What is an air purifier and how does it work?
Air purifier: An air purifier or air cleaner is a device that removes contaminants from the air in a room to improve indoor air quality.
Air purifiers are machines that pull in dirty air, clean it, and then send it back out. They can be used for both small rooms and whole houses, depending on the size of the machine and its capacity. Air purifiers come in different varieties, but most use a fan to draw air into the machine and over a series of filters. These filters are designed to trap particles of dust, smoke, allergens, and other contaminants that might otherwise remain in the air you breathe.
The process of air purification is ongoing. That means an air purifier will continue to cycle dirty air through the machine, removing any harmful particles from the air you breathe.
An air purifier Is generally made up of two parts: one is an intake hose, which draws outside air into the machine; and the other part consists of a fan that pushes that air through the filter. The filter itself is usually made from some kind of fabric, such as paper or plastic, and it contains many small holes that allow only clean air to pass through. In addition to these components, some models also include a switch for turning off and on in case you want to shut down your machine when not needed.
Air purifiers can be used in industrial, commercial, and home settings.
Types of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are electronic devices that filter out pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet different filtering needs. Some run off the electricity while others use batteries. You can choose from many types of air purifiers depending on what you need them for. For example, there are models that can remove dust mites or mold spores; others may reduce odors such as pet hair or cigarette smoke; still, others which might even eliminate viruses and bacteria from your home! If you’re looking to buy an air purifier, here’s what you should know about each type before making a decision:
• HEPA filters air purifiers: The best air purifier is one with a high-efficiency particulate arrest (HEPA) filter. These filters can remove up to 99% of airborne particles, including allergens like pollen and dust mite feces. Most HEPA filters don’t need any maintenance other than changing out their filters every few months (or years).
• Ionizers air purifiers: A stream of negatively charged ions produces positively charged particles (particles that then stick to surfaces). Some ionizers also collect particles on plates that attract. The downside is that these particles can get released back into the air if disturbed (like when you clean your ionizer).
• Germicidal air purifiers: Germicidal air purifiers use UV-C light to kill microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. These types of air purifiers aren’t as common as others because they don’t actually remove particles from the air—they only reduce the number of germs in your home.
• Activated carbon air purifiers: which use activated carbon to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, fumes, chemicals, tobacco smoke, and other gases from the air.
• Ozone generators air purifiers: which use ozone to remove odors and kill microorganisms in the air and on surfaces.
• UVGI cleaners air purifiers: which emit ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms in the air.
• Mechanical air purifiers: Mechanical air purifiers are designed to use mechanical filters to remove particulates like pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander from the air. These filters can have varying levels of effectiveness, and some may produce ozone as a byproduct of their filtration process.
• Electrostatic air purifiers: Electrostatic air purifiers use electrically charged filters to attract particles, which are then trapped on collectors. This can be an efficient way to filter the air in your home; however, this type of filter can produce ozone as a byproduct of its filtration process.
What air purifier is right for me?
The best air purifiers remove 99% of pollutants and allergens. That would include everything from pet dander to smoke to dust. Most do so with a filter that you can clean or replace, but some use technology that doesn’t require a filter at all. What you want out of an air purifier is what’s going to determine which type is best for you.
Some people have very specific needs when it comes to air purification. If you are allergic to cats and there’s no way you’re getting rid of your cat (or the cat is not going anywhere), then an air purifier is a must-have. For those who suffer from severe allergies, asthma, or emphysema, an air purifier will be essential to reduce the number of allergens in the home.
If you are a smoker and need to combat lingering tobacco odor in the home, then an air purifier can help with that as well. The same holds true if you live in a polluted area or just want cleaner air overall inside your home.
When you’re looking for an air purifier, you want to know that the one you choose is going to be right for your home and your needs. We’ve created a list of some factors to consider when choosing an air purifier.
Size: One of the first things you may want to consider is the size of the air purifier and how it will fit in your space. You’ll also want to make sure that the air purifier can handle the volume of air in your space so that it can do its job properly.
Cost: Air purifiers come with different price points, and it’s important to choose one within your budget.
Features: Air purifiers have different features; some may just filter out dust and allergens, while others may also remove odors or help with other problems in your home. It’s good to know what features are available so you can choose one that will work best for you.
Oscillation: Some air purifiers have oscillating fans which help distribute purified air throughout the room more evenly. This can be helpful if you have pets or kids as it keeps them from sitting too close to the machine, which could be bothersome.
Filters: The filters that an air purifier uses can vary greatly depending on the machine’s function and price point. Some filters are disposable and some are permanent. You should look into how well each type of filter works as well as how often it needs to be changed or replaced in order to make sure that it will meet your needs.
Efficiency: Some air purifiers are more efficient than others, and some may be better for large spaces or rooms with high ceilings. It’s important to find an air purifier that will work efficiently in the space you need it for.
Maintenance: Some air purifiers require more maintenance than others. If you don’t like spending time cleaning or replacing filters, then look for an air purifier that requires minimal maintenance!
10 List of best Air Purifiers in the market.
1. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier.
Coway’s top-rated air purifier is Energy Star certified, and it’s the perfect combination of performance and practicality. The Coway is powerful enough to filter the air in a space up to 361 square feet, yet it’s compact and unobtrusive enough to fit into smaller rooms as well.
With an average price of around $125, this air purifier offers a lot for the money. It has three different fan modes, including a sleep mode that runs quietly and at lower speeds. It also features a built-in timer that allows you to set it for up to eight hours of continuous use. A bright LED screen displays the current fan speed and pollution level in your room.
When it comes to cleaning power, this unit does a great job at removing odors and small particles. It uses HEPA filtration for particles down to 0.3 microns in size and activated carbon filters to eliminate odors from pets, smoke, cooking, or mildew. Perhaps best of all, the Coway is one of the easiest air purifiers we reviewed to clean and maintain—the filters are washable with water.
2. Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier is a little larger than the average air purifier, but it also has a higher Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 1125. On top of that, this purifier can filter the air in bigger rooms of up to 1100 square feet and leaves behind no ozone byproduct.
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier uses four different filters: HEPA Pure, HEPA Silver, HEPA FreshPlus, and HEPA OdorCell filters. The most common filter included with this purifier is the HEPA Pure filter and it’s able to trap 99% of all airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The HEPA OdorCell filter does an even better job at trapping odors, smoke, and chemicals because it is made out of carbon fiber material.
You can change between three fan speeds: low speed for quiet operation at night, medium speed for general use during the day, and high speed when you need quick action. The purifier also has a sleep mode so it won’t disturb you during your sleep.
Using Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier is very easy thanks to its user-friendly control panel and LED display screen. You can see on the display screen how many hours of filtering are left until the filter needs to be replaced. This air purifier is designed with four different fan speeds, including a turbo mode which allows for maximum cleaning power.
The BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier can also be set to automatically adjust to the surrounding air quality thanks to its built-in sensor that continually monitors the air quality in your home.
Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier is designed with a pre-filter, HEPA Pure filter, and SilverClear filter, making it effective against a wide range of airborne contaminants such as mold, pet dander, dust, bacteria, and viruses. It also has an optional odorCell filter which absorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other unpleasant odors.
3. Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier
The RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier is the best model out there. It’s a pricey unit, but worth the investment given its unique features and exceptional performance ratings. This versatile product can be used in rooms up to 815 square feet, includes a five-year warranty, and comes with remote control for convenience. The intuitive touch-screen panel gives you complete control over filtration settings, including five different fan speeds and an automatic mode that adjusts itself to your environment.
With a clean white appearance, this air purifier fits in with almost any décor style, whether you place it in your bedroom or office space. The back-mounted handle makes it easy to transport from room to room while the quiet operation won’t disrupt your sleep schedule or work routine.
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier uses advanced technology to remove a wide variety of contaminants from the air. This includes allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores; as well as smoke from cigarettes, cooking fumes, and other household odors; bacteria, and viruses (the H13 grade filter is capable of removing 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size)
The front panel features a beautiful LCD display with touch button controls that allow you to adjust fan speeds, set a timer, or select an automatic mode that can be programmed to match your schedule.
4. Honeywell HFD-120-Q QuietClean Tower Air Purifier
The Honeywell QuietClean tower air purifier is a permanent filter for the home and office. The True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, and smoke. The activated carbon pre-filter removes household odors and captures large particles like hair and lint. The washable pre-filter helps extend the life of your filter by capturing large particles, thus enabling the True HEPA filter to remove finer particles more efficiently.
The HFD-120-Q has three cleaning levels with an easy touch button control, plus optional ionizer assists in particle removal, and the permanent HEPA filter never needs replacing, just a periodic cleaning. This easy-to-use unit is Energy Star certified so you can save money on your energy bill while doing your part for the environment. With its sleek tower design and super quiet operation, you can put this air purifier anywhere in your home or office without being disturbed from work or relaxation. It features a digital control panel, making it easy to operate. The control panel illuminates when the fan is set to high or turbo speeds. This tower air purifier also offers three cleaning levels (turbo, high and low) as well as a filter replacement indicator. It also comes with an optional ionizer that assists in particle removal.
This air purifier is recommended for rooms up to 170 sq ft in size and is Energy Star certified. For rooms larger than 170 sq ft in size, consider a Honeywell air purifier with a CADR greater than 170.
5. Winix 5500-2 air purifier
Air purifiers are typically overlooked as smart home control devices. But they can be a valuable addition to any room to remove allergens, pollutants, and other particles from the air.
As an air purifier, the Winix 5500-2 is easy to install. It has an optional remote control that allows you to adjust air settings from your couch or bed. The unit is designed to operate quietly and safely, removing common allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander along with volatile organic compounds and odors.
Winix offers several models of air purifiers for different situations including home or office use. Select a model based on the size of your room and the amount of time you spend there. The 5500-2 is a good choice for rooms of up to 500 square feet; 2200 square feet is recommended for larger spaces.
If you have allergies, dust mites are among the most common triggers. The Winix 5500-2 removes 99 percent of airborne particles smaller than 1 micron — particles that pose health risks to most people. It also removes 97 percent of larger particles in the size range between 1 and 2 microns from the air in a room up to 100 square feet in size.
It features HEPA filtration, an activated carbon filter, and a washable pre-filter to remove dust, particulates, and odors. A smart sensor detects air quality and adjusts fan speed accordingly. The system has three fan speeds: low, medium, and high. The Winix 5500-2 is Energy Star rated for cost efficiency. The unit is 17 by 8.2 by 24 inches and comes with a one-year warranty.*
This is the best air purifier for most people with allergies.
6. GermGuardian AC4825 22” 3-in-1 Full Room Air Purifier
The GermGuardian AC4825 air purifier is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry. It can be used in many spaces, including bedrooms, kitchens, offices, desktops, and more. With the 3-in-1 air filtration technology, it can capture up to 99.97 percent of dust and allergens. This GermGuardian air purifier is also equipped with a UV-C light that kills airborne bacteria and viruses for an even cleaner space.
Compact Design
The GermGuardian AC4825 22” 3-in-1 Full Room Air Purifier comes in a sleek design that fits virtually anywhere. The compact design makes this unit ideal for smaller spaces like offices or bedrooms. However, the 22” tower can also be used in larger rooms such as kitchens or living rooms thanks to its CADR rating of 125+ which helps it filter the air 4.8 times per hour in medium to large rooms. This gives you greater flexibility when choosing a spot to put your unit.
3-in-1 Air Filtration System
This GermGuardian air purifier uses a 3-in-1 air filtration system to clean the surrounding air of allergens, dust and other pollutants at a rate of 99.97%. The pre-filter captures large particles, like human and pet hair, while the charcoal filter eliminates odors from pets and cooking. Finally, the True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants that are 0.3 microns or bigger, such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and smoke. The unit is perfect for large rooms up to 155 sq. ft., and it is Energy Star certified and CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rated to ensure it’s energy efficient as well as effective.
7. Levoit LV-PUR131S Smart WiFi Air Purifier
Levoit LV-PUR131S Smart WiFi Air Purifier is a great device if you’re looking to improve air quality in your home or office.
This air purifier has been designed to provide the highest level of filtration (HEPA) and a true HEPA filter means that the filter will effectively trap allergens, dust, dirt, and other particles that may be present in the air. It is easy to use too — just plug it in anywhere near a zone with a high concentration of particles (like on your desk or in the bedroom) and let it run for 15 minutes at the minimum speed (or two hours at maximum) before moving on to the next area of concern.
The Levoit LV-PUR131S Smart WiFi Air Purifier is an easy-to-use air purifier that extracts dust, mold, pet dander, and airborne allergens from the air. The size is small enough to fit on a desk or near a bed, but it still has the power to clean up large areas (up to 140 sq. ft.) of your house. It uses ion technology to quickly and effectively remove airborne particles from the air, which helps you breathe easier and reduces asthma symptoms for you and your family.
The Levoit LV-PUR131S Smart WiFi Air Purifier features a unique filter system that uses filter cartridges that are easily replaced and cleaned with a simple wipe. These disposable filters should be replaced every month or so, depending on how often you use the machine. They’re so easy to change that they’re actually good for the environment as well.
In addition to being easy to use, the Levoit LV-PUR131S Smart WiFi Air Purifier also has plenty of cleaning modes that automatically adjust at different speeds and power levels. The fan speed can be adjusted between three different speeds (high, medium and low) to help you find the one that works best for any given situation.
The Levoit LV-PUR131S Smart WiFi Air Purifier can also be used as a humidifier and this is perfect if you have any allergies to dust or pollen, as you can set it up in your bedroom so that it can release moisture into the air.
8. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier
The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ is a three-stage air purifier that uses a washable pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (or HEPA) filter to eliminate common airborne pollutants.
The washable pre-filter is designed to remove larger particles from the air as well as help protect the other two filters from excessive dust buildup. It’s available in several colors and can be washed with soap and water when it starts to look dirty.
The activated carbon filter Is designed to remove odors and gases that can cause respiratory distress. It does this by absorbing them into the pores of its surface. Over time, these pores become saturated and lose their ability to absorb further pollutants. The company recommends changing it every six months, but this may vary depending on your usage.
The final stage of filtration is a HEPA filter that removes any remaining particles down to 0.1 microns in size, which includes pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. The company recommends replacing it every six months or when there’s noticeable resistance in airflow through the machine, whichever comes first.
9. Friedrich C90B Air Purifier
Friedrich C90B Air Purifier (previously known as the Friedrich Kühl line) is a top-of-the-line air purifier that helps to remove allergens, dust, mold, and more from your home.
Friedrich C90B Air Purifier has a clean air delivery rate of 180 cubic feet per minute. This means that it will remove up to 40% of all airborne particles in a room and can help with allergies by removing pollen and other allergens that cause sinus problems or asthma attacks. This Friedrich Air Cleaner is Energy Star Certified and uses less than 100 watts per hour which means that it will not only save you money on your energy bill but also keep your house cooler in the summer months!
Friedrich C90B Air Purifier comes with an easy-to-use remote control so you can turn it off and on from anywhere in the room, letting you enjoy cleaner air without having to get up from your couch or bed!
The Friedrich C90B has a built-in timer that allows for scheduled operation or can be left on continuously for 24 hours at a time. The timer will automatically shut off after two hours if no one is using it, saving energy when you are away from home.
The Friedrich C90B Is a quality air purifier with a reputable brand backing it up. It is designed to clean air throughout rooms up to 600 square feet in size, which means it’s ideal for those with large living rooms, offices, or even open floor plans. The unit has an Energy Star rating, so you can rest assured that it will operate efficiently. The unit was designed with energy efficiency in mind, so you don’t have to worry about your energy bill increasing significantly as a result of this product.
The Friedrich C90B utilizes a four-stage filtration process to remove harmful particles from the air:
Activated carbon pre-filter — Removes odors and smoke particles. This filter can be vacuumed lightly if needed but will usually last for several months before needing to be replaced.
Permanent HEPA filter — Removes and captures 99.97 percent of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. This includes pollen, dust, pet dander, smoke, and other allergens.
Electrostatic collection grid — Uses an electrical charge to trap even more airborne particles that pass through the HEPA filter. This can include viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Antimicrobial coating — Prevents regrowth of mold, mildew, and bacteria on the filter. The antimicrobial coating also reduces the number of substances that can irritate your lungs when you breathe them in.
The Friedrich C90B Air Purifier features a variety of different settings to help you customize your experience with the unit as well as its price point, so it’s perfect for anyone looking for an air purifier that’s not too expensive but still works well.
10. Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover
The Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover removes 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air that passes through the filter, helping to reduce sneezing, and runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by allergy and asthma triggers in your home.
The HPA300 comes with a quiet mode and 3 air cleaning levels plus Turbo Clean setting to help capture particles like pet dander, pollen, and dust. The filter life indicator will let you know when it’s time to change the permanent HEPA filter and prefilter so you can breathe easier all year long.
The unit is very easy to install and use. It also comes with an easy-to-use control panel that shows the change of filter indicator and a start/stop button. The unit also comes with different speed settings which you can switch depending on your needs. The turbo setting is recommended for heavy-duty cleaning. With this speed setting, you’ll be able to clean up to 5 times faster than other air purifiers on the market today.
This HEPA Air Purifier is Energy Star certified and CARB compliant and uses a permanent HEPA filter that can be vacuumed to extend its life.
The HPA300 uses three different filters to clean your air: a pre-filter that captures large particles like dust and pet hair; an activated carbon filter that absorbs odors; and a true HEPA filter that catches up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size (like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites).
The air purifier can control the odor of the air effectively, by controlling the odor source’s discharge quantity and smell. The source odor is the main factor, which affects the room temperature and humidity as well. If you want to improve the indoor environment, we highly recommend considering an air purifier!