With the rise of air pollution levels across the world, we simply cannot ignore the fact that air purifiers are a necessity nowadays for the purpose of breathing clean and fresh air. This article will list the top 10 air purifiers and act as a guide to potential buyers.
The air quality in almost every country including the UK and US is degrading at a very alarming rate. When we speak of air pollution. The first things that come to our mind are industrial, motor and other forms of outdoor pollution. This is true but have we ever stopped to wonder how polluted is the air that we breathe in the house?
All of us expect the indoor air to be free from any kind of pollutants BUT in reality, the quality of indoor air can be worse than the outdoor air!
Air pollution inside your home can be caused by several factors such as deodorants, talcum powder, animal dander, pollen, insect repellants and harmful gases emitted from your air conditioners and refrigerators.
Choosing an air purifier for your home can be a tedious task. So we have compiled a list of the top 10 best air purifiers and we have also pointed out the main features of each. This list will save your time in selecting the right device for your home thereby making the air purified and breathable.
Table of Contents
TOP 10 BEST AIR PURIFIERS
1. LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier
People who desperately want an air purifier that operates quietly and has low operating cost should not look beyond LEVOIT LV-H132 Air Purifier. The unit has been engineered very well and is a good choice for noise sensitive dwellers. The strong point of this unit is its low noise. Even when the setting is on Medium or High, it only produces a hum that is very similar to the normal sound of a fan.
Also it does not cost an arm and a leg and you can buy multiple units if you plan to install separate units for bedrooms and living rooms. This product is highly recommended for anyone who is suffering from allergy or breathing problems.
2. Blueair Pure 211
The Swedish company Blueair is known for high-quality indoor air purifiers and Pure 211 is no exception. The standout feature of the unit is the unique and clever design of the machine wherein the full top part is actually a fan and the bottom part is the replaceable filter. The clean air actually comes out from the top. It can clean room sizes as large as 50 sqm which basically means that you can use this machine to clean the living room air. At 590 cu.m/hr, the Clean Air Delivery Rate or CADR is definitely much higher in this machine than any other air purifiers in the same price category.
The unit looks very large but is not particularly too heavy. It is 30 inches tall when you place it on the ground and people tend to use it on low or medium setting as the High setting can be a bit noisy. The machine only consumes 60w of power; so you need not worry about high power consumption.
3. Rabbit Air Minusa2
The Rabbit Air Minusa2 has the most unique design among all air purifiers. One can actually hang it on the wall instead of just leaving it on the floor. The machine is very quiet that you will actually forget it that it is in your room. But that doesn’t mean that you can stow away in some corner so that nobody could see it; in fact, we suggest that you keep it in such a place where you can actually show it off. The Rabbit Air Minusa2 is very adept in cleaning small rooms and it does a great job!
The purifier has a six-stage filtration system including a washable pre-filter and the true HEPA filter that catches even the smallest pollutants. The air quality sensor on the front of the purifier is yet another fascinating feature of this machine. The lighted bar changes color to indicate the level of pollution in that particular area so that you know when to switch on the purifier. There is also a built-in sleep mode which ensures that you are never disturbed the purifier is working.
4. Honeywell HPA300
When you think of large air purifiers, you generally begin to think of a machine that is huge and is more of an eyesore than anything else. However, the Honeywell HPA300 is a welcome exception as it boasts of a low-profile design and a noise level that is surely manageable. The unit is very simple to use and uses a double filtration method. The thick charcoal works at first followed by the equally thick HEPA filter.
The unit does not occupy much space and it can be placed anywhere against the wall. We think Honeywell HPA300 wins over the other filters in this range mainly because of its price, the very simple double filtration method, the convenient size of the purifier and the fact that it can be easily placed against the wall. Many people may complain that the major drawback of the air purifier is the lack of an auto mode but this hardly a cause of concern as the advantages of this machine outweighs the drawbacks (if any) by a long distance.
5. Winix 5500-2
The Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier is one of the most popular air purifiers and is used in many homes in the UK and US. This is basically a new model that uses a much improved activated carbon layer and sports a brand new look and design. The air purifier can clean up spaces up to 360 sq ft which means you can keep it in a decent sized room and even in the living room if it is not too large in size.
Compared to other air purifiers like Honeywell HPA300 this air purifier definitely does a better job of eliminating foul air. The plasma wave system that this purifier boasts of is very unique as it releases hydroxyls in the air.
The Winix 5500-2 is a great air purifier that has loads of advanced settings and features. The automatic settings on the purifier is great for people who want to set the machine and forget about it.
6. Germguardian AC4825
This air purifier is one of the best-tested and most trusted air purifiers in the market today. If you are looking for quality and durability in your air purifier then you should not look beyond this model.
It is a 22 inch tall purifier that cleans dust particles from the air and kills bacteria using a three-step process. The three stage filtration helps to increase the lifespan of the HEPA filter and one will be amazed at how fresh a room looks when you use Germguardian AC4825.
Many people have recommended this air purifier who smoke. This is one of the better air purifiers in the market for people who are suffering from any sort or dust or pollen allergies.
7. Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Pet Air Purifier
The Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact Pet Air Purifier is easily the cheapest air purifier in the market today and also one of the most reliable HEPA air purifiers in the market. But one should not expect a lot of features in this machine as it is very compact and, simply said, you get what you pay for.
Priced lower than most the TrueAir is a compact air purifier that does its job perfectly with very low long-term costs. This type of air purifiers are usually placed in one corner of the desk and since it is a small unit, you can run it throughout the day without causing any major spike in the electricity bill.
The TrueAir has two non-permanent carbon filters and a permanent HEPA filter that helps to keep your air clean and fresh. The device covers an area of up to 140 sq ft and this machine is perfect for small bedrooms.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly air purifier then we think that you should not look beyond TrueAir. The TrueAir is capable of eliminating almost all common pet smells but is a little bit weak when it comes to chemical odors. Having said that we must remember that at this price this machine does a lot and is ideal for people with low or moderate purification needs.
8. Green Air Encore
If you are new to the HEPA Filter market then you may be wary of buying the Green Air Encore because of its high price (USD 319). But this air purifier is actually a very good purifier that can clean 650 – 1000 sq ft of air space.
It has an Auto setting and if the indoor air is not too polluted then it will run for about 20 min before dropping to the lowest setting. There is an Air Purity light which will turn blue when it can senses clean air. If you want to run the machine overnight then it is a good idea to switch to manual mode and set the purifier to the 2nd last setting. This is one of the better air purifiers that is available in the market today and is suitable for anyone who is looking for a high quality HEPA filter unit.
9. Alen Breathesmart
The Alen Breathesmart is a HEPA filter air purifier that is suitable for large rooms as it has a maximum coverage of 1100 sq ft. It is a very powerful air purifier capable of cleaning 99% of particles in the air. Although the other air purifiers in this category look a little bulky and stick out wherever you keep them in the room, the Alen Breathesmart is pretty unique as it can seamlessly fit into your existing decor.
It looks very stylish and these air purifiers come in many colors; so you can actually choose one that suits the decor of your home or office.
The Alen Breathesmart has become a very popular air purifier machine as it is very easy to set-up and use. It has been specially designed to purify dust, pollen and smoke in medium-sized to large rooms. The fan that comes with it has four variable fan speeds – low, medium, high & turbo. In case you find it difficult to adjust the fan speed, the SmartSensor Technology adjusts the fan speed automatically after considering the quality of the air inside the room.
10. Winix WAC9500
The manufacturer of this air purifier machine promises that their product will clean pet dander and allergies more effectively than any other machine in its price range. Many people will not be too impressed with the design of the machine but one will be floored by the features that this machine has. Although it comes with a pretty moderate price tag, the Winix WAC9500 has a unique 5-stage filtration process that comprises of Washable Pre Filter, True HEPA Filter, Nano Silver Antibacterial Mesh, Granular Carbon Filter & PlasmaWave Technology. Another big advantage of this machine is that it is highly energy efficient as it uses a maximum of 6 watts in the sleep mode. The only drawback of this air purifier that we can think of is that the machine is very bulky in nature and is difficult to transport.
AIR PURIFIER BUYERS GUIDE
What are air purifiers used for and when should you use one?
If you are wondering what air purifiers are used for then be informed that these machines have great benefits and can actually improve the quality of life. HEPA air purifiers are high in demand as they have an electric fan to clean and circulate the air. The filter traps the contaminants thereby making the air clean. Nowadays, a majority of the air purifiers have a carbon filter that absorbs odors and airborne chemicals.
The air purifiers are used at home or office to tackle some serious air issues like dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and pollen. If you are suffering from any allergic ailments then this is the perfect healthcare machine for you as it will may relief allergy symptoms by capturing the irritants in the air.
If you or any member of your family are getting sick on a regular basis then there may some problem with the quality of air inside your house. A number of ailments may be avoided if you have fresh and healthy air inside the home.
There are some models of air purifiers that have a germ killing feature and this helps to reduce or eliminate airborne particulates. A number of illnesses may be reduced if you use an air purifier at home on a regular basis.
What are the benefits of an air purifier?
Access to clean air is very essential to our well-being. We do not realize air can be filled up with dust particles that can be highly detrimental to our overall health. It can even aggravate an existing health condition. Thus the need for air purifiers cannot be undermined. After all, an air purifier offers a lot of benefits such as…
- Removes undesirable scents like cooking smells, pet smells, the smell from kitchen waste and so on.
- Helps prevent asthma triggers from the air like second-hand smoke, radon gas, dry skin cells and asbestos particles.
- Getting rid of volatile organic compounds which are harmful for both humans and animals. In fact, volatile organic compounds are known to be carcinogenic agents; hence it makes sense to get rid of these through the use of air purifiers.
- Air purifiers are simple to use and require little effort on your part.
What types of air purifiers are there?
Although there are a few air purifiers available in the market today, chances are that you will only come across the 4 most popular types. They are namely…
HEPA Filtration – HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Air purification technology was developed to filter household air and it has a capacity to clean almost 100% of the airborne particles. The doctors and allergists high recommend HEPA filters as it has the uncanny ability to eliminate the smallest air pollutants down to the microscopic level. The HEPA air purifiers are able to get rid of all contaminants that are larger than 0.3 microns.
Activated Carbon Filters – The activated carbon filters have small pores that react when pollutants pass through the filter. The pollutants bond with the carbon and thereby become trapped in the filter. These filters are very effective in cleaning the air from gases, chemicals, and odors. These type of filters are never used alone; they are mainly used as an added filtration stage in the HEPA air purifiers.
Ionic Filters – The concept of ion filter is built around a negative ion generator. The ionic filters are one of the cheapest ways to clear second-hand smoke. However, if you tend to suffer from pollen or dust particles then an ionic filter may not be your best choice as the airborne particles are not entirely eliminated. The main concern with these type of air purifiers is they produce ozone as a by-product and this may pose a serious health risk. But the advantage with ionic filter is that they are capable of eliminating particles which are as small as 0.01 micron. There is no noise when it operates as there are no motors or fans involved.
Ultraviolet Light Air Purifiers – This type of air purifiers uses an electromagnetic radiation that successfully destroys bacteria and pathogens. The UV air purifiers do not use any kind of purification system but instead operates an ultraviolet light to eliminate the contaminants as they pass. The UV air purifiers are more commonly used in hospitals, daycares and labs. In residential homes, these filters come in handy for controlling mold. If you are purchasing an ultraviolet air purifier then you should opt for one that does not produce ozone.
What type of air purifiers are best for smoke and odor?
If you are looking for an air purifier that will help you to get rid of smoke and odor then you should opt for air purifiers that come equipped with a HEPA filter. This type of air filter is able to capture small odor emitting particles that are usually left behind by cigarette smoke.
What type of air purifiers are best for pet owners?
Air Purifiers that remove dust and pollen particles from air can have a profound impact on the amount of pet dander present in the air. Removing pet dander from the air will help to remove pet allergies from a household. The HEPA filters based air purifiers and the Ionizers are best choices for pet owners. But for some types of pet allergens like sweat and dried saliva, HEPA filter is definitely not the best choice as the smaller molecules have a good chance of passing through the HEPA filter. But since Ionizers produce an unhealthy by-product like ozone, it is always advisable to opt for HEPA filtration to get rid of pet dander.
What type of air purifiers is best for asthma and allergies?
Hepa Air filters are highly effective in treating allergy symptoms. This type air purifier is able to capture the allergens when they are stirred into the air. Honeywell is the most recommended brand by allergists as the purifiers have a very strong HEPA filter and a carbon filter that cleans the air of allergens, dust and odors.
Things to look for when choosing the best air purifier for you.
Buying an air purifier is not an easy task, but it’s one you should take seriously. Before you buy an air purifier you must check the following things –
- Keep in mind the size of the room in sq m and be informed that portable air purifiers are meant for one room only.
- Try and avoid the ionizers and UV light based air purifiers as they release ozone as a by product. The ozone can have serious adverse effects on the health of an individual.
- AHAM (US) and China certifications are taken very seriously in this industry. These certifications ensure a minimum quality of the air purifier. Some of the verified brands are Whirlpool, Sharp, LG, Honeywell, Bosch Blurair etc.
- Do check whether the filter has an antibacterial coating or not, It is not a necessity but definitely helps and target for an activated carbon filter based air purifier.
- Always look to opt for an air purifier model that has a washable pre-filter as it increases the lifespan of the main filter inside.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
How long does it take for air purifier to work?
It is estimated that on an average an air purifier takes a minimum of 30 min and a maximum of 2 hours to cover an entire room completely. It just depends on the power of the fan. You need to make sure you pick an air purifier that can accommodate the correct room space. A room size of 300 sq ft would require an air purifier that has a coverage of up to 300 sq ft. You’ll be able to run the unit at full speed for at least a couple of hours to clean the room then switch back to lower speed to maintain optimum air quality in a room.
Do you run an air purifier all day?
Running an air purifier for 24 hours a day is not necessary. However, you can leave an air purifier on for a large portion of the day. If you are concerned about the energy consumption, you can set the fan speed to low mode. You will be surprised to know that almost all purifiers require as much energy as your laptop which is definitely not much.
However, you cannot expect an air purifier to run for only 2 hours and keep the air clean. Run the machine as long as you are at home and if you are at home 24/7, just run it for 20 hours and then give it a rest for 3 to 4 hours.
How much electricity does an air purifier use?
The majority of the HEPA air purifiers consume between 30 to 250w per hour. The exact consumption depends on the size and model of the purifier. If you are using an air purifier close to 24 hours per day then expect to pay a little extra on your energy bills per year.
Do air purifiers dry out the air?
If the air purifier that you are using does not have any instructions regarding the build-up of water then it is actually not removing any moisture from the air that passes through it. The simple logic is that if water is not being collected anywhere then it is definitely not removing moisture from the air. But the feature would vary from one model to another.
Are ionic air purifiers safe?
It’s not known for sure but there are possible dangers as humans don’t usually breathe ionized air. Also, if an oxygen molecule bonds with two others, it becomes O3, or ozone which some people can be sensitive too. If you are buying a purifier for lung sensitivity issues such as asthma then you should avoid ionizers entirely and look to use a something like a HEPA air purifier.
Do air purifiers prevent mold?
The mold spores ranges from 1 to 5 microns in size and it is a known fact that HEPA filters are truly certified and proven to remove all kinds of airborne mold spores. So air purifiers do effectively eliminate mold. At the time of buying an air purifier just make sure that the purifier has a HEPA filter inside it.
Conclusion.
In this article we have made an effort to showcase the 10 best air purifiers based on customer feedback, sales report and also kept in mind the needs of the different consumers. The products mentioned are some of the best that are available in the market today.
For first-time buyers, we also included a comprehensive buyers guide and the frequently asked questions by the customers. Choosing the type, size and model of an air purifier is an entirely personal choice but we hope this article has helped you make the right decision so that you can breathe clean and healthy air at home.
