You can find many stores selling air purifiers today, either in physical or virtual form. When you know how to choose an air purifier, you won’t pay for useless features and will choose a working device for your area. This guide will help you understand the issue of indoor air quality, the sources of bad air, the basic functions of air purifiers to pay attention to, some useful safety tips, the steps of choosing the right air purifier, and frequently asked questions.
After you learn how to choose an air purifier, you will be able to evaluate almost all models available within just a couple of minutes based on three criteria: the area of the room, the CADR indicator, and the filter type.
Table of Contents
The Dilemma: Air purifier selection is a bewildering task
Air purifiers are marketed very well through incredible catchphrases like “99.97% efficacious”, “hospital-grade air purification”, “whole-home purification”, and “germ-killing air purification”. Despite the seeming effectiveness of these phrases, chances are they cannot give you an understanding of how well the machine will be able to perform in your household. Moreover, it should be noted that EPA does not recommend any models of the air purifiers.
Major mistakes made in the air purifier selection process include:
- choosing solely on the basis of affordability and exteriors
- not taking the size of the room into consideration
- making purchases of air purifiers with “HEPA-like” filters or “HEPA style” filters not true HEPA ones
- using ionizers or ozone air purifiers
- not taking the noise produced by the equipment and the price if filters into account
- expecting that the air purification device will be the same as eliminating the source of pollution and ventilating the room regularly.
The cause of bad indoor air
Indoor air can cause the build-up of various components like dust and smoke. Knowing the components of your home’s air can help make decision in regards to whats important indoor. There are some common pollutants to consider while discussing them.
| Pollutant | Source and remedy |
|---|---|
| Dust and pet dander | Source of dust and pet dander are carpets, pet, and bedding. The HEPA filter can eliminate dust and pet dander. |
| Pollen | Pollen enters the air by through open windows and clothing. HEPA filters can eliminate the pollen, making it clean. |
| Smokes and tiny particles of different materials | cook, candles and fires produce smoke and tiny particles. A selected HEPA filter must have high CADR for smoke. |
| Gases and odors | Indoor air can become polluted by cleaning supplies, varnish as well as cooking process. To get rid of gases, activate carbon filter should be installed. |
| Mold spores | Mold spores can be found in humid rooms. The HEPA filter can deal with mold spores, but the humidity issue must be taken into account first! |
How to Choose an Air Purifier: What You Have to Verify Initially
- The physical dimensions of the room and the amount of the room.
- Points to focus on primarily: allergies or choking, animals or odors.
- A budget that includes replacement filters
- How much noise you can tolerate, especially in a bedroom
- A power outlet with free space around the unit
- A tape measure and a calculator
How to Choose an Air Purifier: Safety Tips
- Choose filter-only (mechanical) models. Washington State health officials suggest staying away from ionizer, ozone and UV technologies.
- Seek CARB certified devices that produce low ozone emission levels.
- Beware of “washable HEPA” claims, because washing a HEPA filter or the filter with activated carbon will make it ineffective.
- Make sure that there is enough space around the device for air circulation.
- Take out electricity supply from the device while changing filters.
- Make sure that the device is safe from kids and water.
How to Choose an Air Purifier: Feature Comparison
Use the table below to analyze different air purifiers quickly. Major emphasis should be given on the first 3 aspects.
| Aspect | Reason It is important to know |
|---|---|
| The type of filter used | is a vital component in the elimination of small dust and pollen particles. Ensure that the purifier comes with a real HEPA filter. |
| The CADR | CADR indicates the efficiency with which an air purifier works to clean the air from the space. The CADR in this case will be two-thirds of the room’s size in square feet. |
| Carbon filter | Helps in removing odors and some gases. A carbon filter is a must for people who have a lot of sensitivity to smells from food, paint, or pets. |
| Noise level | The measure of whether you can comfortably run the purifier overnight. Decibels. |
| Price of the filter | The price of the filter can be much more than the air purifier itself. Know the price and the longevity of the filter. |
| Power consumption | Most purifiers run continuously. So look for energy efficient machines like those having the ENERGY STAR certification. |
| Smart technology | The latest technology that is making the use of air purifiers easier. |
Step 1: Measure your room (how to choose an air purifier)
The calculation of an area in square feet is done by multiplying its length with its width. Height is also a big consideration because with increased ceiling height in a room, there will be higher CADR required.
Step 2: Match the CADR to your room (how to choose an air purifier)
A common rule is a smoke CADR of about 65 for every 100 square feet of floor space, which assumes ceilings of about 8 feet, as King County’s HEPA guidance explains. If one unit is not strong enough, you can use two units that add up to the CADR you need.
Step 3: Pick the right filter type
If your aim is to eliminate dust or pollen, dog or cat hair, and also smoke, then you require a true HEPA filter. For bad odors and gases, you could also utilize an activated carbon filter. Be careful with any product that says “HEPA-like,” “HEPA-style,” or “99% HEPA.”
Step 4: Check running costs, size, and noise
Find the decibel levels at low and high speeds and ensure that the device fits into the space. Also, add up the price of the replacement filters you will need for the following year.
Step 5: Verify the claims before you buy
To guarantee you are getting the appropriate CADR rating, make sure that it has been verified by the appropriate third party such as AHAM. Check the technical specifications sheet and not the box itself.
How to Choose an Air Purifier: Frequently Asked Questions
How do we choose an air purifier
Choosing an air purification device for allergy mitigation requires you to look for a genuine HEPA sieve and ensure you have a CADR rated for your premises and run it continuously.The EPA indicates that HEPA air cleaners can help you improve your health in small ways, though however, air cleaners work best in conjunction with clean-up efforts (cleaning and removing the source of the problem).
What air purifier size is enough for my room?
Determine the square footage of the area to purify and get a device that has a smoke CADR of about 75% of that value.
What is a good CADR for an air purifier?
A good CADR is one that matches your room. Use about 65 for every 100 square feet, and go higher if your ceilings are taller than 8 feet.
Do I really need a HEPA filter?
Yes, for most homes. True HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, while “HEPA-like” filters make no such promise.
Are ionizer and ozone air purifiers safe?
They are not the best choice. Some release ozone, which irritates the lungs, so filter-only models with HEPA filters are the safer pick.
Do air purifiers remove odors and gases?
Only if they are equipped with activated charcoal filter or a comparable gas filter. The CADR rating is only related to purifying the air of particles and provides no information on gas purification.
How many air purifier units do I need?
Moving air purifiers can only purify one area at a time, so put air purifiers in each room you spend lots of time in, like a bedroom or living room. In case you need to purify all of the air in your house, you may want to upgrade the furnace or HVAC filter to MERV 13 or upgrade it as much as your furnace or HVAC system allows.
Final Thoughts
The choice of air purifier involves just a few simple guidelines: choose the right CADR capacity based on the room’s size, ensure the air purifier comes with a certified HEPA filter, check whether it has an activated charcoal filter if smell is an issue, and, lastly, look for a quiet unit that runs without producing harmful ozone.
