5 Tips for Choosing an Air Purifier From Experts

Nowadays, the air is more polluted, and people need to filter the atmosphere where they live. So, the demand for air cleaners is increasing significantly. However, how to choose air purifier that is suitable for you and your family? It can pose challenges. Is it necessary, and if so, what size and features are ideal? Additionally, how well will it perform in purifying the air? We’re here to simplify your choices, aiding you in making the best decision for your home. This article will help you answer all your questions. 

Why Do You Need An Air Purifier?

Before knowing how to choose an air purifier, you need to understand why you need an air purifier. This is the premise for selecting the most suitable air purifier for yourself.

• Allergies: If you have allergies, we recommend choosing an air purifier specifically designed to relieve allergies. These air purifiers usually have multiple filters, including HEPA filters, which effectively remove indoor allergens.
• Asthma: For individuals with asthma or those whose symptoms are triggered by odor and chemical pollutants, it is advisable to consider an air purifier designed specifically for asthma relief or one that targets odor and chemical pollutants. Such air purifiers typically include additional filtration for odors and chemicals and HEPA filters for removing allergen particles.
• Smoke: In the case of smoke, there are air purifiers available that are specifically designed to eliminate smoke and other related fumes. These types of purifiers are beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions or for those who want to eliminate unpleasant odors caused by smoke.
• Pets: If you have pets, we see that there are air purifiers specifically designed to address pet-related issues. These issues may include pet dander, odors, and hair. These purifiers are effective in maintaining clean and fresh air in environments where pets are present.
• Chemical sensitivities: For individuals with chemical sensitivities, we suggest looking to an air purifier designed for multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). These models offer enhanced filtration for odors and chemicals and are often made from materials that do not release chemicals into the air, which can exacerbate symptoms.

How To Choose Air Purifier? 5 Tips

How to choose air purifier for your needs can be a daunting task, given the wide variety of options available in the market. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make an informed decision. Here are some important points to keep in mind when choosing an air purifier:

1. The filtration method

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an air purifier is the filtration method it uses. There are various types of filters available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The most common types of filters include:

• HEPA filters: These filters are highly effective in getting rid of airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. They can trap particles as tiny as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of 99.97%. For instance, recent research by NASA said that HEPA filters work really well in catching tiny particles, and testing by Korea Conformity Laboratories and FITI confirms this. While they can help capture viruses, they’re not a foolproof way to prevent illnesses like Covid-19. The CDC and EPA suggest using them in homes and small spaces as an extra precaution, even though they can’t completely stop the spread of viruses.
• Activated carbon filters: They are excellent at removing odors and harmful gases. They can absorb chemicals, smoke, and unpleasant odors, making the air in your space fresher and cleaner. Moreover, most air purifiers use both activated carbon filters and mechanical filters. However, activated carbon filters fill up quicker and need to be replaced every three months, costing around $50 each. Mechanical filters, on the other hand, typically last six to 12 months.
• UV filters: They use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, protecting against harmful microorganisms. UV light might not catch all bacteria and mold spores that are UV-resistant. It needs to be strong and exposed for minutes to hours, unlike most UVGI air purifiers that only work for a few seconds. Consumer Reports (CR) doesn’t evaluate UVGI technology, but some mechanical air purifiers we test may have this feature.

2. The size of the space you intend to purify

Another important consideration is the size of the space you intend to purify. Different air purifiers have different coverage areas, we recommend you choose one that is suitable for the size of your room. If the air purifier is too small for the space, it may not effectively clean the air. On the contrary, if it is too large, you may end up spending more money than necessary.

To determine the appropriate size, consider the square footage of the room and the air changes per hour (ACH) that the air purifier is capable of providing. The higher the ACH value, the more potent the air purifier. For example, an ACH rating of 4 indicates the capacity to refresh the room’s air four times within an hour. In other words, an air cleaning process lasts just 15 minutes.

Moreover, most manufacturers specify a recommended room size and air exchange per hour for their purifiers. But for a more accurate measure, consider Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) ratings for smoke, dust, and pollen. CADR ratings are room-size independent and indicate how quickly the purifier clears a pollutant from a cubic foot of air each minute. Higher CADR ratings mean the purifier can clean larger spaces or achieve more air changes per hour.

To select the right purifier for your room, calculate its square footage and aim for a CADR rating around two-thirds of that number. For instance, a 100-square-foot room (8-foot ceilings) should have a minimum CADR rating of 65 to meet the EPA’s recommendation of five air changes per hour. If the air purifier lacks CADR information or the “AHAM Verified” label, you can search AHAM’s database for certified purifiers based on room size, brand, and CADR rating.

One notable piece of information we want you to know is that recently, the CDC introduced updated recommendations advocating for a minimum of five air changes per hour to reduce the risk of airborne virus transmission.

3. Maintenance cost and the price

Cost is often a crucial factor when making any purchase, and air purifiers are no exception. You should consider both the upfront cost of the air purifier and the maintenance cost involved. Some air purifiers may have a higher initial price tag but require less frequent filter replacements, while others may be cheaper upfront but have more expensive replacement filters.

Additionally, we suggest looking at the energy consumption of the air purifier. Look for models that are energy-efficient and have a low power consumption to save on electricity bills in the long run. For example, the EPA states that an average room air purifier consumes 450 kilowatt-hours annually, exceeding the energy consumption of certain modern refrigerators.

Energy Star-certified air purifiers must be at least 25% more energy-efficient than standard ones. You can visit the EPA website to compare air purifier models based on room size CADR ratings for smoke, pollen, and dust.

4. Noise levels

The ideal noise level for an air purifier depends on your personal preferences and the environment where you will be using it. If you are using the air purifier in your bedroom, for example, you may want a quieter model so that you can sleep undisturbed. On the other hand, if you are using the air purifier in a living room or office, you may be more tolerant of a slightly louder model.

In general, we see that:

• Air purifiers with noise levels of 40 decibels (dB) or less are evaluated to be very quiet. These models are often called “whisper-quiet” air purifiers. 
• Air purifiers with noise levels of 40-50 dB are considered to be quiet. These models are still relatively quiet, but you may be able to hear them running if you are in a quiet room. 
• Air purifiers with noise levels of 50-60 dB are considered to be moderately noisy. These models may be noticeable if you are in a quiet room, but they should not be disruptive. 
• Air purifiers with noise levels of 60 dB or higher are considered to be noisy. These models may be disruptive, especially if you are using them in a quiet room.

Here is a table of some common noises and their decibel levels for comparison:

6. Additional and intelligent functionalities

Lastly,  we encourage you to consider any additional features and intelligent functionalities that the air purifier may offer.  These features can make your air purifiers more convenient and effective than traditional ones. Some of the most useful smart features include:

• Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app control: This allows you to control your air purifier from anywhere, using a smartphone or tablet app. You can change the fan speed, set timers, and monitor the air quality in your home.
• Real-time air quality monitoring: Smart air purifiers can monitor the air quality in your home in real time and display it on the device or in the mobile app. This allows you to see how your air purifier is performing and make adjustments as needed.
• Smart scheduling and automation: You can schedule your air purifier to turn on and off at specific times, or automate it to turn on when you arrive home or when the air quality level drops below a certain threshold.
• Voice control: Some smart air purifiers can be controlled through voice commands and a smart speaker such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to turn the air purifier on and off, change the fan speed, and more without having to touch the device.
• Integration with other smart home devices: Some smart air purifiers can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as thermostats and humidity sensors. This allows you to create custom automations that control multiple devices at the same time.
• Washable pre-filters: These reusable filters trap big particles before they reach the main filter, which can help prolong the primary filter’s lifespan and reduce your expenses on replacement filters.
• Filter service indicator light: It will blink when it’s necessary to replace or clean the filter.
• Air-quality sensors: This feature helps monitor the air quality in a room and adjust the purifier’s settings accordingly. 
• Carrying handles and wheels: Portable air purifiers typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. If you intend to move it around your home, choose a model with wheels (casters) for convenient rolling.

How To Choose Air Purifier: The Things You Should Avoid

When choosing an air purifier, we see that there are certain things you should avoid to ensure you make the right decision. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Air purifiers with less than a 2.5-inch deep bed of carbon: Activated carbon is the most important filter for removing chemicals and odors from the air, so it’s important to choose an air purifier with a deep bed of carbon.
• Air purifiers that only have a HEPA filter: A HEPA filter is good at removing particles from the air, but it can’t remove chemicals and gases. Choose an air purifier that also has an activated carbon filter.
• Air purifiers that use UV or ionization: These technologies can produce ozone, which is a lung irritant.
• Air purifiers without a sleep mode: Air purifiers can be noisy, so it’s important to choose one with a sleep mode so you can use it at night without being disturbed.

Alternative Methods to Enhance Indoor Air Quality

While air purifiers are commonly used to filter and clean the air, there are other effective ways to improve indoor air quality. Here are some alternatives to air purifiers:

Reduce indoor allergens

You know, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores can contribute to poor indoor air quality. So, you should take steps to reduce these allergens by:

• Regularly cleaning and vacuuming your home
• Washing bedding in hot water
• Keeping humidity levels low to prevent mold growth

Improve ventilation

We realize that proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality. To enhance ventilation, you can:

• Open windows on nice days to let in fresh air
• Leverage exhaust fans in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms to remove pollutants
• Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system to ensure a constant supply of fresh air.

Control sources of pollution

Decreasing the sources of indoor air pollutants is an effective way to improve air quality. Some very simple actions to control pollution sources include:

• Avoid smoking indoors
• Limit the use of chemical-heavy cleaning products
• Store paints, glues, and insecticides in a well-ventilated area away from living spaces

Conclusion

To have healthier indoor air, we think that understanding how to choose an air purifier is pivotal. The process involves:

• Evaluating essential factors like room size, filter type, and noise levels
• Considering the benefits of smart features
• Calculating the long-term maintenance costs. 

On the other hand, you can explore additional methods for improving indoor air quality, including regular vacuuming, utilizing a kitchen exhaust fan, refraining from smoking indoors, ensuring proper ventilation, and minimizing the use of chemicals.

In short, to choose the suitable air purifier, you must remember all the factors related to high-quality air cleaners. Finally, follow us to know more about home tips.