Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Better – An Air Purifier Buying Guide
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Air purifiers have been around for ages, but we haven’t quite figured out how important they actually are for our well-being.
Even though some did figure that part out, the vast majority is still fixated on the apparently accurate connection between high price and high quality. That’s, for the most part, unfounded. My eyes get all watery just by thinking about how much money I’ve spent on things I could’ve gotten for 50% less or even cheaper.
If you don’t want to experience this kind of nostalgia whenever you look at your insanely expensive air purifier, stick to our guide.
We’ll show you what you should keep in mind when shopping for an air purifier and as long as it is in line with these criteria, the unit will be a great deal even if it costs $50.
Aspects You Should Take into Consideration
1. The Purpose You Need It For
Do you need an air purifier just because your neighbor has got one and he’s constantly bragging that “Oh my God, I don’t know how I could breathe without this purifier” or are you a highly allergic person that could benefit from an air purifier?
If you have allergies or asthma, an air purifier can help as part of a bigger plan. Keep in mind that there are different types.
HEPA filters trap particles such as pollen, dust and smoke particles. Activated carbon filters target gases and odors. For allergies, a HEPA air purifier is usually the place to start.
If someone smokes indoors, no air purifier will make that air safe. The EPA notes that no air cleaner removes all pollutants, so keeping smoke out of the home matters most. Avoid units that make ozone on purpose, since ozone irritates the lungs.
2. The Size
How many square feet would you need your purifier to work its magic on? If you need fresh air in your entire house, it might not even make sense to purchase a purifier. In this case, you’d want an air filtration installed in your home.
Size does matter, but in a specific way. Check the clean air delivery rate (CADR) on the box. The EPA says to match the CADR to your room size, and to go higher if your ceilings are above 8 feet.
As a rough guide, the EPA's chart lists a minimum CADR of 65 for a 100-square-foot room and 390 for a 600-square-foot room. A small unit in a big room won't keep up.
Activated charcoal (carbon) filters are good for odors and gases, but they don't replace a HEPA filter for particles. Many units combine both, and thicker carbon filters work better.
You don't need the biggest model on the shelf. Buy one rated for the room you'll use it in most, often the bedroom.
3. The Features It Comes With
I have yet to see an air purifier that makes pancakes. Let me tell you, that’s a purifier I’d buy on the spot. The 21st century that we (sadly) live in is absolutely obsessed with features and the Internet of things.
People seldom buy things that don’t come with voluminous books of instructions that tackle the hundreds of button combinations that make up for hundreds of options and different features.
Now take a moment to think about this issue: is an air purifier something for which you’d need close to 1000 features? If we could travel into the future, I’m willing to bet my salary (which isn’t really worth the effort anyway) that air purifiers wouldn’t be packed with features in 2856, either.
Don’t waste your money on an air purifier that has features you’ll probably never use. This is the main pit that people tend to fall into. “I can’t even begin to describe how amazing it is! It sweeps the house, cooks dinner and walks my dog!”
Clearly, such an air purifier would be an investment but at the moment, none of these groundbreaking features you see on air purifiers are as fantastic as you think they are.
4. The Time You Need to Clean It
Why would I need to clean it? Doesn’t it clean itself? Well, Sally, sorry to burst your bubble but no, the air purifier isn’t self-cleaning. It might make pancakes, but we haven’t got the technology for self-cleaning features yet.
The amount of time you’d need for maintenance and cleaning depends on the unit. Follow the maker's filter schedule, and replace filters sooner if they look heavily soiled, since a clogged filter works poorly.
Check the price of replacement filters before you buy. Over a few years, filter costs can add up.
5.Single Unit or Whole-House Air Purifier
If you have central heating and air, upgrading the furnace filter is a whole-house option. The EPA suggests the highest-rated filter your system can handle, ideally MERV 13 or higher; ask an HVAC technician what fits.
The catch is that HVAC filters only clean air while the system runs, which is often less than a quarter of the time. A portable HEPA unit in the bedroom can fill that gap.
The Bottom Line
Air purifiers can reduce particles in the air, but a higher price doesn't guarantee better cleaning. Compare CADR ratings, filter type and filter costs instead of price tags.
Filtration works best alongside removing the source of pollution and letting in fresh air when outdoor air is clean, as the EPA advises.
The purpose for which you need an air purifier should be the most important criterion. If you need an air purifier for tobacco smoke odor, look for both HEPA and a substantial carbon filter. Assess your needs and buy a purifier according to those. If you have asthma or allergies, your doctor can help you decide whether a purifier is worth it.
” Patrick Holmes ”
Patrick is an indoor air quality specialist at Home Air Quality Guides. His passion is to help people create cleaner, healthier and more comforting environments inside their homes by sharing expert advice that's easy to follow. He enjoys writing in-depth articles on air purification, household cleaning tips, home maintenance advice and more.
Sources
- Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Air Cleaners and Air Filters in the Home, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
