spend on a separate fan.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the Dyson TP07 24 hours a day, 365 days per year utilizing the latest average energy prices as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.174/kWh as of April 2024.

How to fix the most common Coway air purifier problems

Dec 17, 2025Feb 22, 2024 by Amparo Lopez

How to Clean an Air Purifier Remove interior parts and filters

Coway is a South Korean brand that’s been in the purifying business since 1989. It began manufacturing water and air purifiers because the company believes “water and air are the most essential components of our life,” according to its website. They’re onto something, aren’t they?

When it comes to its air purifier, Coway has an ample portfolio of functional yet elegant units that have granted them several design awards. One of their latest air purifiers, the Airmega 150, is even sold in the MoMa’s Design Store.

But its aesthetics don’t compromise the air purifiers’ performance. One of their insignia units, the Airmega AP 1512HH Mighth, is still a strong player among the air purifiers we’ve tested at HouseFresh. Another one of our favorites is the Airmega 300.

However, your Coway air purifier can eventually malfunction like any other appliance.

Luckily, Coway’s units have the user in mind and are easy to fix when they malfunction. Below are some issues you might face and how to troubleshoot and fix them.

Problem 1: My Coway air purifier won’t turn on

This is a fairly all-encompassing problem we may encounter with all sorts of home appliances.

Of course, we implore you to check if the unit is actually plugged in first.

If it is, then here are some things to consider checking:

❓Is the outlet working correctly?

It’s more common than you think to have an old, faulty outlet that affects power output. Also, using a power strip with too many plugged devices could overcharge the circuits and damage your Airmega. Whenever possible, use a dedicated outlet for the unit.

❓Are the air purifier covers firmly closed?

As a safety precaution, the unit won’t turn on if any cover isn’t closed properly. Make sure it’s well-fastened.

❓Is the power cord in good condition?

Maybe a mischievous pet decided to chew on it. Or the cable was excessively bent or twisted for a while. Accidental tripping over it could also lead to wear and tear.

Inspect the cord and check the sections where it attaches to the unit on one end and the plug on the other. If it’s damaged, you’ll probably need to replace it.

Problem 2: The unit keeps turning off by itself

Air purifiers keep our indoor air clean and free of any harmful pollutants. They’re designed to run continuously, so a unit that keeps turning off can be problematic and annoying. If your Coway Airmega is acting up like this, here are a few things to try out.

❓Is the ECO mode on?

In Smart or ECO mode, the unit will automatically turn off after its sensors detect constant healthy air quality. Coway units do this to reduce energy consumption; the time may vary from 10 to 30 minutes of good air quality, depending on the unit. Switch to a different program if you rather have the air purifier working constantly.

Remember that some models have smart and eco modes combined. For example, the Coway Airmega 400 has no way to turn off eco mode while also keeping the unit on auto.

❓Is the cover lid in place?

If the unit’s covers are loose for over two seconds, it’ll stop operating. Make sure the cover (or covers, depending on the model) is properly attached.

❓Is the unit plugged into the correct power rating?

Your air purifier might randomly turn off if it’s receiving the wrong voltage from the outlet. Any values higher or lower than what the model is designed for will cause malfunctioning. Here’s a list of the Coway units and their rated voltage:

Coway Airmega model	Power supply	Rated voltage
Coway Airmega AP-1216L	120 V – 60 Hz	55 W
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH	120 V – 60 Hz	77 W
Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS	120 V – 60 Hz	80 W
Coway Airmega 200M AP-1518R	120 V – 60 Hz	82 W
Coway Airmega 150	120 V – 60 Hz	35 W
Coway Airmega 160	120 V – 60 Hz	35 W
Coway Airmega 230	120 V – 60 Hz	60 W
Coway Airmega 240	120 V – 60 Hz	60 W
Coway Airmega 250 / 250S	120 V – 60 Hz	64 W
Coway Airmega 300 / 300S	120 V – 60 Hz	57 W
Coway Airmega 400 / 400S	120 V – 60 Hz	66 W
Coway Airmega ProX	120 V – 60 Hz	65 W
Coway Airmega Aim	120 V – 60 Hz	33 W

❓Is the air purifier overheating?

If your air purifier is warm or hot to the touch, it could be overheating. Clogged filters, wrong voltage, extreme weather conditions, blocked air intake or outlet, or placing the air purifier close to a heat source can all cause overheating.

Turn off your Coway Airmega and unplug it. Let it cool off for a while until it’s no longer hot.
Check the filter to see if it needs replacement and clean the pre-filter.
Make sure no obstructions are near the air intake or objects placed over the air outlet.
Also, check for nearby heating sources and ensure the unit isn’t near one.
Examine the power cord to see if it’s faulty.

If everything seems in order after a thorough inspection, plug the unit back in and run it for a while.

If the problem persists, contact Coway’s customer support center; there could be a problem with the engine or motherboard.

Problem 3: My Coway is making unusual or loud noises

Your brand-new air purifier comes with filters wrapped in plastic to protect them. If you’ve never bought one before, you may not know this. That’s why this is our starting point:

❓Did you remove the filter’s packaging?

If you didn’t, it’s not the end of the world. According to Coway, one customer used their unit for a whole year without removing it.

The drawn air hitting the plastic wrapping will make a loud noise, yes, and the polluted air won’t be able to pass through the filter for cleaning. But the good news is the solution is as simple as removing the wrapping and replacing the filter in the unit.

❓Did anything fall inside the unit?

Small objects that accidentally drop into the unit could make a rattling sound. Air purifiers have a fair share of slots and orifices where tiny items could easily fall in.

In particular, the Coway Airmega 300 and 400 have a widely spaced grid to cover the air outlet where something like a coin could easily slip through. The same can be said for the Coway AP-1512hh Mighty, which you can see below:

You can remove some grids or covers. Try to see if you can access any lodged items inside when you do so. If they’re out of reach, try vacuuming the air purifier thoroughly. If that doesn’t work, turn off and unplug the unit. Then, hold it upside down, gently wiggle it, and let gravity do the job.

❓Are the filters clogged?

The pre-filter and filter trap airborne particles, dust, and other debris. As these accumulate, the unit’s motor works harder to draw air into the unit, making a louder sound than usual.

Remove the pre-filter to vacuum and then rinse. If it isn’t time to change the HEPA filter yet and you’d like to extend its lifespan a little longer, you can vacuum that, too, to remove dust buildup.

Problem 4: There’s a red light on my air purifier that won’t turn off

The red lights are a reminder to take care of the filters. The red indicator will turn on when it’s time to replace the filters and/or wash the pre-filter.

❓Do you need to change the filters?

Replacing Coway’s filters, either the Max2 Filter or the HEPA and odor filters, is a straightforward process. So is cleaning the pre-filter.

The filter lifespan varies between models, but usually, the pre-filter needs cleaning every two to four weeks.

First, switch the unit off and unplug it from the outlet.
Next, remove the covers to access the pre-filter and filter compartment.
Take out the pre-filter. It’ll probably be full of dust and lint, so handle it gently. Vacuum and rinse it. Make sure it’s completely dry before replacing it in the unit.
Once you remove the pre-filter, you can access the HEPA and odor filter or the Max2 filter, depending on the unit. These are not washable or reusable. Dispose of them in a plastic bag.
Now it’s time to put the new filters into your Coway Airmega. Remember to remove the plastic wrapping before doing so.
Lastly, reassemble the unit by putting the covers back in place. Make sure they’re firmly attached to the unit.

For more visual instructions, check out our videos on how to replace the Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty and Coway Airmega 300 filters.

❓Did you reset the filter indicator?

After replacing the filters, you’ll need to reset the indicators to turn off the red lights. Otherwise, the filter lifespan won’t be counted properly, and the red lights will stay on.

You can easily reset the filter status indicator by holding the button down for a few seconds. Make sure the air purifier is on for this step.

Problem 5: The air quality indicator light is stuck and won’t change color

Coway Airmegca air quality indicators change colors in real-time according to indoor air pollution levels. However, sometimes they may get stuck and not change even when you know the air quality varies in the environment. If that’s the case, there are a few things to consider:

❓Does the sensor sensitivity need adjusting?

New Coway Airmeg purifiers are set to the standard sensitivity. You may need to adjust the sensitivity if the unit notices no changes in the air quality after a few hours of running. The scale is the same in all Coway units:

Sensitive
Normal (default)
Insensitive

The steps to modify the sensitivity vary depending on whether the unit has app support or not. If your air purifier is a smart model with app support, follow these steps:

Open the Coway IoCare app and select the unit you want to adjust to AQi sensitivity.
Go to the “Device Management” tab and select “Product Settings” at the end of the screen.
Next, select “Smart Mode Sensitivity.” Once again, the option is at the bottom of the page.
Finally, select the sensitivity of your choosing and hit Save.

For units without app support, the process varies between models, although it can be done by pressing and holding a combination of keys while the unit is running:

Coway Airmega Model	Instructions to adjust AQI
Coway Airmega 230 / 240 / Icon	1. Do a long hold on the Mode and Light buttons simultaneously. 2. Press the Mode button to choose the desired sensor sensitivity once the speed indicator flashes. 3. Press the Mode and Light button simultaneously for at least two seconds.
Coway Airmega 250	1. Hold down the Mode and Fan speed buttons simultaneously for at least two seconds. 2. Press the Mode button to choose the desired sensitivity once the speed indicator blinks on the current sensor sensitivity. 3. Press the Mode and Fan speed buttons simultaneously again for at least two seconds.
Coway Airmega 400 / 300	1. Press and hold the Light and Smart or Air speed / Mode buttons simultaneously. 2. Press one of the air speeds to select the sensor’s sensitivity on the Airmega 400 or the Air speed / Mode button to navigate the different options on the Airmega 300. 3. Hold down the Light and Smart or Air speed / Mode buttons simultaneously again. Once settings have been saved, the unit will produce a sound.
Coway Airmega 150 / 160	1. Hold down the Power and Fan speed buttons simultaneously for at least two seconds. 2. Press the Fan speed button to choose the desired sensor sensitivity once the fan speed indicator flashes. 3. Press the Power and Fan speed buttons simultaneously again for at least two seconds.
Coway Airmega 1512HH / 200M / AP-1216L	1. Do a long hold on the Ionizer button and Fan speed button simultaneously. 2. Press the Fan speed button to choose the desired sensor sensitivity once the speed indicator flashes. 3. Press the Ionizer button and Fan speed buttons simultaneously one last time for at least two seconds.

❓Do the sensors need cleaning?

All air purifiers with air quality sensors need periodic sensor maintenance, and Coways are no exception.

Simply access the sensors compartment and gently wipe out any accumulated dust or lint that could mess with the air quality readings and AQI light. Vacuum the socket and use a dry cotton swab or a soft brush to remove the debris from the lens and any hard-to-reach places.

❓Is the air purifier appropriate for the size of your space?

Every air purifier has a specific air cleaning capacity. If placed in a room that’s too big, the unit may struggle to clean the air and be unable to achieve good air quality.

Besides, overworking could lead to more severe damage to your air purifier. Find out what square footage your model is suited for in the list below:

Coway Airmega Model	Room Coverage
Coway Airmega AP-1216L	330 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH	361 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS	361 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 200M AP-1518R	361 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 150	214 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 160	214 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 230	403 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 240	403 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 250 / 250S	465 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 300 / 300S	628 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega 400 / 400S	1,560 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega Aim	264 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega Icon	324 sq. ft.
Coway Airmega ProX	2,126 sq. ft.

Problem 6: There’s a weird smell coming from my Coway Airmega

❓Is the filter clogged?

If you don’t replace your dirty filter promptly, it can release a dusty odor as dirt, dust, and other particulates accumulate on the filter’s surface.

If an unpleasant smell comes out of your air purifier but the filter replacement indicator isn’t on, remove it from the unit and vacuum gently before putting it back.

How to Clean an Air Purifier Vacuum HEPA filter

However, if you notice no change after vacuuming, replace the filter with a new one.

❓Did you let the pre-filter dry completely before placing it back?

A damp pre-filter could be the source of the foul smell from the unit. Remove and wash it gently with soap.

Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry until any trace of moisture is gone. Then, put the pre-filter back onto the air purifier.

Problem 7: The airflow is weaker than it used to be

❓Do you need to replace the filter?

If you read this far, you may have noticed that a clogged filter is a common culprit behind several issues and malfunctions.

As for airflow, a clogged filter with too much dirt and dust will affect the cleaning power of your air purifier, hindering its capacity to circulate clean air.

On top of replacing the filters, if you’ve noticed a weaker airflow, it could be worth giving the whole air purifier a deep clean to boost its performance. You can find tips for that in our step-by-step guide.

❓Are there any blockages near the air intake?

Where you put your air purifier is important to optimize performance. Ideally, place it where it can draw the most air possible from the room, away from large objects, furniture, or walls.

Problem 8: The unit isn’t responding to the remote control from the IoCare app

❓Have you paired the unit to your phone?

If you haven’t done this already, you won’t be able to interact with your Coway Airmega remotely through the IoCare app.

Follow these steps to pair your Coway air purifiers to your phone:

Open the IoCare app and create an account if you haven’t already.
Turn on your air purifier and select the “Register product” option.
Scan the barcode on the back of your Coway Airmega. If you prefer not to grant the app access to your camera, you can type the code number manually.
Android users only: turn off mobile data on your phone before the next step.
Press and hold the Wi-Fi and Light buttons for over three seconds to activate the Wi-Fi configuration mode. The Wi-Fi LED light will blink, and you’ll hear a chime or beep. Press Next on the IoCare app.
Wait for a second chime and press Next again; you’ll be asked to set a nickname for the unit and agree to the Wi-Fi connection.
Select the network and type in your password. The Wi-Fi light will stay on the air purifier. That’s how you know you’ve paired your Coway Airmega with your phone.

Coway’s app pairing video guide is also very thorough and is useful if it’s your first time connecting your air purifier to your phone.

❓Is the unit connected to the right Wi-Fi frequency?

Nowadays, it’s common to have two bands on Wi-Fi home networks: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Older Airmega air purifiers only support the 2.4GHz band, so your phone needs to be on that frequency when pairing the unit.

❓Is the Wi-Fi LED light on your air purifier?

A blinking Wi-Fi LED light indicates an issue with your internet connection. No light means the unit isn’t connected to the Wi-Fi network.

To re-establish the connection, check that the router is on and that your home network is steady and running. Then, go to the IoCare app and recheck if the unit is still correctly paired to your mobile and home Wi-Fi. If not, follow the steps above to pair the devices.

Tip

Coway performs server upgrades occasionally. These updates could lead to your unit disconnecting from the Wi-Fi network and suddenly appearing offline on the IoCare app. There’s not much to do in such cases but wait for updates to finish.

Find your Coway air purifier manual

Manuals are underappreciated guides, forgotten until we need them. Let’s be honest, not many of us keep them around. If you ever need to reference information from your purifier’s manual, you can find digital links to them below:

Coway Airmega Model	Link to the user manual
Coway Airmega AP-1216L	User manual
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH	User manual
Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS	User manual
Coway Airmega 200M AP-1518R	User manual
Coway Airmega 150	User manual
Coway Airmega 160	User manual
Coway Airmega 230	User manual
Coway Airmega 240	User manual
Coway Airmega 250 / 250S	User manual
Coway Airmega 300 / 300S / 400 / 400S	User manual
Coway Airmega Aim	User manual
Coway Airmega Icon / IconS	User manual
Coway Airmega ProX	User manual

How to contact Coway customer service

Sometimes, air purifiers can malfunction beyond our skills to fix them. In such cases, it’s best to contact Coway directly.

Coway offers a toll-free customer service center that you can reach at 1-800-285-0982 from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM CST.

If, like me, you prefer assistance via email, you can contact the company at info@cowaymega.com.

Final thoughts

For first-time users, air purifiers may seem like complicated devices with a lot of buttons and settings. However, they’re quite straightforward once you understand them a bit more.

Similar to any other appliance, air purifiers might occasionally malfunction. While some issues may be more complex and require customer support from professionals, more often than not, there’s an easy fix. Keeping your Coway Airmega running smoothly shouldn’t be a daunting task.

SOURCES

Coway. (2023). Coway Airmega FAQ. cowaymega.zendesk.com
Coway. (2023). General FAQ. en.coway.com

Corsi–Rosenthal Box review

Dec 17, 2025Feb 21, 2024 by Danny Ashton

The Corsi–Rosenthal Box is the brainchild of Dr. Richard Corsi and Jim Rosenthal and it was developed to create an affordable and effective DIY air cleaner during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to use common MERV-13 HVAC filters (that are easily available in the United States) in combination with a box fan. Unlike the other devices we have reviewed here at HouseFresh, it is an air purifier that you can build yourself.

After recent controversy around the use of the term ‘CR Box’ to refer to variations of the DIY filter and fan box, it is worth mentioning that the Corsi–Rosenthal Box was an improvement on the DIY box fan air purifiers that have been around for many years.

The Corsi-Rosenthal Box is sometimes referred to as the Comparetto Cube. The main difference between the two is that the CR-Box uses five MERV-13 filters, whereas the Comparetto Cube uses four filters with the bottom side covered by cardboard. Rosenthal devised a further improvement by adding a “fan shroud” made of cardboard to cover the corners of the box fan, improving its performance.

Most CR Boxes you will see these days doing the rounds on Reddit or X (formerly Twitter) are what could be called Corsi-Rosenthal Boxes with a Comparetto Cube configuration.

Several studies have supported the effectiveness of the Corsi–Rosenthal Box, including research by the EPA, which tested the device and showed it could be very effective at removing the tiniest particles of 0.01 µm – 0.6 µm. A study from researchers at Brown University also showed that a Corsi–Rosenthal Box can help reduce PFAS and phthalate levels, which are common indoor air pollutants. The Corsi–Rosenthal Box was also tested by researchers at UC Davis Energy and Efficiency Institute, who found that this DIY device performs similarly to residential portable air purifiers in terms of estimated clean air delivered, even though it costs about three times less.

As this concept aligns with our core mission of helping deliver clean air, affordable for all, we were keen to build our own Corsi-Rosenthal Box with a Comparetto Cube configuration.

But we didn’t stop there. We also tested the Corsi–Rosenthal Box following the exact same process we followed with every other air purifier we have reviewed to date so we could compare its performance like-for-like.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

The lowdown on the Corsi–Rosenthal Box

“The Corsi–Rosenthal Box with a Comparetto Cube configuration offers the best ratio of $ spent to air cleaning performance we have seen. A simple design that even children can build, which can be a massive help in removing tiny particles from indoor air.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

BUY MERV 13 FILTERS

BUY BOX FAN

If you don’t have time to read the full review, you can just read my top-line summary of the findings when testing the CR Box:

What we really like

It offers the best air cleaning performance per dollar spent of any air purifier we have tested.

It uses items you might already have in the house (four MERV 13 filters, a box fan and duct tape).

It is powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour for rooms as large as 411 sq. ft.

Outstanding performance — cleaned our test room in 30 minutes! That is faster than the much more expensive Mila and the Austin Air HealthMate.

It is super easy to build your own CR Box with the help of online instructions.

What we think could be better

It has a fairly large footprint compared to similar powered traditional shop-bought air purifiers we have tested. The CR box is not ideal for small spaces.

Box fans can be loud when running at their top speeds.

It does require you to put it together, there is no way around it.

Considering you can build this air purifier yourself, the fact that our CR Box managed to clean the air as fast as pricey shop-bought devices is impressive.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 198 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: n/a
Filter technology:	MERV 13
Recommended room size:	297 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20L x 20W x 20H inches (50L x 50W x 50H cm)
Weight:	10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 49 dB Speed 2: 55.1 dB Speed 3: 60.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 kWh Speed 1: 40.5 kWh Speed 2: 44.5 kWh Speed 3: 46.7 kWh
Filter life:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	n/a

A bulkier design compared to shop-bought units

The final look will depend on how good you are at handling duct tape — I’m not great.

BUY MERV 13 FILTERS

BUY BOX FAN

There is no escaping that this is a box fan with a bunch of HVAC filters taped to it.

Compared to a shop-bought unit, the Corsi–Rosenthal Box is fairly utilitarian, and if you are not very crafty (like me), it can look a little messy.

Something to keep in mind as well is that, due to the design, the Corsi–Rosenthal Box takes up quite a bit of floor space — you can get a better performance-to-size ratio from retail units.

Naturally, you won’t find a fancy control panel with a touchscreen display or hi-tech buttons. Personally, I love the simplicity of the controls in our CR Box. You will only need to focus on the dial of the box fan—simply adjust the fan speed to match the air cleaning power you need.

This is to say that if you are looking for a stylish unit, the Corsi Rosenthal Box might not be the right air purifier for you. You can see in the image below how it compares in size and in looks with other air purifiers we have around the house:

However, many of these are devices you can buy at any retail store. So a better comparison could be looking at the CR box next to some of the trendy PC fan-powered DIY kits, such as the AirFanta 3Pro, the Nukit Tempest and the CleanAirKits Luggable XL:

While some of these devices use 20-inch MERV 13 filters, the fact that they are not cubes REALLY helps reduce the floorspace you will need to have one at home:

A great example of why HEPA is not a requirement for clean air

The Corsi–Rosenthal Box uses four MERV 13 filters, and they work like a charm.

BUY MERV 13 FILTERS

BUY BOX FAN

HEPA H13 is regularly touted as an important aspect of an air purifier, but the Corsi–Rosenthal Box can clean even the tiniest of particles with MERV-13. This goes to show that HEPA grade is not an absolute requirement for clean air.

Jim Rosenthal regularly discusses that it’s all about filter, fit and flow.

No question these are similar to the single pass efficiencies I have found for MERV 13 pleated filters. But this does not tell the full story. It is Filter + Fit + Flow that determines filter effectiveness. Plenty of peer reviewed confirmation here: https://t.co/DcXkqXTCgj https://t.co/yWL6NRyz9f
— Jim Rosenthal (@JimRosenthal4) September 19, 2023

A Corsi–Rosenthal Box can move A LOT of air through each of the four MERV-13 filters. This means that this device can continue to remove even the tiniest of particles as the air passes through the filters multiple times.

Another way to explain this is by sharing my experience when testing small air purifiers that use HEPA H13 filters, but that fail to clean the air in our test room — hello, AROEVE MK01. The reason this happens is that these small air purifiers cannot push enough air through the filters quickly enough to make a meaningful difference to indoor air quality, no matter how high the grade of its HEPA filter.

When building your own CR Box, you need to make sure that you use at least MERV 13, as tests with lower-grade filters have shown to be less effective. Unlike a retail air purifier, you can use any MERV 13 HVAC filter brand.

Tip

When the time comes for you to replace the filters in your CR Box, you will need to remove the duct tape around the filters before you can replace them. The last step will be for you to re-tape the new filters.

I am looking forward to the moment when I need to replace the filters in our CR Box so I can ask my wife to help me do a better job at re-retaping them — V2 will look a lot tidier!

The Corsi–Rosenthal Box cleared our test room in 30 minutes

I am blown away by the performance of an air purifier you can put together in 10 minutes with materials that will cost you $85.

We tested the Corsi–Rosenthal Box in the same test room where we tested all the air purifiers we reviewed. Our test room measures 728 cubic feet, and we use the PurpleAir Zen that can track PM1.0ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10.0 ug/m3 and VOCs using the additional Bosch gas sensor.

We lit an incense stick to simulate indoor pollution and then tracked how long it took the Corsi-Rosenthal Box to clean the air to the point that the PurpleAir sensor showed zero PM1.0ug/m3. It is worth mentioning that we tested our CR box with and without a cardboard shroud at the top.

The CR box without the cardboard shroud cleared all PM1 pollutants from our test room in 30 minutes:

Adding a cardboard shroud at the top of our CR box, shaved off two full minutes at no extra cost:

The Corsi–Rosenthal Box compared very favorably to much costlier retail devices.

It cleaned the air nearly as fast as the $900 IQAir Healthpro Plus and was faster than the much more expensive (and super smart) Mila. However, we found it to be minutes slower than the latest budget-friendly purifier from Levoit, the Vital 200S.

Noise levels

Noise is a concern for any air cleaner as it must run consistently to be effective. If a device is too loud, then it will not be used as often. We used a sound level monitor to measure how much noise the Corsi–Rosenthal Box generated when running at different fan speed levels.

Creating 60.7dB at its highest speed, the Corsi–Rosenthal Box makes similar volumes to many commercially available devices but is MUCH louder than other DIY air purifiers such as the CleanAirKits Luggable XL or the AirFanta 3Pro.

Now, I know that noise can be very subjective, so after our performance test was complete, we recorded a video of our CR Box running at each fan speed.

The cost to run a Corsi–Rosenthal Box: $110.88 per year

1. Electricity costs = $50.56 per year

I plugged our Corsi–Rosenthal Box through an electricity usage monitor to record how many watts it pulled when running at different fan speeds. For the sake of this calculation, I am using the readings from the top speed.

When running at the highest fan speed, we saw that our CR Box pulled 46.7 watts, which adds $50.56 to your electricity bill if you use it 24 hours per day.

2. Filter costs = $60.32 per year

Filter replacement will depend on how much use your CR Box and how dirty the air is in your specific location, but a good rule of thumb is to replace your filters every 6-12 months.

Assuming the filter achieves a 12-month lifespan, you can get a new set of four filters every year for $60.32:

Aerostar Air Filter 20x20x1 MERV 13 AC Filter, HVAC, Furnace Filter, 6 Pack | ACTUAL SIZE (19.75 x 19.75 x 0.75) AC Filter, Furnace Filter, Allergies, Dust, Pet Dander & Smoke MERV 13 (MPR 1500)

UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Fits most standard residential and commercial HVAC systems with a standard 1-inch filter slot. Including Carrier, Bryant, Payne & Honeywell. Actual size 19.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 Comparable to Filtrete MPR 1500-1900 and Honeywell FPR 10 filters.
ADVANCED MERV 13 (MPR 1500 - 1900 / FPR 10) PERFORMANCE: High-efficiency filter media captures up to 98% of airborne particles including dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, smoke, and microscopic allergens for cleaner, healthier indoor air.
ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED DESIGN: Premium synthetic pleated fibers attract and trap more particles without restricting airflow—helping maintain optimal HVAC system performance and energy efficiency.
LONG-LASTING, DURABLE DESIGN: Heavy-duty beverage board frame with moisture-resistant backing and reinforced pleats provides up to 3 months of reliable filtration—outlasting traditional fiberglass filters.
PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA: Manufactured using high-quality materials in American facilities to ensure dependable performance, sustainable production, and cleaner indoor air you can trust.

Tip

If you spot visible dirt on the filters, don’t panic, as it doesn’t mean your MERV-13 filters need to be replaced. Tests have shown that a Corsi–Rosenthal Box will still clean the air even if the filters “look” dirty.

You should wait till the soiling is noticeable or if you feel the CR box is not as effective following AQI sensor metrics.

Bottom line: Is the Corsi-Rosenthal box worth building?

The short answer: Yes! The long answer: The CR box offers powerful air cleaning performance for $85 and some duct tape!

Many air purifier brands like to overstate how complicated it is to clean the air, but the Corsi–Rosenthal Box is living proof that you just need a fan and filter — literally.

Thanks to the support and knowledge of the clean air community, we can now clean the air in our homes with easily available parts that won’t require much time or money. Who knows, you may even have the required components lying around your house already!

BUY MERV 13 FILTERS

BUY BOX FAN

While I still think that a specially designed air purifier will make more sense to people who can invest in the right unit for the specific job they need, the Corsi–Rosenthal Box is perfect for those on a tight budget or who need to deal with an unexpected (and serious) indoor air quality problem like wildfire smoke or another pandemic from an airborne virus.

It might be hard for you to trust me when I tell you that a fan, a bunch of HVAC filters and some duct tape are all you need to clean the air in your home. In fact, this might be the first time you hear about the Corsi-Rosenthal Box.

Unfortunately, in the age of big newspapers and magazines recommending the best air purifiers to their readers, you won’t see many big media companies talking about the Corsi–Rosenthal Box.

The reason none of these publications are recommending the Corsi-Rosenthal Box is that having you build your own air purifier won’t help them boost their bottom line. But here at HouseFresh, we think it’s important to help you breathe clean air, even if that won’t make us rich. We wouldn’t be serious about what we do if we hadn’t taught you how to build a DIY air purifier or if we weren’t spreading the word about how AWESOME the CR Box is.

If you have any questions about the Corsi–Rosenthal Box, shoot me an email at danny@housfresh.com, and I’ll try to help. In the meantime, here is a step-by-step guide on how to build your own CR Box:

There are many people from the COVID cautious and clean air communities who are constantly innovating in the search for cost-effective air cleaners that will perform as well as shop-bought devices. I will continue to test and review these devices under the same conditions in which we test branded units, so you can decide what is best for you.

Two excellent DIY air purifiers we have tested that are inspired by the design of the Corsi-Rosenthal box are the $149 AirFanta 3Pro and the $227 CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7. Both designs are powered by PC fans, which make the devices much quieter and less energy-hungry than the CR box. If budget is not an impediment, then check out those two options as they took everything that is right about the Corsi-Rosenthal box and made it even better.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the Corsi–Rosenthal Box for 24 hours a day, 365 days per year utilizing the latest average energy prices as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.174/kWh as of January 2025.

At HouseFresh, we have been reviewing air quality products since 2010. In all these years, we learned not to rely on manufacturers’ claims and the ever-so-glowing marketing materials. That is why we buy products with our own money, so we can write unbiased reviews after we’ve had enough time to evaluate air quality products in our home lab. Every unit we recommend has been thoroughly tested to assess its performance, energy consumption, and noise levels emitted in real-life environments. If you have any questions about our testing process for different types of air quality products, just drop us an email at danny@housefresh.com.

Winix 5500-2 review

Jan 24, 2026Feb 21, 2024 by Danny Ashton

The Winix 5500-2 is an upgraded version of their super popular Winix 5300-2, which we reviewed in 2021. It’s a device that has many fans online, from the team from NYtimes Wirecutter to the Redditors over at r/AirPurifiers.

Winix is one of the OG air purifier manufacturers, producing air quality devices since 1973. They are a South Korean company known for creating budget-friendly products that still perform effectively. It’s worth also mentioning that all Winix devices are made in Korea rather than China (the usual manufacturing country of most air purifier brands).

Another highlight of Winix is that they send all their devices for independent testing with AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) Verifide, which means that a third party has confirmed the unit’s CADR results.

As always, let me clarify that we bought the 5500-2 with our own money and have no relationship with Winix. We do this because we want to be as unbiased as possible, letting our first-hand data guide us. That is why my review focuses on how this unit performed in our set of tests, including its air cleaning performance, long-term costs, energy usage and sound generation.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

A few weeks ago, we started hearing rumors about the 5500-2 being discontinued so we reached out to Winix America for confirmation.

Unfortunately, the rumors are true: both the Winix 5500-2 and the 5300-2 will be discontinued in the U.S. and in Canada once their inventory comes to an end.

The lowdown on the Winix 5500-2

“I am pleased to see that Winix made some major improvements with the 5500-2, including a new type of activated carbon filter and a remote, but the best thing about it is its air cleaning performance: I ended up testing this device a few times as I didn’t expect it to clean the PM1 pollutants as quickly as it did.

It was disappointing to learn that Winix has discontinued the 5500-2 in favor of the newer Winix 5510, but depending on where you live, you might still be able to find a 5500-2 and there are lots of OEM and generic filters still available.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Lead Tester

What we really like

With PlasmaWave enabled, the 5500-2 cleaned our test room in 23 minutes — without the ionizer, it still managed to clean the air in 24 minutes

A great price-to-CADR ratio, with 1 CADR cfm costing 74 cents!

Improved activated carbon filter that uses pelleted carbon instead of the impregnated fabric we saw in the older Winix 5300-2

Affordable filter replacements, with genuine filters available for $50 and generic filters for $15 per year

It comes with an auto-mode and timers, so you don’t have to continually adjust the settings — you also get a remote control for adjusting the settings from afar

AHAM Verifide, so it has been tested by a third party to confirm CADR scores and has an EnergyStar rating

What we think could be better

Energy usage is fairly high due to this being an older model

No memory setting, so if you lose power, you lose your current settings — including the PlasmaWave function, which could generate ozone without you knowing if you don’t switch it off

HouseFresh rating:	★★★★★
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	23 minutes (with PlasmaWave)
Air purifier technology:	PlasmaWave, removable pre-filter, washable activated carbon filter and True HEPA filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	360 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 243 CFM Smoke: 232 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)
Filter life:	12 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 38.8 dB Speed 2: 42.5 dB Speed 3: 47.5 dB Speed 4: 58.9 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Standby mode: 0.34 watts Speed 1: 6.5 watts Speed 2: 9.11 watts Speed 3: 14.80 watts Speed 4: 53.46 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$161.53 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$0.66
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 year
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

The best feature: it comes with an ionizer that can be disabled

It may seem like a small thing, but unfortunately, there are many air purifiers on the market that come with hidden ionizers that cannot be turned off.

The Winix 5500-2 uses a bipolar ionization technology called PlasmaWave, but you can switch it off and still use the air purifier without this ionizer function. This is great to see because not everyone wants to use this type of technology due to the potential risks associated with it, such as ozone generation and the potential for it to introduce VOCs into the air.

Now, this is the point where Winix would correct me and say that I shouldn’t use the word ‘ionizer’ because, unlike normal ionizers that generate negative ions, their PlasmaWave technology produces both negative AND positive ions. However, even bipolar ionization technology can potentially introduce unwanted chemicals into the air.

The good news is that the Winix 5500-2 has been certified by the California Air Resource Board, meaning that this unit meets the ozone emission concentration limit of 0.050 parts per million (50 ppb). That being said, some people report negative reactions to PlasmaWave, which is why it is great to have the option to disable it.

Timeless style that fits anywhere

The twin brother of the 5300-2 for those who prefer black over grey.

While the older 5300-2 is gray, the 5500-2 is black. I prefer this color as it doesn’t stand out as much, but then again I have a black phone, black car and black laptop — so I must really like black.

I’m a fan of the dark color but if you prefer lighter colors, the C545 could be worth a look as it’s a very similar device but in white.

Whilst it’s not a small device, its design means that it doesn’t take up too much floor space.

But apart from the color, the 5500-2 looks very similar to its predecessor and has the same product dimensions and floor space requirements.

Like the 5300-2, the 5500-2 keeps the useful removable pre-filter, which makes it super easy to remove to clean as you can quickly vacuum it or rinse it under the tap. Winix recommends you do this every three months to remove particle build-up and keep the unit running smoothly. Data from CleanAirStars has shown that HEPA particle removal efficiency can drop up to 40% when you fail to keep the pre-filter clean.

Another thing worth mentioning about the pre-filter in the 5500-2 is that it is much better than the fitted pre-filters seen on the Levoit Core devices, which are part of the main filter.

The control panel is similar to the 5300-2 with a button for auto mode and sleep mode, a button to switch on PlasmaWave, a button to cycle through the 4 fan speeds and a timer button to set 1 hour, 4 hours or 8 hours running time. There is a light underneath the buttons that adjust color depending on the current air quality levels.

One annoying thing about the older unit was that when you lost power, it would default back to using the PlasmaWave even if you had switched it off before. Sadly, the 5500-2 still has this issue, so you must adjust the settings again whenever you lose power. We have seen that Alen has managed to build in a setting memory, so it would be great to see this in place for future Winix devices.

One little thing I think is cute is the sound it makes when you switch it on and off. It seems to be a thing with Korean devices as my LG washing machine also does the same thing.

One benefit over the Winix 5300-2 is that the Winix 5500-2 comes with remote control, so you have that as an option:

Be aware if you have small children that the batteries used in these remotes can be deadly if ingested.

Three-stage air cleaning filter system

The 5500-2 comes with three separate filters, including a washable pre-filter, a washable pelleted activated carbon filter and a True HEPA filter.

Following the big issue of Levoit removing HEPA from their marketing after Dyson complained to the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD), I am definitely wary of manufacturers’ claims of HEPA.

One reason to trust the Winix 5500-2’s performance is that it’s been independently tested by AHAM as part of their Verifide process.

AHAM is the gold standard when it comes to air cleaning testing and I really like that Winix always sends their devices for a CADR test and the results for the 5500-2 are impressive.

Dust CADR of 243 cfm
Smoke CADR: 232 cfm
Pollen CADR 246 cfm

Based on these results this device will provide 4.8 air changes per hour in spaces up to 360 square feet. So if you have a large space you might need a larger device or need to use multiple units.

Winix states that their True HEPA filter can remove 99.99% of particles of 0.3 microns. This is a big claim, but Winix brought receipts: their True HEPA filter has been tested by a third-party lab, so I am not worried that they are not using the filters they say.

One of my biggest issues with the older Winix was the material they used for the activated carbon filter. Winix chose to use impregnated carbon fabric, which is much cheaper and fine for light-duty issues with odors and gasses. However, ASHRAE recommends that granular media filters are better for medium-duty issues, which most homeowners will face.

I am glad to report that the 5500-2 has removed the impregnated media-infused carbon filter in favor of the granular type with activated carbon pellets.

I asked Teddy to take a close-up shot of the filter so you can clearly see the activated carbon pellets:

Tip

Winix states that you can clean these new activated carbon filters every three months by running them under water and then making sure to let them dry completely before putting them back into the device.

You can see the difference between the carbon filters in the Winix 5300-2 compared to that of the Winix 5500-2 in the image below:

Comparing Carbon Filters Winix 5500 VS Winix 5300

As with many air purifiers, the filters for the Winix 5500-2 come inside plastic packaging that must be removed before use. If you don’t remove the plastic bags, the air purifier will move dirty air around your room without cleaning it, potentially worsening allergies.

Removing filters for the Winix 5500-2 is super easy once you have removed the pre-filter from the tabs. Be sure to always put the activated carbon filter in first and then the True HEPA filter.

The Winix 5500-2 cleaned our test room in 23 minutes

The Winix 5500-2 has one the best bang for your buck when it comes to top speed air cleaning performance

Testing air cleaning performance at top speed

For our test, I used the PurpleAir Zen sensors with an additional BM680 gas filter, which allows us to track PM1, PM2.5, PM10 and VOC levels continually.

I first filled our 728 cubic feet test room with smoke from burning an incense stick and then switched on the Winix 5500-2 in its highest mode with PlasmaWave enabled.

We tested the Winix 5500-2 in the same area where we tested 90 other air purifier models, all of which do the same job of removing particles from incense smoke.

By testing every air purifier in the same room doing the same job we make it much easier to compare performance across different brands and models.

We have a program that connects to Purple Air air quality sensors and creates a graph showing the levels of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10.

One of the main questions we see online is how well the Winix 5500-2 can clean the air without using the PlasmaWave ionizer function.

We decided to test this ourselves and were pleased with the results as it was still able to clean our test room of PM1 particles in 24 minutes without the PlasmaWave, which is three minutes faster than Wirecutter’s top recommended air purifier: the Coway AP-15122hh Mighty (with its ionizer enabled).

I created a table to compare how the Winix 5500-2 compares with other air purifier models we have benchmarked:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	TIME TO REACH PM1 ZERO AT FULL SPEED	LIST PRICE
AirFanta 3Pro	17 minutes	$159.99
Levoit Vital 200S	23 minutes	$189.99
Winix 5500-2 (with ionizer)	23 minutes	$249.99
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	23 minutes	$299.00
Smart Air SA600	24 minutes	$279.95
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH (with ionizer)	26 minutes	$229.99
PuroAir 400	30 minutes	$249.00
Corsi-Rosenthal Box	32 minutes	$85.00

Testing air cleaning performance at sub-45 dB

Since we first published this review, we have received many requests for information on air cleaning performance at low fan speeds. This makes sense, as the top speed is unlikely to be used regularly, as most people will find it too loud. We used the 45 dBA limit that CleanAirStars sets for noisy classrooms.

For the Winix 5500-2, fan speed 2 is under 45 dBa (42.5 dBA). When we tested the Winix 5500-2 using Plasmwave at clearing incense smoke from our 728 cubic feet test room at speed 2, it needed 45 minutes to achieve PM1 zero, according to our Purpleair Zen sensor.

If you were wondering the effect Plasmwave had on the air cleaning performance, we tested again at Speed 2 with Plasmwave disabled it managed to achieve PM1 zero in 46 minutes so only 1 minute slower.

Noise level test results

The last test is to see how much sound is generated when using the purifier, especially at its highest and lowest fan speeds. The quieter an air purifier, the more likely you will use it, which will mean cleaner air in your home.

Here are the sound level results from 3ft away:

Mode	Sound Level
Speed 1	38.8 dBA
Speed 2	42.5 dBA
Speed 3	47.5 dBA
Speed 4	58.9 dBA

Check out how this compares to other air purifiers we tested in the table below:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED (dB)	TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM
Smart Air Blast Mini MKII	56.3 dB	15 minutes
Levoit EverestAir	57.8 dB	16 minutes
Coway Airmega AP-1512hh Mighty	60.1 dB	25 minutes
IQAir Healthpro Plus	61.2 dB	28 minutes
Winix 5500-2	58.9 dB	23 minutes
AirDoctor 3000	63.6 dB	20 minutes

We know the sound is highly subjective, so be sure to listen to the sound test we produced after testing the Winix 5500-2:

The cost to run a Winix 5500-2: $137.81 per year

1. Electricity costs = $57.82 per year

At the lowest fan speed, the Winix 5500-2 only pulled 6.5 watts per our energy meter and reached a maximum of 53.46 watts on its turbo speed with Plasmawave enabled.

Assuming energy prices of $0.174/kWh, running the 5500-2 continuously 24 hours per day for every day of the year would add $57.82 to your annual electricity bill. Most people will find that they will use the unit for less time than in our scenario, but others with issues with allergies might need to keep it running continuously.

Fan speed	Energy consumed (ionizer enabled)
Standby	0.34 watts
Sleep	3.43 watts
1	66.5 (7.1) watts
2	9.11 (9.2) watts
3	14.80 (15.00) watts
4	53.46 (53.8) watts

2. Filter costs = $79.99 per year

The genuine True HEPA and activated charcoal filters will need replacing every 12 months and have an RRP of $79.99 but are regularly available for close to $50 with sales and discounts. When I wrote this review, you could buy filters from Winix for $49.99 and Amazon for $43.99.

There are plenty of generic filters that bring the price down even more, with a year’s worth of filters costing close to $15 per year if you buy in a pack of four or $19 for a pack of two.

In the table below, we compare running costs with other similar performing air purifiers we have tested:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	ESTIMATED ELECTRICITY COST (per year)	FILTER REPLACEMENT COST (per year)	YEARLY MAINTENANCE COST
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	$12.22	$45.94	$58.16
Levoit Vital 200S	$46.83	$49.99	$96.82
Coway Airmega AP-1512hh Mighty	$83.64	$39.99	$123.63
AirFanta 3Pro	$46.56	$78.67	$125.23
Levoit Core 400S	$27.44	$99.98	$127.42
Winix 5500-2	$57.82	$79.99	$137.81
PuroAir 400	$77.75	$89.00	$166.75
Smart Air SA600	$56.55	$141.47	$198.02

Bottom line: Is the Winix 5500-2 worth it?

The 5500-2 impressed me with its improved performance and use of pelleted activated carbon instead of the fabric we saw in the 5300-2.

The 5500-2 comes with an ionizer via its PlasmaWave technology that helps deal with odors and gases. However, it still offers great air cleaning performance even without using this function, as it removed all PM1 in our test in under 23 minutes without PlasmaWave enabled.

Filter prices are fair, considering the use of activated carbon pellets. Due to the device’s popularity, there are many choices for generic filters if you want to save more money in the long term. I much prefer the 5500-2’s removable pre-filter, which makes it much easier to clean and vacuum, than Levoit Core devices like the 400S and the 600S, which have the pre-filter integrated into the main filter.

It is worth mentioning that this air purifier doesn’t have app support, but it does have auto-mode. Just remember to keep the sensor clean of dust to ensure it works effectively.

For the price, the Winix 5500-2 is one of the top air purifiers – especially considering the amount of pelleted activated carbon it comes with. It offers excellent air cleaning performance, relatively low long-term costs and minimal noise generated. If you prefer different colors, you may be interested in the Winix C545, and if you don’t care about the particle filters, you can save a little money with the grey Winix 5300-2, which is usually sold cheaper but has a less effective gas filter.

It is unfortunate to learn that Winix has decided to discontinue this air purifier as it was one of my top recommendations due to the incredible value for money that it offers. If you like what the 5500-2 has to offer, make sure to check out the Winix 5510 (left).

This new model from Winix packs the same air cleaning power as the 5500-2 in a smaller and better-looking package, with app connectivity and an on-board air quality sensor. Read my full review of the 5510 to find out more.

If you have the Winix 5500-2 or have any other questions I haven’t covered, be sure to let me in the comments section below.

SOURCES

We calculated the yearly costs associated with running the Winix 5500-2 for 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, utilizing the latest average energy prices reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.17/kWh as of November 2024.

How Google is killing independent sites like ours

Dec 17, 2025Feb 19, 2024 by Gisele Navarro

Header Google is killing independent sites

Google regularly launches updates to its algorithm to continuously improve search results quality. Think of these updates as a refresh of the system where rankings change: some websites see an improvement while others see a decline.

At HouseFresh, we keep an eye on Google’s news and documentation because these updates can literally make or break our website. That said, we don’t write for Google’s robots and always make editorial decisions with our readers in mind.

We know that at the end of the day, Google will reward us if our readers find our articles useful.

Or that’s what we thought.

You might have noticed that no matter what you google, there’s always a selection of the same publishers showing up at the top of the results:

16 companies dominating google search results 2024 detailed — *Source: How 16 Companies are Dominating the World’s Google Search Results*

What do BuzzFeed, Rolling Stone, Forbes, Popular Science, and Better Homes & Gardens have in common?

They all know which are the best air purifiers for pet hair:

Another thing they’ve got in common is that they all also seem to know the best cooling sheets for hot sleepers:

You could play this game yourself. Other searches you could try are: best gifts for mom, best home saunas, best beard products, best gifts for teens, best cocktail kits… the list goes on.

The problem is, for the most part, these publishers recommend products without firsthand testing and simply paraphrase marketing materials and Amazon listing information.

In the last year, we have waited patiently for the many, many, MANY Google algorithm updates to impact these results.

We were hopeful when Google introduced its reviews system with the Products Review Update back in 2021. It seemed they were finally doing something about one of the worst aspects of the modern internet: searching for information about products only to have to wade through countless reviews from people who had never even seen the thing.

Two years later, SEO professional Lily Ray mentioned that (big media) publishers were hit hard by Google’s Product Review updates, prompting a response from Google itself:

In our experience, each rollout of the Products Review Update has shaken things up, generally benefitting sites and writers who actually dedicated time, effort, and money to test products before they would recommend them to the world.

That said, most searches for specific product models don’t just magically start with users searching for specific devices off the top of their heads. There is an immediate step before this: the hours of research reading through lists of product recommendations.

If you have been reading HouseFresh for a while, your first encounter with us was likely a list like this one or this one recommending the best devices for a specific issue you were trying to solve. That is how most of our readers find us.

Unfortunately, we’re getting less and less traffic from those pages, and it’s endangering the future of our site.

That’s why we’re writing this article.

Big media publishers are inundating the web with subpar product recommendations you can’t trust

Savvy SEOs at big media publishers (or third-party vendors hired by them) realized that they could create pages for ‘best of’ product recommendations without the need to invest any time or effort in actually testing and reviewing the products first.

So, they peppered their pages with references to a ‘rigorous testing process,’ their ‘lab team,’ subject matter experts ‘they collaborated with,’ and complicated methodologies that seem impressive at a cursory look.

Sometimes, they even added photos of ‘tests’ with products covered in Post-it notes, someone holding a tape measure, and people with very ‘scientific’ clipboards.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to show you’re doing the thing you’re supposed to be doing, but what happens when that’s as far as you go?

Let’s look at one example.

These are the current top 10 results on Google.com for a query we have completely given up on — Best Air Purifier for Pets:

Right now, the magazine Better Homes & Gardens is ranking at the top of the first page of results.

At a glance, the article shows all the right things:

If you were to keep scrolling, you’d also find photos of an air purifier inside of a tent, two more mentions of the expert Kenneth Mendez, and four mentions of their lab in Des Moines, Iowa.

They say all the right things on the page and are a perfect example of a big media publisher with 40 different pages of ‘best of’ product recommendations in the house cleaning section alone without a single in-depth product review:

They mention that they have tested 67 air purifiers in their lab in Des Moines, Iowa, but somehow, they have published zero product reviews and they don’t make their test data available anywhere.

They do have photos, with the majority of them being credited to Henry Wortock. Remember that name.

“But how do you know they didn’t test these devices?”

Better Homes & Gardens never mentioned conducting tests prior to the Google Product Review Update in July 2022. You can see clearly here how, on July 6th, there were no mentions of air purifiers being tested. Fast forward to July 26th (one day before the announcement of the Google update), and they’re now saying they’ve tested 38 air purifiers. Zero to over 30 devices in just a few weeks without any prior mention of any sort of testing. This is also the first time we see some original photos.

That’s not all.

Their air purifier recommendations are generally plagued by high-priced and underperforming units, Amazon bestsellers with dubious origins (that also underperform), and even subpar devices from companies that market their products with phrases like ‘the Tesla of air purifiers.’ Any actual product testing would show these air purifiers to be a bad pick. What you hardly ever see in their recommendations are truly affordable and high-performing options, which should be a priority if you’re trying to help people clean the air in their homes.

For example, Better Homes & Gardens recommends the Molekule Air Mini+ as their best option for small rooms:

We have no idea how this device made the list considering that Molekule recently filed for bankruptcy, has active class action lawsuits for false advertising, has been recognized by Wirecutter as the worst air purifier they tested, and received the honor of being labeled as “not living up to the hype” by Consumer Reports.

When we reviewed this device, we also found it to be one of the worst air purifiers we have ever tested for multiple reasons:

It took 3x as long to clear our test room of smoke compared to units sold for a third of its price.
It’s incredibly noisy, generating 68 dB when running at its top fan speed — equivalent to the sound of a freeway or a vacuum cleaner.
The filter replacement costs A LOT ($99.99), and you need to change it every six months, so you need to spend an additional $199.98 to use this air purifier for a year
It pulls 50 watts at its top speed, which might not seem like a lot but it is considering you could buy units for a third of the price that won’t consume more than 21 watts.

We could go on forever. But we can also show you actual firsthand data to back up each of our reasons not to recommend this air purifier.

Even some shallow desk research powered by Google would show that this product shouldn’t be recommended, but, hey, it’s $360, so it comes with a juicy commission compared to other better quality yet budget products.

But let’s go back to the search results for Best Air Purifier for Pets and give Google the chance to rank a truly reliable list of recommendations that live up to their guidelines.

Ranking below Better Homes & Gardens, we have Real Simple, another magazine most people would immediately trust due to their longstanding brand.

When landing on Real Simple, the first thing you’ll notice is how similar the site looks to Better Homes & Gardens. It uses the same template and has all the right signals to communicate that they test products for real:

Another interesting thing is that the photos on this page are credited to the same photographer, Henry Wortock (remember him?)

It even looks like the photos were taken in the same space:

Now, Real Simple doesn’t mention a lab in Des Moines, Iowa, but they do say they acquired 56 air purifiers to test AND they named the same expert: Kenneth Mendez.

Similarly to Better Homes & Gardens, there are no air purifier reviews on the entire site. That’s 56 devices that we just have to trust they actually tested and assessed.

Many of you won’t be surprised by all this because you’ll know that both companies are owned by the same media giant: Dotdash Meredith.

That’s probably why both sites have the same design and feature photos from the same freelance photographer (Henry Wortock). It’s also probably why they couldn’t really be bothered with sourcing another expert to satisfy that specific point in their E-E-A-T checklist (more on that later).

A deeper look inside Google Images shows how Dotdash Meredith is using photos clearly taken at the same time across different publications:

Perhaps Dotdash Meredith did pay some lab to test all those devices across all those different websites, and it’s not just a collection of photoshoots their commerce writers can tap into when writing best-of lists.

Whatever the case, it’s clear the team at Dotdash Meredith has worked out what Google needs to see in order to rank best-of lists in top positions without the need to actually publish insightful product reviews or share any evidence of original test data.

But it’s not just Dotdash Meredith that we need to outrank if we want to recommend the actual best air purifiers for pets.

Let’s scroll down to position number six and see who’s ranking right below Amazon and Reddit:

Hello, BuzzFeed.

There’s a lot wrong with this list, starting with the fact that it includes a whopping 22 air purifiers and clearly hasn’t even been curated. Similarly to most big media publisher recommendations, BuzzFeed also lists the Molekule Air Mini+.

Reading through the list, we found the BuzzFeed team doesn’t even pretend to test the air purifiers. There’s no firsthand research other than curating a list of devices and images from Amazon.com:

And then pulling in some reviews from Amazon.com as the bulk of their reasoning behind why they picked one air purifier over another:

Some of you might be shocked to see BuzzFeed recommending air purifiers, considering this is far from what BuzzFeed is all about. Others might rightfully think this list must be some sort of joke, expecting to see AI-generated images of air purifiers hugging and feeding cats and dogs.

The truth is that BuzzFeed has been struggling to maintain the ranking of this particular page, so it will probably drop off the first page of Google results eventually:

But until that day comes, searchers will continue to land on that Amazon.com copy-and-paste page when searching for an air purifier to help with pet odor and dander.

But hey, it’s BuzzFeed. They’re publicly listed and are the parent company of Huffington Post and Complex, so they obviously deserve to be there.

Right after BuzzFeed, we’ve got a Reddit thread that someone opened four months ago and has good discussions between Redditors:

There are also lots of spammy replies, with this specific one at the top right now for those landing on that page without being logged into Reddit:

When clicking on that link, users will then land on this incredibly sketchy website:

Those of you with high attention-to-detail will notice that this introduction is a word-by-word copy of Real Simple’s article:

Clicking on the profile of the Redditor behind this ‘recommendation’ will lead you to a suspended account page:

Somehow the user has been banned from Reddit, but their comment is still at the top of the thread — we wonder how many other comments this user has published across different subreddits.

Tip

After Google’s latest Helpful Content Update, Reddit and LinkedIn started ranking heavily in Google search results. If you want to find out more about Reddit specifically, you should read this article from Glen Allsopp.

Private equity firms are utilizing public trust in long-standing publications to sell every product under the sun

In a bid to replace falling ad revenue, publishing houses are selling their publications for parts to media groups that are quick to establish affiliate marketing deals

At position #8, we have Popular Science, a magazine from 1872 that was sold to a private equity firm, North Equity LLC, in 2020. A year later, North Equity introduced Recurrent Ventures, a new arm of their business that runs all the media brands they acquired. A few months later, PopSci switched to an all-digital format. Two years later, in 2023, PopSci stopped being a magazine altogether.

Of course, most people won’t know that because the site still feels like the PopSci we all know and trust:

It doesn’t help that they have a ‘Why trust us’ section at the end of all their ‘Best of’ lists that says:

The vast majority of readers don’t know that the teams behind these product recommendations are far from the team of journalists and editors who built the brand behind the site.

It’s unfortunate because many people will click on that Popular Science article expecting a trustworthy list of products only to find a list of units that haven’t even been tested by PopSci’s team:

After reading the article, it quickly becomes clear that every air purifier on the list was selected (and ranked) based on anecdotal experience.

popsci anecdotal product recommendations

Another thing worth mentioning about this PopSci list of air purifiers is that it’s a completely new page on their site that went live on December 29th, 2023.

This makes it all the more strange for them to be recommending not one but two (2!) Molekule air purifiers. Surely, the writer who researched each device ran into the news of Molekule going bankrupt — or the ridiculous reasons why they supposedly filed Chapter 11.

Shouldn’t ‘best of’ lists be treated as product reviews?

Hint: yes, they should, but somehow they’re not

In theory, ‘best of’ product recommendation lists should be treated the same as any product review.

Google’s documentation clearly states that:

“Reviews can be about a single thing, or head-to-head comparisons, or ranked-lists of recommendations.”

So, shouldn’t Google be rewarding ranked lists of recommendations “that provide insightful analysis and original research […] written by experts or enthusiasts who know the topic well”?

Shouldn’t the reviews system ensure that people don’t end up landing on “thin content that simply summarizes a bunch of products, services, or other things”?

Perhaps we’re mistaken here, but we think the documentation says it plainly and clearly.

Sadly, these are just empty words because Google has a clear bias towards big media publishers.

Their Core and Helpful Content updates are heavily focused on something they call E-E-A-T, which is an acronym that stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

The SEO world has been obsessed with E-E-A-T for a few years now, to the point where there is always someone on X (formerly Twitter) discussing how to show experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Many of the examples come from dissecting big media publishers like the ones we’ve been discussing in this article.

The reason why SEOs look up to these sites is that Google rewards those sites:

Interesting to see US News and Forbes benefit from this core update.

US News is earning top positions for its "cars" and "college" pages, sometimes even outranking the brand itself for its own branded KWs. pic.twitter.com/qNkQy1HlT8
— Lily Ray 😏 is on vacation 🌴🧘 (@lilyraynyc) June 6, 2022

And people have been pointing this out for months:

Genuine question – why are large sites like New York Magazine, CNN, Tom’s Guide, CNET, Forbes, and Business Insider not deemed unhelpful in the extreme when they write unrelated content purely targeting search engines.

Let me give you my logic.

Presumably Google ranks these…
— Sean Kaye (@SeanDoesLife) October 24, 2023

Every single big media company (a.k.a. Digital Goliaths) is currently pumping up their bottom line with affiliate earnings.

The strategy of Recurrent Ventures for Popular Science seems to be to squeeze as much money as possible from this type of ranked list of recommendations before things start to go south.

You can see here how they have ramped up the pages inside of their ‘Gear’ section, which is where they house the bulk of their ‘best of’ articles — you can also see how their traffic has been declining since the latest Product Review update:

The strategy of Dotdash Meredith for their publications seems to be to optimize resources and maximize profit.

We might one day see the first page of Google results full of copycat recommendations once they roll out their hacks across all their websites, including Verywell, People.com, Health.com, Travel + Leisure, Byrdie, MyDomaine, The Spruce, Lifewire, Southern Living, TreeHugger, Parents.com… and so many other top tier publications.

Oh, wait, that’s already happening:

So, where do we go from here?

Google is killing independent sites like ours through inaction

While this happens, investment firms and ‘innovative digital media companies’ are selling you bad products

HouseFresh has published over 60 hands-on reviews that were written on the basis of multiple performance tests.

We can tell you that testing and reviewing products takes a lot of time, money, and effort.

But if our small team can publish real reviews, then these big publishers and private equity surely have the resources to do the same.

Unfortunately, right now, these companies are using all their resources to publish more and more pages peppered with the right ‘ingredients’ to dish up a tasty E-E-A-T meal for Google.

We have no doubt that these big publications could build their own labs, where they could run actual tests in order to make product recommendations backed by actual firsthand data.

CNET bought an entire smart home back in 2015 in order to test products. That was before they were acquired by Red Ventures and found themselves selling the house after reporters told The Verge they were feeling pressured to change their reviews to be more favorable to brands that were being advertised on CNET.

How many other ‘parent companies’ are using commerce or shopping editors to pass off promotional articles as editorial content?

It turns out that what we’re seeing now is a result of the brainchild of Alicia Navarro, the founder and CEO of Skimlinks, a content monetization platform for online publishers. Navarro wrote a series of opinion articles and provided quotes to industry publications, who started introducing the concept of ‘comtent’ in 2016:

Someone who voiced their discomfort with the idea of e-commerce editors publishing ‘comtent’ at the time was Brian Lam, founder of The Wirecutter.

Months before being acquired by The New York Times, Lam explained that the Wirecutter had grown to become one of the most successful independent tech sites by publishing 20 to 30 articles a month that would take 30 to 200 hours to research and produce.

He said he didn’t believe in a role like that of an e-commerce editor who would be pushing products. “I believe in talented editors on a beat who help people find related gear, not someone specifically meant to find things to push to readers,” Lam added.

We are big fans of The Wirecutter, but we wonder whether their content would be as successful in the eyes of Google today if they were still an independent website. Luckily, they don’t need to worry about it because their site now sits inside the nytimes.com domain — a trusted and well-established media brand.

And it’s not just newer independent sites like HouseFresh that are losing traffic to big media publishers and their e-commerce editors.

Long-standing websites such as GearLab have also seen their traffic decline in recent months even though they publish product reviews based on objective, independent testing:

We can’t speak for the GearLab team, but this situation just isn’t sustainable.

Many independent sites will go out of business if this trend continues.

We hope to still be here to see things change

That’s the reason why we’re writing this article

A few months ago, Futurism uncovered how Sports Illustrated was publishing ‘best of’ articles by fake, AI-generated writers. The magazine’s publisher, The Arena Group, washed their hands of it by stating that the “articles in question were product reviews and were licensed content from an external, third-party company, AdVon Commerce.”

We wonder how many of these big media companies and investment firms are hiring intermediaries to develop their ‘affiliate marketing’ arm, whatever the cost.

These Digital Goliaths are utilizing their websites’ authority and the public’s trust in their brands to sell every product under the sun.

They’re buying magazines we love, closing their print operations, turning them into digital-only, laying off the actual journalists who made us trust in their content in the first place, and hiring third-party companies to run the affiliate arm of their sites.

And while they do all this, they’re telling you to buy:

Products from brands that are bankrupt and have class action lawsuits for false advertising against them
Outdated, inefficient, and underpowered air purifiers that won’t actually clean the air in your home
Overpriced devices powered by fancy marketing tactics that will perform as well as units half the price

We appreciate how much information Google has shared about what a high-quality review is and about helpful content in general, but these guidelines need to be applied to everyone.

These Digital Goliaths shouldn’t be able to use product recommendations as their personal piggy bank, simply flying through Google updates off the back of ‘the right signals,’ an old domain, or the echo of a reputable brand that is no longer.

As a team that has dedicated the last few years to testing and reviewing air purifiers, it’s disheartening to see our independent site be outranked by big-name publications that haven’t even bothered to check if a company is bankrupt before telling millions of readers to buy their products.

That isn’t helpful content. Especially considering the work of air purifiers can’t be assessed by the naked eye.

Users won’t be able to tell if their air purifier is actually working without subject-matter knowledge and the help of tools to measure air quality. That’s when actual testing and firsthand data become indispensable.

If a magazine they trust tells them the Molekule Air Mini+, the PuroAir HEPA 14 240, and the Okaysou AirMax 10L Pro will help with their pet allergies, their asthma flare-ups, the air pollution that gets through the windows, the wildfire smoke blowing in their direction, the mold spores in their damp apartment, or recurring flu outbreaks in their school, then they’ll go and buy one of those useless, overpriced units.

Everybody loses but the investment firm.

We’re talking about only one product here, but we imagine the issues highlighted in this article are rampant across every consumer tech product being recommended by these big media sites.

Google won’t be the gatekeeper forever, but they are the gatekeeper now.

The ball is in their court.

UPDATE

If you want to find out what happened since we published this article, head over to HouseFresh has virtually disappeared from Google Search results. Now what?

The U.S. real estate markets most vulnerable to climate change

Dec 17, 2025Feb 19, 2024 by G. John Cole

The immediate effects of climate change, already being felt around the world, include extreme weather events, unpredictable crop yields and increased health risks from harmful air and insect-borne diseases. And the knock-on effects can be just as impactful.

One key area for homeowners and investors is the falling value of properties at high risk of damage from weather events and other conditions brought on by global warming. One recent study found that U.S. homes exposed to flood risk are overvalued by $121–$237 billion and that lower-income households suffer “greater risk of losing home equity from price deflation.”

More positively, a 2022 report from McKinsey suggests that climate change “not only creates new responsibilities for real-estate players to both revalue and future-proof their portfolios but also brings opportunities to create fresh sources of value.” Such opportunities might include redeveloping and “climate-proofing” at-risk properties and areas.

Whatever your perspective, if you are a homeowner or have interests in real estate, it is essential to understand the turbulence ahead. That is why the HouseFresh team has identified the cities and states with the highest proportion of home listings at high risk from climate change-related fire, flood, wind or heat in the next thirty years. To do this, we analyzed risk data for each property market using Risk Factor™ and Redfin, ranking cities and states based on the percentage of property listings that carry a major risk.

You can find our full methodology at the foot of the article.

In Wyoming, 90% of listed properties have a major fire risk — more than in any other state.

St. Petersburg, Fla. (42.7%), and Honolulu (34.4%) are the cities with the most properties at extreme risk of flood.

We found eight states and 14 cities where 100% of properties have an extreme wind risk.

Miami and New Orleans are among 11 cities where 100% of properties have an extreme heat risk.

The states and cities with the highest percentage of home listings with a major fire risk

Wildfires are not just a result of increasing heat but climate-related factors, such as increased droughts and tree-killing beetles, that make woodland more susceptible to fire.

Before we jump into the findings of our study, we have created a mini-infographic to explain the wildfire risk factor:

Every year, news of wildfires and associated losses hits our screens and re-ignites debates over climate change. Yet from 1990-2010, the areas where wildfires were most pronounced experienced 41% growth in the number of houses built (33% growth by area).

This made wildfire-prone land “the fastest-growing land use type in the conterminous United States” during that period, according to the study that produced those figures. According to Timothy Collins, a geography professor at the University of Utah, “people are drawn to those environments because of the amenities associated with forest resources.”

02 The States With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With a Major Fire Risk

We found that Wyoming is the state with the highest proportion of listings with a major fire risk, by a significant leap. Not only are many houses built with high-risk materials in high-risk areas, but Wyoming has a “significantly disproportionate land-to-resource ratio,” meaning a low proportion of firefighters and other resources compared to the extent of the fires it suffers.

“In my experience, Wyoming has had wildfires that started to burn in one county on private lands and over the next several days, spread across three different counties, burning private, state, and BLM [Bureau of Land Management] lands,” Kelly Norris, Interim Wyoming State Forester, told a recent senate committee hearing, noting that Wyoming’s forests provide $26 billion of value per year.

Unsurprisingly, Wyoming is also home to the city whose property is most vulnerable to wildfire. As the chart above shows, 62% of listed properties in Cheyenne are high-risk. However, Riverside, Calif., is not far behind, at 59.2%.

03 The Cities With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With an Extreme Fire Risk

Colorado Springs joins the leading pack with 46.4%, but other big cities have a significantly lower proportion of high-risk properties. This overall lower risk to city properties compared to the state-wide figures is partly due to the lower proportion of flammable vegetation in built-up areas.

The states and cities with the highest percentage of home listings with a major flood risk

Global warming leads to increased water evaporation, which intensifies rainfall. According to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a rise of one degree Fahrenheit can lead to 4% more vapor in the air — meaning there may be as much as 9% more moisture in the air now than in 2023. And the effects of intensified rainfall are exacerbated by the urban environment, which has “eliminated many natural landscape features that would otherwise slow rainwater’s path across the land and absorb it deeply underground.” Meanwhile, rising sea levels pose an ever-greater threat to coastal areas.

Here’s how flood risk is measured:

Hawaiian properties are most at risk of flooding. As an archipelago, the state is at risk of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and storms, hurricanes and tsunamis. At Hilo Bay, the sea level has risen by 10 inches since 1950 and now rises by one inch every four years.

05 The States With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With a Major Flood Risk

Louisiana (55.30%) and Florida (32.73%) complete the top three states for flood risk. According to McKinsey, “the value of homes in Florida exposed to changing climate-related risks are depressed by roughly $5 billion relative to unexposed homes.” In Florida, as elsewhere, this risk disproportionately affects minority communities.

We also found that the cities with the most homes at risk of flooding are in these states. St. Petersburg (42.7%) is on Florida’s Gulf Coast, while the Hawaiian capital, Honolulu, is second-most at risk (34.4%), as our following chart shows.

06 The Cities With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With an Extreme Flood Risk

Twelve of the cities with the highest proportion of property listings at high risk of flooding are coastal. The real estate market is particularly sensitive to the threat of coastal flooding following Hurricane Sandy, which killed 182 people and caused more than $70 billion in damage — making it America’s second costliest storm after Katrina. In New York City, the price of flood zone properties not damaged by Hurricane Sandy fell by 8% in the wake of the disaster.

The states and cities with the highest percentage of home listings with a major wind risk

“[M]ajor hurricanes have caused more damage to local populations and ecosystems than any other natural disaster,” according to researchers. And they are on the increase, energized by warmer sea surface temperatures and intensified by higher sea levels.

The visual guide below explains how Wind Risk is measured:

Hurricane winds cover large distances at high speeds and are often connected to intense rainfall — hence the flooding described above. But the wind itself affects buildings in multiple ways, from cutting power lines to lifting roofs, tilting structures and even overturning whole homes.

We found eight states where 100% of listed property is considered at high risk of wind damage. The list is dominated by Atlantic Coast states, from Florida all the way up to Massachusetts.

08 The States With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With a Major Wind Risk

Climate change is “poised to bring hurricanes that intensify quicker and, with them, a heightened risk of flooding to the U.S. Atlantic Coast,” reports the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Researchers at the lab discovered a “unique coastal phenomenon lies at the heart of the bustling hurricane activity” and that “the same mix of hurricane-favoring conditions doesn’t appear in the Gulf of Mexico.”

We also found that 100% of the listings in the top 14 cities are flagged for high wind risk. But in this case, the balance is more in the direction of the Gulf Coast. These cities include Corpus Christi, Texas, which was the point of entry for Storm Harold in August. That storm achieved wind speeds of 45-50 mph in the area; winds are given tropical storm status when they hit 39 mph.

09 The Cities With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With an Extreme Wind Risk

Being a way back from the coast doesn’t guarantee protection either. The Louisiana cities in our chart are dozens of miles from the coast.

In 2020, Louisiana suffered its strongest hurricane in 150 years, with gusts up to 137 mph. “The hurricane severely damaged residential and commercial buildings, knocked mobile homes off their platforms and blew out windows from the city’s tallest building,” reports Climate360.

Many have found themselves displaced for months to hotels, trailers or even tents while awaiting insurance payouts and home repairs.

The states and cities with the highest percentage of home listings with a major heat risk

The risk of extreme heat levels is measured according to an area’s hottest month of the year. Extreme heat levels can unsettle a home from its very foundations, drying out the soil beneath the concrete and causing walls to crack and floors to slope. The materials that homes and the surrounding infrastructure are made from can buckle and warp, and heat can also cause further damage and disruption to home sensors and devices such as solar panels.

The short infographic below covers what you need to know about Heat Risk:

Once more, states on or near the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico are most at risk. In the case of heat risk, 100% of the properties in 13 states are flagged, while Alabama and Tennessee are not far behind on 99% each.

On the other hand, there are 13 states where no listed properties are considered at high risk from extreme heat. These are almost all inland, and the majority are in or around the Midwest.

11 The States With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With a Major Heat Risk

Oklahoma stands out among the highest-risk states for being positioned some distance from the Gulf of Mexico. By the mid-2080s, Oklahoma will likely experience three to four times as many days above 100°F as it has now.

Unlike the majority of states, Oklahoma actually cooled over the last century. This was “due to natural cycles and sulfates in the air,” according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, but “[n]ow sulfate emissions are declining, and the factors that once prevented parts of the state from warming are unlikely to persist.”

In contrast, the 15 most at-risk cities are all in the southeast and towards the coast. These include Norfolk, Va., where an $8.1 million building has recently been constructed to deliberately suffer the effects of climate change — and thus “showcase strategies to stay longer in harm’s way.”

12 The Cities With The Highest percentage of Home Listings With an Extreme Heat Risk

In our city rundown, Chandler, Ariz., is the outlier, being positioned in the southwest and in a landlocked state. Heat is already the leading weather-related cause of death in Arizona, and Chandler’s position in the Sonoran Desert, compounded by the urban heat island effect, makes the city particularly vulnerable to dangerous temperatures. Just this summer, the city made the news when a local librarian reported that his shoes had melted while guiding children across a hot street.

Preparing for the Unknown

We know that climate change is coming and that conditions will become more difficult. However, the extent of the change is not yet known and depends greatly on the steps taken by international governments and corporations.

Homeowners, developers and other parties with interests in real estate can already take steps to mitigate the risk, damage and costs to property in the coming months and years. However, the precise risk faced by a property is not a simple issue to estimate: “The challenge with these perils is that you don’t see identical damage to each house,” says Tom Larsen, an insurance and spatial solutions specialist at data analytics firm CoreLogic. “So we use our spatial modeling to look on a granular level at every house. We can look at the elevation above the sea level of the first floor of a house and follow wildfire patterns property by property.”

Be it fire, flood, wind or heat — or, more likely, a combination of the above — forewarned is forearmed.

METHODOLOGY

To determine how climate risk factors affect house values, we reviewed data on flood, fire, wind and heat risk from Risk Factor™ and Redfin. States were ranked based on the percentage of Redfin property listings in each state that carry a major risk of 5 or above on Risk Factor’s 10-strata risk scale, while cities were ranked based on the percentage of property listings that carry an extreme risk of 9 or above on Risk Factor’s 10 strata scale. Only cities with at least 100 properties listed on Redfin were considered.

According to Risk Factor™:

A “major” Fire Factor® score of 5 or higher means a property has a 6%+ chance of being exposed to wildfire in the next 30 years. An “extreme” factor score of 9 or higher means a property has a 26%+ chance of being exposed to wildfire in the next 30 years.
A “major” Flood Factor® score of 5 or higher means a property has a major risk of being reached by flood waters in the next 30 years. An “extreme” flood risk factor of 9 or higher means a property has an extreme risk of being reached by flood waters in the next 30 years.
A “major” Wind Factor® score of 5 or higher means that the wind speed during extreme wind events at that property will average to 41 mph or greater over the next 30 years. An “extreme” factor score means that the wind speed during extreme wind events at that property will average to 77 mph or greater over the next 30 years.
A “major” Heat Factor® score of 5 or higher means that the average heat index during the hottest month of the year will be 89°F or higher over the next 30 years. An “extreme” heat factor score of 9 or higher means that the average heat index during the hottest month of the year will be 104°F or higher over the next 30 years.

The data was collected in December 2023 and January 2024.

PuroAir HEPA 14 240 review

Sep 12, 2026Feb 16, 2024 by Danny Ashton

I had never heard of the PuroAir HEPA 14 air purifier until the last quarter of 2023.

None of the several experts in air quality I follow on X (formerly Twitter) had mentioned this device. Even the excellent Clean Air Stars database, which has comprehensive data on 680 devices, has no record of PuroAir models. Yet, when analyzing sales figures on Amazon product research tool AMZScout, I saw this device listed as the best-selling air purifier of 2023 on Amazon.

According to this data, the two-device set (with a retail price of $349.99) sold an estimated $34 million in a single year. while the one-device option pulled in an estimated $22 million. Between the two listings, the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 sold an estimated $56 million worth of air purifiers in one year!=, according to data from AMZScout.

These estimations might not mean much in isolation, so I compared them to another device that usually tops the best-seller lists: the popular Levoit Core 300. The Core 300 has been on the market since 2019, and AMZScout figures show it has only sold an estimated $33 million on Amazon.com in 2023 — that is $23 million less than the estimations for PuroAir 240 devices.

This fact left me wondering, How could a new brand come out of nowhere and grow to become the hottest air purifier in the United States?

As we do for all our reviews, I conducted in-depth desk research into PuroAir (and the company behind it) before writing my review.

Typically, this is a fairly straightforward exercise where I read through company websites, check social media profiles (especially LinkedIn), and trawl public business databases. However, the job wasn’t as straightforward when I sat down to learn more about the company behind this air purifier.

After researching PuroAir for over a week, I couldn’t find any clear information about who owns the company, their background, their connection to air quality, or the location of factories and offices.

The one thing I did find was a collection of outstanding quotes from big media publishers highlighted on the homepage of PuroAir’s website, so I followed that lead.

Now, I couldn’t find those exact quotes on the sites of those three publishers:

Odd.

But, when searching for PuroAir on Google.com, I found recommendation upon recommendation as part of “best air purifier” lists published by some of the largest newspapers and magazines in the world.

This air purifier must be incredible to receive such praise from some of the world’s most well-renowned publishers. This could be the kind of advertising that led to the PuroAir 240 becoming the best-selling air purifier of 2023.

So, naturally, I was super excited to see how this unit performed in our collection of tests designed to assess air cleaning performance (removing PM1.0 particles), energy usage, noise levels at each fan speed, and long-term running costs.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

The PuroAir HEPA 14 240 retailed for $229.99 when it was first launched. At the time of writing this review, it has a retail price of $159 on Amazon.com.

The pros and cons of the Puroair 240

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

PRICE on amazon PRICE on EBAY

“Our hands-on tests show that the PuroAir 240 is too underpowered for the recommended room size and its air cleaning performance is worse than that of units sold for half its price.

I don’t understand why journalists from big-name publishers have regularly recommended this air purifier to their readers. But thanks to this push from these trusted brands Google chooses to rank at the top of its search results, thousands of consumers have paid double for an air purifier that won’t be effective in most rooms.“

Due to many issues I encountered when testing this air purifier, this is a 4000-word review. I totally understand if you don’t want to read it all. Below are the key things you need to know about the PuroAir HEPA 14 240:

CONS

It took 51 minutes to clean the air in our 728 cubic ft. test room. A Winix A230 offers better performance (40 minutes) for $80.

The build quality is poor. It feels like a cheap rip-off of the Levoit Core 300.

Marketing materials state that this unit can be used in a room of up to 1,115 sq. ft, but this would allow for only one (1) air change per hour.

Filter has a sticker stating that the HEPA 14 has been lab-tested, but I can’t find any evidence.

Claims the HEPA 14 performs 10x better than HEPA H13, but the PuroAir with a H13 filter actually performed quicker in our particle removal test.

Filter costs are much higher than Levoit and Winix for what seems like the exact same filter.

PROS

Rubber pads at the bottom of the unit prevent the bottom cover from accidentally opening up when moving the device around on the floor. This is an improvement on the Core 300’s design.

The black finish. Of course, this is subjective as I really like black.

HouseFresh rating:	★☆☆☆☆
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	48 minutes
Air purifier technology:	H14 HEPA and activated carbon filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	284 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 183 CFM Smoke: 181 CFM Pollen: 204 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):	8.5D x 8.5W x 14.25H inches (22 x 22 x 36cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	8 lbs. (3.6kg)
Filter life:	12 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 36.9 dB Speed 2: 42.2 dB Speed 3: 52.2 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Sleep mode: 11.6 kWh Speed 1: 15 kWh Speed 2: 22.3 kWh Speed 3: 36.2 kWh
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$135.53 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$1.15
Manufacturer’s warranty:	30-day home trial with 100% refund and 1-year warranty
Country of manufacture:	China

The design

The PuroAir 240 looks a lot like the popular Levoit Core 300, especially on the inside.

PRICE on amazon PRICE on EBAY

I like black, so I was instantly attracted to it when I opened the box.

The branding is also quite sleek, which is something you don’t always see when buying a new air purifier.

It didn’t take long for me to start noticing all the little details that now remind me of the Levoit Core range.

The design of the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 is reminiscent of the Levoit Core 300: there is a twist-off cover to remove the filter at the bottom of the device and the filter itself is a small tube with a handle, too.

This means that the PuroAir filter has some of the same design issues I didn’t like about the Core 300, such as an integrated pre-filter you can’t easily clean. With the PuroAir 240, you must remove the filter whenever you want to clean the pre-filter, which you should do every few weeks, depending on usage.

At the top of the unit, you’ll find the control panel. In the middle, there’s an on/off button. To the right is a timer button you can use to set a timer for two, four, six, and eight hours. On the left, you have an auto mode button to control the three fan speeds and switch on sleep mode. You also get a child lock and a filter replacement indicator.

The PuroAir HEPA 14 240 comes with an onboard air quality sensor. The red light you see in the photo above is the air quality indicator. This LED light changes color depending on the quality of your indoor air.

This air purifier has no other smart features besides auto-mode and sleep mode. It also doesn’t come with app support for your phone.

Right, let me show you how much this unit looks like a Levoit Core 300…

In the photo below, you can see how similar the design of the PuroAir device is to the Levoit Core 300 on the outside:

When removing the filter, you can see how the chamber inside of the body looks pretty much identical for both units:

I went as far as to open up both devices, but I’ll tell you more about it in the next section of my review.

The PuroAir HEPA 14 did improve one aspect of the Levoit Core 300 design. It has added rubber feet to the base of the unit.

With the Levoit Core 300, if you move the device too much, you can accidentally open up the filter, which can be annoying. With the PuroAir HEPA 14, movement doesn’t open up the case, so this never happens.

Filtration technology

It is an all-in-one filter similar to those we see in devices such as the Levoit Core 300S or the Winix A230.

PuroAir’s website and marketing materials state that this is the “world’s first HEPA H14 air purifier.” The company also says that its filters have been lab-tested to remove 99.99% of particles, but they don’t state the particle size. If it’s a H14 filter, I assume it must be particles measuring 0.3 microns. I couldn’t find any reports or data confirming a third-party lab had tested PuroAir’s HEPA filter or that it complied with the requirements to be classed as H14. However, the company mentioned it plenty of times in its marketing materials, and even on the filter itself.

The particle filter is covered by a layer of fabric that functions as a pre-filter to filter out large particles like pet hair.

PuroAir HEPA 14 240 Activated carbon filter

On the inside of the filter, you get a small amount of activated carbon to help remove odors from the air.

Dyson shares third-party lab reports, but in the case of PuroAir, we have to take them at their word.

One of the main reasons other manufacturers have not used H14 filters in portable air purifiers is that they cost a lot more, restrict airflow, and take longer to clean the air. The team at Smart Air showed that choosing a lower grade HEPA can actually improve performance, and the fact that the Corsi–Rosenthal box performs so well even though it uses non-HEPA grade filters (MERV 13) shows us that HEPA grade is not a requirement when it comes to household air cleaning performance.

I’m sure H14 sounds like a shiny upgrade compared to H13 for the average consumer, but for anyone who understands air filtration, H14 is seen as sub-optimal when the goal is to remove airborne particles as quickly as possible.

That’s why it’s strange to see claims like these on the PuroAir 240 product page like:

If you didn’t know how these classifications work, you would think that HEPA H14 is offering 10x the performance of HEPA H13. Yet when we tested the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 using HEPA 14 filters, it was three (3) minutes quicker to clean our test room when using the HEPA 13 filters vs. the OEM HEPA 14 filters.

I contacted Harvard University and MIT to enquire about the tests they performed on the PuroAir filters, considering the company features them as organizations that backed this project. I didn’t hear back from either of them. But, I did notice that the Harvard and MIT logos have been removed from some sections of the PuroAir site (see before and after) since I started working on this review in November 2023.

Another strange thing I noticed when inspecting the PuroAir 240’s filter was how similar it is to the Levoit Core 300’s. Check them out for yourself:

Both filters have the same dimension, the same design on the handle to remove it from the device, and even the same type of soft foam at the bottom.

While the dimensions are practically the same, the quality of materials in the PuroAir filter is much lower, with thinner plastic and sharper edges all around. It seems as if someone sent the filter of the Core 300 to a factory and asked them to create a cheaper clone.

This got me wondering. If the filter has the exact same dimensions as Levoit filters what about the main device?

While we don’t usually open devices up as part of our review process, this is something that I’ve done in the past in cases where a deep dig felt essential (looking at you, Westinghouse 1804).

So, I went one step further (once again) and opened up both air purifiers to explore the PuroAir 240 further.

After exploring the different layers of the PuroAir 240 and the Levoit Core 300, I could clearly see how similar their internals are.

Similar to the filter, I kept finding parts that looked like a rip-off of the Levoit design with a much cheaper build quality when looking at the different elements inside the device.

While looking through the internal components of the PuroAir 240, I was able to find the particulate matter sensor: a PM1006 V1.1 from Cubic. This is the same sensor used in the IKEA VINDRIKTNING air quality sensor that sells for $12. So, we can assume the sensor itself costs just under $3. It’s not as accurate as a laser counter, but it’s good for the price.

If you are interested to see how you can change the filter for the PuroAir 240, see below:

I was glad to see that PuroAir added a sticker at the top of the HEPA filter warning users to remove it from the plastic bag before using the device.

Air cleaning performance

The PuroAir 240 cleared our test room 11 minutes slower than the Winix A230, which costs half the price ($78 VS $159).

PuroAir sent the 240 to the AHAM VERIFIDE program, which puts the devices through an ANSI/AHAM AC 1 2020 CADR test, and its results are publicly available on the EnergyStar directory.

Puroair 240 CADR report from Energystar website

The first thing that struck me when I saw this CADR report is that they note the recommended room size as 284 sq. ft. This is a fraction of the 1,115 sq. ft. advertised on the Amazon listings and marketing materials for the PuroAir HEPA 14 240.

In my opinion, PuroAir is knowingly overstating the capabilities of this air purifier.

The marketing materials mention that it “cleans rooms up to 1,115 sq ft in just 67 minutes,” meaning that the 240 can provide only one air change in an hour in such a large room. Considering that the EPA recommends at least 4.8 air changes in an hour, it’s clear that this device is much more suited to small rooms, as per the CADR report.

To be clear, PuroAir isn’t the only brand that overstates the recommended room size like this. However, while other brands also include room size recommendations based on one air change per hour, they make this clearer in their marketing materials. For example, this is how Coway does it:

Coway mighty air changes mairketing material

I imagine many of the consumers who have bought these devices based on this marketed room size recommendation are likely to be breathing in airborne pollutants, unaware that one air change per hour is not enough to keep the air in their large rooms clean.

The other thing that shocked me about the CADR scores of the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 is how low the CADR was considering the price:

The Levoit Core 300 provides one CADR CFM for $0.68.

You can build your own Corsi-Rosenthal Box, and it’ll provide one CADR cfm for $0.18.

At $159, the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 will provide one CADR cfm for $1.15 — one of the highest costs per CADR CFM we have seen with a small air purifier.

I made a little table to compare against other small and/or budget units:

AIR PURIFIER	AHAM CADR (dust)	COST PER CADR CFM
Taotronics AP003	202 cfm	$0.49
Winix A231	154 cfm	$0.64
Levoit Core 300	141 cfm	$0.68
PuroAir 240	181 cfm	$1.15

A month after this review went live, a new AHAM report was published for PuroAir 240 with higher CADR ratings (181 CFM for dust) and a larger room recommendation 284 sq. ft. (still much smaller than the advertised 1,115 sq. ft.).

Without even doing any performance testing, it’s clear that this device isn’t good value compared to other similar models. I don’t understand why so many well-known publications and magazines recommend this as the “best air purifier.”

As usual, I tested the air cleaning performance of the PuroAir 240 inside our 728 cubic ft. test room by measuring how long it takes to clear the air of PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 particles from burning a powerful incense stick with the help of our PurpleAir Touch and PurpleAir Zen sensors.

I tested this device twice. On both occasions, it took 48 minutes to bring the PM1.0 level down to zero according to the PurpleAir Touch readings and 51 minutes based on the PurpleAir Zen sensor.

Looking at our test data, the PuroAir 240’s performance-to-price ratio was much higher than that of other devices we had tested. I will come back to this later in the review.

It’s worth noting that it was still quicker to clean our test room than the Molekule Air Mini+, which costs nearly twice as much.

However, I’m shocked at how often the PuroAir 240 is chosen as the “best air purifier,” considering it costs twice as much as more powerful devices.

MODEL	TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM (minutes)	LIST PRICE
AirFanta 3Pro	17	$159.99
CleanAirKits Luggable XL	23	$299.00
Levoit Vital 200S	23	$189.99
Blueair 311i Max	27	$229.99
Coway Airmega 150	38	$189.99
Winix A231	40	$99.99
Levoit Core 300S	45	$149.99
PuroAir 240	51	$199.00
Molekule Air Mini+	61	$359.99

It seems that referring to themselves as “the Tesla of air purifiers,” proclaiming they invented HEPA 14 air cleaners, and name-dropping world-renowned universities has allowed PuroAir to sell a low powered device for $159.

Either the journalists who recommend this device don’t test or evaluate the performance of the products they tell you to buy, or they have chosen to include the PuroAir HEPA 14 240 for reasons unknown.

Sound levels

In our testing, the sound levels of the PuroAir 240 ranged from 36.9 dBA at speed 1 to 52.2 dBA at top speed.

PuroAir’s marketing materials only show the sound level at its lowest speed. This is another unethical marketing trick, as the CADR test would have been done at the highest speed, and using the lowest speed with a small device like this will be of no value, even for a tiny room.

We used our sound meter to measure the level of noise the unit generated from three feet away, and it registered 36.9 dB at the first fan speed, 42.2 dB at the second speed and 54 dB at its highest fan speed.

This sound level is very similar to what we saw with the Levoit Core 300, which doesn’t surprise me considering how many other features are similar to the Core 300.

Be aware that our location for testing has a high degree of background noise, so the lower fan speeds are likely lower than our test results show.

All in all, the PuroAir 240 is a quiet air purifier, but it is also too expensive considering its air cleaning performance.

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED	TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM	PRICE
Levoit Vital 200S	57.7 dBA	23 minutes	$189.99
AirFanta 3Pro	56.3 dBA	17 minutes	$159.99
Coway Airmega 150	55.6 dBA	38 minutes	$189.99
PuroAir 240	52.2 dBA	51 minutes	$199.00
Smart Air Sqair	58.2 dBA	32 minutes	$179.95
Winix A231	57.9 dBA	40 minutes	$99.99
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	38.8 dBA	23 minutes	$299.00

We repeated our particle removal test with the PuroAir 240 running at speed 2, where it generates 42.2 dBA of noise, which is below the 45 dBA limit we set for our quiet performance tests.

We know sound levels can be personal, and some people can hear things others can’t, so we included a video of the PuroAir 240 running at each fan speed.

Long-term running costs

Running a PuroAir HEPA 14 240 will cost you $231.99 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

As always, I calculated the long-term costs you can expect when running a PuroAir 240 for 12 months.

First, I used an energy meter to measure the amount of electricity the PuroAir 240 consumes when running at each fan speed.

Sleep mode	11.6 watts
Fan speed 1	16 watts
Fan speed 2	23.2 watts
Fan speed 3	37.6 watts

Assuming you run this air purifier at its highest speed for 24 hours every day of the year, it’ll add just $39.99 to your electricity bill, using average U.S. energy rates.

Considering you need to replace the filter every three months and that the replacement costs $48, you can expect to also spend $192 per year on filters.

At $48 per filter, this is $8 more than what Levoit charges, but we assume this must be due to the use of HEPA 14. A tip: you’d be better off buying the 4-filter bundle as it costs $149.

This is how the long-term costs of running a PuroAir 240 compare to other units that can be found for a similar price:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	ANNUAL ENERGY COST (USD)	ANNUAL FILTER COST (USD)	ANNUAL MAINTENANCE COST (USD)
Levoit Vital 100S	30.32	79.98	$110.30
Xiaomi 4 Compact	28.88	64.64	$93.52
AirFanta 3Pro	48.02	118.00	$166.02
Coway Airmega 100	25.77	37.52	$63.29
Winix A231	50.65	49.99	$100.64
PuroAir 240	39.99	192.00	$231.99
Philips 800 Series	22.22	38.78	$61.00
Smart Air Sqair	43.76	89.30	$133.06

Compared to small devices that can be bought for a fraction of the price, the PuroAir 240 has higher running costs:

I saw that generic filters were available, but interestingly, they state that they’re HEPA 13 grade and bring down the replacement cost to just under $40 per year.

Bottom line: Is the PuroAir 240 worth it?

An underperforming air purifier that highlights how big media publishers are blindly recommending Amazon best-sellers without any first-hand testing

I assumed this air purifier was another TikTok sensation that used influencer marketing to push an overpriced product. Sadly, it was much worse than I feared. The PuroAir HEPA 14 240 is a device with worse performance than the $78 Winix A23 that is sold for $159.

In order to sell this overpriced device, PuroAir has exaggerated room size recommendations, hinted at lab tests without making them available to the public, name-dropped universities without citing actual data from these collaborations, and stated that HEPA 14 has 10x better performance than HEPA H13 (which is untrue).

I only needed to take one look at their AHAM CADR results to know that this was an overpriced air purifier that would perform worse than units you can find for less than $100, such as the A230 or the Levoit Core 300.

PRICE on amazon PRICE on EBAY

Sadly, at no point did any of the journalists from Money.com, LA Times, Popular Science or USA Today who raved about this air purifier seem to have conducted any level of basic research to compare CADR lab reports. This is especially surprising, considering these publishers go to great lengths to highlight their testing process and even include quotes from physicians and other experts in their articles. Sadly, right now, Google has no idea who is really testing products, and it gives these publishers a free pass to rank highly in their search engine on their name alone.

Our industry has seen its fair share of unethical manufacturers taking advantage of consumers with overpriced devices, such as the current class action lawsuit against Molekule for false advertising (in 2023) or the case of Sharper Image and their ionizer devices that worsened indoor air (going back more than 10 years).

Unlike vacuum cleaners or air fryers, an air purifier’s work is hidden from the consumer. Brands can say that it works, and without lots of extra equipment, you wouldn’t know better. It’s easy to think that you are breathing in clean air when it might still be full of particles too small to see with the naked eye.

That is why AHAM developed an air cleaning test with the latest update ANSI/AHAM AC 1 in 2006, allowing consumers to see exactly how well an air cleaner performed.

If you still like the idea of a small air purifier that is similar to the PuroAir 240, then you’re much better off going with the Levoit Core 300S, which is cheaper (saves you $20), has better build quality and includes smart features like app support. Alternatively, you can save even more money and get the Core 300 or the Winix A230, both of which offer better air-cleaning performance for less than $100.

However, for most people, I recommend spending up to $180 and going for a larger device like the Vital 200S or Winix 5500 2, both of which provide significantly better air cleaning performance, more pelletized activated charcoal, and improvements like a removable pre-filter for easy cleaning.

Cases like the PuroAir 240 show how important it is for independent third parties like HouseFresh to thoroughly test and research products, going beyond the marketing materials and investigating the too-good-to-be-true claims from top-selling brands.

Coway air purifier red light: What it means and how to fix it

Dec 17, 2025Feb 15, 2024 by Paul Allen

Coway is one of the most popular purifier brands out there. The South Korean outfit offers a range of innovative air purifiers, with the likes of the AP-1512HH (Wirecutter’s top pick since 2015 🤯) and Airmega 300 being trusted by millions of users around the world.

But like any air purifier, they are not immune from the occasional hiccup that leaves owners scrambling for their long-lost manuals.

One of the most common issues is the red warning light. If this appears, you can easily begin to fear the worst. But red lights are common on air purifiers and usually act as an alert to take action rather than a sign your unit has given up the ghost.

What does the red light mean on my Coway air purifier?

Seeing a red light appear on your air purifier could boil down to a few different reasons. Below, I’ll unpack each potential problem.

1. Your filter needs to be replaced

Coway units use mechanical filters such as HEPA and activated carbon. These work by trapping pollutants inside as dirty air passes through. Meaning that over time, they will become saturated and lose efficiency.

Once this happens, you will see the red warning light informing you that it’s time to change your filter.

2. There are high concentrations of airborne pollutants in the room

Some Coway air purifiers have an in-built air quality sensor that monitors indoor air pollution and relays information through a color-coded display.

If the air is particularly dirty in your space, this will show as red.

3. Restricted airflow due to incorrect filter placing or blocked intake

A warning light might appear if the purifier struggles to intake air from your space.

This could occur if the ducts become clogged with large particles such as hair, lint or dust or because the filter has been incorrectly installed.

4. WiFi connectivity issues

If the WiFi light blinks, the purifier may have lost its connection to your network.

This can unexpectedly happen from time to time and is usually a result of your router being down or the unit attempting to connect at the wrong frequency.

8 steps to fix the Coway air purifier red light warning

Now you’ve identified the problem, here are 8 simple steps to get your purifier back to its prime.

Step 1: Increase the fan speed

If your air quality display is showing red, ramp up the power of your unit to its highest speed setting to circulate more air and reduce the amount of particles affecting your space.

Coway Airmega AP 1512HH Control Panel Close Up

After an hour or so, the color should change to display better air quality (blue/green). If not, see step 8.

Step 2: Check your internet connection

If the WiFi light is flashing red, you’ll need to reestablish your connection. First, check your router and test your internet connection on a different device.

If everything works as it should, head to the IoCare app and see if your purifier is still paired with your phone and router.

DOWNLOAD IPHONE APP 

DOWNLOAD ANDROID APP ▶

If it has disconnected, select “Register Product” and scan the barcode on the back of your purifier.

Next, activate the pairing mode on the purifier itself by holding the Light and WiFi buttons simultaneously for three seconds.

You should then hear a beep and be prompted to advance on the app.

Hit ‘Next’ then create a nickname for your unit and agree to connect to WiFi, selecting your network and entering the password. The light should then become solid, indicating you’ve successfully connected your device.

Step 3: Ensure the filters are installed properly

Ensure that it’s installed correctly, fitting snugly inside the unit with the pre-filter facing you.

Try to gauge whether the filter has approached the end of its lifespan by gently inspecting the between the HEPA pleats. It may be time to order a replacement if it is noticeably dirty.

Tip

New filters come in a plastic wrapper. Ensure you have removed this before installing.

Step 4: Clean your pre-filter

The pre-filter captures large particles which can restrict airflow if left to accumulate. Aim to clean the pre-filter once every two weeks to keep your purifier in tip-top shape.

To do so, remove the pre-filter from the unit and either use a vacuum cleaner to remove light particle buildup or use a mild detergent and warm water to clean a dirty pre-filter more thoroughly.

Remember to allow the pre-filter to dry completely before reinserting it into the purifier.

Step 5: Deep clean your air purifier

Cleaning and maintaining your purifier will clear particle build-ups and improve airflow.

While the pre-filter is drying, use this opportunity to clean the rest of the unit. Using a brush, vacuum or a slightly damp cloth, wipe down the internal fan, air outlet grill and external body of the purifier.

How to Clean an Air Purifier Clean intake grill Brush

How to Clean an Air Purifier Using a vacuum attachment on a low setting vacuum the air intake grill

Step 6: Replace your filter

Coway states that their filters last between 6-12 months, but this can vary depending on how often you use the purifier and the concentration of polluting particles in your home environment.

If your filter has reached the end of its lifespan, start by disconnecting your unit from the power source before opening the panel to reveal the filter.

Remove and discard the old filter before replacing it, making sure to orientate the new filter correctly.

Finally, securely refit the front panel, and you’re good to go.

Step 7: Reset the filter warning red light

After replacing your filter, it’s important to remember to reset the filter warning light. This alerts the unit that you’ve replaced the filter and resets the reminder function.

To do so, simply turn on the purifier and hold down the filter button for 5-7 seconds.

Step 8: Clean the air sensor and adjust settings

If your air quality indicator continues to show red after prolonged use at the unit’s top speed setting, there may be dust, dirt or debris on the sensor itself.

To clean the sensor, shut off the unit and open the sensor cover.

Using a dry cotton swab, gently brush the lens and the surrounding area to remove any particles.

If the problem persists for no clear reason, you can adjust the sensor’s sensitivity to airborne pollutants.

To select between the three sensor settings, open the IoCare app and select your unit. Hit the ‘Device Management’ tab and continue to the settings page.

Here you can select ‘Smart Mode Senstivity’ and opt for sensitive/normal/insensitive. If the unit is continually showing red, you’ll probably want to switch to insensitive to see a change.

How to change AQI sensitivity IoCare Coway

Tip

If your purifier isn’t WiFi compatible, don’t worry; you can still adjust the sensor manually. Check out Coway’s detailed instructions for all applicable air purifiers here.

Wrapping up

Maintaining your air purifier is vital to keeping your home a pollutant-free environment. So if an ominous red light appears, it’s handy to know how to solve the problem yourself.

If your Coway starts to display a red warning light, work your way through this troubleshooting guide and you should be back on track to breathing clean and healthy air. If the problem persists, it’s advisable to reach out to Coway directly for more tailored technical support.

SOURCES

Coway Support (2024). Adust Air Quality Indicator Sensitivity. cowaymega.com
Coway Support (2024). How to clean my air purifier. cowaymega.com
Coway Support (2024). How to change an Airmega’s (Wifi Enabled) AQI sensitivity using the IoCare App. cowaymega.com
Coway Support (2024). Understanding Airmega’s air quality light indicator. cowaymega.com
Coway Support (2024). Why does the Air Quality Indicator consistently show a high amount of pollution?. cowaymega.com
Coway Support (2024). Why is the airflow weaker than before?. Cowaymega.com
Coway Support (2024). Why is my Coway Airmega Wi-Fi connection cut off frequently?. cowaymega.com

Coway Airmega 150 review

Dec 17, 2025Feb 7, 2024 by Teddy Booth

Developing products since the late 80s, Coway has been at the forefront of performance and design. With their large range of products, they aim to challenge the boundaries of conventional air purifiers by adding innovation without compromising performance.

I was impressed with both the Airmega 300 and the Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty when we tested them in our home lab, and they’re both unique compared to the traditional looks of other boring air purifiers. (I’ve been pestering Danny to buy the Airmega IconS to review. Feel free to help me out and email him to request it.)

Another addition to the Airmega range is the 150, which Coway says is “compact, quiet, and powerful combined with unique design.” This bold air purifier is available in three colors, has built-in air quality sensors, and features a color-coded AQI.

But is this a case of style over substance? In this review, I delve into the Airmega 150 to look at its design, features, filters, and, most importantly, how it performs compared to rival units on the market.

The lowdown on the Coway Airmega 150

“It’s not a bad device, and some might like its unique aesthetic, but at this price point, I much prefer the Winix 5500-2 as it’s got more activated charcoal and was much faster in our test at removing particles.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

Don’t want to read the full review? Check out what I like about the Airmega 150 and what Coway could have done better.

What we really like

Comes in different colors to suit your tastes

Has an auto mode and air quality indicator (AQI)

Pre-filter is easy to remove to clean

Energy-efficient with low running costs

What we think could be better

The plastic casing feels a little thin.

I’d like to see app connectivity.

HouseFresh rating:	★★★☆☆
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	33 minutes
Air purifier technology:	HyperCaptive™ GreenHEPA™ filtration system
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	237 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 161.1 CFM Smoke: 152.8 CFM Pollen: 219.8 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):	6.5 x 13.4 x 18.5in (16.5 x 34 x 46.9cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
Filter life:	1 year
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 35.2 dB Speed 2: 39.5 dB Speed 3: 55.6 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 2.38 watts Speed 2: 6.04 watts Speed 3: 31.55 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$98.11 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$1.18
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 months
Country of manufacture:	South Korea

A new generation of air purifier design

Coway discards tradition for a look that suits a bold and modern home

Forget bland white appliances. Get some color into your home. We at HouseFresh take our interior design quirks seriously, and it seems as if Coway caught onto that. The 150 comes in three colors: Sage Green, Peony Pink, and Dove White (I guess you can’t completely dismiss the classics).

We went for Sage Green because it matched the color of my couch, and although I like pink, Peony is a little too bold for my taste.

The unit overall is quite sparse. You could easily mistake it for a heater or a speaker from the front.

There’s no obnoxious branding plastered over the grill, just a tag on the top with the Coway name embossed. This tag isn’t just ornamental. Pulling it upwards, you’ll find it’s actually attached to the pre-filter, making it especially easy to remove and clean. Nice feature, Coway.

Looks are subjective, but for me, the 150 looks great. It’s modern, stylish and unassuming. My only gripe is that the whole unit feels a little thin and plasticky. I wish they had used thicker casing like most of the other air purifiers in the Airmega range.

Even then, when you compare it side-by-side with plain, white devices like the Levoit Core 300S, you can clearly see how much Coway has invested in the design stage of this unit:

However, I will say that the Airmega 150’s design doesn’t look totally unique, as other models like the SA600 from Smart Air have similar designs. But it definitely stands out if you compare the 150 to other more traditional air purifiers.

Some brands pack their control panels with smart technology, touch screens, and settings on settings (check out the Mila, for example), but that wasn’t what Coway wanted with the Airmega 150.

They’ve kept it super simple with only three buttons. One controls your unit’s power, another allows you to select fan speed or auto mode, and the last one allows you to configure the machine’s display lights. There aren’t any other notable smart features on the 150, so if you want a timer, display lock, or app connectivity, this isn’t the air purifier for you.

If you look on the side of the Airmega 150, you’ll notice two slots. This is where the air quality sensor lives.

The air quality sensor in the Airmega 150 monitors the number of pollutants present in your room in real-time. The data collected is then relayed to the unit’s auto mode, which adjusts the fan speed according to your present air quality.

When the quality of the air changes, the sensor sends this information to the color-coded AQI on top of the unit.

🔵 Blue = Good air

🟢 Green = Moderate air

🟡 Yellow = Unhealthy air

🔴 Red = Very unhealthy air

3-stage HEPA filter that lasts

Coway covers the bases with their GreenHEPA™ technology and a removable pre-filter.

When brands engineer their own filters, they like to give them catchy names… In the case of Coway, their team has developed the HyperCaptive™ Max2, which has three filtration stages: pre-filter, deodorization filter and

Pre-filter

The pre-filter is the first line of defense, capturing larger particles from the air, like dust and dander. Trapping these larger particles early on means the HEPA filter can focus on the microscopic particles.

I appreciate when brands let you remove the pre-filter so that you can clean it. By periodically cleaning this filter, you can prevent clogging and prolong the HEPA’s lifespan.

Deodorization filter

Coway’s Deodorization filter is basically the carbon layer that removes odors, gasses, and other VOCs from your room. The general rule is the more activated carbon it includes, the more effective it is. Unfortunately, in the case of the Airmega 150, Coway opted for an impregnated fabric that sticks to the front of the HEPA filter to add a layer of odor filtration.

Coway Airmega 150 Activated carbon filter

Impregnated carbon fabric is not as effective as activated carbon pellets. You can see in the photo below how flimsy the filter is:

Coway Airmega 150 See through carbon filter

Green True HEPA™ Filter

HEPA filters use a tightly woven maze of tiny fibers that trap microscopic particles like flies in a spider web. HEPA filters are made in different grades. The higher the grade, the smaller the particles they can capture.

Coway states that its Green True HEPA™ filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and pollen. By applying an antimicrobial treatment to its HEPA filters, these pollutants are thwarted and unable to spread.

Like all Coway devices, the Airmega 150 has been sent for third-party lab testing as part of the AHAM VERIFIDE program. You can see the lab report on the ENERGY STAR Certificate tool. Here are the CADR results:

Smoke CADR	152.8 CFM
Dust CADR	161.1 CFM
Pollen CADR	219.8 CFM

Based on these CADR scores, it should clean our test room in around 34 minutes, give or take a couple minutes.

Tip

Find everything you need to know about HEPA filters here, including:

HEPA filters may be the most effective way of trapping pollutants in your air, but here’s the catch: they can get congested and become less effective after a while. This means you need to replace the filters in your air purifier periodically.

When it’s time to replace your filters, a red light will appear on your control panel:

When the red light illuminates next to the PRE symbol, it’s time to clean your pre-filter.
When it illuminates next to MAX2, it’s time for a replacement HEPA filter.

Replacing the filter on the Airmega 150 takes less than a minute. Here’s how:

Switch off and unplug the unit
Pull the front panel open and reveal the filter
Remove the old filter and replace it
Click the front panel back into place

Tip

Before installing the replacement filter, make sure you remove all packaging.

If you don’t, the filter will not remove any contaminants from your air, and you’ll probably notice a burning smell coming from your air purifier. Not cool.

The Coway Airmega 150 cleared our test room in 33 minutes

Worthy performance for a unit of this size

To make our reviews as fair and even as possible, we test all the units we review (no matter what size) in the same 728 cubic ft room.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

We start by lighting an incense stick in our home lab until the room fills with thick smoke and turn on our air purifier to the highest speed. Next, we sat back to monitor and record how long it took for the Airmega 150 to clear all pollutants from the air using our PurpleAir indoor sensor.

The Coway Airmega 150 took 33 minutes to clear all generated PM1.0 ug/m3, PM2.5 ug/m3, and PM10.0 ug/m3 pollutants from our home lab. This is about what we expected for the size of the unit. However, we would have liked to have seen it perform a little faster for an air purifier that’ll set you back over $160 from a top brand like Coway.

Air cleaning performance test results

I’m not writing this Airmega off, but when you compare it to the Levoit Vital 200S or the Winix 5500-2, you can see why we expected more.

It may not look as good, but the Winix 5500-2 is cheaper and outperformed the Airmega 150 by a massive 13 minutes. So, if you’re looking for performance over design, the 5500-2 might suit you better.

Noise levels test results

A big advantage of running a smaller air purifier is that the fan is usually a lot quieter as the fan and motors are smaller. The Airmega 150 is quiet at its lowest fan speed, notching out just 35 dB, which is the same level as someone whispering nearby. At its highest fan speed, the 150 hits a respectable 55.6 dB, which is the same as moderate rainfall.

When you compare it to other air purifiers of similar size and spec, you see that it falls nicely into its size category without deviating in any particular way.

Noise is subjective; what’s quiet to some is loud to others; that’s why we video air purifiers running at each fan speed so that you have an idea of sound levels for yourself.

Cost of running a Coway Airmega 150: $98.11 per year

Energy-efficient with affordable running costs in the long-term.

When buying an air purifier, it’s not only the unit’s initial cost you need to consider. You also need to look at the unit’s long-term running costs.

1. Electricity costs: $48.12 per year

The first cost you need to look at is the amount of energy the air purifier uses, as some units are more energy-efficient than others. And with energy prices ever rising, it’s an important factor to consider.

Coway knows this and engineers their air purifiers to make them as energy-efficient as possible.

The Airmega 150 is a testament to this, as our energy tests show. We calculated that it should cost around $48.12 to run at full speed, 24/7, 365. This is impressive for its size. Especially when you compare it with the Winix 5500-2, which we calculated to cost almost $35 more annually.

We calculated this cost using the average price of energy in the U.S., as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. Filter costs: $49.99 per year

Another additional expense you can’t avoid is replacing the HEPA filters in the 150. HEPA filters are so effective at trapping particles that the pollutants have nowhere to go, filling the filter up until they become blocked.

How often you change them depends on how hard it works (the amount of pollutants the filter removes). Coway advises replacing the filter in the Airmega 150 every 12 months. But you don’t have to keep an eye on the calendar. You’ll know when your HEPA is full when a red light pops up on the control panel.

You can purchase an official Coway replacement for $49.99.

Coway Airmega 150 Genuine Air Purifier Replacement Filter Set, HEPA Filter and Active Carbon Filter, AP-1019C-FP

Coway Airmega 150 Replacement Filter
Only fits Airmega 150 (AP-1019C)
Number of pieces: 3
Package Dimensions: 1.0 L x 14.5 H x 11.0 W (inches)

Unofficial replacement filters are cheaper, but I can’t testify to their effectiveness.

Bottom line: Should you get the Coway Airmega 150?

The 150 looks like a thousand bucks, but is it worth it when compared to other units?

Coway is never one to shy away from designing their air purifiers with a little extra… flare. As soon as they released the Airmega 150, I loved that they were pushing boundaries again. And the fact that they’ve made it available in different colors makes it more appealing to those who care about the style of their home appliances.

Overall, the Coway 150 is a good-looking air purifier built for a small room that will clean the air as effectively as units like the Levoit Core 300.

I do have a few reservations about 150, though. My main complaint is the lack of pelleted activated carbon. It seems odd when the Amazon listing from the official Coway store includes an image like this one that will make consumers think the filter includes pelletized activated carbon when, in fact, you only get two sheets of impregnated fabric.

If you suffer from allergies or live in a highly polluted area, you will be better off with more powerful units such as the Smart Air Blast Mini or the more affordable Winix 5500-2. However, if you’re just looking to generally improve your air quality without having an ugly white box in the corner, the Airmega 150 will suit your needs.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the Coway Airmega 150 24 hours a day, 365 days per year utilizing the latest average energy prices as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.174/kWh as of April 2024.

Can you use an air purifier with the windows open?

Dec 17, 2025Feb 1, 2024 by Michelle Honeyager

Is it okay to open your windows? Should you keep them sealed tight? There’s a lot of conflicting advice online. For instance, opening your windows in humid regions may raise your home’s relative humidity too much and make it a breeding ground for mold. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, experts encouraged us to keep those windows open to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of respiratory infection. Then, there’s the added complication of having an air purifier running at home. Looking for some concrete answers? Read on to learn more about using an air purifier with open windows.

What happens when you run an air purifier with the windows open?

There are a few things that happen when you run an air purifier with the windows open, such as:

Decreased air purifier efficiency. One study in the Building and Environment journal examined using an air purifier with an open window in a nursery environment. The air purifier had a particulate reduction rate of 63% with the window closed and a 46% particulate reduction rate with it open.

More pollutants to filter. The study above also looked at the environment. One window was right next to a parking lot, increasing the indoor air pollution in the room when the windows were open. Another study in the Science of The Total Environment journal found that using an air purifier with closed windows kept additional outdoor pollutants at bay.

Potential increase in health risk. If you’re using an air purifier to clean the air of allergens or asthma triggers, opening the window could invite these health hazards in. The EPA encourages to keep windows closed if it poses a health risk to people with asthma.

Tip

If you don’t want to risk opening the windows at all, here are some tips for ventilating without windows.

What’s the advice from air purifier manufacturers?

Advice from air purifier manufacturers varies. Some say you can open a window for a limited time or just one window at a time. Others have a hard no-open-window stance. Below are some nuggets of advice from major brand manufacturers.

“The windows have to be closed when the purifier is in use. This way, outdoor pollutants won’t affect the effectiveness of the purifier and in turn, increases the HEPA’s lifespan. For ventilation, the windows can be opened for 15-20 minutes so that the air in the house will be changed once. After closing the doors and windows, the air quality will quickly return to the safe range when the purifier is in use.”

— Smart Air

“While our purifiers work best in rooms with closed windows, we never want to discourage you from opening your windows for a short time to get some fresh air! However, it is important to keep in mind that if outside air has a high level of pollutants, it may hamper the ability of the purifier to reduce the ambient level of particulates and gases in your space.”

— Alen

“Operate your Mila in an enclosed area. Close all doors, windows, and other openings connecting to the outside of the room.”

— Mila

“Even if an air cleaner is present in a room, it is important to ventilate. This increases the amount of oxygen in a room, but when too much air enters from outside, the Air Purifier may have trouble removing all impurities. Our tip is, therefore, to keep one open window or door at a time so that the air purifier can maintain its airflow.”

— Winix

“Your air purifier works most efficiently in a sealed environment – opening the windows can allow more pollutants to enter the air in your home, which means your machine will take longer to work.”

— Dyson

The do’s and don’ts of running an air purifier with the windows open

Sometimes, it can be necessary to air out your home and get some fresh air in there, especially if you believe there are pollutants present. If you need a (literal) breath of fresh air, below are some tips for having the windows open while the air purifier is running.

What you should do

Have the window open for a very short time. If you really feel you need ventilation, keep the window open for no longer than 20 minutes.

Limit open windows. If you do open windows, have only one window open at a time to avoid overwhelming the air purifier.

What you should avoid

Never open the window if you suspect air pollutants or other poor air conditions. For instance, if you live near traffic or there is smoke in the air, keep the window closed. Keep windows closed during high humidity, as that can create a mold risk.

Don’t open the window if it might trigger allergies or asthma. It might be tempting to think you can get the best of both worlds: fresh air and clear air, as long as you have the air purifier by the window. But the air purifier might not keep up with allergens or asthma triggers, especially during high allergy risk days.

In general, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Don’t open the window too much, if at all, and avoid opening the window during bad air conditions.

Wrapping up

You might feel confused because general advice about whether you can open a window while running an air purifier varies. To put it simply, opening a window can reduce the efficiency of the air purifier, as it may now be working against incoming outdoor pollutants. If you do want to open a window, have only one open for no longer than 20 minutes. Never open a window if it might cause issues for someone with allergies or asthma or if air quality is bad.

SOURCES

Alen. 2023. Can I Open My Windows While Using the Air Purifier? alen.com
Building and Environment. 2023. Evaluating the Impact of Air Purifiers and Window Operation Upon Indoor Air Quality – UK Nurseries During Covid-19. sciencedirect.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness. cdc.gov
Dyson. Support for your Dyson Purifier Cool Autoreact. dyson.com.sg
Mila Air. Mila Air: User Manual. milacares.com
Science of The Total Environment. 2020. Effect of Ventilation Strategies and Air Purifiers on the Children’s Exposure to Airborne Particles and Gaseous Pollutants in School Gyms. sciencedirect.com
Smart Air. How Does Opening a Window Affect My Air Purifier’s Ability to Clean My Air? smartairfilters.com
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2023. Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19). epa.govWinix. Get the Most Out of Your Air Purifier. winixeurope.eu

Smart Air SA600 review

Mar 16, 2026Jan 26, 2024 by Danny Ashton

Smart Air is a social enterprise and certified B-Corp that puts 100% of its profits into helping more people breathe clean air. We have previously reviewed the Smart Air S, Smart Air Blast Mini and their portable QT3, and we are big fans of their ethos and the information that Smart Air shares with the world.

Back in 2022, we accepted Smart Air’s offer to lend us an SA600 so we could review it and return it to them afterwards. Normally, we only review air purifiers that we bought with our own money to avoid biases, so when manufacturers ask us to review their products, I make it clear that we will be open and honest with our readers. Most companies ghost me when I say this, but Smart Air was happy to let us say exactly what we thought.

The problem with the arrangement was that we only had the SA600 at home for two weeks, which gave just us enough time to run our usual tests but didn’t allow us to perform long-term experiments. But in 2024, Smart Air released an updated version of the SA600 with five fan speeds (versus the three we saw in the first model we reviewed, so we decided to buy this new and updated SA600 so we could update our review.

Today, I’m sharing with you the result of months of testing the Smart Air SA600 in our home to see how it performs in the real world.

The pros and cons of the Smart Air SA600

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

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“Our tests show that the air cleaning performance of the Smart Air SA600 matches that of popular devices like the Winix 5500-2 and the Levoit Vital 200S when running at top speed. And thanks to its five fan speeds, the SA600 was actually able to outperform the 5500-2 and the Vital 200S when running at sub-45 dB levels of operation.

The SA600 offers solid air cleaning power but it also costs more to run than other similarly powered devices due to the fact that it uses a total of four filters (two HEPA filters and two carbon filters) at each side of the air purifier.”

CONS

If you want an air purifier with smartphone app connectivity, an on-board sensor or smart modes (like auto mode and sleep mode), this is not the device for you.

Retailing at $279.95, it comes at a high initial cost compared to units from AirFanta, Levoit or Winix.

PROS

With a dust CADR of 287 cfm, it offers excellent air cleaning performance — even when running on lower fan speeds.

It uses a total of four filters (two H13 HEPA and two carbon) for filtering the air through both sides of the unit.

The two carbon filters use pelleted activated carbon, which we prefer to the impregnated fabric you get with other models like the Winix 5300-2 or the Coway AP-1512hh.

The control panel is intuitive and the lights switch off automatically, without the need to press any button or activate any special mode.

It restarts automatically following a power cut or after being unplugged, which is something other models don’t do.

You can use any brand of smart plug to connect it to your smart home hub, and set routines for it to come on and off automatically.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 287 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	H13 TrueHEPA filter with a removable pre-filter and pelleted activated charcoal filter (set of two)
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20 x 13.8 x 9 inches (51 x 35 x 23 cm)
Weight:	15.5 lbs (7 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 35.2 dBA Speed 2: 37.2 dBA Speed 3: 41.5 dBA Speed 4: 46.1 dBA Speed 5: 56.7 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.1 watts Speed 1: 2.4 watts Speed 2: 4.3 watts Speed 3: 7.1 watts Speed 4: 12.9 watts Speed 5: 53.8 watts
Filter lifespan:	18 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

The best feature: three out of its five fan speeds generate less than 45dB of noise

Not only that, but when running at these lower fan speeds, the SA600 offers excellent air cleaning performance.

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In 2022, we reviewed the first version of the SA600 and tested its three fan speeds. The SA600 v1 offered good air cleaning performance when running at its top speed (56 db) but this power didn’t translate to its sub-45dB speeds. With the v2 of the SA600, Smart Air changed that.

The SA600 comes with five fan speeds, which range from 35 and 56 decibels:

	SPEED 1	SPEED 2	SPEED 3	SPEED 4	SPEED 5
NOISE LEVEL (from 3ft away)	35.2 dBA	37.2 dBA	41.5 dBA	46.1 dBA	56.7 dBA

I tested the SA600 running at speeds 3, 4 and 5 inside our 728-cubic-feet test room, using our PurpleAir Zen sensor to track how long it took for the air purifier to reach PM1 zero after we burnt an incense stick:

SPEED 5: 24 minutes. This is the same time it took for the Coway Airmega 250S, the RabbitAir A3 and the Winix 5510 to reach PM1 zero.
SPEED 4: 36 minutes. Faster than the Levoit Vital 100S (37 minutes), the Mila (38 minutes) and the Coway Airmega 150 (38 minutes) at top speed.
SPEED 3: 46 minutes. Faster than the Core 300S (45 minutes), the PuroAir 240 (51 minutes) and the Molekule Air Mini+ (61 minutes) at top speed.

This makes the SA600 an excellent choice for spaces that need quiet operation without sacrificing on air cleaning performance, such as offices, classrooms, bedrooms and TV rooms. However, if quiet is important to you, make sure to also research PC fan-powered air purifiers like the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits.

Design, controls and features

The SA600 has two filters on each side of the unit to capture pollutants and VOCs from both sides of the device.

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I like the simplicity of the SA600’s design and Smart Air’s decision to use matte plastic, as it far less prone to smudges and fingerprints compared to the shiny plastic we see in so many other devices like the Coway AP-1512hh or the PuroAir 400.

This is a mid-sized air purifier, that has similar dimensions and will take up as much floor space as devices like the Levoit Vital 200S and the Coway Airmega 150.

However, unlike the Vital 200S or the Airmega 150, the SA600 pulls air from both sides of the device and has two sets of filters through it’s dual inlets.

That means you get one H13 HEPA filter and one activated carbon filter on the left side of the unit, and then another H13 HEPA + carbon combo on the right side. The SA600 also comes with a removable pre-filter at each side:

Now, this use of additional filters means you will have two pre-filters to keep clean and you will need to replace double the number of HEPA and carbon filters each year. I will break down the annual running costs further down in the review, including calculations for filter replacement and energy costs.

Like with the other devices we have reviewed from Smart Air, the controls are straightforward with simple operation. You get just four buttons: one to cycle between the five fan speeds, a lock to prevent the settings from being changed, a filter replacement indicator, and a power on/off button.

There are three lights to the left of the fan speed button where you will be able to see what speed the SA600 has been set to, with speeds over Speed 3 showing with two lights:

Like other Smart Air air purifiers, the SA600 doesn’t offer smart modes (such as auto mode or sleep mode) and it doesn’t come with a smartphone app to control the unit from afar. That being said, you can use this device with any type of smart plug to set routines as part of your smart home hub.

Although fairly commonplace in today’s appliances, the child lock and the filter reset light make this the ‘smartest’ model from Smart Air. These are quality-of-life features that won’t necessarily impact the air cleaning performance of the air purifier as much as the four filters will, but that users will appreciate in their daily lives.

To wrap up this section, let me tell you about a unique feature of the SA600 that I haven’t seen in any other air purifiers I have tested: the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. Without the need of you pressing any button, the SA600 turns off all control lights automatically if you don’t touch the buttons for three minutes. This makes the SA600 a great choice for nursery rooms, bedrooms and TV rooms, where LED lights can become an unwanted distraction.

Filtration technology

Two HEPA H13 filters and two activated carbon filters supercharge the SA600’s air cleaning performance, by cleaning air from both sides of the device.

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In 2023, Dyson made a complaint to the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) about Levoit’s use of ‘HEPA’ in their marketing. The complaint forced Levoit to refrain from saying their main filtration was powered by HEPA 13 filters because it wasn’t true.

With that in mind, we were glad to see that the HEPA filters for the SA600 have been third-party lab tested as per AHAM AC-1-2002, so we can be confident they are genuine H13 HEPA Filters

The best thing is that the SA600 comes with two of these pelleted activated carbon filters, meaning that you will have A LOT more carbon to absorb unwanted odors, gasses and VOCs than the average air purifier.

As with other Smart Air air purifiers, the fan of the SA600 is a powerful little beast, which helped this unit clear the air from incense smoke in our test room in just 24 minutes.

Tip

Remember that filters will come in plastic bags, so be sure to remove them from the bags before turning on your Smart Air SA600.

Otherwise, the air purifier won’t be able to clean the air. Plus, running the device with the filters inside the plastic bags is likely to generate burnt smells.

When you change the filter in your Smart Air SA600, you’ll find that the process is simple. Here is a video taking you step by step:

The filter reset indicator will flash continuously when your filter needs replacing
Pull out the front cover, then lift out the pre-filter, HEPA and activated carbon filter
Remove your new HEPA filter from its bag
Insert your new HEPA and activated carbon filter, making sure the arrow on the filter is in the correct direction outwards
After inserting the front cover back into your purifier, hold the filter replacement indicator for 4s. This resets the filter replacement indicator and makes it stop flashing.

Air cleaning performance

The Smart Air SA600 cleared our test room in 24 minutes — the same result achieved by the Coway Airmega 250S, but a few minutes faster than the Winix 5510.

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The CADR report of the SA600 stated that this devices has a dust CADR of 287 cfm, so I expected it to take between 23-25 minutes to clean the air based on our data from every other air cleaner we’ve reviewed to date.

We tested the SA600 in the same 728-cubic-feet room where we tested nearly 100 different air purifier models since 2020. By testing every device in the same room doing the same job of removing incense smoke, we can confidently compare performance across devices.

The Smart Air SA600 cleared our test room of PM1 particles in 24 minutes, when running at its highest fan speed:

The Smart Air SA600 is much faster than the more expensive Mila (38 minutes) but slower than the Vital 200S (23 minutes). See how the performance of this device compared to other similarly-priced devices:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	TIME TO REACH PM1 ZERO AT FULL SPEED	LIST PRICE
AirFanta 3Pro	17 minutes	$159.99
Levoit Vital 200S	23 minutes	$189.99
Winix 5500-2 (ionizer enabled)	23 minutes	$249.99
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	23 minutes	$299.00
Smart Air SA600	24 minutes	$279.95
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH (ionizer enabled)	26 minutes	$229.99
PuroAir 400	30 minutes	$249.00
Mila	38 minutes	$327.99

So, the real-world performance of the Smart Air SA600 matched up to the lab-reported CADR scores. This was great to see, considering that this air purifier uses two activated carbon filters that are likely to reduce the airflow for particle removal.

Based on a CADR of 287 cfm, this device could provide five air changes per hour in rooms as large as 430 sq. ft. You can use our CADR calculator to see how many air changes it will offer in your space.

Noise levels test results

While air cleaning performance is very important when shopping for an air purifier, you also need to be mindful of how loud it is. The reality is that if an air purifier is too long, it will end up being turned off eventually.

That is why we use a sound level monitor to gather comparable data on noise level generation by recording how much sound in decibels is generated by the air purifier from three (3) feet away in the same corner of our basement studio.

In the table below, we share how much noise is generated by the SmartAir SA600 at each of its five fan speeds:

FAN SPEED	SOUND LEVELS IN DECIBELS
Speed 1	35.2 dBA
Speed 2	37.2 dBA
Speed 3	41.5 dBA
Speed 4	46.1 dBA
Speed 5	56.7 dBA

Be aware our background noise is very similar to what we got for speed 1, so the actual result is likely to be much quieter.

When compared to other air purifiers with similar performance, the SA600 is a little quieter than many of the HEPA retail devices we have but louder than the PC fan powered devices.

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED (dB)	TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	38.8 dBA	23 minutes
AirFanta 3Pro	56.3 dBA	17 minutes
Smart Air SA600	56.7 dBA	24 minutes
Levoit Vital 200S	57.7 dBA	23 minutes
Winix 5500-2	58.9 dBA	23 minutes
Philips 3000i	59.2 dBA	20 minutes
Coway Airmega AP-1512hh Mighty	60.1 dBA	26 minutes

The benefit of high CADR air purifiers is that you can use them at lower, quieter fan speeds, while still benefitting from good air cleaning performance. That is why we always re-test the particle removal performance of our air purifiers when running at sub-45dB fan speeds, which is the limit set by Clean Air Stars for offices and classrooms.

So, we ran the same incense smoke test in the same 728 cubic feet space with the Smart Air SA600 sunning at both speed 3 (41.5 dBA) and speed 4 (46.1 dBA).

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	SUB-45 dB SOUND LEVEL	TIME TO REACH PM1 ZERO
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	38.8 dBA	23 minutes
AirFanta 3Pro (6.45V)	43.3 dBA	28 minutes
Smart Air SA600 (Speed 4)	46.1 dBA	36 minutes
Philips 3000i (Speed 2)	45.8 dBA	38 minutes
Winix 5500-2 (Speed 3)	47.5 dBA	43 minutes
Smart Air SA600 (Speed 3)	41.5 dBA	46 minutes
Levoit Vital 200S (Speed 2)	41.9 dBA	46 minutes
Coway Airmega AP-1512hh Mighty (Speed 2)	44.4 dBA	51 minutes

Of course, when accounting for lower sound levels, the PC fan-powered devices offer a more powerful air cleaning performance at whisper quiet operation compared to the Smart Air SA600 and all the other HEPA retail air purifiers in the bunch.

But have a listen for yourself, as I know that sound can be subjective:

Long-term running costs

Running a Smart Air SA600 will cost you $131.08 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

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As part of our reviews, we always calculate how much you can expect to spend on a yearly basis, assuming you are running the device 24/7 all year round utilizing our own energy consumption data and the manufacturer’s filter lifespan data.

1. Electricity costs = $59.98 per year

We used our power monitor to record the energy consumption of the SA600 at each fan speed and on standby mode:

FAN SPEED	ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN WATTS
Standby	0.1 watts
Speed 1	2.4 watts
Speed 2	4.3 watts
Speed 3	7.1 watts
Speed 4	12.9 watts
Speed 5	53.8 watts

If you had to leave the SA600 running 24/7 at full speed, it would cost $59.98 in energy costs for a year, and now we can compare the energy costs to other devices we have tested.

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	ENERGY CONSUMPTION AT TOP SPEED (watts)	TIME TO REACH PM1 ZERO	YEARLY ENERGY COST (in USD)
Smart Air SA600 (Speed 3)	7.1 watts	46 minutes	$7.89
Smart Air SA600 (Speed 4)	12.9 watts	36 minutes	$14.44
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	10.5 watts	23 minutes	$11.66
AirFanta 3Pro	43.23 watts	17 minutes	$48.02
Levoit Vital 200S	44.55 watts	23 minutes	$49.48
Philips 3000i	51.3 watts	20 minutes	$56.98
Winix 5500-2	53.8 watts	23 minutes	$59.76
Smart Air SA600 (Speed 5)	53.8 watts	24 minutes	$59.76

Smart Air uses a very efficient fan with its SA600 to pull in a lot of air without requiring much electricity. As you can see from the table above, it benchmarks very well against the other devices, even when running at lower fan speeds.

2. Filter costs = $71.32 per year

On the U.S. website of Smart Air, they recommend replacing the four filters for the SA600 every 18 months:

As of January 2025, the OEM H13 HEPA filters cost $57.99 (2-pack) and the activated carbon filters cost $48.99 (2-pack). This leads to an estimated filter replacement cost of $71.32 per year, which together with the energy consumption costs, will lead to an estimated yearly running cost of $131.08.

The filter replacement cost skyrockets if you take the minimum lifespan recommendations from the official Smart Air website, which estimates the lifespan based on levels of air pollution experienced in Asia:

	Price per 2-pack	Minimum lifespan	Estimated yearly cost
H13 HEPA filters	$57.99	8 months	$86.99
Carbon filters	$48.99	6 months	$97.98

For those based in Asia or living in a highly polluted area, this leads to an estimated filter replacement cost of $184.97 per year, which, together with the energy consumption costs, will lead to an estimated yearly running cost of $244.73.

You can find generic filters for the SA600 on Amazon that will save you money, but they won’t offer the same performance as they will vary depending on the grade of HEPA or the amount of carbon. For example, when testing generic filters from PUREBURG, we found that they tend to pack more activated carbon than official filters, which restricts airflow and affects particle removal performance.

A benefit of choosing official Smart Air filters is that you know you’re buying third-party lab-tested H13 HEPA filters.

Filter

Genuine Smart Air SA600 H13 HEPA Filter Replacement

Genuine Smart Air SA600 Activated Carbon Filter Replacement

Smart Air (aka Smart Health) SA600 Genuine Replacement HEPA Filter (2 Pack) – 99.97% Particle Filtration, Compatible with Smart Air SA600 Air Purifier

Smart Air(aka Smart Health) SA600 Genuine Replacement Carbon Filter(2 Pack) –Original VOC & Odor Removal Filters for SA600 Air Purifier, Reduces Smoke, Formaldehyde, Gases & Household Odors

Technology

2-Pack H13 HEPA Filter Replacements for Smart Air SA600

2-Pack Carbon Filter Replacements for Smart Air SA600

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$57.99

$48.99

Filter

Genuine Smart Air SA600 H13 HEPA Filter Replacement

Technology

2-Pack H13 HEPA Filter Replacements for Smart Air SA600

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$57.99

Filter

Genuine Smart Air SA600 Activated Carbon Filter Replacement

Technology

2-Pack Carbon Filter Replacements for Smart Air SA600

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$48.99

At this point of the review, we can calculate the long-term maintenance costs you need to budget for if you decide to get yourself a Smart Air SA600. See how they compare to other mid-tier air purifiers in the same price range:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	ESTIMATED ELECTRICITY COST (per year)	FILTER REPLACEMENT COST (per year)	YEARLY MAINTENANCE COST
Levoit Vital 200S	$46.83	$49.99	$96.82
CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7	$11.09	$89.99	$101.08
Philips 3000i	$55.29	$47.15	$102.44
AirFanta 3Pro	$46.56	$78.67	$125.23
Smart Air SA600	$59.98	$71.32	$131.30
Winix 5500-2	$59.98	$79.99	$139.97
Coway Airmega 250S	$64.10	$159.98	$224.08
PuroAir 400	$77.75	$220.00	$297.75
IQAir HealthPro Plus	$152.83	$244.53	$397.36

As you can see from the table, the Smart Air SA600 will cost you more to run compared to other popular air purifiers, such as the AirFanta 3Pro or the Levoit Vital 200S. But overall, the costs are aligned with what is expected from a medium-sized air purifier — quite an achievement considering the use of four filters!

Bottom line: Is the Smart Air SA600 worth it?

A mid-sized air purifier that offers 360-degree air cleaning, with performance that rivals popular units from Winix and Levoit.

I’ve received many emails from people who prefer to avoid smart functionalities and phone connectivity. If that is you, then the Smart Air SA600 should be at the top of your list for consideration.

The SA600 has no ionizer function, Bluetooth or WIFI, so it is the perfect choice for those looking for a non-smart air purifier that will clean the air without chemical by-products or unnecessary (and costly) extras.

Now, if you’re set on using an app to control your air purifier, this is likely not the right device for you. However, it is worth considering that you can use a smart plug to connect the SA600 to your smart home hub.

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I am a huge fan of features such as having the LED lights on the control panel switch off automatically, or the device’s ability to come back on after a power cut. At home, the SA600 found a spot in our TV room, where it runs 24/7 at speed 4 and cleans the air quietly without distracting lights or sounds.

The two inlets and two sets of filters will lead to higher filter replacement costs, but I appreciate that the filters are separated (compared to the bonded designs from Levoit) as it allows you to use the device without carbon filter, if you don’t need it.

U.S. PRICE on SMART AIR UK PRICE on SMART AIR

Not feeling the Smart Air SA600? If you’re looking for the most powerful air purifier you can get for less than $200, then check out the AirFanta 3Pro or the Winix 5500-2. If smart functions are a must, have a look at the Coway Airmega 250S pr the the Levoit Vital 200S. Now, if you want a powerful yet whisper-quiet air purifier, then make sure to read my review of the PC fan-powered beast that is the Luggable XL-7.

If you have a space smaller than 190 sq. ft. but you like what Smart Air has to offer, then you should look into the Smart Air S instead. Lastly, if you have a space larger than 675 sq. ft., then read up on the Smart Air Blast Mini, as the SA600 will be too underpowered for a large room.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the Smart Air SA600 24 hours a day, 365 days per year using the appliance calculator from the U.S. Department of Energy as of January 2025.

Levoit Core 300 VS Core 300S

Dec 17, 2025Jan 23, 2024 by Paul Allen

Levoit Core 300S VS Core 300S Comparison

Levoit is part of the Arovast Corporation, which produces an array of electronics, from air fryers to fitness trackers. In 2017, the company turned its attention to indoor air quality. Since then, Arovast Corporation has developed a wide range of high-performance yet budget-friendly air purifiers. This led to Levoit’s rise as one of the biggest names in the air cleaning space.

Among Levoit’s portfolio of purifiers, we’ve seen some top-quality units, including the Vital 200S and their latest unit, the EverestAir, which is the fastest purifier to complete the HouseFresh Clean Air Speed Test.

However, Levoit’s most popular products are in the Core series. These affordable purifiers are designed to cover different-sized spaces within the home, from the Core Mini for personal use up to the Core 600S, which caters to spaces as large as 635 sq. ft.

The first unit in this series was the Core 300. It sets the benchmark for budget-friendly air purifiers, with impressive air cleaning performance within a small- to medium-sized space.

Although the Core 300 is renowned for its purifying abilities, the unit is often deemed a basic option with no additional features. This paved the way for the Core 300S, an updated unit stacked with smart technology to make air purification even simpler.

With the Core 300 costing $99.99 and the 300S $149.99, readers often ask if it’s worth spending the extra 50 bucks. So, in this review, I’ll compare these units side by side and analyze their performance, features, and design to see which comes out on top.

TL;DR: Which unit wins overall?

“In the ENERGY STAR listings, the Levoit Core 300S uses half the power of the Core 300 model for approximately the same clean air delivery rate! This suggests a major difference in the fan motor between the two models.”

— David Elfstrom, P.Eng, CEM, CMVP Independent Energy Engineer

No time to read the full article? Don’t worry; here are my key takeaways.

The pros and cons compared:

Specs compared side-by-side

When it comes to specifications, the Levoit Core 300S just about wins due to being lighter, quieter, and faster than its counterpart.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

At first glance, not much seems to separate these two air purifiers.

They’re designed to work in the same-sized space, share the same dimensions, and have the same warranty. However, some marginal differences in weight, sound, and speed might swing your decision in favor of the Core 300S.

The updated Core 300S does have a slightly better CADR score, thanks to its improved fan efficiency. This aligns with the real-world air cleaning speed we witnessed when testing the 300S, as it cleared our test space one minute faster.

	Levoit Core 300	Levoit Core 300S
HouseFresh rating:	★★★★★	★★★★★
Time to clean our test room:	54 minutes	45 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)	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:	175 sq. ft.	195 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Smoke: 113 CFM – Dust: 129 CFM – Pollen 134 CFM	– Smoke: 126 CFM – Dust: 134 CFM – Pollen 154 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / cm):	14.2H x 8.7W x 8.7D inches (36H x 22W x 22D cm)	14.2H x 8.7W x 8.7D inches (36H x 22W x 22D cm)
Weight (in pounds / kg):	7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)	5.95 lbs (2.7 kg)
Filter life:	6 – 8 months	6 – 8 months
Noise level (low – high):	37.1 – 50.2 dB(A)	38.9 – 54.5 dB(A)
Manufacturer’s Warranty	2 years	2 years
Estimated energy consumption:	$39.43 per year	$24.44 per year

Design elements compared

When it comes to design, nothing special separates these two models.

The Core 300 and Core 300S are almost identical. While they may be different internally, you’d struggle to tell them apart side by side.

They both feature the same air inlet and outlet grills, come with a control panel on top of the unit, and have identical measurements.

However, looks might deceive you, as the Core 300S is 20% lighter than the 300. Its weight might be useful if you’re looking to utilize the purifier in different spaces around the home.

Ease of use and control panel design

When it comes to the controls, the winner has to be Core 300S. Despite having more functions, the panel remains easy to navigate.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

The control panel is where you’ll find the first glimpses of the 300S’s added smart features.

The brightly colored rings provide real-time feedback on your space’s air quality, changing from blue (indicating clean and healthy air) to green, orange, and red (indicating high levels of pollutants). This works in tandem with the new Auto mode, which uses air quality data to change the purifier’s speed settings automatically to react to changing pollution levels.

A new digital screen enables you to program the improved timer, ranging from 1 to 24-hour schedules. You can also cycle between the three fan speeds, kill the lights, activate sleep mode, and lock the controls by simply tapping the relevant icons.

If this isn’t enough to prove the 300S’s enhanced usability, you can also connect the device to Levoit’s VeSync app or a smart speaker. The app is super simple to connect to. All you need is a decent wifi connection, the app, and to be near the machine when you set it up.

Once connected, you can adjust the unit’s settings and receive air quality updates from anywhere in the world. Connecting the 300S to a smart speaker lets you operate the appliance with simple voice commands.

The Core 300 control panel has many of the same settings icons as the 300S. The main layout differences are the timer function, which is limited to 2/4/6/8 hour schedules, and a larger icon to remind you when to change the filter.

Operating the Core 300 is largely the same, utilizing an intuitive screen to cycle between fan speeds and settings, albeit with less functionality and no app or smart speaker compatibility.

Air filtration technology

Both the Core 300 and Core 300S use the same filters, making this a tie

Whichever unit you side with, it’s good to know that you get the same level of protection from Levoit’s three-in-one filter.

This cylindrical filter fits in effortlessly and provides comprehensive protection from even the smallest pollutant particles. It uses tried and tested mechanical filtration, ruling out any potentially harmful ionizer or UV technology.

The first layer of defense comes from the nylon pre-filter, which captures larger particles like hair, lint, and dust. You can then vacuum out the dirt to improve filtration performance. This is a key step in the purification process, as it keeps your primary filter in tip-top shape for longer.

Next is the activated carbon filter, which removes VOC pollutants like odor and chemical fumes. This has been beefed up by Levoit’s trademarked ARC formula, preventing gasses from leaking into your space.

Tip

The more carbon a filter contains, the better it will work against VOCs. The standard Levoit filter contains between 40 and 50 grams of carbon.

So, if you’re looking to combat odors or chemical fumes, take a look at Levoit’s specific Pet or Toxin filters, which contain double the carbon content with 90 grams.

Finally, you’ll find the primary filter. This is the most important part, as it removes microscopic particles such as allergens, smoke, and bacteria. Although this filter is no longer advertised as HEPA, they still work similarly, and we found it highly effective at removing the smallest PM1 particles during our tests.

Installing the filter couldn’t be simpler. Both the 300 and 300S share the same design, where you twist the purifier body to open the filter compartment.

All you have to do is slot the filter in and reassemble the unit before turning it on.

Tip

New filters come wrapped in plastic packaging. Be sure to remove this polythene bag before you install the filter.

Air cleaning performance, compared

When it comes to air purification, the Core 300S wins. It cleared all traces of smoke particles in our test room one full minute faster than its predecessor.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

Every air purifier we review here at HouseFresh completes the same set of tests, so we can confidently compare them side-by-side.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

The first test is the particle removal test, where we fill our 728 cubic feet test room with incense smoke and use our PurpleAir Zen sensor to record how long it takes for the air purifier to reach PM1 zero.

Our Core 300 and 300S tests showed that these units provide good value for money, clearing our space of all pollutants in 54 and 45 minutes, respectively.

With identical filters under the hood, it’s no wonder this was a tight contest. But thanks to the upgraded fan efficiency on the 300S, seen through its higher CADR scores, it proves to be the faster option. Although the 300 didn’t lose by much, every minute counts when it comes to breathing dirty and potentially dangerous air.

The Levoit Core 300S cleared our test room in 45 minutes

The Levoit Core 300 cleared our test room in 54 minutes

After carrying out our own tests, we can compare the units side-by-side to determine which purifier on the market offers the best value. Here’s a peek at how the Core 300 and 300S performed compared to other popular units we have tested.

Although the 300 and 300S aren’t the quickest air purifiers we’ve tested, we can clearly see that they lead the pack among the devices aimed for small-medium sized rooms, such as the Blue Pure 411 and the Medify MA-25.

Noise level test results, compared

When it comes to sound, the Core 300S is the better unit. It is a full two decibels quieter than the 300 when running at its highest fan speed.

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How much sound an appliance makes is often an annoying afterthought once you’re stuck with the unit for good.

If an air purifier is noisy or peaks at unbearable volumes, the reality is that it won’t get used that often. That’s why we record the decibel levels of each air purifier we test to give you the complete picture before you take the plunge.

During our testing, we found that the Levoit Core 300S was the quieter of the two units. At full speed, it peaked at 48 dB (quieter than a refrigerator hum or moderate rainfall) compared to the 50 dB created by the Core 300.

At their lowest speed settings, both units created 24 dB of noise. This is the equivalent of a whisper, so you can rest assured you’ll get a good night’s sleep with night mode activated on either of these units.

To help put these figures into context, here’s a look at how the Core 300 and 300S compare to other popular air purifiers on the market.

Tip

Noisiness is subjective, so be sure to listen to our sound test videos for each purifier below to judge for yourself.

Yearly running costs, compared

When it comes to costs associated with energy consumption and filter replacements, the Core 300S wins out thanks to its lower energy draw.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

1. Yearly electricity costs = $37.32 (Core 300) vs. $22.92 (Core 300S)

Investing in an air purifier will cost more than the initial purchase price, with energy use being a key purchasing factor.

When testing the Levoit Core 300, we noted that it drew 35.5. watts on its highest speed setting. This equates to $37.32 per year if you were to use the air purifier 24/7, 365 days a year.

Although this might be a reasonable expenditure for some, we were even more impressed with the 300S, which only drew 21.8 watts on full power, bringing estimated annual energy costs down to $22.92.

Using either unit less frequently will bring down this expenditure. But with a smaller unit, we advise using the air purifier as much as possible to reap the rewards of clean air around the clock.

An added bonus of the 300S is its Auto mode, which automatically adjusts speeds whenever pollutant levels change. This means the unit will operate at a lower power once pollutants have subsided.

2. Yearly filter costs = $29.98 (Core 300) versus $29.98 (Core 300S)

Another key cost to consider is filter replacements. Filter lifespans can vary greatly between manufacturers and models, so it’s wise to shop around and understand what you might pay in the long run before committing to a purchase.

As the Core 300 and 300S use the same filter, there’s no winner or loser here.

In line with their Core range ethos, Levoit offers reasonably priced replacement filters to keep your air at home cleaner for longer.

At the time of writing, a genuine Levoit filter replacement costs $29.98, which, according to Levoit, lasts between six to eight months.

Sale

Levoit Core 300 Filter

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑: Designed specifically for the Core 300-P / Core 300S-P air purifiers to maintain its peak performance. Use genuine filters for premium quality and longer lifespan. We recommend replacing your filters every 6 to 8 months.
𝐇𝐄𝐏𝐀-𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄: Helps Levoit Core 300-P achieve HEPA* filtration efficiency during Sleep Mode. Ultra-quiet operation (≤26dB) in Sleep Mode. *Tested with IEST RP C001.7 by independent lab

Generic filters for these purifiers are widely available, which can help reduce costs even further. There’s no guarantee the replica filters have been built to the same standard as the official replacements offered by the manufacturer. But in the wake of Dyson challenging Levoit’s HEPA filter classification, it may well be worth the gamble.

Most air purifiers use mechanical filters that capture airborne particles such as dust, dander, and debris in tightly woven fiberglass pleats.

Over time, these filters become clogged with pollutants and lose efficiency, which is when you should replace them.

Bottom Line: Should you get a Levoit Core 300 or a Core 300S?

The Core 300 and 300S ran a close race throughout our comparison, but which unit will win overall?

✅ If you want a speedy and smart air purifier capable of removing the smallest particles without excess noise or energy use — go for the Levoit Core 300S.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

✅ If you want an air purifier to use periodically without a large upfront investment — go for the Levoit Core 300.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

There isn’t much to separate the two air purifiers in terms of performance, with the Core 300S clearing our test space just one minute faster than the Core 300. But overall, the latest 300S unit offers more functionality and user-friendly features that will keep your air clean while costing less to run in the process.

Of course, if you’re not interested in smart features and the benefits they might bring, you may be tempted to save yourself $50. This will only work if you plan to use the purifier sporadically, as any savings will be lost in energy costs in the space of three years if used daily (you’ll pay $59.60 extra when running a Core 300 for a year compared to the 300s).

SOURCES

We calculated the monthly energy consumption costs with the help of the Department of Energy’s appliance energy calculator. We calculated yearly costs associated with running the Levoit Core 300 and 300S for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We ran this calculation utilizing the US average utility rate of $0.12/kWh as of January 2024.

How to make a DIY air purifier

Dec 17, 2025Dec 30, 2023 by Teddy Booth

Air purifiers have become essential in the battle for good air quality in our homes. With so many pollutants in the air like dust, pollen, dander, bacteria and viruses, wildfire smoke and traffic pollution, to name a few, your home could be negatively affecting your health without you even knowing. That’s where air purifiers come in.

The price is one of the biggest turn-offs of buying an air purifier. Ranging from <$50 up to >$1000, it’s money out of your pocket on a device that does one thing, and you can’t even see it working.

Even if money isn’t the issue, what do you do when smoke fills your home when wildfire suddenly rips through your town, state, or even blown from another country altogether, and you need a quick solution so your health isn’t at risk?

An air purifier is a fan (which most of us will already have in our homes) plus a filter. With all the engineering that goes into manufacturing air purifiers, can you make your own DIY unit? Will it be cheaper? And most importantly, will it be as effective as a store-bought purifier?

In this guide, we answer those burning questions by building our own DIY air purifier.

Stay tuned, and wish me luck. 🤞

Don’t worry; you won’t need a clean room laboratory, specialty tools or a master’s in engineering to make your own DIY air purifier. All you need are a few items you could find either lying around your home or down at your local hardware store and a little aptitude:

How To Make a DIY Air Purifier Filter placement

How to build your DIY air purifier

Okay, I’m not gonna lie to you; this is the first time I’ve attempted to build my own air purifier, but I’ve used them (and taken them apart) for our reviews for a while now, so I have a firm grasp on how they work.

On that note, let’s delve in and build ourselves an air purifier.

Step 1: Buy your materials

BUY MERV 13 FILTER

BUY FAN BOX

This is the easy part; I went to Amazon.com to find my materials so you can get the same fan and MERV 13 filter and follow this guide step-by-step with me. For the fan, I went for this unit from Hurricane as it was a good size, had good reviews and didn’t look too tricky to take apart. For the filter, I went with a BNX TruFilter 20x20x1 as you can see below:

BUY MERV 13 FILTER

BUY FAN BOX

You may have a few spare filters hanging around for the HVAC system in your home.

The primary consideration before you purchase is the size of the filter. You need a filter covering the whole fan, but not so big that it sticks over the sides.

Tip: Check your materials

The worst thing that can happen is that you put everything together, turn on the fan and it doesn’t work, or find a big hole in the filter that lets all those harmful particles through, rendering your hard work useless.

Unpack all your materials, check them and test them before you do anything else.

Step 2: Remove the fan speed dial

You need to remove the dial for two reasons:

So you can remove the grill easily.

So it doesn’t create a gap in the filter.

Before pulling the dial away, ensure it is set to the fan’s highest speed. This way, turning your DIY air purifier on will be set to its most effective speed. With The Hurricane, pulling the dial straight off using my hands was easy, but with other fans, you may need some pliers to grip and remove them.

How To Make a DIY Air Purifier Remove dial

Step 3: Remove the front grate from your fan

This is where the fun begins. Firstly, make sure your fan isn’t plugged in before you start.

How To Make a DIY Air Purifier Remove Grill

With some fans, you’ll find that the grill is permanently attached to the unit; you may have to purchase some tinsnips. I would advise wearing goggles if it’s made of plastic, as plastic tends to fly when cut.

Another reason I went for the Hurricane fan is because it has a removable grill. You simply have to remove a screw at the bottom of the unit and slide the grill out.

Tip: “A light touch is the right touch”

Remember this golden rule when deconstructing anything, if you start pulling things apart that you don’t want to be, you’re likely to damage it and maybe even yourself.

Step 4: Attach the filter to the fan

With the hard part over with, now you just need to attach the MERV 13 filter to the front of the fan where the grill used to be.

Because I did my measurements first, the filter I purchased fits perfectly over the fan with no overhang.

Tip

Before attaching the filter, you must double-check that there are no gaps where particles can escape into the air.

After those final checks, you can attach the filter to the fan. I used duct tape around different points of the fan as it’s durable and easily removed if you make a mistake, but feel free to use whatever you like, as long as it keeps the filter tightly attached and doesn’t leave any gaps.

Step 5: Turn on your DIY air purifier and enjoy your clean air

If you’ve followed our guide correctly, your DIY air purifier should fire up immediately on its highest speed setting. It may not look like the prettiest unit on the block like the Smart Air S or have any cool smart features like the Mila, but hey, you made it and you’ve saved yourself a bundle.

I will name it… TeddAir Max!

The TeddAir Max cleared our test room in 84 minutes

Just because I put this air purifier together doesn’t mean it can escape our performance testing room. To see if our TeddAir Max affects air quality, we wanted to put it through the same rigorous tests we subject to all the other units we review.

Our TeddAir Max air purifier cleared the simulated contaminants (incense smoke) from our performance testing room in 84 minutes. Even though it’s stuck together with tape, its performance was fair. It may not have outperformed units like the Alen BreatheSmart Flex, Smart Air S, Levoit Core 600S, Mila or the Blueair Blue Pure 311 Auto, which are all a similar size.

Still, it did clear all our simulated pollutants from the air at the same time as the Dyson PH04 (a unit that costs around $750!)

By putting the unit through this performance test, we can also estimate a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate). We calculate its CADR to be around 90 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) which (if it was a manufactured unit) isn’t great for the size of the fan and HEPA.

One issue I did find while testing was the noise. Because we removed the speed dial from the fan, it’s stuck on max speed, which is, unfortunately, pretty noisy.

Final thoughts

It may not be the most stylish-looking air purifier or the most efficient, but it shows that instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a unit, you can simply make your own at a fraction of the cost.

It’s not just about price; more and more areas in the U.S. are being affected by wildfire smoke, which can travel at an alarming rate, leaving you no time to get online to order an air purifier. You can assemble these components as a first-response action to protect yourself and your family.

There are no extra features like an auto mode, air quality sensors or an app to control your unit, but an air purifier in its purest form is still an air purifier.

At the end of the day, it’s a fan and a filter and this is the message the folks at Smart Air are trying to get across with their range of units that boast high efficiency over extra functions. And as we know from our air purifier reviews, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.

How to reduce dust in your apartment

Dec 17, 2025Dec 28, 2023 by Amparo Lopez

Dust never sleeps; that’s a well-known fact.

The reality is that dust is a typical household issue that we must deal with pretty much every day. You can probably relate to the frustration that comes with finding dust in the places you cleaned just the day before.

Thart’s why the key is to clean often, and to clean properly.

A proactive approach will prevent grime buildups, nasty dust bunnies under the couch and crud nooks and crannies.

But what and where should you pay the most attention? And what can you do to keep dust at reasonable levels? I bring you some tricks and tips to keep on top of the problem.

As I mentioned above, regular cleaning is paramount. Yet, how to do it is as important as the frequency. So, why not press play on your favorite podcast and dive into a cleaning session following my top ten tips.

Tip 1: Dust with a microfiber cloth

Start by wiping dust off every surface in your apartment: tables, counters, shelves, knickknacks and electronics with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Microfiber is known to trap dust particles better than other fabrics thanks to the super tiny threads and synthetic nature that work like a magnet for dirt, oil and grease. Microfiber cloths will grab the dust instead of just pushing it off objects and stirring it into the air to resettle in other surfaces.

Add the following ingredients to a spray bottle:

2 cups of water,
1 cup of vinegar
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Optional: a few drops of your favorite essential oil

The vinegar will help cut through grime; the olive oil will polish and keep dust away longer. Spray the surfaces (except for electronics) and then wipe them clean with the rag. Always shake before using.

Tip 2: Clean places you don’t usually dust

Dust will accumulate on all sorts of surfaces, including those you don’t regularly reach in your everyday routine. Remove lint build ups from forgotten spots either with a microfiber cloth or vacuum them with suitable vac attachments. The more diligently you clean these overlooked areas, the less dust will circulate throughout your home.

Here’s a list of usually overlooked spots, but get creative! Try to tackle as many dust-hiding places in your apartment as possible:

Windows (glasses, ledges, sills and blinds)
Ceiling fans
Above doors and frames
Kitchen cabinets (inside and above)
Above the fridge
Light fixtures and light switches
Baseboards
Mirrors
Wall corners
Bookshelves (including the books)
Plants (their leaves accumulate dust that’s not just bad for you but also for them. Wipe them gently with a wet cloth)

Tip

As these are quite different surfaces if you switch cleaners to suit the needs of each one better, use another cloth to avoid mixing cleaners.

Look for high-quality cloths that will degrade less quickly and shed fewer microplastics. Or consider using a slightly damp Swedish dishcloth if you prefer a more natural option. These are made of organic materials and compostable.

Tip 3: Vacuum beyond the floor, always starting with upholstery and curtains

You want to vacuum in the right order to cut down on dust efficiently. Start with the couch, upholstered furniture, curtains and drapery. Textiles don’t just accumulate unseen debris but also decay into textile dust, producing unwanted stuff on their own.

After dusting and vacuuming fabrics, move on to the floors. Follow this sequence so that if anything redeposits on the floors, you’ll get it at the end. You’ll be preventing dust fallouts on already-cleaned surfaces.

Tip

Follow these tips to make vacuuming even more efficient:

Empty the canister of your bagless vac after every use. Wrap a disposable bag around the lid before opening it to make sure the dust falls directly into it.

Take the trash outside immediately after emptying your vacuum cleaner’s contents inside of it. Dust may reenter your living space if it sits in the trash can.

Keep your vacuum clean and unclogged; otherwise, the suction power could get compromised.

Consider getting a vacuum with a HEPA filter. They are way more efficient than regular ones, which usually shoot dust out the back end.

Tip 4: Use a rake on carpets and rugs

Carpets accumulate great amounts of dust that settles deep into the fibers and is hard to remove by just vacuuming — even if you do so regularly. A rake will shake loose a lot of lint, hair and debris, making it much easier for the vacuum to suck it all up.

Tip

This is more of a deep-clean, hands-on monthly task. However, bear in mind this will blow dirt into the air. Don’t save it for the end; you’ll get dust all over the recently cleaned room again.

Tip 5: Mop uncarpeted floors after vacuuming

A swift mopping with a microfiber mop is the perfect final touch. It will remove any dust leftovers and crud spots. Use warm water and your favorite cleaner to leave your apartment smelling fresh.

Just remember to wring the mop thoroughly until it’s just slightly damp; otherwise, dirty water can seep between cracks and under baseboards.

Tip

If you’re looking for more natural and safer floor cleaners, the EPA has a database with their Safer Choice Standard products.

Tip 6: Change the bedclothes weekly

We spend one-third of our lives in bed on average. No wonder mattresses, blankets, pillows and duvets accumulate our (and our pets) dead skin cells, dander and stray hairs. All of these are food for dust mites, microscopic bugs that nest in four out of five homes in the U.S. and are known to be one of the most common indoor allergens.

Once a week, remove the bed linen and shake out pillows and duvets to reduce dust and debris buildups. Vacuum the mattresses after allowing the bed to air out. Use essential oils for a final scented touch before making it up again.

Tip

Tea tree oil and lavender are fine options for a bed freshen-up that will also kill dust mites. Fill a spray bottle with cereal alcohol or vodka and a few drops of essential oil to splash on the mattress and pillows before putting in fresh sheets.

Make sure to wash the following with hot water:

Bed sheets, duvet covers, pillow covers.
Stuffed toys
Blankets and bed throws

Also, you can throw them into the washer every once in a while for an extra heat boost. Even if you’re not in contact with them, all fabrics will collect dust, dead skin cells and dander.

Tip 7: Clean vents and air filters

Vents and air filters are most susceptible to dust. If you happen to notice more lint and dirt than usual in your apartment, it’s probably time to change the filters. More than often, air filters get replaced every six months, but depending on the type of filter and area you live in, they might need replacement sooner.

When cleaning the vents, vacuum away as much dust as possible first. Then, take down all the removable parts and soak them in soapy water to loosen any grime. Scrub gently with a brush and let it dry completely before returning it. While it dries, use the vacuum to clean the dust from the vent inside as well.

Tip

You may as well check the exhaust fans from the kitchen and bathroom for crud buildups. Vacuum the units to remove as much debris as possible.

Tip 8: Use an air purifier

An air purifier will drastically reduce the amount of dust floating in the air and settling around your apartment. Air purifiers with high quality particle filters can remove dust particles from the air before they set on top of surfaces.

Our top recommendation for dust in a large apartment is the Coway Airmega ProX, a beautifully designed unit with a powerful fan and a two sets of True HEPA filters. If you’re on a budget, check out the Levoit Vital 200S, which offers excellent particle removal performance for less than $189.99. And if you’re concerned about sound, then nothing beats the PC fan-powered Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits. To find out more about these or other options, read our guide to the best air purifiers for dust.

Tip

An air purifier is an excellent ally for dusting chores. Have it on and running in the room you are cleaning; it will reduce the amount of lint flying into the air and resettling in already cleaned surfaces.

Tip 9: Clean your dryer machine

Dryers have a lint trap to prevent all that debris from getting blown outside the machine and into your apartment. The trap is not more than a screen mesh inside the dryer, but when clogged, the pressure of the cycle itself will make it renter the drum, leaking all the lint into your clothes and the surrounding air.

Tip

Check the dryer’s manual for instructions on how to clean the lint trap. Make sure to clean it regularly. The frequency will vary based on the pace at which lint accumulates.

Tip 10: Brush your pets in an easy-to-clean room

Regularly brushing and grooming your pets is a proactive way to keep up with their hair and dander circulating throughout your apartment, especially during the shedding seasons. However tempting as it may seem to brush them on the living room or bedroom, any fluff that escapes the brush will land on your couch, bed or rug and stick to the fabrics’ fibers.

Tip

If possible, choose a space with no carpet to groom your pets. Otherwise, take your pet-brushing sessions to the room in your apartment with as little fabric or textile as possible around.

Why is your apartment so dusty?

Dust does not come from just one source. It’s not uniform, nor is its composition universal. Instead, multiple elements could be building onto the dust you see in your apartment — which also varies based on the local environment and your home biome.

In a regular home, dust is usually made up of a combination of the following:

Skin cells and hair: our skin is constantly regenerating and fully renews every four weeks. Humans also lose over 50 to 100 hairs a day in normal circumstances. That means a lot of dead skin cells and hair are naturally shed into the environment regularly.

Pet dander: just like us humans, our pets also shed their fair amount of microscopic bits of dead skin and fur that will accumulate in your apartment if you don’t vacuum and clean upholstery regularly.

Textile fibers: this includes your clothes as well as bedroom linen, couches and upholstered furniture, curtains, carpets and rugs. Textiles are all over our homes, making them cozier. However, with time, all textiles naturally degrade and shed fibers that contribute to the dust forming around us.

Paper fibers: even toilet and tissue paper, as well as paper towels, are contributing to your household dust.

Food and cooking activities: while you are cooking, tiny food particles are released into the air and become airborne, eventually depositing and adding to the duts. Food debris, like crumbs, may also end up on the floor.

Insects: household dust also includes bits of insect remains, including those of dust mites, cockroaches and even the bug pests in your plants. When they die, these microscopic, creepy-crawly housemates end up building up on the airborne and settled dust around your apartment.

Pollen: an outdoor biological pollutant, pollen is produced by trees, grasses, flowers and weeds. One of the main components of household dust, the wind stirs and carries the airborne pollen particles into your apartment. It’s more intense during spring when trees and other plants pollinate. Yet, depending on the local vegetation, pollen season can go year-round.

Dirt and other outdoor particles: When you walk into your home wearing outdoor shoes, you’ll be inadvertently introducing small particles of soil. Soot from nearby streets, stirred-up street dust from passing cars and debris from nearby construction sites are also prone to enter through doors, cracks and windows.

Mold spores: mold is everywhere, even if there are no leaks in your apartment and it is well-maintained mold and mildew-wise, spores can enter your home through windows and doors.

Final thoughts

I guess there’s a subtle charm to dust. It’s in the fact that it tells the story of those who inhabit a home; it has trails of our habits, our feeding patterns and our ways of living.

That being said, and in a much more grounded sense, we are all in the big fight against dust. A dust-free apartment with no allergy triggers and a healthy environment to spend our day looks and feels better.

Luckily, that is absolutely achievable. Just keep up your regular dusting routine and take the time to make a deep-cleaning session once in a while.

SOURCES

Alumbaugh, A. (2021). What’s In Your Dust (And Why Does It Matter?) myiu.org
American Lung Association. (2023) Dust Mites. lung.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pollen Allergy. aafa.org
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Safe Choice. epa.gov
European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation. (2016). Dust Mite Allergy. ecarf.org
Oomen, A. G. et al. (2008). Exposure to chemicals via house dust. rivm.nl
Miller, C. et al. (2022) Multiscale modelling of desquamation in the interfollicular epidermis. journals.plos.org
Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit. (2015). What’s so great about microfiber? wspehsu.ucsf.edu
Williamson, E. M. et al. (2007) An investigation and comparison of the bioactivity of selected essential oils on human lice and house dust mites. sciencedirect.com

Levoit Core 300S review

Feb 27, 2026Dec 26, 2023 by Danny Ashton

If you’ve decided you need an air purifier and researched the units available, you’re most likely to have come across the Levoit brand. Levoit changed the game when they started engineering units in 2017 and have grown to be one of the most popular air purifier manufacturers on the planet.

The 300S is an upgrade on Levoit’s hugely successful 300 to fit in with their Core S (Smart) range. That means that the Core 300S comes with a built-in sensor that monitors the air quality in your home in real-time, making it possible for the air purifier to come on automatically when needed. You can see air quality levels in your room on the screen, or you can access the data on your phone through Levoit’s VeSync app.

But it begs the question, is it worth paying the extra $50 for the Core 300S over the 300?

To find out, we bought the Levoit Core 300S with our own money and put it through its paces to assess its air cleaning performance, sound levels at each fan speed, energy consumption, day-to-day usability and long-term maintenance costs.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

With all this data, I will be able to compare the Levoit Core 300S to the more than 90 air purifiers we have tested to date. The result? A comprehensive review to help you decide if this is the right device for you.

The lowdown on the Levoit Core 300S

“The Levoit 300S improves on nearly every aspect of the successful Core 300 with its quicker air cleaning, lower energy usage and even new smart features. Whilst still only an air purifier for a small room, this is one of the best small room air purifiers out there.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

If you don’t have time to read the full review, check out what I liked and what I think Levoit could have done better for the 300S.

What we really like

You can connect it to your smartphone through Levoit’s VeSync app to operate it remotely, set routines and more.

It comes with an auto mode thanks to its onboard air quality sensor.

It shows the quality of the air in the room in real time via a bright LED wheel around the control panel.

There are lots of generic filters available, so you can rest assured you won’t find it difficult to find filters in stock when the time comes to replace them

What we think could be better

It doesn’t come with enough activated carbon to deal with serious odors or VOCs.

I wish you could remove the pre-filter to clean it, but it’s a bonded all-in-1 cylindrical filter.

HouseFresh rating:	★★★★☆
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	45 minutes
Air purifier technology:	3-Stage Filtration (pre-filter, main particle filter, high-efficiency activated carbon filter)
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	219 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 134 CFM Smoke: 126 CFM Pollen: 154 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):	8.7L x 8.7W x 14.2H inches (22L x 22W x 36H cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	5.95 lbs (2.7 kg)
Filter life:	6 – 8 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 38.9 dB Speed 2: 45.7 dB Speed 3: 54.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Standby mode: 1.7 watts Speed 1: 5.9 watts Speed 2: 9.8 watts Speed 3: 21.8 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$79.43 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$1.12
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of manufacture:	China

Basic design, intuitive functionality

Levoit has engineered the Core 300S to be extremely user-friendly without compromising on design.

Levoit isn’t known for edgy designs, but that doesn’t mean the 300S looks bad. Its white, cylindrical body is compact, light and easy to move between rooms. It doesn’t take up much floor space and could also fit on a tabletop, desk or kitchen side.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

The 300S sits firmly in the “mid-size” category when you put it next to some of the other Levoit units we’ve tested. You can see in the image below how it compares to bigger Levoit devices such as the popular Vital 200S (left), the Core 600S (middle) and the EverestAir (right).

When comparing the 300S side-by-side with the 300, you will see that they look pretty much identical. The only visible differences can be found when looking at the control panel on top and when comparing the back of each devices.

Levoit Core 300S VS Core 300S Comparison 1

On the back of the Core 300S, you will find Levoit’s AirSight™ Plus air quality sensor. This feature scans the surroundings, detecting how many pollutants are in the air, in real time. You need to keep the air quality sensor unobstructed and free of dust for it to do its job effectively.

The 300S uses this air quality data to determine the most suitable fan speed when running in auto-mode, and it also stores it in the VeSync smartphone app.

But you won’t need to be looking at your phone all the time to find out how good the air quality is in your room because the 300S displays this information on the control panel on top of the device in the form of an LED color-coded ring around the power button:

This brings me to the controls of the Core 300S and I’ve got to say, they are intuitive and easy-to-use at a glance, which is something I’ve come to expect from Levoit at this point.

There are minimal button descriptions, but the icons used are pretty self-explanatory. Here are which functions each button controls:

Power	Press once to turn the power on/off. Press and hold to configure the air purifier and connect to the VeSync app.
Auto Mode	When engaged, this allows the 300S to automatically adjust its fan speed to neutralize the amount of pollutants in the air (perfect for when my cat farts).
Display Lights	You can turn off the display lights if you don’t want them distracting you. Ideal for when I’m using auto mode at night.
Display Lock	Pressing the button once locks the display so no settings can be altered. Press and hold for 3 seconds to unlock. Perfect if you have curious kids and/or pets.
Timer	You can set a timer to turn off your 300S for anything from 1-24 hours.
Night Mode/Filter Reset	Pressing the night mode button reduces the fan to its lowest speed and turns off the display lights for undisturbed sleep. To reset the filter indicator light, press and hold for 3 seconds.
Fan Speed	Cycle through three of the unit’s fan speeds.

There are a few more lights you will come across, all packed onto the control panel. On top are the fan speed indicators and the Wi-Fi signal to show that the unit is connected to your app. Below is the filter indicator light, which prompts you to replace the filter with a new one and an LED display to show the timer.

The smartphone app

As I mentioned briefly in the introduction, Levoit models in the ‘S’ (Smart) range include the ability to connect to their VeSync smartphone app. This allows you to have complete control of your 300S and the capacity to monitor the quality of the air in your home from anywhere in the world.

Connecting your device is a straightforward task and doesn’t take long. All you need is to have the app downloaded, have a good wifi connection and be next to your air purifier. You can even connect multiple units to control and monitor the air quality in each room.

The app itself is very intuitive and easy to navigate. The air quality is displayed on the screen with buttons to control fan speeds, engage Auto or Sleep modes, and set a timer or schedule when you want the air purifier to power on and off.

If you have smart home devices at home already, you will be pleased to learn that you can connect the VeSync app to your Alexa or Google Home device in order to enable voice commands.

Here’s what happened when I subjected my 300S to a burst of airborne pollutants at close range.

3-stage air filtration with activated carbon

Years after its release, Levoit was forced to remove all mentions of HEPA filtration from their marketing.

Levoit prides itself on the quality of its filters, and so it should, as we’ve never had any issues with them and found them to be extremely effective at removing harmful particles from the air. But a certain disruption has meant Levoit has had to make a few changes to their marketing materials.

Before I get into all that, let’s talk about the filter itself.

Inside the Core 300S, you’ll find Levoit’s trademark 3-stage filtration system:

Pre Filter – This is the first line of defense by trapping larger particles like dust and dander from the air by capturing them in its fabric material. By removing these contaminants here, it prolongs the life of the main filter.

The pre-filter is the exterior layer of the Levoit Core 300S, so larger particles (such as pet hair and fluff) will get stuck to it. In order to extend the life of the other layers of the filter, you will need to vacuum the pre-filter regularly:

ARC Formula™ Activated Carbon Filter – This is made up of lots of small pieces of activated carbon that remove VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and odors from the air using a process called adsorption. When these harmful pollutants hit the activated carbon they become stuck to it, unable to pass through.

Main Filter – This is where the magic happens. The main filter comprises of a tightly woven maze of fibers that trap microscopic particles (I always think of a fly trapped in a spider’s web), removing them from the air.

On August 15, 2023, Dyson contacted the National Advertising Division, stating that the branding of Levoit’s filters was misleading by classifying them as HEPA.

In response to this challenge, VeSync (Levoit’s parent company) “asserted its belief in the efficiency of its products” and promised to update its testing data. Months later, Levoit instead opted for removing all traces of the word HEPA from its branding, packaging and promotional material.

So, does this mean that Levoit particle filters are inherently bad? Not really.

HEPA is an efficiency standard for air filters, but that doesn’t mean that only filters certified as HEPA are good. For example, we have seen excellent air cleaning results with air purifiers like the CleanAirKits Luggable XL-7, which uses MERV 13 filters instead of HEPA.

As I mentioned, you can check the remaining lifespan of your filter in the VeSync app but don’t worry if you don’t have access to that, as a red warning light will appear on your control panel when the filter needs to be replaced.

When the time comes, it’s extremely simple to replace the filter:

Unplug your Core 300S

Turn the unit upside down and twist off the cap anti-clockwise

Pull out the filter and replace it with the new one

Twist the cap back on clockwise

Check out the process in my instructional video.

Tip

Levoit filters will arrive wrapped in plastic packaging, so it’s paramount that you remove all of this before inserting the new filter into your 300S. If you don’t, the filter simply won’t work, and you’ll probably start to notice an unpleasant burning smell coming from your air purifier.

The Levoit Core 300S cleared our 728-cubic-feet test room in 45 minutes

This is two minutes slower than the Philips 800 Series but six minutes faster than the PuroAir 240.

We test all the air purifiers in the same rooms following the same process to assess the performance of each unit individually, as well as to make it possible to compare the data against other air purifiers we review. In this section of the article, I will take you through our tests.

Particle removal test

For our particle removal test, we lit an incense stick to fill our 728-cubic-feet test room with simulated contaminants. We then turned on the Core 300S at its highest fan speed and used our PurpleAir Zen particle counter to monitor how long it took for the 300S to clear all PM1 pollutants from the air.

Here are the results:

The 300S cleared our room of contaminants in 45 minutes, making it fifteen minutes faster than the original Core 300 (54 minutes).

The Core 300S is a small air purifier, so I wasn’t expecting results to match units like the Levoit EverestAir (16 minutes) or the Blast Mini from Smart Air (15 minutes).

Considering its size, the 300S offers good air cleaning performance but there are other small air purifiers available today that proved to be more effective and that offer better value for your money like the Winix A231 (40 minutes) or the Philips 800 Series (43 minutes).

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	TIME TO CLEAN OUR TEST ROOM	LIST PRICE
AirFanta 3Pro	17 minutes	$159.99
Levoit Vital 200S	23 minutes	$189.99
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH (with ionizer)	26 minutes	$229.99
IKEA STARKVIND	32 minutes	$199.99
Levoit Vital 100S	37 minutes	$139.99
Winix A231 (with ionizer)	40 minutes	$99.99
Philips 800 Series	43 minutes	$139.99
Levoit Core 300S	45 minutes	$149.99
PuroAir 240	51 minutes	$199.00
Molekule Air Mini+	61 minutes	$359.99

Noise levels test

All air purifiers make noise; whether it be the fan spinning or the motor running it, the sound is unavoidable. The issue is that if your air purifier is too loud, the likelihood is that someone will switch it off eventually as nobody wants to have a noisy fan running while doing deep work or watching a movie.

That is why we used a sound level monitor to record how much noise the Core 300S generates at each fan speed:

Speed 1: 38.9 dBA
Speed 2: 45.7 dBA
Speed 3: 54.5 dBA

When comparing the performance you get when running at top speed with the noise generated (54.5 dB), the Core 300S doesn’t particularly stand out as neither quiet nor noisy:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED (dBA)	TIME TO REACH PM1 ZERO AT TOP SPEED
Levoit Core 300	50.2 dB(A)	54 minutes
Philips 800 Series	51.3 dB(A)	43 minutes
Levoit Vital 100S	53.8 dB(A)	37 minutes
Levoit Core 300S	54.5 dB(A)	45 minutes
IKEA STARKVIND	57.4 dB(A)	32 minutes
Winix A231 (Zero Compact)	57.9 dB(A)	40 minutes
Molekule Air Mini+	67.4 dB(A)	61 minutes

When you compare it to other small air purifiers, you’ll see that the 300S is on par. As you can see in the table above, the Winix A231 is louder than the 300S so if you were considering going with the A231 based on our particle removal test, then this is something to keep in mind.

Noise is subjective, so we video each unit we test to give you a good idea of how much sound it makes. Here’s the noise the 300S makes at each fan speed.

The cost to run a Core 300S: $79.43 per year

1. Electricity costs = $24.44 per year

Air purifiers need electricity to run, so the amount of energy it uses should be high on your list of considerations when looking to buy one. As the cost of energy continues to rise, finding an energy-efficient air purifier is more important than ever, especially as it’s recommended you run your unit 24 hours a day.

The Core 300S is more energy-efficient than its predecessor, pulling 21.8 watts at its highest fan speed. Assuming you would run your 300S all day, every day at its top speed, this will add $24.44 to your annual electricity bill. Unless you’re living in a consistently highly polluted area, you won’t need to have it at this level all the time, so the cost will most likely be lower.

When we compare the energy consumption of the Core 300S to other similarly sized (and priced) air purifiers, you will find that the 300S is a lot more energy-efficient than most:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	ENERGY CONSUMPTION AT TOP SPEED (watts)	TIME TO REACH PM1 ZERO AT TOP SPEED
Philips 800 Series	20.0 watts	43 minutes
Levoit Core 300S	21.8 watts	45 minutes
Levoit Vital 100S	27.3 watts	37 minutes
Levoit Core 300	35.5 watts	54 minutes
PuroAir 240	36.2 watts	51 minutes
IKEA STARKVIND	38.4 watts	32 minutes
Molekule Air Mini+	39.7 watts	61 minutes
Winix A231 (Zero Compact)	45.6 watts	40 minutes

2. Filter costs = $54.99 per year

As filters trap particles from the air, they become full over time because those particles have nowhere to go. Most air purifiers use filters that need replacing when full, so it’s important to factor the cost of replacing them into your budget.

Genuine Levoit filter replacements cost around $25.99 for the original and $35.99 for the higher-spec filters (which we highly recommend over the original filter). As each filter lasts from 6-8 months (depending on usage), you should budget for two a year ($54.99):

Filter

Original Replacement Filter

Pet Care Replacement Filter

Toxin Absorber Replacement Filter

Smoke Remover Replacement Filter

Levoit Core 200S-P Air Purifier Replacement Filter,Genuine Air Filter,1Pack | AHAM VERIFIDE,HEPA Sleep Mode, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Removes Smoke, Odors, Allergens,Dust,Pet Hair, Core 200S-RF

Levoit Core 300-P Air Purifier Replacement Filter, Pet Allergy, 1 Pack | Genuine Core300S-P Filters, Supports HEPA Sleep Mode, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Core 300-RF-PA, Yellow

Levoit Core 300-P Air Purifier Toxin Absorber Replacement Filter, 1 Pack | Genuine Core300S-P Air Purifier Filters, Supports HEPA Sleep Mode, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Core 300-RF-TX, Green

Levoit Core 300-P Air Purifier Smoke Remover Replacement Filter, 1 Pack | Genuine Core300S-P Filters, Supports HEPA Sleep Mode, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Core 300-RF-SR, Blue

Technology

H13 (Medical) Grade HEPA and Activated Charcoal

3-in-1 HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon

4-in-1 HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$19.55

$35.99

$39.99

Filter

Original Replacement Filter

Technology

H13 (Medical) Grade HEPA and Activated Charcoal

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$19.55

Filter

Pet Care Replacement Filter

Technology

3-in-1 HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$35.99

Filter

Toxin Absorber Replacement Filter

Technology

3-in-1 HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$35.99

Filter

Smoke Remover Replacement Filter

Technology

4-in-1 HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$39.99

When combining energy consumption costs with filter replacement prices, we found that the Core 300S has some of the cheapest yearly running costs, second only to what we calculated when reviewing the Philips 800 Series:

AIR PURIFIER MODEL	ESTIMATED ELECTRICITY COST (per year)	FILTER REPLACEMENT COST (per year)	YEARLY MAINTENANCE COST
Philips 800 Series	$22.22	$29.99	$52.21
Levoit Core 300S	$24.44	$54.99	$79.43
IKEA STARKVIND	$42.65	$40.00	$82.65
Levoit Vital 100S	$30.32	$53.28	$83.60
Winix A231	$50.65	$49.99	$100.64
PuroAir 240	$40.21	$75.00	$115.21
Molekule Air Mini+	$44.10	$199.98	$244.08

We tested the Pureburg generic filters that you can buy for $24 for two filters and found they slowed air cleaning performance a little but did use pelleted activated carbon like the genuine Levoit filters – a good alternative if you want to lower long-term costs a little:

Bottom Line: Is the Levoit Core 300S worth it?

The Core 300S is a worthwhile upgrade on the Core 300 and a good choise for a small bedroom, dorm or home office.

The Levoit Core 300S is small, smart and highly efficient at removing harmful pollutants from your home. Most importantly, it is affordable.

But is it dated?

What was once one of the most affordable air purifiers on the market has been overtaken by one of the best air purifiers we tested in 2024: the AirFanta 3Pro. This model is part of a new generation of air purifiers powered by PC fans and designed to be built at home. So if the idea of a super silent but powerful small air purifier tickles your fancy, then check out our review of this awesome new device taking the air purification world by storm right now.

If you like the look of the Core 300S but have some more budget to play with or a large room to clean, then I recommend sizing up and going with the 400S instead. If you want to check out other newer models from Levoit, I suggest you take a look at the Vital 100S, which is priced in the same bracket as the 300S but outperformed it.

Now, if you want something about the same size as the Core 300S with a cylindrical size and HEPA filtration, then you should check out the Winix A230/Zero Compact and the Philips 800 Series.

I still recommend the Core 300S to people with a small budget who want a reliable unit with smart functionalities and app support, but the market has changed, and there are other pretty great air purifiers available today that offer better value.

Retailer	Lowest Ever	Highest Ever

SOURCES

We calculated the yearly costs associated with running the Levoit Core 300S for 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, using the Appliance Energy Calculator from the U.S. Department of Energy as of December 2024.

The myth of hypoallergenic pets for those with allergies

Dec 17, 2025Dec 20, 2023 by Amparo Lopez

Animals have been companions to humans for millennia. However, the place they occupy among us has changed considerably through the years. In the last century, for example, they have gone from being distant protectors who live in the backyard to family members who spend their lives under our roof and sometimes even sleep in our beds.

These changes in our relationship, especially the physical proximity to our pets, are causing more people to have allergy symptoms.

It turns out that allergies to dogs and cats affect 10% to 20% of the population worldwide and 12% of the U.S. population.

They are a response of the immune system, (over)reacting to normally harmless substances that, for some people, trigger symptoms like:

Sneezing
Itchy, watery eyes
Runny nose
Congestion
Scratchy throat

However, this does not mean an allergic person will suffer from them all. It varies from person to person, depending on the type of allergies they have and what they are allergic to.

For example, pet-related allergens can also trigger skin reactions, such as itchy, reddening and swollen skin patches (called hives) or eczema, as well as asthma symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness.

I get it, though: despite being sensitive to pet allergies, you may want to indulge in the joys of sharing your life with a furry friend. Enter hypoallergenic pets.

However, are these the real thing? Well, it’s complicated. So, to answer this question, we’ll need to understand allergens better, review some of the most common misconceptions surrounding pet allergies and debunk a few myths.

The biggest myths and misconceptions about pet allergies

Let’s look at the facts behind the myths:

Myth #1: Pet allergies are triggered by shed fur and hair

There is some truth to the fact that pet hair can collect outdoor allergens like pollen, mold and other debris. This could potentially lead to the fur causing allergy symptoms.

But the reality is that actual pet allergies have nothing to do with fur and hair.

Pet allergies are triggered by proteins found in pet dander (dead skin cells), saliva and urine. These proteins are very sticky and can cling to walls, carpets, furniture, bedding and clothes. Pet dander can linger in a home for up to six months, worsening allergy symptoms.

Myth #2: Only mammal pets trigger allergies

Most people are familiar with allergies to furry pets —which makes a lot of sense, as dogs and cats are Americans’ most common choices for pets.

Other mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice are also part of the hairy group whose proteins can trigger allergies. Less known, probably, is the fact that birds produce dander, too.

Bird dander is a combination of beta-keratine particles (the protein feathers are made of), bird dust and dirt particles that are released into the air each time a bird grooms itself, ruffles its feathers or flaps its wings. Plus, some parrots and other bird species are known as “Powder Down Birds” because they produce a whitish powder to protect and waterproof some of their feathers. Bird dust can also wreak havoc on your allergies.

Myth #3: If you are allergic to a specific pet, you’ll be allergic to them all

Each animal species produces different proteins —thus, allergens vary from one to another.

For example, dog allergens are called Canis familiaris (Can f 1 and Can f 2 are the most common ones), while cats’ are Felis domesticus (being Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 the most prevalent ones).

One person could be allergic to cats (or Fel d 1) but not dogs (Can f 1).

What’s more, each particular pet produces different amounts of allergens. As a result, someone could be allergic to one cat and not another, depending on their sensitivity to the Felis domesticus allergens.

Myth #4: Ongoing exposure to pets can help with pet allergies

This is a dangerous myth, as being constantly exposed to allergens can put the immune system under serious stress. For allergic people, unsupervised exposure can worsen symptoms and make them chronic.

On the other hand, some studies have found that early childhood exposure (preferably before a child’s first year) to animals, including cats and dogs, may lower the risk of developing allergies later in life. Pets introduce certain microbes into the home environment that boost children’s immune system as it develops.

However, for those with an already established pet allergy, exposure with no backing treatment or guidance from an allergist won’t desensitize them. On the contrary, keeping a pet at home shouldn’t be something to take lightly.

Myth #5: There are hypoallergenic breeds of dogs and cats

This is simply not true.

While the misconception about pet fur triggering allergies made people believe that shorthaired breeds that shed less were hypoallergenic, all cats and dogs produce allergens to some extent.

Besides, research shows no direct link between low-shedding dogs and low levels of Can f 1 (dogs’ most prevalent allergens) present in their homes. On the contrary, even some alleged hypoallergenic dogs, such as Poodles, show higher concentrations of Can f 1 than other non-hypoallergenic breeds.

And yet, despite many scientific findings, some dog and cat breeds are still marketed as hypoallergenic:

There are those who claim that hypoallergenic breeds produce lower levels of allergy-triggering proteins. But protein levels vary from one animal to another more than among breeds, so there’s no guarantee that a specific breed will prove to be universally allergy-safe.

Buying a purebred dog or cat can be pricey, and many pet friends await adoption in shelters. If you want to share your life with a dog or a cat, your best option is to consult an allergy specialist, learn as much as possible about your specific triggers and then decide which pet would suit your needs best.

The most allergy-friendly pets

If you got to this point in my article, you will know that there isn’t just one perfect pet for people with allergies.

That being said, there are some alternatives to cats and dogs that could fit the bill in allergic households:

1. Reptiles and amphibians (herptiles)

These exotic pets are becoming more and more common, being chosen by 6.0 million U.S. homes. Popular reptile pets are lizards, including bearded dragons, geckos and chameleons, while favored amphibians are axolotls (they actually look like a Pokémon), salamanders and frogs.

While reptiles have dry and scaly skin and amphibians have smooth, slimy skin, neither of them produces the proteins that trigger pet allergies.

However, they have very specific environmental and dietary needs and require proper husbandry. Reptiles can also carry salmonella in their digestive tract, which can be contracted by people touching them or their environment. Plus, they need specialized veterinary care.

2. Fish

Fish are diverse and colorful pets that don’t produce the animal proteins furry ones do. In addition to this, fishkeeping can unlock the wonderful universe of aquarium hobbies; people can get really creative at this.

Keeping fish as a pet requires a fair amount of research upfront because there is a learning curve where mistakes can be made. But after understanding fish needs and routines, maintenance becomes easier. Plus, according to this study, watching your fish swim across the aquarium can reduce stress levels and anxiety.

3. Small mammals and rodents

More exotic mammals could be an option, depending on the proteins that trigger your allergies.

For example, the most prevalent allergens found in rabbits (Ory c 3) and guinea pigs (Cav p 1) have been proven to differ from those produced by dogs and cats. So, finding out what exactly someone is allergic to is a good starting point for finding the right furry pet.

Five things you should do before you bring a pet home

Avoiding pets is not always possible, and not everybody is ready to make that choice.

The good news is there are some things that can make life much easier when it comes to preparing your home to receive a pet. Here are five suggestions to design a home environment that helps reduce allergic reactions to a minimum.

1. Visit an allergy expert

A lot of people with allergies decide to live with their pets, and they manage. Discuss your specific needs and options with an allergist. They will help identify the things you are allergic to and advise on the best approach. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a widely used treatment; medications like antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms. However, do not self-medicate. Always consult with the expert.

2. Create pet-free spaces in your home

Designate some areas where the new furry member of the family won’t be allowed to enter. Ideally, the allergy sufferers’ bedroom, but pet-free rooms could also include the home-office room, playroom or the areas where allergic ones spend most of their time. This will provide an allergen-free refuge for them and, in the case of their room, a smooth night’s sleep.

3. Invest in a HEPA filter air purifier

A true HEPA filter can remove over 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander and any other allergens. It will help a lot to reduce symptoms. A good idea is to place one in every room, but getting at least one for the designated pet-free room will make a huge difference.

Tip

If you are considering getting one but don’t have a clue as to where to start, check out our selection of air purifiers for allergies.

4. Consider replacing carpets with hard surface flooring

Carpets (and rugs) accumulate a lot of dust, debris and, of course, pet dander. Even if you vacuum regularly, pet allergens are sticky stuff and easily cling to carpet fibers and padding. Hard surface floors, on the other hand, are much more straightforward to clean and keep allergen-free.

5. Declutter your home

Try to reduce soft goods and upholstery around the house to a minimum —more so if you cannot replace carpet floors. All fabrics tend to collect pet allergens; dusting, vacuuming or moving around the house can stir them back into the air.

Tip

If you want to know more about how to keep your home dander-free, check out this guide.

Common questions about pet allergies

No matter how viral the concept of hypoallergenic pets is or may become, no furry pet is really allergy-proof.

There are many – and varied – lists of supposed hypoallergenic dogs and cats on the internet. If you were to read them all, you would notice that the advice provided by each list is not consistent. I would argue that these differences should make you question the reliability of the idea of hypoallergenic pets.

Additionally, the amount of allergens each pet produces varies, no matter what breed they are. And people’s sensitivity to animal proteins varies as well. That’s why one person could find that their “hypoallergenic” dog or cat doesn’t trigger any symptoms, while a different person could have an allergic reaction to the same breed.

Yes, you can! And vice versa as well. Each species produces a distinct protein or set of proteins that trigger allergy symptoms. A person can be allergic to one or some and not necessarily to all of them.

Sadly, no, they are not. Just like with dogs and cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, allergens are specific to their species —although hamster allergens vary greatly among subspecies, too.

Besides, these small mammals have a diet high on hay, which is also a common allergy trigger among sensitive people.

Hedgehogs are known for producing very little dander and not triggering the most common pet allergies in humans. However, continuing with the trend, some people may show allergic reactions to these little guys.

Something else to consider about these spiky mammals is that it’s not uncommon to find a fungus called Trichophyton erinacei on their quills. The hedgehog itself could show no signs of fungal infection but still transmit it to people through handling or its bedding, leading to skin infections.

Another downside of hedgehogs is that they can carry Salmonella in their dropping. In fact, the CDC reported Salmonella outbreaks related to hedgehogs in 2020 and 2019.

You’ll probably already suspect an allergic reaction to your pet if any of these symptoms arise when they are around:

Sneezing
Itchy, watery eyes
Runny or stuffy nose
Congestion
Scratchy throat
Skin rashes or hives
Worsen asthma symptoms

However, getting tested and consulting an allergist is always advisable, just to be sure. It might surprise you to discover you are not allergic to your dear pet after all but rather reacting to other allergens they may carry in their fur (such as pollen) from outside.

Many kids with asthma are also allergic to animals. Pet allergens can trigger asthma flare-ups and more severe asthma symptoms, in which case having a pet at home would not be advisable. If your kids have asthma, consult with their pediatrician before deciding on bringing a pet home.

Wrapping up

After debunking some myths and right-doing popular misconceptions about pet allergies, it’s safe to say there’s no such thing as hypoallergenic pets. However, not all hope is lost. Knowing your allergies and understanding what triggers them could help you choose a suitable animal companion to live with.

Just one last tip: if you are serious about adopting a pet, a good way to test your sensitization to that specific animal is to spend some time with them before making the big decision. See how your body reacts to them. You may be pleasantly surprised!

SOURCES

Allergy and Asthma Centers, S. C. (2018). 4 Common Myths About Pet Allergies. allergyasthmactrs.com
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2023). Pet Allergy. aaaai.org
American Lung Association. (2023). What is Pet Dander? lung.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2022). Pet Allergy. aafa.org
Bakalar, N. (2011). The Myth of the Allergy-Free Dog. nytimes.com
Curin, M. and Hilger, C. (2017). Allergy to pets and new allergies to uncommon pets. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Earsom, S. (2022). Can You Be Allergic to Birds. birdnature.com
Gorman, J. et al. (2019). Pet birds and risks of respiratory disease in Australia: a review. sciencedirect.com
Grzyb, K. (2019). Hypoallergenic Pets for People With Allergies. petmd.com
Hesselmar, B. et al. (2018). Pet-keeping in early life reduces the risk of allergy in a dose-dependent fashion. journals.plos.org
Kelly, S. M. et al. (2018) Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 levels in cat fur, saliva, and urine. jacionline.org
Lockey, R. F. (2012). The myth of hypoallergenic dogs (and cats). jacionline.org
Ojwang, V. et al. (2020). Early exposure to cats, dogs and farm animals and the risk of childhood asthma and allergy. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Nolen, R. S. (2022). Giving reptiles and amphibians the best medicine. avma.orgThompson, M. (2014). Everything You Need To Know About Feathers. allaboutbirds.org

Winix air purifier red light: What it means and how to fix it

Dec 17, 2025Dec 20, 2023 by Teddy Booth

Winix has a great range of air purifiers. We’ve bought a few ourselves and put them through their paces, like the 5300-2, 5500-2 and A231.

So we know as well as anybody that when a red light starts flashing on your Winix unit, it usually indicates that something’s wrong. This probably leads you to read through the manual (if you still have it) to determine what it means (if you can find it)… Cue the Indiana Jones theme song.

Well, you can put that hat and whip down because, in this guide, I’ll take you through what it means when a red light pops up on your Winix unit and how to fix it with little to no tools, no manuals and, best of all, no hassle.

What does the red light mean on my Winix air purifier?

A Winix air purifier has a few possibilities of what a red light means. Modern Winix units usually come with an AQI (Air Quality Indicator) that displays the air quality in your room using a color bar.

If the color bar is red, it means your air quality is poor, and you’ll need to increase its fan speed so it works harder at cleaning airborne pollutants.

Another red light you are likely to find on a Winix air purifier is the indicator that warns you when the filter inside needs a little TLC.

Whether it’s replacing the filter completely or conducting a little maintenance, the red light will soon vanish like the harmful pollutants your Winix unit is removing from the air in your home.

Tip

If you have any other issues with your Winix air purifier, check out our full guide on 12 Common Winix Air Purifier Problems (and How to Fix Them)

Here are my top tips on fixing that pesky red light.

Winix air purifier red light Check Filter

5 steps to fix the Winix air purifier red light warning

Before you try any of these steps, always remember to turn off your air purifier first and unplug it from the wall.

Step 1: Make sure the filter is installed correctly

Your Winix air purifier may think it needs a new filter, but sometimes, your filter might be installed incorrectly.

Simply

Open up the filter compartment (this differs from unit to unit)
Remove the filter
Put the filter back in, making sure it’s installed correctly and fits snugly

Step 2: Check for blockages

You may be unaware of how much dust and dander your air purifier’s filter removes from your air, but it becomes clearly visible when you take a look at the filter itself.

If the filter is blocked up with contaminants, it won’t work effectively and may cause your unit to think it needs a replacement.

Winix air purifier red light Dirty filter

While there, check to see that the fan is clear of blockages. This is the perfect time to give your air purifier a little clean so your air purifier can run smoothly.

Step 3: Clean your air purifier thoroughly

Sometimes, instead of replacing the filter when the red light comes on, you can get more life out of it with a little spring cleaning.

You must be gentle because if you damage the pleats in the filter, it will no longer work.

Tip

Check out our full guide on how to clean an air purifier to ensure you are thorough and avoid any damage.

Step 4: Replace your filter with a new one

If the previous steps don’t work, it’s time to bite the bullet and buy a replacement filter.

Unfortunately, HEPA filters don’t last forever, so when they are filled with particles, they become ineffective. The lifespan of a Winix filter is usually 12 months, but this can differ depending on how hard the filter is working.

Replacing a filter on your Winix air purifier is easy and painless:

Tip

Check out our YouTube channel, where we show you how to replace the filters on the units we’ve reviewed.

Step 5: Reset the filter indicator light

After each step, you must reset the filter indicator so the air purifier knows you have fixed/attempted to fix the issue.

Find the filter reset button (this is sometimes labeled, sometimes not, check the manual to find out)
Press and hold the button for 5 seconds using a small object like a paperclip
Release the button

If the red light comes back on, try another step on the list.

Common questions about the red light in Winix units

Some Winix models are different from others, but it is usually one of two methods to reset your air purifier.

There will be a button labeled ‘RESET’. Press and hold this down for 5 seconds using a paperclip and release.
In the absence of a reset button, there will be a tiny button next to the ‘check filter’ indicator.

It may be a fault with the air purifier itself (it is an electrical device, and sometimes they have faults). Contact the shop where you bought the unit, or you can contact Winix directly.

Yes.

HEPA filters work by trapping pollutants from the air that flows through it. If your filter is clogged, then it will become ineffective and you’ll basically be running a big, pointless fan.

This means your air purifier won’t output any clean air into your room.

The lifespan of any HEPA filter is conditional on how much pollution it is removing from your air. If you live in a highly polluted area (next to a highway, near a wildfire, extreme dust etc), you may need to change your filters more often than advised by the manufacturer.

With this in consideration, Winix advises that their filters have an expected lifespan of 12 months.

Technically, if the filter is full, you can, but don’t expect your unit to perform to its full capacity. As I mentioned above, when a filter is full of contaminants, it simply can’t trap anymore and stops being effective.

If it’s a fault with the warning light or one of the other issues highlighted above, simply reset the unit and use it normally.

Winix air purifiers that feature an AQI (Air Quality Indicator) use a smart sensor to monitor the quality of your air in real-time and display it on the unit’s control panel. This allows you to change the fan speed in accordance with the current amount of airborne pollutants in your room.

It shows this data using three colors:

Blue = Good air quality

Orange = Fair air quality

Red = Poor air quality

Final thoughts

A red light popping up on your Winix air purifier may seem scary but don’t worry, you don’t need to scramble through the trash looking for that manual (nobody keeps them anyway).

This is the most common fault on an air purifier and can be fixed with one of these five easy-to-follow steps.

90% of the time, the light indicates that the filter needs replacing, as all HEPA filters do periodically.

Remember, if none of these solutions work, contact Winix directly, as it may be a fault with the electrics in the air purifier.

Levoit Vital 200S review

Oct 7, 2026Dec 15, 2023 by Danny Ashton

Levoit is probably the best-selling air purifier brand in the United States. That fact will not surprise you if you, like me, have used Levoit air purifiers in your home.

Their product range includes top-end devices like the Levoit EverestAir, which is one of the fastest air purifiers we have tested, reaching PM1 zero in a swift 16 minutes. Levoit also produces budget-friendly air purifiers like the trusted Core 300, which managed to clean our room in 54 minutes.

So, we were excited to finally get a chance to test and review the Levoit Vital 200S. It has a more traditional look than the EverestAir or the Core series, and is aimed at medium-sized rooms up to 400 square feet.

We bought the Vital 200S with our own money so we could test it following the same methodology we have used to test over 100 air purifiers since 2020. In this review, I will share the results of our tests and my experience after having this device at home for well over two years now.

The pros and cons of the Levoit Vital 200S

A summary of our top-level findings after testing this air purifier following our methodology.

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“A super efficient fan combined with a high-quality particle and activated charcoal filter results in a powerful air purifier.

Retailing at $189.99, the Levoit Vital 200S gives you plenty of bang for your buck.”

CONS

It has a bonded filter, so once the carbon runs out (which usually happens within 6 months), you’ll have to replace the whole thing, even if the particle filter still has life in it.

The air quality sensor is an optical sensor, so you need to keep it clean for it to report accurate readings.

I would like to see an independent test that could offer a filter grade after Levoit removed all mentions of HEPA from their marketing.

PROS

It offers a high level of air cleaning performance to $ ratio, completing our particle removal test as fast as units double its price.

You get smart features and smartphone connectivity through Levoit’s VeSync app.

It remembers settings and modes, so if you unplug it and plug it back in, the Vital 200S will still remember what it was last doing.

There are a ton of generic filters available that keep long-term costs low.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 128 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 254 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	373 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	15.6D x 8.5W x 19.8H inches (39.3D x 21.5W x 50.2H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 38.3 dB Speed 2: 41.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dB Speed 4: 57.7 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0.97 watts Speed 1: 5.71 watts Speed 2: 8.01 watts Speed 3: 31.96 watts Speed 4: 44.55 watts
Filter lifespan:	12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

In August of 2023, Dyson officially challenged Levoit’s use of ‘True HEPA 13 filters’ in their marketing and advertising through the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD). As a result, Levoit removed all mentions of “HEPA H13” in their marketing materials for all their air purifiers (including the Vital 200S).

Now, it’s worth mentioning that a higher grade HEPA is not required to clean the air of even the tiniest particles, as lower grade filters still pick up these small particles in multiple passes. Still, we don’t appreciate manufacturers not being transparent about technical specifications.

Design and smart features

A rectangular design that houses a powerful fan, a bonded filter and an air quality sensor.

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Rather than use the cylindrical design we see with the Levoit Core series, the Vital 200S is a standard rectangle that pulls air from the front and pushes it out of the top.

Compared to the Levoit air purifier range, it shares a closer resemblance to the premium Levoit EverestAir, although I have to say I prefer the look of the pricier EverestAir — do you blame me? Have a look at it:

You will need to clean the infrared sensor every two months to ensure it continues to be accurate when using the device on auto mode.

I would prefer a laser sensor, as it’d be more accurate and it wouldn’t need cleaning.

From right to left you get an auto-mode button, a night mode button, the fan speed button, the power button, a timer button, a child lock button and lastly a button to turn the lights on and off. The power button is surrounded by an LED ring that changes color depending on indoor air quality.

The Vital 200S comes with app connectivity through the VeSync app, which is the app used by a range of Levoit gadgets and is well-rated across Android and Apple ecosystems.

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The app uses Vesync, which is the app used by a range of Levoit gadgets and is well-rated across Android and Apple ecosystems.

I tested the Apple app, and it was easy to install and add the Vital 200S quickly. You can adjust the air purifier’s settings via the app and also see what the current indoor air quality rating is in the room where it’s set.

The main app screen has internal ads for different Levoit products, which I would prefer it didn’t, but once you go into the air purifier, there are no ads shown.

One feature that I haven’t seen in other Levoit air purifiers is a light detection mode that allows the device to switch off the display and run extra quiet when low light is detected. This is a great feature for those wanting to use it in a bedroom.

Filtration technology

An all-in-one particle filter with pelleted activated carbon. You will need to replace both filters even if only one of them needs replacing.

Levoit initially stated that the Vital 200S uses HEPA H13, which is medical grade and can remove 99.97% of particles measuring 0.3 microns. But as you know, Dyson’s challenges Levoit’s claims through the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) and as a result, VeSync removed all mentions of ‘HEPA’ from their marketing materials.

It comes with a bonded particle and gas filter that performed very well in our particle removal test.

Levoit Vital 200S Activated Carbon Filter

The gas filter uses pelleted charcoal that is much better than the impregnated fabric we see with some manufacturers.

It comes with a removable pre-filter which is much easier to clean than the pre-filter in the cylindrical Core 300/300S.

While you do get a good amount of activated carbon in the Vital 200S, if you have serious issues with VOCs and gasses, you should look for an air purifier with a much bigger filter with lbs of activated carbon such as the Alen BreatheSmart 75i, the IQAir HealthPro Plus and the Austin Air HealthMate.

Remember that most air purifier filters will arrive in a plastic bag, so be sure to remove the filter from the bag before you switch it on; otherwise, it will make your air quality worse!

When the time comes to change the filter in your Levoit Vital 200S, you’ll find that the process is simple and straightforward.

Air cleaning performance

The real-world performance of the Levoit Vital 200S matches reported CADR scores.

Running at full speed, the Vital 200S brought the levels of PM1ug/m3 to zero in 23 minutes. That makes the Levoit Vital 200S one of the fastest units we have tested under $200.

The Levoit Vital 200S was able to complete our particle removal test faster than the popular Winix 5510 but without using an ionizer function.

As the table shows, the AirFanta 3Pro offered a higher clean air delivery rate for a cheaper price. This goes to show the power of PC fans compared to retail HEPA air purifiers.

Sound levels

In our testing, the sound levels of the Vital 200S ranged from 38.3 to 57.7 dBA

As I always say, air purifiers that are too loud, get turned off eventually. That is why we used a sound meter to measure how much sound the Levoit Vital 200S generates from three feet away. We did this across all four fan speeds:

FAN SPEED	SOUND LEVEL
Speed 1	38.3 dB
Speed 2	41.9 dB
Speed 3	53.8 dB
Speed 4	57.7 dB

We can now compare the air cleaning performance and sound level at top speed against data from other air purifiers in the same price range:

As you can see from the table, the sound generated by the Vital 200S at top speed is quieter than that of most other air purifiers with a similar clean air delivery rate.

Running at the Vital 200S at speed 2 generates 42.5 dBA of sound, which is below the 45 dB(A) limit we have set for our quiet performance tests.

So I repeated the particle removal test with the 200S running at speed 2, and it managed to reach PM1 zero in 46 minutes.

As you can see from the table, the Vital 200S offers more powerful air cleaning performance at sub-45 dBA fan speeds than popular devices such as the Winix 5510 and the Coway Airmega 250S.

However, it is still no match to PC fan-powered air purifiers such as the Luggable XL-7 from CleanAirKits and the AirFanta 3Pro.

But sound can be very subjective, so we recorded a video of the air purifier running at different fan speeds:

Long-term running costs

Running a Levoit Vital 200S will cost you $99.47 per year, combining energy consumption costs and filter replacement prices.

As always, we used our energy meter, we recorded a maximum of 44.55 watts consumed by the Vital 200S when running at full speed. This equates to $49.48 per year if you were to keep it running 24 hours per day at its highest speed.

Here are the full results for each fan speed:

MODE	ENERGY USAGE
Standby	0.97 watts
Sleep mode	3.21 watts
Speed 1	5.71 watts
Speed two	8.01 watts
Speed 3	31.96 watts
Top Speed	44.55 watts

This tells me that the Levoit Vital 200S has a very efficient fan that can move a lot of air without excessive energy usage. It’s great to see that newer models of air purifiers can perform well AND be energy efficient.

Considering you need to replace the filter every 12 months and that the replacement costs $49.99, you can expect to also spend $49.99 per year on filters.

When we combine the estimated electricity costs with the filter replacement costs, you can see that the Vital 200S offers great value in the long term as well:

Regarding the filters themselves, you have other options in addition to the original filter: one aimed at those looking to deal with pet allergies, a smoke remover filter, and one that includes toxin absorbers. The price of these filters ranges from $49 to $65 dollars, so they are not cheap but they are also not super expensive.

If you want to reduce yearly running costs further, you will be happy to hear that there are many generic filters available for half the price of the genuine filters from Levoit – it’s worth mentioning that performance will vary:

Bottom line: Is the Levoit Vital 200S worth it?

With a list price of $189.99, it offers excellent value for the money, with air cleaning performance that matches units that cost twice the price.

If you want to get the best air cleaning for $ ratio and want to avoid ionizer technology, the Levoit Vital 200S is definitely worthy of consideration.

It includes many smart features that are normally only found on more expensive models but still manages to clean the air as effectively as we’ve seen from units like the iconic Winix 5500-2 but without the use of an ionizer.

Those with larger spaces will want to look at bigger units like the Levoit Core 600S ($299.99), but for those with a space between 400-500 square feet, the Vital 200S is a great choice as it will be able to keep your air clean for an affordable price.

Noise levels associated to the Vital 200S are lower than the average and it comes with a sleep mode and the possibility of turning off the lights of the display (not to disturb your sleep), making it a very good option for a medium-sized bedroom.

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Due to the lack of a True HEPA H13 filter, I don’t recommend this device for medical settings. However, as our in-house test showed, the Vital 200S can clean all tiny particles of 1 micron in 23 minutes. Air cleaning performance nearly three times as fast as the Levoit Core 300 ($99) and is only one minute slower than the larger Levoit Core 600S ($300).

For those who want to keep a medium-sized room clean of tiny particles and don’t want to spend more than $190, then the Levoit Vital 200S is well worth checking out. And if money is tighter, do check out the PC fan-powered AirFanta 3Pro.

If you decide to buy a Vital 200S and want to support the work we do at HouseFresh, please use this link so we can earn a commission at no extra cost to you. And if you have any questions about this device or about Levoit air purifiers in general, please drop them in the comments below and I’ll reply as soon as I can.

IQAir Atem Car review

Dec 17, 2025Dec 11, 2023 by Danny Ashton

Founded in 1963, IQAir is one of the oldest air purifier brands around. Their high-end (and high-priced) units are manufactured in Germany, which makes them stand out at a time when most other brands have moved manufacturing to China.

I immediately became a big fan of the IQAir Healthpro Plus when I reviewed it in 2021, although it’s not cheap to buy or run, with filters costing up to $200 per year.

The IQAir Atem was released in 2017. It is aimed at people looking to use an air purifier in the car or as a portable unit for their desk.

At $399.99, it costs the same as some larger air purifiers we have reviewed, so it’s not cheap, but we had high expectations and wanted to see how well it performed at keeping the air inside our car clean.

There are two versions of the IQAir Atem, the Atem Desk and Atem Car, both priced at $399.99. The only difference is that the filter used in the Atem Desk can’t deal with gasses but the unit can be plugged into a traditional outlet — the car model uses the car DC power outlet.

For $99 you can buy a desk accessory kit or car accessory kit to swap modes.

In our home lab of 728 cubic ft, 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.
For portable air purifiers, we repeat this test inside our Tesla Model 3 to see how good the unit is at cleaning the air in a small enclosed space.
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.

TL;DR The lowdown on the IQAir Atem Car

“The best car air purifier on the market. It cleaned our Tesla model 3 in 37 minutes, but it comes with a hefty price tag. It has a high-quality HEPA filter, which can remove gasses and odors. Still, for those on a budget, there are better value devices for keeping your air clean.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

PRICE on amazon PRICE on IQAIR

If you don’t want to read my full review, here are my key findings to help you figure out if the IQAir Atem Car is the right air purifier for you:

What we really like

It cleaned our Tesla Model 3 in 37 minutes — 10 minutes quicker than the Smart Air QT3 and Westinghouse 1804.

Its design stands out for the right reasons.

The build quality is excellent, as expected from IQAir.

The HEPA filter is large and of high quality.

The app works well, but it’s a little slow to adjust to changes.

It’s quiet when running on low fan speeds.

What we think could be better

The price — at nearly $400, this is not an affordable air purifier.

Seat attachment didn’t work on our Tesla Model 3 as it has no adjustable headrests — it might be an issue if you drive a similar vehicle.

Touch buttons are not very intuitive and it was often easier to adjust using the app.

The specifications

Cost per CADR is a hefty $22.66 in comparison the Levoit Core 300 is 68 cents!

On paper, the IQAir Atem is a low-powered unit compared to traditional air purifier designs. Still, it’s entirely designed for vehicle use — with seat attachment and 12-24V DC power cable.

You can see the full breakdown below:

HouseFresh rating:	★★★★☆
Time to clean our Tesla Model 3 (with the device running at top speed):	37 minutes
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	1 hour and 55 minutes
Air purifier technology:	HyperHEPA Plus Filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	150 sq. ft. for car mode
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 39 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):	17.7H x 9W x 17.7D inches (29H cm x 29W x 10D cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
Filter life:	1 year
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 35.5 dB Speed 2: 40.5 dB Speed 3: 58.2 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Standby mode: 0.4 watts Speed 1: 1.7 watts Speed 2: 3.8 watts Speed 3: 10.81 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$106.46 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$10.23
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of manufacture:	Switzerland and Germany

PRICE on amazon PRICE on IQAIR

Clean design that fits a modern car

As you can see, IQAir has gone for a modern design that will fit well in most vehicles, moving away from the clunky beige design we see with their larger units (and in other portable air purifiers).

Most of the car air purifiers we recommend have to be placed somewhere inside the car, but the IQAir Atem offers a few different options for where to put it.

The first and top option is to use the straps to put it in place around the headrest of the driver or passenger seat. In this way, it doesn’t take up any space and can be easily adjusted by passengers in the back.

Sadly, this way of securing the Atem is not as effective in a Tesla Model 3 because the headrests don’t have the normal rails. This didn’t deter me from strapping the Atem to my seat but, while it did fit, it wasn’t fully secure.

IQAir also recommends strapping it in an empty seat in the back. This isn’t perfect, as it uses up a full seat, but it’s a good option for those with headrests that don’t work with the IQAir Atem design.

When we compare the IQAir Atem to other portable units, you can see it’s much bigger and far less portable than other car air purifiers:

Similarly to some of the portable air purifiers, there is no screen on the Atem. Now, what I wasn’t expecting is the lack of physical buttons: everything is done with one touch by pressing the Atem logo that sits in the center of the device.

You will hear a sound when pressing the logo, but I found it was hard to hear it when there was a lot going on or the kids were in the car with me. That is why I ended up using the app to adjust the fan speed a lot more often than the button.

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Powerful HyperHEPA Plus filter

The car version of the IQAir Atem comes with IQAir’s famous HyperHEPA Plus filter that can clean the air from pollutants as well as gasses and odors. This is essential when driving on highways or roads with high levels of traffic pollution.

PRICE on amazon PRICE on IQAIR

When you take the filter out of the IQAir Atem Car you can see where that $400 was spent.

The sizeable filter takes up a lot of space in the unit.

The HyperHEPA filter is clearly of high quality, similar to what is used in IQAir’s larger models. I was surprised at first to see a small, cheap-looking carbon-like filter on one side, but I realized that this was just a filter to protect the fan and isn’t used to clean the air.

The Atem Car’s HyperHEPA Plus is $10 more and includes gas filtration technology. The regular Atem Desk filter only includes HEPA without the ability to clean the air from odors and gasses.

The filters are easily removed once you click the button on the back of the device near the power cord.

Many air purifiers will ship their HEPA filters in plastic, so ensure you remove them before starting the unit, or it won’t work.

The Atem cleared our Tesla Model 3 in 37 minutes

Similarly to other portable air purifiers, I tested the IQAir Atem in two different environments: the interior of our Tesla Model 3 (around 97 cubic ft.) and inside our 728 cubic ft. test room.

In both cases, I first used an incense stick to fill the space with smoke pollutants. Then, I recorded how fast the IQAir Atem could clean the air while running at its top fan speed. As usual, I did this by measuring PM1.0ug/m levels in real time with the help of our industrial quality air quality sensor from PurpleAir, which uses the latest Bosch BME680/688 gas sensor.

It’s worth mentioning that before running this test inside my car, I ensured all internal fans in the Tesla Model 3 were switched off. The results of this test are based on running the IQAir at its highest possible fan speed while being plugged into the car:

Air cleaning performance test results

I expected the IQAir Atem would be faster than other portable units that we have tested like the Smart Air QT3. Still, I was impressed with how fast it could clean our Tesla Model 3 of particle pollution. See the comparison below:

When comparing the performance of the IQAir Atem to small corded air purifiers AND portable air purifiers cleaning the air inside our home lab, I was actually quite pleased to see how well the Atem faired:

Noise levels test results

The standard noise levels are very quiet on speeds 1 (35dB) and 2 (40dB) and you often forget that the air purifier is running. I changed the fan speed in the app to 100% and the noise is pretty noticeable at this speed (58dB), so I can understand why this is not the default.

Overall, the Atem runs a little louder than the Smart Air QT3 at both its lowest speed (35dB vs 32dB) and highest speed (58dB vs 49dB).

The cost to run an IQAir Atem: $106.46 per year

For a small air purifier, it’s not a cheap unit to run — it costs much more than other portable purifiers, due to the high price of its HyperHEPA plus filters.

1. Electricity costs = $16.47 per year

Like other small, portable air purifiers you can use inside your car or other vehicles, the IQAir Atem doesn’t use much energy. Our meter reading test showed that it pulls just 10.8 watts when running at its highest fan speed.

Assuming we run the IQAir Atem for 24 hours a day every day (365 days) non-stop, it would still only use $16.47 worth of energy.

2. Filter costs = $89.99 per year

Similar to the larger IQAir units, the filter costs associated to the IQAir Atem are much higher compared to other portable air purifiers. The HyperHEPA Plus Filter costs up to $89.99 per year and the HyperHEPA Plus costs $79.99, but it cannot deal with gasses and odors.

At the point of writing this review, no generic filters are available for the IQAir Atem Car, so you will have to stick to genuine IQAir filters. The only problem is that IQAir filters seem to be unavailable on Amazon, so you will need to get them directly from IQAir.com. Not as convenient as I would like.

Bottom line

The IQAir Atem is the best car air purifier on the market right now.

Yes, it isn’t as affordable as other portable air purifiers. Yes, the filters are not available to buy on Amazon and are quite expensive too. But one cannot deny the sheer air cleaning power of this device.

PRICE on amazon PRICE on IQAIR

Those looking to save money would be better off with something like the Smart Air QT3 or the Westinghouse 1804.

But the IQAir Atem is my top pick for a car air purifier for those of you who drive through highly polluted highways and roads every day, and who have a good budget to spend. You won’t regret buying an air purifier from IQAir.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the IQAir Atem Car 24 hours a day, 365 days per year utilizing the latest average energy prices as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.174/kWh as of May 2024.

Can you be allergic to cigarette smoke?

Dec 17, 2025Dec 8, 2023 by Michelle Honeyager

Best Air Purifiers for Cigarette Smoke 600S

Most of the time, you may see cigarette smoke described as a stinky nuisance. However, for some people, cigarette smoke can be so much worse. The minute you get a whiff of that distinctive smell, your sinuses start clogging up, and you may even find yourself sneezing. One study, in fact, found that 34% of healthy nonsmoking adults surveyed said they reported one or more nasal symptoms around cigarette smoke.

If you are one of those people who find yourself sensitive to cigarette smoke, you may wonder if you could possibly be allergic to cigarette smoke. Rest assured, it’s not your mind playing tricks on you. Cigarette smoke is linked to allergic responses and nasal symptoms, which we’ll explore more below. You can also learn ways to avoid and treat cigarette smoke allergies or sensitivities.

Is there such a thing as a cigarette or tobacco allergy?

Yes, you can be allergic to tobacco and even just plain old sensitive to cigarette smoke. Even more, for people who already have respiratory issues, cigarette smoke could also make the problem worse. You might also just be sensitive to cigarette smoke.

One study suggested that people can have an allergy to tobacco itself. Even dating back to 1933, skin tests published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed some sensitivity to tobacco extract. The study also stated it was theorized that people might have allergic reactions to tobacco proteins.
Today, studies continue to look at cigarette smoke allergies, and people report a wide range of health symptoms around secondhand smoke.

Sneezing
Runny nose
Congestion
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Difficulty with breathing
Headache
Watery eyes
Itchiness

Cigarette smoke may also make you more sensitive to allergens overall. In another study in the European Respiratory Journal, 39.5% of a passive smoking (or secondhand) group and 58.2% of an active smoking group had bronchial activity after being exposed to histamines. This suggests that even passive smokers may be affected by heightened allergic sensitivity.

Further, a report from the CDC stated that skin prick tests found more allergen sensitivity among secondhand smoke-sensitive people. Allergen sensitivity was at 70% for the smoke-sensitive group, compared to 27% for the non-sensitive group.

A test on mice in Frontier in Neuroscience showed that administering a cigarette smoke solution increased allergic responses. The study suggested that patients who already had allergic rhinitis and were exposed to cigarette smoke could experience worse rhinitis symptoms from the cigarette smoke.

You can also have allergy-like symptoms from smoke without actually being allergic to it. According to the Mayo Clinic, cigarette smoke may even cause non-allergic rhinitis. That’s when the mucus membranes in your nose become swollen and cause symptoms like a stuffy nose or sneezing, but it’s not caused by allergies.

One study found that cigarette smoke can actually cause rhinitis symptoms, which can lead to nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itching. However, the study found those symptoms were independent of allergic sensitization. A study listed in the National Library of Medicine also stated that increased contact dermatitis is associated with smoking.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, secondhand smoke can have some severe impacts on children. Secondhand smoke is linked to asthma in children and can trigger asthma attacks. Children who breathe secondhand smoke often show stunted lung growth and get sick more often. Parents might notice wheezing and coughing. Children may even get more ear infections.

What you can do to alleviate tobacco smoke allergies

Below are some ways to avoid or treat smoke allergy as listed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

1. Avoid exposure

The most direct way to not be triggered by cigarette smoke is to of course avoid it. For instance, if you know where the smoking areas of certain buildings are, you might plan your walking route accordingly to avoid those areas.

2. Use air purifiers in the home

Air purifiers remove contaminants from the air, including smoke particulates. Out of more than 50 air purifiers we have tested in the past 12 months, our top pick for cigarette smoke is the Levoit EverestAir — outstanding performance all around in a beautifully designed unit for those with $500 to spend. If you’re on a tighter budget, then you should consider the Core 300S for solid air cleaning and odor removal for small rooms of up to 219 sq. ft.

3. Try nasal rinses

You might try rinsing your nose out with a Neti pot or similar product. This can help remove any allergens you inhaled from your nasal passages.

4. Look into at-home medicines

There are also medicines you can take, like nasal corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the nose, antihistamines or decongestants, as a few examples. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medicines and find out which might be best for you.

5. Ask your doctor about immunotherapy

Some treatments with the doctor can help target the problem on an immune system level. For instance, with allergy shots, doctors give shots that have the allergen in them and increase the dose over time to make the body less sensitive to that allergen.

6. Serious cases might require an epi-pen

In worst cases, an allergy can cause life-threatening reactions called anaphylaxis. If you have a severe allergy to tobacco, carry an epinephrine pen to administer in an emergency and then call 911.

The only way to know for sure if you are allergic to cigarette smoke is to get an allergy test. Talk to your primary care doctor about testing for a tobacco or cigarette smoke allergy. They might recommend running a whole panel for a complete allergy test to rule out any other causes.

The test is performed by doing a small injection of the allergen on your forearm to see if it causes a reaction in the skin. Sometimes the test involves putting the allergens on an adhesive patch that you leave on for a couple of days.

Final thoughts

The long and short is that, yes, you can have an allergy to tobacco smoke.

Some studies suggest allergic reactivity to tobacco. Others show that cigarette smoke can make already present allergy symptoms worse. It’s also possible that you may just be sensitive to cigarette smoke and it causes you to have non-allergic rhinitis that causes the characteristic stuffiness, runny nose and sneezing.

The only way to know for sure if it is an allergy is to have an allergy test performed by a doctor. Whether you’re sensitive to smoke or allergic to it, you have a number of options for clearing up the symptoms, from avoiding the smoke to air purifiers for removing smoke from your home to nasal rinses to medical treatments.

SOURCES

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2017). Tobacco Smoke. aafa.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2018). Allergy Treatments. aafa.org
European Respiratory Journal. (2011). Passive smoking may influence respiratory allergic reaction. erj.ersjournals.com
Frontiers. (2020). Effects of Cigarette Smoke on the Nasal Respiratory and Olfactory Mucosa in Allergic Rhinitis Mice. frontiersin.org
Healthcare. (2023). The Association of Smoking with Contact Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
JAMA. (1933). Tobacco Allergy. jamanetwork.com
Johns Hopkins Medicine. What is rhinitis? hopkinsmedicine.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Nonallergic Rhinitis. mayoclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Allergy Skin Tests. mayoclinic.org
National Library of Medicine. (2006). The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
PLoS One. (2015). Allergic Sensitization, Rhinitis and Tobacco Smoke Exposure in US Adults. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The best air purifiers to get rid of litter box smell

Oct 25, 2026Nov 30, 2023 by Danny Ashton

Having a cat as a pet is pretty awesome. But despite being relatively low maintenance, there are a few cat caregiving duties many cat owners would rather do without. And having to deal with their litter box often takes the top spot as the worst thing about owning a cat.

In fact, according to a survey published on the Las Vegas Review Journal, 44% of cat owners polled said that the biggest concern they have is how their cat’s litter box affects their home’s general hygiene.

The good news is that an air purifier with good filters packed with activated carbon can help remove unwanted litter box smells, while removing the amount of cat hair and dander in the air. Read on for my top picks, based on over 100 tests I’ve conducted since 2020.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

1. Best for large spaces: Levoit EverestAir

A large air purifier with a powerful fan and 400g of activated carbon to capture odors from the litter box.

Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.

Based on our particle removal test, we estimate a PM1 CADR of 375 cfm at top speed for the EverestAir and 205 cfm at speed 2, while generating just 43.2 dBA of sound. This is a powerful air purifier that will provide five air changes per hour in spaces up to 562 sq. ft.

The EverestAir comes with 400g of pelleted activated carbon, which will adsorb unwanted smells while the air circulates through the device.

It comes with an onboard air quality sensor that displays readings on screen and on the smartphone app.

CONS

It doesn’t come cheap at $499.99 but often goes on sale for Prime Day and Black Friday.

The particle filter is not HEPA grade. This doesn’t affect the performance but it was initially sold as H13 HEPA.

It uses a bonded filter so you will need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is full, even if the particle filter still has life in it.

PROS

It outperformed more expensive devices such as the $700+ Rabbit Air A3 and the $800+ Dyson BP06.

The design stands out and looks like something Apple would create.

It comes with 400g of activated carbon as standard, which is a good amount for tackling litter box odors.

It has wheels to move it around the house without having to lift it.

You can adjust the angle of the vents on top.

This is a large air purifier that sits solidly on its base, so it can withstand a curious cat jumping on top of it. The wheels at the bottom only move in one direction, so it won’t slide around the floor easily unless you push it in the right direction.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 205 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 365 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Removable pre-filter, particle filter and 400g of pelleted activated carbon.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	18.9L x 8.5W x 23.2H inches (48L x 21.6W x 58.9H cm)
Weight:	20.7 lbs (9.39 kg)
Filter lifespan:	12-15 months
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 39.1 dB Speed 2: 43.2 dB Speed 3: 48.6 dB Turbo: 57.8 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.26 watts Speed 1: 9.85 watts Speed 2: 15.59 watts Speed 3: 26.6 watts Turbo: 69.8 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

2. Best under $200: AirFanta 3Pro (with activated carbon filters)

This PC fan-powered air purifier is the most powerful budget-friendly model we have tested.

Use the discount code HOUSEFRESH for 5% off when buying directly from AirFanta.

The 3Pro is a mini Corsi-Rosenthal box with a base at the bottom, four low resistance H11 particle filters packed with pelleted activated carbon at each side and an array of four PC fans on top. The result? An air purifier that offers a PM1 CADR of 353 cfm at top speed for less than $200.

You get a speed controller to set fan speeds. I recommend setting it to 6.54V, where it generates just 43.3 dBA of noise that won’t disturb your cat but still offers solid air cleaning performance.

This is the only high CADR air purifier that you can disassemble and fit inside a carry-on bag or backpack to take with you when you travel.

To deal with litter box smells you will need to buy the version of the 3Pro that comes with pelleted activated carbon, which will set you back $175.99 at the moment of writing this.

We are currently working on our written review of @Engineer_Wong’s AirFanta 3Pro, including new air cleaning performance data using HEPA + Carbon filters 🤓 pic.twitter.com/vYrDG3eGAm
— HouseFresh (@ThisHouseFresh) September 5, 2024

CONS

It looks nothing like traditional air purifiers and this will put some people off.

It doesn’t come with any smart features, app connectivity or an onboard air quality sensor. This is a device for you to set and forget.

PROS

It is the most powerful air purifier you can buy for under $200, outperforming devices from Levoit, Winix, Coway, Xiaomi and Dyson.

Instead of buttons, you get speed controller to set the speed of the fans and the noise output.

PC fans are whisper quiet compared to most traditional air purifiers, so this device won’t disturb your cat.

It can be assembled and disassembled in just a few minutes.

When taken apart, the parts are small enough to fit inside a large backpack or small suitcase.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 353 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 213 cfm
Filter technology:	True HEPA H11 and optional pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size:	529 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.6D x 12.6W x 12.6H inches (32D x 32W X 32H cm)
Weight:	7.7 lbs (3.49 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	3.63 volts: 36.1 dB 4.19 volts: 36.9 dB 5.24 volts: 39.7 dB 6.54 volts: 43.3 dB 7.44 volts: 46.7 dB 8.56 volts: 49.1 dB 12.6 volts: 56.3 dB
Electricity consumption in watts :	43.23 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 – 12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	1 year
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

3. Best for very bad litter box smells: Austin Air HealthMate

With a colossal gas filter packed with 15 lbs of activated carbon and zeolite, the HealthMate is the best air purifier for VOCs we have tested.

The HealthMate from Austin Air is the air purifier with the largest amount of carbon in its filter and that is exactly what you will need if you have multiple cats and litter boxes at home, or if you want to tackle very bad litter box smells.

It filter is larger than most small air purifiers. In this photo you can see how its size compares next to the popular Levoit Core 300S. This is what 15 lbs of activated carbon look like!

It comes with a one-dial operation and a smooth top surface, so you can rest assured that your cat won’t accidentally change the settings when jumping on top of it.

CONS

It is one of the most power-hungry units we have tested, pulling 147.6 watts when running at top speed.

It doesn’t have any smart features or smartphone app controls. Similarly to the 3Pro above, the HealthMate is a set-and-forget unit.

Excellent at removing odors but its particle filtration is as good as much smaller devices like the Levoit Core 300 or the Xiaomi 4 Compact.

PROS

It comes with the largest carbon filter in the household purifier market.

The filter is packed with a carbon and zeolite mix that increases odor adsorbency.

This device is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty.

The filters can last up to five (5!) years before needing to be replaced, which is a lot more than the usual 6-12 months.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 160 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 77 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 154 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	HEPA particle filter with 15 lb of activated carbon and zeolite mix gas filter
Recommended room size:	169 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	23H x 14.5W x 14.5D inches (58.4H x 36.8W x 36.8D cm)
Weight:	20.41 lbs (9.26 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 42.5 dB Speed 2: 53.2 dB Speed 3: 61.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 61.1 watts Speed 2: 85.05 watts Speed 3: 147.6 watts
Filter lifespan:	5 years
Manufacturer’s warranty:	5 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	United States (Buffalo, New York)

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

4. Best for small spaces: Levoit Core 400S (with Smoke Remover filter)

A medium-sized cylindrical air purifier that will fit inside smaller rooms while still offering powerful air cleaning performance.

Use the discount code HOUSE10 for 10% off when buying directly from Levoit.

In our tests, the 400S performed well with an estimated PM1 CADR of 213 cfm at top speed, which will be powerful enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces as large as 319 sq. ft. If place in a room smaller than 300 sq. ft., the Core 400S will be able to circulate and clean the air a lot more often.

The Core 400S is a mid-sized device in Levoit’s Core range. It is larger than the popular Core 300S (left) but smaller than the Core 600S (right).

You get multiple filter options. Go for the Smoke Remover filter and you’ll get 450g of carbon — the highest amount across all options.

CONS

The European version of the 400S is less powerful than the U.S. version, so keep that in mind if you’re in Europe. Learn more about this on this video.

It uses a bonded filter so you will need to replace the entire thing once the carbon is used up, even if the particle filter still works.

The particle filter was initially sold as H13 HEPA but it isn’t HEPA. This won’t affect performance but you need to know.

PROS

The cylindrical design takes up less floor space while still offering good air cleaning performance.

It comes with an onboard sensor, an LED air quality indicator and auto-mode.

You get smartphone connectivity through the VeSync app.

The 400S with the Smoke Remover filter comes with the largest amount of carbon (450 g) in the entire Levoit range of air purifiers.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 249 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 134 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 247 cfm (dust)
Filtration technology:	Pre-filter, particle filter and pelleted activated carbon
Recommended room size (5 air changes per hour):	373 sq. ft. (35 m²)
Dimensions:	10.8L x 10.8W x 20.5H inches (27.4L x 27.4W x 52H cm)
Weight:	11.2 lbs (5 kg)
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep mode: 35.5 dBA Speed 1: 38.3 dBA Speed 2: 43.2 dBA Speed 3: 51.2 dBA Speed 4: 60.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 0.93 watts Sleep mode: 3.05 watts Speed 1: 5.28 watts Speed 2: 8.51 watts Speed 3: 16.41 watts Speed 4: 39.64 watts
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

READ OUR FULL REVIEW ➜

WATCH OUR VIDEO REVIEW ➜

Special mentions

These air purifiers didn’t make the cut but they are all excellent at cleaning the air and removing unwanted smells, so it’s worth mentioning them in case they are available in countries where my top picks are not.

Levoit Eleva 300X (with Premium carbon filter)

This is a small air purifier with smart features and app support. It offers a PM1 CADR of 165 cfm at top speed, which will be good enough to provide five air changes per hour in spaces no larger than 247 sq. ft.

If you think it could be a good option for your home, make sure to also get the Premium carbon filter to get the largest amount of carbon to remove litter box smells from the air.

Alen BreatheSmart Flex

The only air purifier in Alen’s BreatheSmart line that doesn’t come with an ionizer, making it safer for pets. It also lacks smart features and app connectivity.

We estimate a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm at top speed, which will be good enough for five air changes per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft. It has a H13 HEPA filter and for litter box smell, I suggest going for the Odor Neutralizer option as it comes with more carbon than other filters in the Flex range.

Dyson Big+Quiet BP06

The BP06 is the best air purifier I’ve tested from Dyson. It lacks smart functions and app support but is more affordable than other models in the Big+Quiet range.

Based on our tests, it has a PM1 CADR of 198 cfm at top speed and will provide five air changes per hour in rooms up to 297 sq. ft. It has an innovative wraparound fabric with 900g of carbon on top of the H13 HEPA filter to tackle litter box smells.

What to look for when buying an air purifier for litter box smell

1. To remove odors, you will need a gas filter with a good amount of activated carbon

For an air purifier to capture unwanted odors, it must utilize activated carbon filters. These filters work by locking gasses (known as VOCs) into the pores of a carbon substrate in a process called adsorption. The filter’s more carbon equates to a larger surface area to lock in odors.

Bot all air purifiers use this type of filter as standard. Be sure to check whether the air purifier you are considering comes with a carbon filter and always favor those models with large amounts of pelleted carbon.

2. You might want to avoid units with ionizers

Many air purifiers use a bipolar ionization process to negatively charge particles in order to attract them to the filter so they can be removed from the air. The problem is that, in the process, these devices can generate small amounts of ozone which can be detrimental to the health of those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Ozone is a lung irritant, so if you worry about the health of your cat then you should stick to air purifiers without ionizers, like the ones on my list of recommendations.

3. Find an air purifier with a CADR that matches the size of your room

In order for an air purifier to be useful, it has to be able to provide at least five air changes per hour inside the room where you need it.

For litter box smell, you should aim at placing the air purifier close to the source of smells. If that is possible, then measure the room where you’ve placed the cat litter tray and use our CADR calculator to find out how much CADR you will need to ensure the device is powerful enough:

Common questions about litter box smell

Living in a smelly environment is a surefire way to induce stress and anxiety. Cats themselves are particularly fussy when it comes to toilet time and, if their litter box is unpleasant or dirty, they may find new places around the home to do their business, further compounding the issue.

But beyond unwanted smells spreading throughout your space, cat litter can threaten your health. As well as odor, ammonia will also be circulating throughout your air and exposure to this toxic gas can cause a raft of health complications — from headaches to nausea and, in severe cases, pneumonia.

Other health issues linked with human exposure to cat litter include cat scratch disease, roundworms and toxoplasmosis.

Having more than one cat can create more odor around the litter box. If you live in a multi-cat household, you should consider getting the largest air purifier you can handle to make sure it will circulate the air quickly and have enough carbon to adsorb unwanted smells — the Austin Air HealthMate is my top pick for these cases.

And if you have multiple litter boxes spread around the home, then you should consider having an air purifier in each space like the affordable AirFanta 3Pro.

THINGS TO TRY

Increase ventilation around the affected area. If you can, move the litter box near an open window or doorway.

Hang an activated charcoal bag near the tray if you do not have the space or budget for an air purifier.

Be mindful of your cat’s diet. Protein-rich foods given to kittens can cause a real stink, so switch to adult-appropriate foods when right.

THINGS TO AVOID

Avoid using air fresheners or scented products near the litter box. Although this might help mask the smell of human noses, cats can be sensitive to new scents and some chemical fragrances can even be toxic.

Don’t let the contents of the litter box fester. Cat waste should be cleared as soon as possible and the litter should be changed at least once a week.

On top of the initial purchase cost of your air purifier, you can expect two ongoing costs: filter replacements and energy consumption.

Depending on the device, you will need to replace the filter between 6-12 months with some devices (like the Austin Air HealthMate) having filters that last up to five years. Always look for the cost of the filter replacement so you can estimate how much money you’ll need to spend each year.

Most modern air purifiers come ENERGYSTAR certified, meaning using them regularly won’t cost the earth. That said, you can use this energy cost calculator to check how much you can expect to spend based on the energy consumption of the device — check the SPECS table I put together for each device, as I added in there how much electricity in watts each air purifier pulls at each fan speed.

To wrap it up

If you have any other questions about air purifiers you could use to help reduce the smell of your cat’s litter box, please drop them in the comments below and I will get back to you as soon as I see your question.

Or if you prefer to contact me privately, just send me an email to danny@housefresh.com and I’ll do my best to reply when I get a chance.

And if you’ve got any specific models in mind, take a moment to check out our air purifier comparison tool to see how the model you’re considering compares to the more than 150 units I’ve tested since 2020:

The best air purifiers for construction dust, according to our data

Dec 17, 2025Nov 30, 2023 by Danny Ashton

Anyone who has spent time on a construction site will know just how dusty they can be. From small jobs such as DIY home improvements to large renovation projects, dust can quickly accumulate once work gets underway.

Dust is a big issue for many people, contributing to allergies and respiratory conditions if inhaled. Dust particles are usually microscopic, making them especially tricky to control – this is particularly challenging on a building site where airborne particles are constantly created and circulated.

While many tradespeople or clients will chalk this up to an occupational hazard or a necessary evil to get the job done, no one should compromise their health to fit that new kitchen or replaster old walls.

Combatting construction dust is much easier than you might imagine. Equipped with the right tool for the job — a powerful air purifier fitted with quality filters — you can eradicate dust quickly. Creating a clean, healthy environment for all on-site.

To find the best air purifiers for construction dust, we use data that we’ve collected through our performance tests to compare the units we own side-by-side. By doing this, we can find which units stand up to the challenge of effectively and efficiently clearing dust from rooms.

How we test air purifiers

Read our full testing methodology.

Staff picks: Top 3 air purifiers for construction dust

For those looking to clean up your construction site quickly, here’s a sneak peek at our top three air purifiers.

Learn more about each of these air purifiers below. I explained. why I picked each one and covered what you need to know before you decide which one is best for you.

1. Best for construction sites: AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550 Air Scrubber

An air purifier made specifically for dusty environments — see why this unit is the ideal addition to your construction tools.

buy it on amazon

For any construction worker concerned about the air they breathe while at work, the ALORAIR should be your first port of call. This powerful, robust and straightforward option makes it easy to transform air quality on-site.

Equipped with a MERV 10 filter (traditionally found in commercial units), alongside a HEPA and Activated Carbon filter, this air scrubber will leave no dust particles behind. It’s capable of cleaning 550 cubic feet of dirty air per minute.

What we really like

Most powerful unit on this list with a CADR score of 550 CFM

Well designed for use in a construction zone

It can be used with special ducts to target dust at the source

Large HEPA filters which can store plenty of particulate matter and are easily available on Amazon

What we think could be better

It will be overkill for everyday use at home

It makes a lot of noise

This is the toughest air purifier on this list too. It comes with rotomolded polyethylene (LLDPE) housing, making it able to withstand the demands of any construction site. While the anti-slip feet and stackable design add versatility, allowing you to use multiple units in conjunction for even greater cleaning capability.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: XX cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: XX cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: XX cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a removable pre-filter
Recommended room size:	XXX sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	20.87 x 24.8 x 14.96 in (53D x 63W x 38H cm)
Weight:	13.2 lbs (5.9 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Speed 1: 73.7 dB Speed 2: 74.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby: 1.12 watts Speed 1: 213 watts Speed 2: 224 watts
Filter lifespan:	6 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	10 years
Country of origin:	China
Country of manufacture:	China

2. Best budget option: Honeywell HPA300

Small and light with a high cleaning performance — there’s more to this air purifier than its budget price.

PRICE on amazon PRICE on EBAY

Costing just over $200, the Honeywell HPA300 is punching well above its weight. For this price, you’ll get an air purifier with colossal power and long-lasting HEPA filters that will make light work of construction dust.

Despite being an older model, the HPA300 still competes with the latest and greatest air purifiers on the market. Primarily because it’s an out-and-out workhorse. With fans powerful enough to clean 300 cubic meters a minute within a medium to large-sized space, this purifier is an excellent addition to your toolbox.

What we really like

It’s super simple to use with a fool-proof control panel

It packs a punch thanks to its 300 CFM CADR score

Sturdy design and generous warranty will be helpful in construction areas

HEPA filters last longer than many rival alternatives

What we think could be better

It would be great to see a separate activated carbon filter to tackle VOCs

It runs a little loud on higher speed settings

As well as cutting costs when you initially purchase this purifier, you can also expect to save money on filter replacements. The readily available replacements come in three sets, setting you back just $23 per filter. This saving will come in handy on a building site, where high quantities of construction dust may see you needing to replace your HEPA filters more often than in a domestic setting.

HouseFresh rating:	★★★☆☆
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	20 minutes
Air purifier technology:	Activated Carbon pre-filter and True HEPA filter
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	465 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Dust: 320 CFM Smoke: 300 CFM Pollen: 300 CFM
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)
Filter life:	HEPA every 12 months, Pre-filters every 3 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 43.6 dB Speed 2: 48.8 dB Speed 3: 53.9 dB Speed 4: 59.5 dB
Electricity consumption in watts (recorded with an electricity usage monitor):	Standby mode: 0 watts Speed 1: 28.35 watts Speed 2: 42.92 watts Speed 3: 55.8 watts Speed 4: 76.2 watts
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$205.22 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$0.84
Manufacturer’s warranty:	5 years
Country of manufacture:	China

3. Best for large rooms: Levoit Core 600S

With a massive CADR, smart functions and app connectivity — Levoit reminds us you can’t judge a book by its cover.

💡exclusive code for HouseFresh for 10% off a single purchase on Levoit.com: HOUSE10

The longer construction dust is left to linger in the air, the higher the likelihood of it being inhaled. That’s why it’s vital to act fast and remove particles as quickly as possible. This is where the Levoit Core 600S comes into play; being the fastest air purifier we’ve ever tested, clearing all traces of air pollutants in just 15 minutes.

Levoit has stacked this purifier full of air-cleaning capabilities. From their trademarked VortexAir fans that whip up a storm to the highly efficient H13, medical-grade HEPA filters can capture the tiniest dust particles in a single pass.

What we really like

It is a powerful air purifier, with a CADR of 410 CFM

It works wonders in larger-sized or open-plan spaces

It comes with lots of smart features that may come in handy when concentrating on other jobs

Highly energy efficient for such a powerful unit

What we think could be better

I wish the filters had a longer lifespan

Clean and modern design may not last for long on a construction site

The 600S is simple to use and relatively easy to maneuver too. You’ll find an Auto mode that monitors air quality and changes the fan speed accordingly, a Smartphone app that enables remote operation and a lightweight design that simply requires you to pop in a filter and hit the on switch to transform your air quality.

Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	– Top speed PM1 CADR: 375 cfm – Sub-45 dBA PM1 CADR: 156 cfm – AHAM PM2.5 CADR: 398 cfm (dust)
Filter technology:	Bonded particle filter with a layer of pelleted activated carbon and a pre-filter mash wrap.
Recommended room size:	562 sq. ft. (5 air changes per hour)
Dimensions:	12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
Weight:	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
Noise level in decibels from 3 ft. away:	Sleep: 37.9 dBA Speed 1: 44.4 dB Speed 2: 45.9 dB Speed 3: 53.8 dBA Speed 4: 62.3 dBA
Electricity consumption in watts:	Standby mode: 1.3 watts Sleep: 4.33 watts Speed 1: 7.46 watts Speed 2: 10.7 watts Speed 3: 20.29 watts Speed 4: 48.1 watts
Filter lifespan:	6-12 months
Manufacturer’s warranty:	2 years
Country of origin:	United States
Country of manufacture:	China

What to look for in an air purifier for construction dust

When you’re working on construction indoors, all that dust that’s launched into the air when you drill, hammer and saw can really affect your breathing. The CCOHS states that breathing in dust can lead to inflammation of your nose and throat, affect your breathing and even lead to diseases like pneumoconiosis.

An air purifier can eliminate those harmful contaminants from your air, but it has have certain specifications to do the job effectively.

When looking to buy an air purifier for construction dust, you have to ask yourself some questions so that you choose the right air purifier for your needs.

1. Does your chosen air purifier utilize HEPA filters?

When it comes to construction dust, particles range in size between 0.5 and 10.0 microns, so to remove them from the air you breathe, you’ll need filters that can capture minuscule particles efficiently.

Yale University recommends HEPA filters for eradicating dust. These filters are certified to capture at least 99.7% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making them highly effective control measures. Some units may not use the word HEPA, like the Levoit Core 600S, but they still contain high-grade, quality filters capable of removing these tiny particles.

2. How large is the construction space you’ll be using the purifier on?

Air purifiers are designed to work at their optimum in a specific-sized space. Some units cater to larger, open-plan spaces and others aimed toward smaller rooms.

It’s paramount that you measure your space before you buy an air purifier so that you know what specifications to need from a unit. That’s why we built our CFM Calculator that will show you what clean air delivery rate (CADR) you will need to look for in an air purifier.

3. Do you move to various spaces throughout the day?

Those of you who move around while on the site to complete different parts of a project will require an air purifier that is easy to move and simple to set up.

While larger air purifiers may be helpful if working in an open-plan space, they are awkward to carry. This is where smaller units, such as the Honeywell HPA300 or Levoit Core 300, are more efficient, providing targeted protection in specific rooms or tighter spaces.

Be sure to check out the dimensions and weight of any purifier, as listed in our purifier specification table, to understand better how easy it is to transport.

4. Do you require protection for other airborne pollutants other than construction dust?

Construction sites are known to be dust magnets but are also a hotbed for other airborne pollutants that arise on the job. Solvents, adhesives, paints and cleaning supplies emit harmful gasses known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can result in serious health complications if exposed regularly.

To combat VOCs and construction dust, you must look for a purifier that utilizes Activated Carbon filters alongside your trusted HEPA.

Common questions about construction dust

Air purifiers are an incredibly effective way of eliminating construction dust from your space. Using a fan, air purifiers pull in air (including its contaminants) through filters that trap dust particles, removing them and leaving you with fresh clean air to breathe.

The best filter for removing any airborne pollutants like pollen, mold, bacteria and dust is a HEPA filter. These high efficiency filters use tightly woven fibers to form a maze that trap contaminants as they pass through.

The EPA backs us up stating that a HEPA filter is capable of removing 99.97% of dust from your air.

Drywall dust is larger and denser than normal household dust, so when you’re using an air purifier I would recommend a unit with a thick, removable pre-filter. Depending on how much drywall dust becomes airborne, it’s good practice to clean the pre-filter regularly with a damp cloth and/or vacuum to make sure it doesn’t become blocked.

There are a few methods to get rid of construction dust when you’re done.

Remove any airborne dust by running your air purifier at its highest fan speed

Get as much ventilation as possible by opening windows and doors

Use a vacuum cleaner that contains a HEPA filter

Wash any fabrics that were not covered

Wrapping up

Construction dust is one of the most prevalent sources affecting air quality around the world. Fine particles that accumulate from an array of construction processes become suspended in the air and can enter your respiratory system, contributing to health problems if left unchecked.

Cleaning the air and eradicating dust particles is simpler than you may think. A well-powered air purifier that uses quality HEPA filters will capture the vast quantities of particulate matter and help create a healthier environment for you to live or work in.

What is an ionizer?

Dec 17, 2025Nov 29, 2023 by Amparo Lopez

In simple terms, ionizers emit negative ions into the air, which can bond with positively charged ions (including certain types of particles) to create heavier charged particle that will drop to surfaces in your home or within the ionizer device itself, allowing you (or the device) to clean them up.

Here is a handy graphic for those of you who are visual learners:

Now you know how it works, let’s go through it in more depth:

There are invisible molecules made of ions in the air around us. Ions contain electrical charges, which are either positive (cation) or negative (anion) charges. When anions gain an electron, they become negative charges, but when cations lose an electron, they become positive charges.

So, the idea behind air ionizers is that they produce and release negative ions into the atmosphere, which are then attracted to and able to attach to positive particles in the air around you. This includes things like tobacco smoke or odors.

When negative and positive ions are attracted to one another, this creates an electrical charge, and the particles become stuck.

The stuck particles are then too weighty to remain in the atmosphere, so they fall onto positively charged surfaces around your home and stay there. This includes ceilings, walls, floors, tabletops, curtains, carpets and rugs. The particles can then be cleaned from these surfaces, removing them from your environment.

Some models of ionizer devices have metal plates built into them that collect these particles. These can then be wiped away from the plates.

As you can see, this is quite different from what mechanical filtration air purifiers do.

While ionizers can be effective at removing certain things from your environment, they are nowhere near as effective as air purifiers and, in addition, can introduce many unwanted toxins into your home.

A 2021 study co-authored by Illinois Tech, Portland State University and Colorado State University researchers found that while ionizers could decrease certain VOCs from your environment, they led to an increase in others.

Researchers from The University of Texas found that the potential benefits of ionizers were overshadowed by the harmful pollutants and ultrafine particles created when running the device. These included ozone and formaldehyde, which increased significantly in the atmosphere.

A study from 2021 found that while ionizers could be helpful in effectively removing particulate matter from your environment, they could also potentially harm the health of some, especially asthma sufferers.

On the flip side, a 2017 study conducted by Australian researchers found that ionizers could be quite effective at removing particulate matter from large rooms with a footprint of 25 m³ or more. This was especially true compared to the particulate matter removal results of a high-flow HEPA filter air purifier in the same space. It’s important to note that the air purifier was much more successful in smaller rooms. In addition, the effectiveness of the air purifier and ionizer decreased as the room size grew.

Understanding the disadvantages of using an ionizer

As we’ve already discussed, while ionizers can effectively remove certain particulate matter from your environment, there are many more disadvantages.

Ionizers are not effective for removing larger particulate matter. This includes dust, pollen and pet dander. All these are known to be triggers for those with allergies or asthma.
Ionizers can cause asthmatics to suffer from increased symptoms, making them especially dangerous for people with asthma.
Ionizers cannot remove gasses and odors (including VOCs) and can even increase the presence of certain VOCs when running. VOCs can be extremely harmful to your health. In addition to various symptoms, including eye irritation, nose and throat, they have even been known to cause cancer.
Due to how ionizer devices work, they emit ozone as a side effect. While ozone has been shown to potentially help remove viruses from your environment (particularly from water), it has many detrimental qualities that could negatively affect your health.

Some of the more short-term effects may include:

Irritation of the throat
Pain in the chest
Coughing
Shortness of breath

In the long term, inhalation of ozone could lead to:

Decreased lung function and inflammation of lung tissue
Increased asthma symptoms and a higher probability of respiratory infections

The potential risks far outweigh whatever good could come from running ionizers in your home — especially if you have members of your household who are higher-risk individuals.

“Ionizers have been proven to generate a lot of Ozone and Nitric Oxide, which can cause many health problems. We do not recommend air purifiers that use this technology as default and don’t offer options to turn it off.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

Final thoughts

Ionizers are an alternative device to air purifiers that work by emitting negative ions into your environment. This allows them to become attracted to certain positive ions, including various pollutants, causing them to fall from the air onto surfaces around your home.

While they can be effective (especially in water filtration systems and larger rooms exceeding 25 m³), there are many more negative health considerations with ionizer devices.

This is because they are ineffective at removing larger particles and also emit VOCs and ozone as a side effect. If you’re considering an ionizer in your home, conduct thorough research beforehand and carefully weigh the pros and cons.

While it’s tempting to buy into the rhetoric that ionizer device distributors are pushing, the science tells us that this is still a relatively low-researched field regarding the potential positive outcomes.

SOURCES

Buddhi, P. (2017). Efficiency Of Ionizers In Removing Airborne Particles In Indoor Environments. sciencedirect.com
Cheng, Q. (2021). Air Ionizers Case Study. iopscience.org
Jiang, S et al. (2018). Negative Air Ions and Their Effects on Human Health and Air Quality Improvement. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Rosenthal, J. (2008). Researchers Confirm Some Air Cleaners Generate Ultrafine Particles. texairfilters.com
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality. epa.gov
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners. epa.gov
Vanzo, T. (2023). Study Finds Ionizers Increase Air Pollution. smartairfilters.com
Waring, M.S. (2008). Ultrafine Particle Removal And Generation By Portable Air Cleaners. sciencedirect.com
Zeng, Y et al.. (2021). Evaluating A Commercially Available In-Duct Bipolar Ionization Device For Pollutant Removal And Potential Byproduct Formation. sciencedirect.com
Zeng, Y et al. (2021). Study Uncovers Safety Concerns With Ionic Air Purifiers. phys.org
Zeng, Y et al. (2021). Study Uncovers Safety Concerns With Some Air Purifiers Marketed For Covid-19. natsci.source.colostate.edu

How to get rid of cat odors in the house

Dec 17, 2025Nov 20, 2023 by Amparo Lopez

Unlike other pets, cats aren’t smelly. They are naturally clean creatures and can spend about half their day grooming themselves.

But here’s the thing: despite their cleanliness, some “cat smells” tend to accumulate around the house. Even if you have a regular cleaning routine, it’s not always enough.

It’s actually more common than you’d think; some cat parents don’t even notice mild cat odors. Noses can get used to smells and “go blind.”

The good news is the extra steps you could add to your household chores are quite manageable. So, without further ado, let’s get to some simple tips to boost your current routine and enjoy a fresh-smelling home.

6 instant hacks to get rid of cat odors in the house

A regular and sustainable routine that will keep cat odors at bay includes:

1. Increase airflow and let fresh air in

When your indoor air stagnates, any unwanted smell intensifies. Odors will linger and stick around on all kinds of surfaces. Opening windows and allowing outdoor air to circulate throughout your home will freshen up your living space, dissipating odors and pet allergens.

2. Keep the litter box clean

Litter boxes are a common source of foul smell. Regular cleaning and maintenance are paramount for a fresh-smelling home and a happy, healthy kitty.

Follow these tips to ensure an odor-free litter box:

1. Scoop out solids and clumped litter at least once a day; twice will be even better, especially if you have multiple cats.

2. Once a week, remove all the contents from the litter box and clean it thoroughly using soap and water. Refill it with fresh litter.

You should choose a fragrance-free soap because strong chemicals, like ammonia or bleach, can be harmful to cats.

Also, keep in mind that cats have a powerful sense of smell and can perceive even the slightest residual scent from heavily perfumed soaps. If your cat doesn’t like how their litter box smells, they might choose to relieve themselves elsewhere.

3. Vacuum and mop the floors under and around the box every time you deep clean the litter box.

4. Always seal the bag where you collected the waste and take it outdoors as promptly as possible.

5. Wash the litter scoop every time you use it to keep it clean.

Tip

Opt for unscented cat litter; most cats dislike scented ones.
Choose a convenient location for the litter box. It should be placed in a moderately active area of your home:
- Placing it too far from social spaces might make it hard for your cat to find or unappealing to use.
Placing the litter box near noisy or vibrating appliances, like a washing machine, can stress them out.
Ensure the litter box setup offers your cat both privacy and tranquility while remaining easily accessible. Boxes with low sides and no lids are generally better. They allow your cat to see around and provide an escape route if needed, making them feel secure and in control.
Consider a robot litter box that will activate automatically after your cat uses them. However, you’ll need to empty the waste at least twice daily.
The number of litter boxes also matters. According to the Humane Society, you should have one litter box per cat in the household, plus one extra.

3. Vacuum, mop and dust regularly

In cat-friendly households, a great deal of dust is made of cat dander and hair. Those furry buildups that tend to accumulate in corners or fly around the room are adding to the cooped-in smell. Remove those unseen dusty odors by keeping surfaces clean:

Vacuum floors, carpets and hard surfaces at least once a week. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; they are more effective at removing dust and dunder without recirculating it back into the air.
Mop all non-carpet floors at least once a week. Use pet-safe floor cleaners; avoid strong chemicals that release toxic fumes, like ammonia.

Tip

Focus on vacuuming and mopping your cat’s play areas, favorite hideouts, nap spots and any surface they frequent. This routine will reduce hair buildup and the resulting odors if performed weekly.

For those pesky hair spots on couches and upholstered furniture, either sprinkle a pair of rubber gloves with clean water to wipe the fabric and remove accumulated hair or use an efficient and reusable pet hair remover. To give your textiles a final deodorizing touch, spray them with the water and vinegar mix.

3. Clean hard surfaces with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. Spray the mix and give your furniture a good wipe. The vinegar will clean and deodorize at the same time. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell; once the cleaner air dries, the scent will evaporate.

Tip

This cleaner is safe to use on many different surfaces like metal, plastics, wood (as long as it isn’t waxed), glass and leather.

Don’t use vinegar on natural stone surfaces; the acidity will eat away the stone. Instead, for those surfaces, make a cleaner with

2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap
1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol.

The rubbing alcohol will avoid any sope residue on the surfaces that, otherwise, would accumulate over time.

4. Pamper your pet with regular grooming and quality food

Although cats take good care of themselves, regular brushing will remove considerable amounts of loose hair, dirt and dander from their coat. A weekly brushing session for short-haired cats and daily brushing for long-haired ones will result in fewer hair build-ups floating around and sticking to clothes and couches.

When it comes to choosing their food, a nutritious, balanced diet will reduce hair shedding and lead to less strong-smelling waste. Discuss with the vet your cat’s specific needs to find the best-suiting food for them.

Tip

Even when high-quality, the food in your cat’s feeding bowl can cast a pungent smell.

Automatic feeders that release the right portion only at mealtime would avoid the constant odors coming from your cat’s bowl, and you’ll be fostering healthier routines for your kitty.

Also, keep the stored food properly sealed for a double benefit: no cat food smells in the pantry and fresh meals for your pet.

5. Clean your cat’s bedding

Keep their bedding, everyday blankets or wall hammocks clean to avoid smell and hair building up on the fabrics. Machine washing them once a week is a good rule of thumb, as the amount of hair won’t be too much for the washing machine.

For cushions or bedding with non-removable covers, handwash them with hot water and soap. Rinse thoroughly before putting them to dry.

Avoid any heavily scented detergent. Cats have a strong sense of smell.

Tip

All washing machines have filters or traps to collect hair and other debris during washing cycles. You should regularly clean these, or your laundry will be forever linty.

If in doubt about how to clean the filters, just search for the model’s manual on Google to find cleaning instructions.

You can also use a pet hair remover in your laundry to minimize the amount of hair stuck to your clothes.

6. Use an air purifier

Air purifiers with HEPA filters are known for helping with pet allergy symptoms, as they remove dander, dust, hair and a wide variety of airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns.

But they can help with smells, too. As long as an air purifier has activated carbon filters, it will remove odor particles through a process known as adsorption.
Besides, ozone-free and non-ionic air purifiers are completely safe for pets.

Tip

When choosing an air purifier to place in the room with your cat’s litter box, opt for quieter ones to avoid any noise-related stress. Most manufacturers specify the noise levels in decibels (dB).
If in doubt about which one you should get, check out our recommended air purifiers for litter box smells and air purifiers for pet odors.

Where to clean if the cat odors persist

Sometimes, cat smells linger on unexpected surfaces — this is particularly true for places that are not getting the attention needed in an everyday cleaning routine. And that’s completely normal considering there is just a limited amount of time we can dedicate to keeping our homes tidy and clean.

But if you are up for it, here are some suggestions to nail a thorough cleaning and get rid of those more persistent odors.

Step 1: Freshen up carpets with baking soda and vinegar

Every once in a while, on top of regular vacuuming, carpets need a good deep clean to freshen them up. Start by removing stubborn cat hair with a carpet rake. Then sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda and spray with white vinegar to get the bubbly, fizzing reaction. Let it act for at least 30 minutes, and finally, vacuum thoroughly.

Tip

Find useful tips in my guide on how to deal with (fresh and old) pet urine stains on the carpet

Step 2: Clean hard surfaces that often go overlooked

Clean blinds, fans, light fixtures, shelves, drawers, woodwork and baseboards (below and behind them). All these items will collect dander and dust over time. Spray them with 50/50 vinegar and water mix and wipe them with a rug to make sure there is no lint left on any of them.

Tip

Pay attention to places your cat likes to rub against. Cats have scent glands they use to mark their territory with pheromones. Although these are almost imperceptible to humans, they can leave a scent behind, especially when they rub frequently against specific furniture, fabrics, or walls.

Use an enzymatic cleaner to wipe out any residue your cat may have left on the surfaces they rub against.

Step 3: Wash curtains and refresh upholstery with baking soda

Curtains and upholstered furniture absorb and trap odors, including those from your pet. That is why it’s imperative that you wash your curtains and pillow covers:

Anything that can be laundered should be.

Use white vinegar instead of softener; it will help neutralize the smells. Plus, it’s eco-friendly and your fabrics will still be soft when they dry.
For upholstered furniture, sprinkle baking soda, leave it overnight to soak up the odor and vacuum it up the next day. Spray them regularly with the 50/50 water and white vinegar solution.
Also clean your cat’s tree and carpeted cat shelves if you have any around the house. As cats spend so much time playing around these and napping in high spots where they feel safe and in control, hair and smells will undoubtedly build upon those carpeted surfaces.

Tip

For stubborn odors, use an enzymatic cleaner instead of baking soda. Spray a fine mist on the surfaces (don’t soak them) and let them air dry.

Step 4: Wash your walls and ceiling with vinegar

Over time, odors will soak into paint. So, at least once a year, give your walls and ceilings a deep clean. Make an all-purpose cleaner made of vinegar and warm water (in equal parts) and a tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Use a mop for hard-to-reach areas.

Step 5: Replace HVAC filters and check vent covers

Filters and vent covers collect dust, pet dander and hair. Your indoor air flows right through them, so when they are not regularly cleaned or replaced, the accumulated lint and debris will be recirculated throughout the house.

Filters and vent covers collect dust, pet dander and hair. Your indoor air flows right through them, so any accumulated lint and debris will be recirculated throughout the house. Make sure to replace HVAC filters periodically and keep vent covers free of hair and dust.

Step 6: Clean the fridge

As unexpected as this may seem, fridges are magnets for cat hair and dander. Unplug and separate it from the wall to vacuum and mop behind and under it.

Also, check the coils at the back and the slotted grate on the bottom that leads to the dripping pan. Vacuum and wipe clean both.

Tip

To further remove pet odors from the kitchen, clean or replace filters from appliances that have them.

Final thoughts

Maintaining a fresh and clean-smelling home requires some ongoing care, it’s true. But it’s worth it. With a boosted routine and a deep-cleaning session every once in a while, your home should be free from unwanted cat smells.

A balanced and nutritious diet, a clean litter box and regular grooming sessions will reduce one of the main sources of the smell: pet hair and dander. Your home will feel tidier and fresher; your kitty will definitely enjoy it as much as you.

SOURCES

Ashton, D. (2023). Are Air Purifiers Safe for Pets? housefresh.com
Coates, J. (2017). Causes of Bad Odors in Cats. petmd.com
Environmental Protection Agency. FLOORING: Tile, Resilient, and Other Non-carpet. Epa.gov
Grzyb, K. (2022). Why Do Cats Rub Against You? petmd.com
Llera, R., et al. (2023) Coat and Skin Appearance in the Healthy Cat. vcahospitals.com
Morrison, B. J. (2023). Are Essential Oils Safe for Cats? petmd.com
Zinn, M. K. and Bockmühl, D. (2020). Did granny know best? Evaluating the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral efficacy of acetic acid for home care procedures. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
WebMD. (2023) Cat Grooming: Brushing, Bathing, Nail Clipping, and More. webmd.com

Westinghouse 1804 review

Dec 17, 2025Nov 20, 2023 by Danny Ashton

Westinghouse was founded in 1886 by inventor George Westinghouse. Over the years, it has been involved in many markets, from nuclear power to buying the TV broadcaster CBS.

Today, many consumer products are created by Westinghouse – from commercial pressure washers to air purifiers. The Westinghouse 1804 is designed to be a portable air purifier with an onboard lithium-ion battery.

It’s relatively unique in the market as it combines a True HEPA filter with NCCO technology, a type of catalytic oxidation that, in lab tests, has been shown to reduce levels of VOCs.

The main competitors to the Westinghouse 1804 would be other portable air purifiers like the Smart Air QT3, Pure Zone Mini and the IQAir Atem.

In our home lab of 728 cubic ft, 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.
For portable air purifiers, we repeat this test inside our Tesla Model 3 to see how good the unit is at cleaning the air in a small enclosed space.
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.

We take our air purifier tests seriously and never recommend any models until we thoroughly evaluate them in our home lab.

Using our in-house test data means we can avoid the marketing jargon used by many air purifier brands and have a simple way to show consumers how well a device will perform in their home.

TL;DR The lowdown on the 1804

“An impressive 47 minutes at removing all pollutants from our Tesla Model 3, I was impressed with how well the unit could run on battery power alone. I am still not sure how comfortable I am with the NCCO reactor as it’s still a new technology, but for its size, this unit is very efficient at removing particle pollution from the air.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

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What we really like

Small design with a solid leather-like handle makes it easy to move around

Fast at removing pollutants from our test environment of the Tesla Model 3 in 47 minutes

Quiet operation, especially when compared to pure HEPA-based portable air purifiers

Powerful battery of 3000 mAH that lasts up to eight hours

HEPA filters are cheap at $8

The NCCO filter only needs replacing every 5 years

What we think could be better

NCCO technology could potentially create chemical byproducts, similar to ionizer air purifiers

No smart mode like app support or auto-mode

Only two fan speeds to choose from

The specifications

Cost per CADR of $8.60 is higher than the Smart Air QT3 ($2) but less than the IQAir Atem ($10.23)

As we expect with a portable air purifier, this has a much lower CADR than we see with traditional designs used in the home. We expected it to perform less than the Atem or QT3 due to its lower CADR score.

This is the full breakdown:

HouseFresh rating:	★★★☆☆
Time to clean our Tesla Model 3 (with the device running at top speed):	47 minutes
Time to clean our 728 cubic feet test room (with the device running at top speed):	4 hours and 40 minutes
Air purifier technology:	True HEPA and NCCO
Recommended room size (4.8 air changes per hour):	23 sq. ft.
Clean air delivery rate (CADR):	Estimated: 15 CFM
Dimensions (in inches / in cm):	6.3L x 6.3W x 3.5H inches ( ‎28.39 x 21.41 x 18.28 cm)
Weight (in pounds / in kg):	2.12 lbs (0.96 kg)
Filter life:	3-4 months
Noise level in decibels (measured from 3 ft. away with a sound level meter):	Speed 1: 36.7 dB Speed 2: 39.8 dB
Estimated running cost (electricity consumption + official filter replacement):	$27.81 per year
Cost per CADR cfm (based on dust CFM as reported by AHAM):	$0.37
Manufacturer’s warranty:	3 years
Country of manufacture:	China

Easy to carry and simple design

The Westinghouse 1804 is a simple air purifier that is easy to carry around or keep in the car.

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Weighing just one kilogram, the Westinghouse 1804 is light, small and easy to carry—the perfect combination for a portable air purifier.

The combination of white and cream colors with accent details in brown leather might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it won’t stand out like a sore thumb in most vehicles.

If you’ve been browsing through portable air purifiers for a bit, you might recognize that the Smart Air QT3 shares the same color palette:

When comparing the Westinghouse 1804 with other car air purifiers we have tested, you will see that this unit blends into the group. It’s not as small as the PureZone Mini but it is definitely smaller than the QT3 and looks tiny compared to the IQAir Atem Car.

True HEPA and NCCO technology filtration

One of the standout features of the Westinghouse 1804 is that it uses a combination of True HEPA filtration with an NCCO reactor.

When you first receive the Westinghouse 1804, you will see that the True HEPA is wrapped in plastic, and the NCCO reactor is a foil wrapper.

Tip

Make sure to remove all the filter packaging; otherwise, the unit won’t work.

The True HEPA filter is pretty large, considering how small the Westinghouse 1804 is:

Upon closer inspection, I could see the True HEPA filter in the Westinghouse 1804 is of high quality, as one would expect from a big brand such as Westinghouse.

When it comes to replacing the filter, the process is pretty straightforward:

The one button on the right side makes removing the front case section easy. Once you open it, you can see the True HEPA first and then the NCCO zeolite filter behind it.

The Westinghouse 1804 is super easy to control as it only has one button that switches the unit on and then, with extra presses, changes the fan speed. It only has 2 fan speeds.

What is an NCCO reactor anyway?

I’ll be honest: when I first read the word ‘reactor’ after NCCO, I got slightly worried as it doesn’t sound safe at all.

Upon reading about it, I learned that NCCO stands for Nano Confined Catalytic Oxidation. NCCO technology uses ‘contained ozone’ in combination with zeolites (microporous, crystalline materials used as commercial adsorbents and catalysts) and other porous materials to decompose pollutants into water vapor and carbon dioxide.

When you open the NCCO reactor, we can see the Zeolite balls used in the NCCO process.

I didn’t like the mention of ozone, so I did some more research and found a study that states that there is no secondary pollution or re-release of pollutants in the NCCO process. This means that even though ozone is involved, and unlike ionizing technology, the Westinghouse 1804 shouldn’t be releasing ozone into the air.

This all sounds good, but I wanted to investigate further.

I noticed that the Westinghouse 1804 used special triangle screws to secure the front panel of the unit. Thanks to the magic of Amazon.com, I could obtain a set of specialized screwdrivers that allowed me to open up the Westinghouse 1804 so I could have a closer look under its hood to see what was hiding behind the front panel.

As soon as I removed the front panel, I could see the main fan, which is connected to the motherboard, 3200 mAH battery and a strange black box that seems to be part of the NCCO system.

Thanks to the magic of Google Lens, I identified this as a negative ion module, making me think that the Westinghouse’s NCCO reactor is just a zeolite filter combined with an old-fashioned ionizer function. Ionizers used to be super popular ten years ago but were pulled from the market as many units were found to release dangerous ozone levels.

This might explain why security bolts were used on the device, as this ionizer could generate high ozone levels if not enabled with the zeolite filter.

I used my ozone detector while running the Westinghouse 1804 inside my car and it didn’t take long for ozone levels to rise up to 0.3 ppb. This is a very low amount of ozone but it is not zero.

Of course, it is way lower than the 50 ppb threshold set in order to achieve a CARB certification, which the Westinghouse 1804 has.

I am disappointed to see the use of an ionizer and more so from their lack of openness about this with references to NCCO.

The 1804 cleared our TeslaModel 3 in 47 minutes

As we have been doing portable air purifier tests, we have been using our Tesla Model 3, creating incense smoke and then measuring how long each air purifier takes to remove all PM1ug/m3 pollutants.

The Tesla Model 3 has a reasonably small cabin with around 97 cubic feet of volume. Similar to our home lab tests, we used the industrial grade sensor in the Purpleair Indoor sensor to continuously track levels of PM1.0ug/m3, PM2.5ug/m3 and PM10.0 ug/m.

You can see our data below:

Air cleaning performance test results

With a CADR of 15 CFM, I was expecting it to perform to be a little better than the Pure Zone Mini, which has a CADR of 10 CFM, but I was surprised to see it perform as well as the QT3 and only 10 minutes slower than the $400 IQAir Atem.

Combining the ionizer “NCCO” and true HEPA allows it to remove pollutants much quicker than we would assume, going off the reported CADR scores alone.

While I was disappointed that the Westinghouse 1804 uses an ionizer, I can’t disagree that it performed well at removing pollutants in the car.

Noise levels test results

One area of the Westinghouse 1804 that stands out is the low level of sound used, with a maximum of 39.8 dB. This is similar to what we see with other brands that use ionizers like Blueair, as they can run the fan lower but clean the air more efficiently due to the use of an ionizer.

The Westinghouse performed well when compared with other portable units.

Sound can be very subjective, so we created a video of the Westinghouse 1804 running at both its fan speeds.

The cost to run a 1804: $27.81 per year

1. Electricity costs = $3.81

As we expect with a portable air purifier, the Westinghouse 1804 doesn’t use much energy, with 2.5 watts pulled at its highest speed.

2. Filter costs = $24

While the True HEPA filter replacements only cost $8 each, you need to change them every 4 months. You can even get the price down to $5 if you use generic filters.

This is much less than the IQAir Atem Car and just a little less than what we see with the Smart Air QT3.

Filter

Genuine Westinghouse 1804 FilterReplacement

Technology

True HEPA and NCCO

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$17.34

Filter

Genuine Westinghouse 1804 FilterReplacement

Technology

True HEPA and NCCO

More information

Buy on Amazon

Price

$17.34

When comparing the costs associated with running the Westinghouse 1804 with other portable air purifiers, it is clear that the 1804 is the most cost-efficient unit:

Bottom line

The Westinghouse 1804 is a powerful and cheap portable air purifier, but I do worry about the use of an ionizer.

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At $129, the Westinghouse 1804 is cheap, especially compared to the $400 IQAir Atem Car. It performed well in our test to remove pollutants from our Tesla Model 3, but I am concerned about the use of an ionizer.

If you don’t worry too much about the ionizer and are happy to get better performance for a reasonable price, then the Westinghouse 1804 is worth a look.

But for most people, we would recommend the Smart Air QT3 as it’s cheaper to buy and has the same level of performance with zero risks of chemical by-products.

SOURCES

We calculated yearly costs associated with running the Westinghouse 1804 24 hours a day, 365 days per year utilizing the latest average energy prices as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of $0.174/kWh as of May 2024.

Do houseplants clean the air?

Dec 17, 2025Nov 17, 2023 by Michelle Honeyager

Between increased wildfire smoke throughout 2023 and COVID-19, many people want to know how they can at least make the air in their homes purer. Enter the idea of house plants.

Easy to place around, inexpensive to purchase and an immediate uplifting addition to any décor style, it’s easy to see why the belief of house plants cleaning your air would be an appealing one.

Plus, there’s the idea that since they take in carbon and produce oxygen, maybe they’d clean the air in other ways, too. Unfortunately, plants do not clean air, and we’ll explore why.

Why does everyone believe plants clean the air?

It’s a common statement that house plants can clean your air.

The origins of this belief can be traced back to a 1989 NASA study. It looked at using different types of plants to reduce air pollution in combination with a type of carbon filter.

The study did state: “Low-light-requiring house plants, along with activated carbon plant filters, have demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air in energy-efficient buildings.”

Just by reading that statement, you may be able to see how easy it is to assume house plants can be of some benefit.

The biggest misconceptions of the NASA Clean Air Study

There are a number of problems with taking this study at face value. These include:

1. The study wasn’t for home use

The NASA study looked at improving air breathability in large-scale work settings. Simply placing plants in your home and expecting them to clean the air is an apples-to-oranges situation.

2. It’s an old study

It’s important to reiterate that the NASA experiment was a decades-old study from 1989. A further memo from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 stated that someone would have to put 680 house plants in their home to meet the same results of the NASA study, which happened in a test chamber.

3. The study used carbon filters

That’s right, the study used carbon filters in addition to the plants.

The study went on to state: “Activated carbon filters containing fans have the capacity for rapidly filtering large volumes of polluted air and should be considered an integral part of any plan using house plants for solving indoor air pollution problems.”

In short, even by the measures of this study, placing plants in your home is not the way to magically get perfect, clean air.

4. At best, results are modest

One study only found that house plants had a 0.9 – 9% to indoor ozone removal effectiveness.

5. Other studies outright suggest plants cannot remove VOCs

A literature review in Nature from 2020 discussed how someone would need to place 10-1,000 plants per square meter to equate to the same VOC removal that already happens when outdoor-to-indoor exchange happens in modern buildings.

Another problem with the NASA study is it looked at increasing air quality in old energy-efficient buildings from the 1970s, where air quality was already remarkably poor.

6. It would take genetically modified plants to clean the air

A startup called Neoplants wants to grow genetically modified plants specifically with the purpose of being able to clean harmful chemicals from the air.

6 science-backed benefits of indoor plants (beyond cleaning the air)

None of this means you should throw the fern plant from grandma’s estate out the window. There are very real emotional, mental and health benefits to house plants.

1. House plants may make you healthier

One study suggested that house plants can even improve diastolic blood pressure.

2. House plants can help improve your grades

The same review as above also found that house plants may help with academic achievement. Another study found that adding indoor plants to classrooms helped improve self-reported attention and well-being.

3. The most beautiful house plants create the most well-being

Research found that the more beautiful the plant was to those surveyed, the higher the participants rated their subjective well-being. Some of the most popular plants were bright, leafy specimens like palms, Ficus plants and Epipremnum.

4. Greenery even helped people feel better during lockdown

Another study looked at how house plants or green window views helped students at home during Covid-19. Greenery both indoors and outdoors helped support the mental health of the participants.

5. House plants can improve your mindfulness skills

One study looking at Chinese adults suggested that those who care for indoor house plants reported more mental well-being and had a greater mindfulness trait.

6. You may feel physically better with house plants

In addition to reporting increased positive emotions and less negative feelings, one study found that house plants helped reduce physical discomfort in participants.

Final thoughts

It turns out that, no, house plants are not magical little air purifiers straight from nature. This assumption has its origins in a 1989 NASA study that sought to use house plants in conjunction with carbon filters to clean up the air in 1970s energy-efficient work buildings. That doesn’t mean house plants are useless: they may make us healthier, happier, help with grades, reduce discomfort and even make us more mindful. Yet they’re still not air purifiers.

If you want truly clean indoor air, you’ll still need to use a mechanical air purifier. An air purifier works by forcing dirty air through a series of filters to remove large particles like dust, odors and even bacteria and PM 2.5 particulates. You can see the process here:

How air purifiers work Diagram 1024x957 1

As beneficial as your house plant may be, it’s no match for a HEPA filter. You can review some of the best air purifiers we have tested to date.

SOURCES

Abbass, O. et al. (2017). Effectiveness of Indoor Plants for Passive Removal of Indoor Ozone. sciencedirect.com
Berger, J. et al. (2022). The Appearance of Indoor Plants and Their Effect on People’s Perceptions of Indoor Air Quality and Subjective Well-Being. sciencedirect.com
Bogerd, N. et al. (2020). Greening the Classroom: Three Field Experiments on the Effects of Indoor Nature on Students’ Attention, Well-Being, and Perceived Environmental Quality. sciencedirect.com
Chun, A. (2023). Could Genetically Modified Houseplants Clean the Air in Your Home? smithsonianmag.com
Cummings, B. et al. (2020). Potted Plants do not Improve Indoor Air Quality: A Review and Analysis of Reported VOC Removal Efficiencies. nature.com
Dzhambov, A. et al. (2021). Does Greenery Experienced Indoors and Outdoors Provide an Escape and Support Mental Health During the COVID-19 Quarantine? sciencedirect.com
Girman, J. (1992). Comment on the Use of Plants as a Means to Control Indoor Air Pollution. epa.gov
Han, K. (2019). Effects of Indoor Plants on Self-Reported Perceptions: A Systemic Review. mdpi.com
Han, K. et al. (2022). Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses. mdpi.com
Ma, J. (2022). Interaction with Nature Indoor: Psychological Impacts of Houseplants Care Behaviour on Mental Well-Being and Mindfulness in Chinese Adults. mdpi.com
Wolverton, B.C. et al. (1989). Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. nasa.gov

Levoit air purifier red light: What it means and how to fix it

Dec 17, 2025Nov 5, 2023 by Paul Allen

Levoit is one of the biggest air purifier manufacturers on the market, having sold millions of devices around the world.

The reason why Levoit units are so popular is because they managed to produce low-cost air purifiers with high performance and good quality materials. Knowing this, it’s no surprise why some of the best air purifiers we’ve tested came from Levoit, including the EverestAir, the Core 600S and the Vital 200S.

But, like any electrical appliance, issues can sometimes occur. In this article, we’ll look into the dreaded red light you will sometimes find flashing on the control panel of your Levoit.

What does the red light mean in a Levoit unit?

If the red light appears on your Levoit air purifier, you may as well throw it in the trash right now.

Just kidding!

This warning light is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s one of the most common issues Levoit users face, and there is usually a super simple solution.

The most common reason why there might be a red light on your Levoit right now is because the filter has reached the end of its lifespan. As Levoit uses mechanical filters, they will become saturated with particulate matter and, over time, lose efficiency.

However, you may also experience the red light if your filter is broken or incorrectly installed. And I’ve also encountered the red light after installing a new filter due to an internal glitch.

Four steps to fix the Levoit air purifier red light warning

Getting rid of the Levoit red light should be an easy fix. Follow these simple steps to get rid of it:

Step 1: Open the filter compartment

First things first, disconnect your device from the power source.

Once it is safe to proceed, open the filter compartment. The filter compartment will vary between models but is usually located inside the purifier chamber, which you access by twisting the casing or top/bottom of the device. Alternatively, it may be a simple hatch door located at the rear.

Step 2: Remove the filter from the unit

Levoit filters usually need to be replaced every 6-8 months. If you can’t quite remember the last time you changed yours, take a peek inside to check its condition.

Filters will display a deteriorated condition over time as they capture polluting particles such as hair, dust and smoke. If your filter resembles the one above, it’s time to clean the pre-filter.

Tip

Before going the filter replacement route (step 3), it’s worth testing if the red light is flashing due to the filter not being correctly installed.

If you remove the filter from your Levoit and you can see it’s clean (or if you’ve just installed a new filter but can’t seem to get rid of the red light), try reinstalling the filter and skipping to step 4 in order to reset the red light to see if that fixes the issue.

Levoit Core units have a cylindrical filter that is pretty straightforward to install. Some of them have a top with a legend, so you know the filter goes on top.

The filter on the LV-H132 is a bit different from most Levoit filters, so check out this video to learn how to place it correctly.

The filter in Levoit Vital units is completely different from the two above. Here is a video showing how to remove and replace it:

Lastly, if you own a Levoit EverestAir, then here is a video you can watch to see how to open the filter cover to properly remove and replace the filter:

Step 3: Change your filter

Whether your filter is clogged with pollutants or has broken entirely, you will need to replace it to continue cleaning the air effectively.

Start by carefully removing the old filter and disposing of it appropriately. Next, remove the outer plastic wrapping on your new filter and slot it into place before reassembling the purifier.

Step 4: Hit reset

Some users may find that the red light is still illuminated after you’ve changed the filter. If this is the case, you’ll need to manually reset the filter change timer.

Levoit Problems Filter indicator needs resetting

To do this, hold down the filter change button for 3-5 seconds. After that, the light should disappear until it is time to replace the filter again.

For those using the Levoit PUR131, you will need to locate the reset button on the back of the unit and insert a small screwdriver for 5 seconds or until the unit beeps.

Common questions about the red light in Levoit units

If the red light has appeared on your Levoit as a routine filter change warning, there’s nothing stopping you from continuing to use your air purifier while you wait for the replacement to arrive. However, you can expect to see decreased efficiency during this time.

If you are confident the filter doesn’t need to be replaced, reset the warning light and make a mental note to manually schedule future filter changes

The recommended life span of a Levoit filter is between six and eight months, or as long as 15 months for their premium models, such as the Everest Air.

However, it’s important to clarify that a filter’s lifespan may differ between users, depending on how often they use their air purifier and the types of pollutants they commonly face. For example, cigarette smoke and construction dust will clog their filters much faster than everyday pollutants like pollen.

You can also slightly extend the working life of your filter by carefully vacuuming and cleaning the pre-filter from time to time. Never use water or cleaning solutions on the filter.

Once filters become saturated with pollutants, they dramatically lose performance.

As dirty air enters the unit, it passes through the filter, where pollutants are removed. If the filter is full, it hampers airflow (meaning less power) and allows more pollutants to slip through and recirculate into your space.

This is why filters are advertised with a lifespan and why it is so important to keep up with regular filter changes.

Final thoughts

The Levoit red light is one of the most common issues users face and, in the vast majority of cases, will be straightforward to rectify. Remember that red lights on Levoit air purifiers serve as filter warnings, so nine times out of ten, all you need to do is replace the filter.

If none of the solutions above worked for your Levoit red light issue, there may be an internal fault with the appliance. In this case, I recommend getting in touch with Levoit’s Help Center directly.

How to get rid of that old house smell

Dec 17, 2025Nov 3, 2023 by Amparo Lopez

The “old house” smell is something we all know about and probably have felt at some time or another. However, there is no universal definition of it:

Some may describe it as a ‘musty’, ‘funky’ or ‘stale’ stench
Others might refer to it as a ‘dusty’ or ‘stuffy’ odor
There are those who would compare it to ‘BO’ or ‘smoker-house’ smell

The list goes on, but you get the idea.

For what it’s worth, there are many possible reasons for a house to smell “old.” Depending on the sources, the odor will vary. And the means to tackle the issue will, too.

Living with that smell can be tiring. The good news is that there are simple things you can do today to help you remove that old lingering smell. Let’s get to it!

6 quick-fire tips to get rid of old house smell

When houses are not properly ventilated, dampness and odors become trapped inside, lingering. In addition to dealing with high humidity levels and more structural fixes, you should address some common causes of stale smell.

Step 1: Ventilate the space to allow fresh air into the house

Increasing airflow is a straightforward and highly effective way of reducing humidity levels. Fresh air and sunlight will prevent home spaces from becoming damp, reducing the presence of mold and lingering odors in the long run.

To boost airflow, consider using fans to create cross-breezes, ensuring the air circulates into the darker corners of the house.

Tip

The sun’s UV rays are natural deterrents for microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and, most importantly, mold. Regular window glass filters out UV rays, so letting in the actual light is key.

Step 2: Thoroughly clean soft goods

Furniture and soft fabrics, like carpets, curtains or even the blanket you use to get cozy in front of the TV, hold onto odors. If these are not regularly cleaned, they will contribute to the stuffy smell in the house because over time, moisture can get trapped in the fibers of the fabric.

Give your furniture, upholstery and carpets a deep clean:

Sprinkle baking soda over your furniture and carpets
Leave it overnight to soak up the odor
Vacuum it up the next day

It usually takes at least 24 hours to do its job, but it might need a few days for stubborn smells. If the odor persists, you can repeat the process.

Tip

Mold spores are airborne and easily spread all over a room, including furnishings and upholstery. To clean the mold you must follow these steps:

Wear a mask and open the window of the room where you will be cleaning
Spray your furniture with 50% white vinegar, 50% water and a few drops of Tea Tree Oil mix
Scrub lightly any visible mold or mildew. Don’t get the furniture too wet in the process and make sure it dries completely. Otherwise, moisture will build up again.
Vacuum the surfaces with a HEPA filter vacuum. Regular vacuums will only spread the spores into the air.

Pro tip: For machine-washable items, adding borax and vinegar to the wash will help eliminate any spores.

Step 3: Deep-clean old appliances

Over time and with regular use, everyday appliances can unknowingly become reservoirs of old bits of food, grease and dirt. Leaks can also be hiding behind them. Vent hoods can get old and smelly and fail at removing odors from the air while you cook.

A thorough cleaning will go a long way:

Pull out your stove, fridge, washing machine and dryer to clean under and behind them. Make sure there are no leaks.
Vaccum the fridge’s coils and clean the top as well.
Keep vents clean and replace old filters.

Step 4: Clean your floors, baseboards and fixtures

Unwanted odors can come from dust accumulating in floors and corners. If you have pets, pet dander and fur around the house will also cause smells to linger for longer. Dust, mop and vacuum frequently to maintain a clean and fresh environment.

Even seemingly overlooked areas like baseboards, light fixtures, ceiling fans and hard window treatments (such as blinds or shades) can absorb odors. Make sure to give these areas a thorough cleaning as well.

Tip

You can make your own natural DIY cleaner using:

✅ ½ cup of borax
✅ 2 cups of distilled white vinegar
✅ 16 ounces of hydrogen peroxide

Mix the borax with 32 ounces of hot water
Add the rest of the ingredients and mix
Use a sponge to apply the mixture to your walls and ceilings
Open a window and let it air dry
If there are still some areas where the smell lingers, just give them a touch-up

If you prefer a more radical take on walls and paint them anew, you can try using an odor-blocking primer.

Step 6: Clean and maintain your drains

Regular maintenance of drains will make a notable difference. Baking soda and white vinegar make an efficient, pipe-safe cleaner:

Put two tablespoons of baking soda down the drain
Pour ¼ cup of vinegar
Let it fizz for a few minutes
Pour hot water into the drain
Don’t use the sink for a couple of hours
Bonus: You can add a few drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil. It will give the drain a fresh-smelling scent and it also has an inhibitory effect on mold.

Tip

Regularly unclog kitchen and bathroom drains to reduce funky smells due to clogged p-traps or pipes.

In the kitchen, throwing greasy materials down the drain is rather common.
In the bathroom, soap residue can react to calcium in the water forming “soap scum” that will deposit in the lines.

Step 6: Use smell neutralizers

It takes time to completely banish lingering smells from a home. While you’re working on repairs and a whole house deep clean, from cupboards to furnaces and upholstery, having some natural odor absorbers distributed around the house can make a huge difference.

These absorbents will reduce the odor and freshen up your living space:

Place small bowls with baking soda, distilled white vinegar or coffee grounds in unintrusive spots around your home.
Slip dryer sheets into built-in cabinets and closets to help absorb excess humidity.
Place activated charcoal bags in enclosed spaces like kitchen drawers or closets.

What to do if the old house smell persists

A thorough clean will go a long way. It will improve your indoor air and eliminate more than a few lingering odors. However, more often than not, some stubborn smells are related to structural issues. While these may seem challenging to address, there are specific and actually manageable steps to take.

1. Check for pests

Rodents and roaches are not uncommon in old houses and buildings. They can hide and nest in walls, attics, crawl spaces and behind baseboards. Any small crack or damaged insulation is an entry to your home. Roach infestations produce a nutty, ugly odor, while rat pee and droppings will smell like musty ammonia.

You need to deal with the intruders to get to the root of the smell. However, you can use natural odor absorbers to ease the issue.

💡 Pro Tip: Looking for a pest control specialist in your area? Check out Angi’s database of certified professionals. If you are positive about having pests in your home, call a few different companies to compare budgets and proposed solutions. Good technicians should do a full inspection before issuing a quote.

2. Clean the air ducts and pipes of your HVAC system

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system removes moisture from the air before redistributing it through the whole house or building. As the system dries the inside air, water vapor is removed through the condensate drain line. However, pipes can get clogged with dirt and debris, accumulating moisture and potentially leading to mold and mildew growth inside the system or the walls.

In particularly old houses, air ducts may accumulate dust, cigarette smoke residues, mold, grease and even the remnants of possible pest infestations. As a result, the air coming from the HVAC will smell stuffy, and the system will distribute the unwanted smell throughout the whole house.

Make sure the HVAC system works properly by doing regular maintenance. Check air intakes and replace filters every 60 to 90 days. With old, stuffy air filters, the HVAC unit needs to work harder and is more susceptible to malfunction.

💡 Pro Tip: Duct cleaning is not something to take lightly. If you plan to have the air ducts clean, take these EPA suggestions into consideration.

3. Uncover the most humid corners of your home

One of the most frequent causes of bad smell in a house is dampness, which can, in turn, lead to mold and mildew. According to the EPA, the ideal relative humidity in a home should be between 30% and 50%.

Fixing excessive humidity should be a top priority, as it can ruin your floors, paint or carpet and lead to mold lurking around the house and eventually to structural problems.

Here are some places you should check with the help of a humidity sensor:

Area of the House	Humidity Causes	How to Reduce Humidity
Foundations & Crawlspaces	If not well insulated or air-sealed, the base of your home will release an earthy, musty odor known as a “rising floor smell” that will soon impregnate the whole house from beneath.	Fix problems with seals and insulation. If the relative humidity is higher than 55%, a crawl space dehumidifier can help keep moisture levels in check.
Attics & Roofs	Leaky roofs, condensation, deficient insulation, or poor ventilation can cause excess moisture in your attic.	Fix any leaks and insulation issues. Consider getting a dehumidifier as it will extract water vapor and recirculate dryer air.
Pipes & Drains	Slow but constant drips under the sink or within the pipe chases will create a perfect humid, dark environment for mold and mildew to thrive, releasing a musty smell in the space.	Check the whole house for leaky pipes and fix them.
Walls	When walls are under-insulated or have no insulation, air can leak and condense inside, leading to moisture and dampness. Air leaks in the wall frequently lead to mold growth.	Keep an eye out for these common signs to detect mold growing inside a wall: 🚩 Yellow or brown water stains or discolorations 🚩 A cooler feeling on the wall compared to the surrounding areas 🚩 ‘Weeping’ walls (condensation) 🚩 Discolored spots, often mistaken for cooking oil splatters 🚩 Cracking, peeling, or bubbling paint

4. Call the chimney sweep

If your house has a chimney, make sure to get it swept at least once a year. This will ensure there are no dead animals, leaves or other debris clogging the chimney, leading to unpleasant smells in the room.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for certified, insured chimney sweeps to do the job. There are no licensing requirements for chimney sweeps in most U.S. states, so the safest way is to call a certified professional. The NCSG is the largest US chimney guild, with a comprehensive list of trusty sweepers.

5. Treat old wooden furniture and fixtures

A somewhat unexpected source of musty smell is old wood that, with time, has accumulated moisture and potentially developed mold to some extent.

All of these are oftentimes overlooked and yet a common source of unpleasant odors:

Doors
Trim around windows
Window treatments (such as blinds or shades)
Cupboards and cabinets

When it comes to these items, the best course of action will depend on the state of the wood. If it’s too degraded, it may be best to replace it. If that’s not the case, a fresh coat of paint will eliminate the musty smell stemming from them.

6. Get an air purifier

Air purifiers are efficient at removing airborne pollutants from your home air. Think dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and toxins. But they are also quite capable of dealing with the old house smell.

However, not all air purifiers are designed to tackle odors. When it comes to combating stubborn smells, air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters (which can trap over 99% of airborne particles) and activated carbon filters (which neutralize and eliminate odors) are your go-to choice.

Here are some tips to help you find the right unit for you:

Look for filters with a minimum of 5 lbs of loose-fill activated carbon to get the best results. Two large air purifiers that have large amounts of activated carbon are the Austin Healthmate and IQAir Healthpro Plus.
Get the right air purifier for your room size, guaranteeing 4.8 air changes per hour which is what the EPA recommends. If you have your floor space figure, you can use our CFM calculator to find what CADR you will need:

Final thoughts

The ill-famed old house smell is something we all want to avoid in our homes. Besides, it can be a sign of structural problems — the more reason to deal with it sooner than later. While finding the root cause is essential to address the issue, there are many DIY steps you can try to tackle the smell.

Dehumidifiers and air purifiers are efficient devices to consider. However, if you choose to get any of them, remember to keep your dehumidifier clean and regularly empty the water collection bin. For air purifiers, change the filter regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to check that the CADR matches the room site you want to use it in.

SOURCES

Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. (2022) Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness cdc.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Should I use bleach to clean up mold? epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). What does mold smell like? epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home. epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows. epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? epa.gov
Hojnik, N. et al. (2019). Effective Fungal Spore Inactivation with an Environmentally Friendly Approach Based on Atmospheric Pressure Air Plasma. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Toscano, W. A. (2015). An Evaluation of Antifungal Agents for the Treatment of Fungal Contamination in Indoor Air Environments. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What does ozone smell like?

Dec 17, 2025Nov 3, 2023 by Michelle Honeyager

You may have heard of the dangers of ozone in passing. Ozone carries vaguely sinister connotations of threats to our breathing and our planet. You may have even heard it contributes to the haze we can sometimes see out in the distance.

But what is ozone, what does it smell like, and how do you even recognize it?

According to the EPA, ozone is a type of gas that naturally occurs in the upper atmosphere. It comprises three oxygen atoms and is formed when UV radiation with the sun interacts with oxygen molecules. In its natural state in the upper atmosphere, it’s a force for good because it blocks out the amount of harmful radiation that can reach us.

GOOD VS BAD OZONE

However, ozone can also be manmade and ground-level, or tropospheric. High amounts of heat and sunlight can cause reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), two common air pollutants. Common sources of these pollutants include cars, trucks, gasoline vapors, chemical plants and oil-based paints. Because heat and sunlight usually cause the reactions, the smog or haze associated with ozone tends to happen in the summer. However, high mountain regions with snow or southern climates can still get ozone haze in other months, including winter.

BAD OZONE

So, what does ozone smell like?

Ozone has a distinctive smell. The California Air Resources Board reports that people say it smells like chlorine bleach. There are those who have described the smell of ozone as an electrical smell or even as a strange, sweet smell of burning plastic.

Whether you can smell it can depend on your own sensitivity levels. Some people can smell ozone when the levels are as low as 0.05 ppm (parts per million). And there are those who can even smell it during electrical charges or after lightning strikes.

8 serious health effects of ozone pollution

Ozone can cause a wide range of average effects on the body. The risks, as listed by the American Lung Association and the EPA, include:

1. Breathing problems

Greater obstruction in the airways can happen when breathing ozone, according to the EPA. Some noticeable immediate breathing problems include shortness of breath, wheezing, pain in the chest when taking a deep breath, coughing, throat irritation, chest tightness, asthma attacks, increased respiratory infection risk, pulmonary inflammation and increased hospital trips for those who have lung diseases like COPD.

2. Metabolic disorders

Research carried out by the School of Public Health in Taiwan has suggested that there is an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes if you breathe ozone for periods longer than eight hours for days, months or years, defined as long-term exposure.

3. Nervous system issues

Studies by Mexico’s National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery have shown that long-term ozone exposure can lead to headaches, decreased cognitive response, disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle, decrease in motor activity, neuronal dysfunctions, cell degeneration, and neurochemical alterations.

4. Reproductive issues

Research by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology suggests breathing high levels of ozone could affect women’s ability to conceive. Other male and female fertility problems and poor birth outcomes are also linked with long-term ozone exposure.

5. Cancer

Different types of cancer can come from long-term ozone exposure, as well:

A study by the University of Washington Center for Clean Air Research suggests ozone exposure increases the risk for lung cancer. However, the carcinogenic effects of ozone are not fully understood, but it is known that ozone can damage DNA and proteins in lung cells, leading to cancer. Ozone can also increase the risk of lung infection, which in turn, can lead to cancer.
Research shows a correlation between ozone depletion and increased skin cancer incidence. This is likely because more harmful UV radiation can reach the Earth’s surface when the ozone layer is depleted, increasing a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. UV radiation is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer.

6. Cardiovascular mortality

A Peking University study showed that subjects without hypertension had a higher risk for CVD mortality associated with long-term exposure to ozone. This increased risk of cardiovascular mortality can lead to premature death.

7. Greater response to allergies

Breathing ozone can make your lungs more responsive and sensitive. According to the American Lung Association, eople with allergies may notice a stronger response to allergens from breathing ozone.

8. Premature death

When combined with other risk factors, long-term exposure to ozone can lead to premature death. A 2017 study by the Stockholm Environment Institute, showed that older adults had a higher risk of premature death, even when the ozone level was below the U.S. national standard.

Final thoughts

No one wants to die early because the air is smoggy. There are things we can all do to help.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends making some lifestyle changes to reduce the air pollutants that cause ozone:

Consider buying ENERGY STAR appliances
If it’s possible, try carpooling or using public transportation over driving
Be careful not to spill fuel and keep gas caps tight
Keep your vehicle’s engine properly tuned
Choosing environmentally safe cleaning products or paints (zero-VOC)
Start mulching/composting yard waste
Use gas logs to replace wood

If you’re considering buying an air purifier, make sure to buy a unit without an ionizer function to ensure it will be ozone-free. We have shortlisted the best ozone-free air purifiers in a previous article.

SOURCES

American Lung Association. (2023). Ozone. lung.org
California Air Resources Board. (2020). What is Ozone? arb.ca.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Actions You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution. epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). Health Effects of Ozone in the General Population. epa.gov
Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). What is Ozone? epa.gov

Levoit Core 300	Levoit Core 300S

What we really like	What we really like
👍 Excellent CADR to $ ratio – with one CFM costing just 70 cents. 👍 Cylindrical design and Levoit’s VortexAir technology draws in dirty air from all corners of the room. 👍 Super simple to set up and use, with intuitive icons to cycle through the settings. 👍 Readily available and affordably priced filter replacements. 👍 Seamless design blends into a variety of spaces.	👍 Useful smart capabilities — especially Auto mode, which reacts to changing pollutant levels with zero input from the user. 👍 The VeSync App is easy to use and ideal for firing up the purifier before you get home from work. 👍 Sleep mode for round-the-clock use. At just 48 dB on top speed, this unit won’t cause disruption. 👍 More timer options, ranging from 1 hour to 24, give the user more control. 👍 Ultra-lightweight and compact design, ideal for the modern home.
What we think could be better	What we think could be better
👎 Lack of smart features are noticeable as they become increasingly common throughout the industry. 👎 No way to gauge current air quality conditions in your space without a third-party device. 👎 It would be better if the pre-filter was removable to aid in cleaning and maintenance — the Core 300S also suffers from this.	👎 Some may deem the extra $50 price tag unjust without much increase in CADR. 👎 An aesthetic design update from the Core 300 would have been great. 👎 Low quantities of activated carbon are included in the standard filter, so it’s worth upgrading to Levoit’s pet or toxin filter for use against VOCs.

✔️ BOX FAN
✔️ MERV 13 FILTER
✔️ STRONG TAPE
✔️ SCISSORS
✔️ SCREWDRIVER

	👑 BEST OVERALL	💰 FOR TIGHT BUDGETS	🛋️ FOR LARGE SPACES
	AlorAir CleanShield HEPA 550 Air Scrubber	Honeywell HPA300	Levoit C ore 600S

CADR 👩‍🔬	550 CFM	300 CFM	410 CFM
FILTER TECHNOLOGY 💨	MERV 10, HEPA and Activated Carbon filters	Dual Activated Carbon Pre-Filter and True HEPA filter	H13 True HEPA filter with Activated Carbon
MAX ROOM SIZE 📏	900 sq. ft.	465 sq. ft.	465 sq. ft
WEIGHT ⚖️	39.6 lbs (16.7 kg)	17 lbs (7.7 kg)	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
PRICE 💵	$399.99	Price not available	$259.97