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Step 1
Decide what kind of filter you want in your air purifier. HEPA filters are the most common and are very effective at trapping pet dander, mold and other allergens. The downside is that HEPA filters have to be replaced fairly often. Check to see how often a filter needs to be replaced and how much the new ones will cost. If you don't want to bother with buying new filters, this type of purifier is probably not for you. Ion generators in air purifiers are also fairly common. However, they do emit ozone, and some feel this is very dangerous. There are also purifiers that use electricity to trap pollutants onto a metal plate. You must clean the plates often. These plates never have to be replaced but aren't as good at trapping odors as the HEPA and ion.
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Step 2
Check the manufacturer's reputation and existing research about your chosen air purifier. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers can tell you how well the machine cleans the air and how often all the air is recycled in a certain size room. Check to see if any of these statistics are on the box and if they match your needs. You can also see if the air purifier offers a warranty.
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Step 3
Look at other factors such as energy usage and noise levels. Most air purifiers are small and will not use much electricity or produce loud noises, even when they run all day, every day. However, if you use an air purifier that has a larger capacity, you might be annoyed by noise. Determine if you need an air purifier for just one room or for all rooms in your home. It might be smarter to buy more than one of the smaller models rather than one large, cumbersome purifier.
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Step 4
Set a price limit. Air purifiers can be relatively cheap or quite expensive. Think of your daily needs before spending a large amount.
