Find the Best Air Purifier for You!
Please select how you intend to use your air purifier and we'll provide the best air purifiers for you!
Simply click on any of the links below to get started.
| By Issue |
Where |
By Benefit | Top Sellers |
| Allergies | Bedroom | Best Performance |
1. Oransi Finn |
| Asthma |
Living Area | Low Filter Costs |
2. Amaircare Roomaid |
| Dust | Desktop | Quietest | 3. Oransi Max |
| Mold | Car | 4. Whirlpool APR451 |
|
| Smoke | 5. Amaircare 3000VOC |
||
| VOC/Chemcical |
How to Select an air purifier:
In selecting an air purifier you will want to pay attention to the efficiency rating (percentage of particles removed with each air pass), the amount of airflow and noise level rating of the air purifier.
Filter Efficiency
When looking at filter efficiency it is important to consider the particle size that the percentage is measured at. For example, 99% efficiency rating at 0.3 microns is very different than 99% at 1 micron and may be a better performer than 100% performance rating at 1 micron. You always want to compare efficiencies at the 0.3 microns level to have a fair comparison of filter performance. Tip: Our recommendation is to go with a HEPA air cleaner that is 99%+ efficient. Learn more about HEPA filters.
Air Flow
HEPA air purifiers often list a cfm (cubic feet per minute) measurement or a CADR (clean air delivery rate) to give an indication of the amount of air that is moved through the air purifier. The bigger the number means more air is circulated through the filter. The CADR rating is derived based upon the unit being run on the highest fan speed setting. While a higher air flow number is generally better, you need to factor in the associated noise level since it may not be practical to operate the HEPA purifier on the highest fan speed. Tip: Some manufacturers pad their room coverage numbers - for example, you're not going to get a 200 or 250 cfm unit to clean a 800-1,000 sq ft room with sufficient air changes. It is important to look at the air flow numbers and we have adjusted room sizes on our site appropriately so you won't have to worry about calculating this.
Noise Level
Many of our customers use a HEPA air purifier in their bedroom or office. In these situations quieter is better. To reduce noise levels some manufacturers offer less efficient filters since less air resistance means lower noise levels or they reduce the air flow to make it quieter. Noise level is measured in decibels (dB). For every 10 dB increase in noise level the sound of the air purifier doubles.
Unfortunately we have not come across an electrostatic (filter-less) or ionic room air purifier that can meet these standards. Nor have we found a "permanent HEPA type filter" that can perform at this level. Both of these purifier technologies offer benefits such as less or no filter replacements but if you want a truly effective air purifier you'll want to see these top recommendations.
In choosing your you will need to decide what is important for you and choose based upon balancing the filter efficiency, air flow and noise level.
Ozone
Ozone is a harmful indoor air pollutant that can damage your lungs and is a by product of ozone generating air purifiers. The good news for HEPA air cleaners is that a review of the California Air Resources Board who certifies air filters show that they produce little to no ozone and are safe for use. In addition the EPA has extensive research on ozone and its harmful effects.
