How to Choose an Air Purifier

With allergies and asthma on the rise along with rampant air pollution it is difficult not to focus on the air we breathe. Indoor air quality is often worse than outdoors and seemingly clean homes are filled with pollutants, pollens, molds, dust and more. Whether standard cleaning measures are not producing satisfactory results or you need help with your allergies, these tips can help you choose an air purifier to satisfy your needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Assess any health conditions related to the purpose of the air purifier. If you need an air purifier to reduce allergy symptoms you will want one with a HEPA filter or at least one with true “HEPA performance,” which trap particles as small as .3 microns or better. Multiple-step filtration systems with additional technologies such as ifd (TM) and an ionizer may prove superior, but not always. If asthma or ozone is a concern then ionizers should be avoided altogether.
2. Choose an air purifier with a fan to remove more dust and allergens than most ionic air purifiers, when air quality trumps inconvenience. One drawback with a fan is noise but some manufacturers like Honeywell make rather quiet models. Another drawback is size and placement. An ionic purifier is smaller and can be placed anywhere. Fan-based air purifiers may need to be set a few feet away from walls and large obstructions.
3. Look for certification by the Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) and Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) certification. Here you will find ratings for smoke, dust and pollen. The higher the number the larger the room and efficiency capacity. Recommended square footage is provided along with CADR, to allow for comparison against manufacturers' claims.
4. Examine the cost efficiency of the air purifier by looking for an Energy Star rating and the cost to replace HEPA filters where applicable. A permanent HEPA filter saves considerable money if it meets your air quality needs. Energy efficient models may make up their additional cost in months.
5. Consider the cleaning required for the air purifier, both in terms of frequency and ease. An ionic air purifier is easy to wipe off but may require attention at least once a week. HEPA filters can be cleaned every month, or more often, by vacuuming. Electrostatic filters (IFD) require vacuuming less often but also require rinsing and drying, which can be more cumbersome. Choose a well-built air purifier not easily prone to breakage from removable parts.
6. Understand that some allergens as well as viruses are smaller than .3 microns. To address these you may want to choose an air purifier with UV technology or a separate germicidal air sanitizer for strict air quality standards.
7. Research several models and a few brands before you choose an air purifier. Given the cost of air purifiers, initially and long-term, as well as problems with manufacturers' misleading claims, reading reviews and fine print is a worthwhile time investment. Often air purifiers do not perform in real life as stated, not meeting 99 percent efficiency. This is partly due to testing standards, air flow differences, filter blockages and environment. Consider brands recommended by health professionals for superior results.

Tips & Warnings

• An oscillating fan may improve performance.
• ULPA filters are not created equal and may not be worth the extra money.
• HEPA and HEPA performance are not equal, but the latter may be sufficient depending on the system.
• Clean excess dust and dirt in a room before running your air purifier to maximize efficiency and its life span.
• Consult with your physician before you choose an air purifier, especially when designed for allergy and asthma sufferers.
• People with asthma should generally avoid ionic air purifiers as they may aggravate symptoms.