Depending on where you live, the air you breathe can be filled with all sorts of things that affect indoor air quality, including dust mites, mold, pollen, animal dander, and more. Indoor air pollution is a real health concern — the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists it among the top five environmental health risks. But while the best way to address indoor air pollutants is to control the sources of the pollutants or ventilate the home with clean outdoor air, an air cleaning device may be useful, according to the EPA. Air filtration is often recommended as a way to help keep symptoms under control for people with allergies or asthma. According to a report in 2010 by the Indoor Allergen Committee of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, portable room air purifiers with HEPA filters, especially those that filter the breathing zone during sleep, appear to be beneficial. But with so many options available on the market, how do you know which air purifier is best for your home?
Air Purifier Features and Options
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which capture ultrafine particles, can be found in most air purifiers. However, most HEPA filters need to be replaced annually, an expense which can add up over time. There are some models available with washable HEPA filters, but they tend to cost more upfront.Energy Star-certified air purifier models can help cut down on operating costs.Noise can be quite loud when running an air purifier on high. Investing in a larger model that can operate on a lower speed will help keep the noise levels down.Some air purifiers use ionizers to attract particles such as dust and other allergens via an effect similar to static electricity, but this process can create ozone, a lung pollutant which is harmful to everyone’s health and can be particularly damaging to people with asthma, children, older adults, according to the EPA. Check that the unit does not produce ozone.Most air purifiers feature a clean-air delivery rate (CADR) assigned by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers through a voluntary testing program. The CADR check for appropriate the cleaning speed of air purifiers. A CADR above 350 is an excellent rating, whereas below 100 is considered poor.Some models feature a carrying handle that makes moving the air purifier from room to room much easier.
Just how much does an air purifier cost? You can find units priced anywhere from about $50 up to $1,000 or more, depending on size and available features. Here are our five picks for the best air purifiers.
Best Overall
Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier
Best for Large Rooms
Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover HPA300
Best for Freshest Air Possible
Rabbit Air MinusA2
Best for Portable Use
Levoit Compact Air Purifier
Best for Smart/Connected Homes
AIRMEGA 300S Smarter App Enabled Air Purifier
