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buying guide air purifiers

why do you need an air purifier?

Air pollution isn't just something found outside your door. Did you know the air inside your home is 2 to 3 times more polluted than the air outside? Having an air purifier makes cleaner air for everyone under your roof.
how it works.

Air purifiers circulate the air in a room several times per hour. The internal fans pull in air and filter it through a series of air filters.The filters remove any unwanted particles and replace the room's air with clean air.
how big?

Your purifier's listed square footage should be the same as, or slightly bigger than, your room's square footage. No dimensions? No problem. Think of it like this: small = offices, medium = bedrooms, and large = family or living rooms.

replacement filter.

Most air purifiers utilize replaceable filters, but that's specific to the make and model of each unit. Not only are they good for 3 months, but they also capture even the smallest particles while having little to no mess when replacing.
replacement bulb.

For UV models, bulbs are also needed. The bulbs help reduce airborne germs from passing through the filter.
pre-filter.

Used in addition to a replacement filter, pre-filters are there to cure common household smells, such as cooking odors, tobacco, and pet odors.
furnace filter.

As part of your home's central heating and cooling system, whole-house filters require less maintenance than portable units, and clean air is distributed throughout your entire home.
permanent-washable.

The economical choice. No need to buy another filter, although they're usually only in HEPA-type units.

True HEPA/UV-C.

These units are typically higher-priced because they capture even the smallest particles. To be exact, 99.97% of airborne allergens, plus the UV-C light kills 99% of airborne germs and odor-causing bacteria.
True HEPA.

True HEPA has the ability to capture 99.97% of all airborne allergens in your home.
HEPA-type.

While known as an economical choice, HEPA-type purifiers are still very effective, capturing up to 99% of airborne particles.
permanent units.

These units contain HEPA-type filtration, while featuring reusable filters that just require occasional cleaning. However, if you want better filtration to get rid of smaller particles like germs and allergens, this unit may not be the best fit for you.

energy usage.

For cost effectiveness, make sure to compare the volts and amps of your possible purifiers and determine how much energy your unit would consume.
fan speed.

Multi-speed fans let you choose which speed works well for whatever room you keep your purifier in.
oscillation.

With the ability to swivel from side to side, your purifier is able to create better air circulation.
noise.

Need a little white noise to help you fall asleep or add a sense of calm to your day? Then consider models that provide constant, soothing white noise, while others feature noiseless operation.
power cord.

Make sure to check if you have the right gauge to use your extension cord with your purifier. Inspect cords regularly to make sure your cords aren't frayed and outlets aren't overloaded.

CADR = Clean Air Delivery Rate.

The AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) seal will have 3 CADR numbers: one for tobacco smoke, another for pollen and a third for dust. The CADR shows the volume of filtered air delivered by an air cleaner. The higher the numbers, the faster the purifier filters the air. Follow the 2/3 rule: Look for a unit with a CADR at least 2/3 your room's area.
ACH = Air Changes per Hour.

ACH is the total number of times per hour that a room's air volume passes through your air cleaner. The more often your air passes through the filter, the cleaner it will be. Most air purifiers will show the total square footage that can be cleaned in an hour.