The SARS epidemic is responsible for the booming industry of air purifiers.
Because of the outbreak of this airborne disease, many clamored for protection. This is how air purifiers found its way to thousands of homes.
Now, many use one to clear pollutants as simple as smoke and odor. But it also serves as a precaution from other diseases like anthrax and colds.
Buying one is a great decision if you want to keep your family healthy. You can ensure that they’re breathing clean air even during the cold winter nights.
Working from home? All the more reason to buy one.
Let me help you choose the best room air purifier for you!
Know the Best Room Air Purifier Types
HEPA Filtration
Some air purifiers clean the air through filters. A HEPA filter traps 99.97% of particles bigger than 0.3 microns, which include bacteria, viruses, mold, and chemicals. This type is preferable because it does not have harmful byproducts.
Adsorbent Materials
Air purifiers that use adsorbents commonly use activated charcoal. It works by capturing gases, smoke, odors, and chemical emissions. Once trapped, there’s no risk of recontamination.
Ionizing Purifiers
This type of air purifiers has an electrical field that either gives an airborne particle a negative or positive charge. Charged molecules form an attraction to oppositely charged particles. They may either attach to walls or to the built-in metal plate that some purifiers have.
They can also attach to each other, making them too heavy to remain in the air. However, this does not eliminate the particles, making recontamination possible.
UV Light Technology
Air purifiers with a UV lamp are effective at killing germs and viruses. However, it doesn’t remove particles from the air. Thus, it is often paired with filters or adsorbents.
Ozone Generators
Oxygen in the air has two oxygen atoms. An ozone generator alters them to form ozone with three oxygen atoms. This type of technology claims to purify the air, but ozone is a harmful gas.
It can cause asthma attacks and even damage the lungs. It can also react with other chemicals that might produce more harmful substances.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Air Purifier
What Do You Want to Eliminate in Your Home?
If you want to reduce particles that trigger asthma or allergies, consider getting a certified air purifier. But if you want to simply reduce odors and smoke, a more affordable model can do the trick. Your pets may also produce pet dander you need to eliminate.
Some air purifiers are more effective at eliminating certain particles than the other. Consider which ones you want to get rid of when choosing the best room air purifier for you.
Which Room Do You Want to Put It?
A big room requires an air purifier that can cover a large space. A smaller one, on the other hand, only needs some basic purifiers.
The type of room also matters. If you want one in your bedroom, get something that produces low noise levels. The living room doesn’t need such a type, but it’s preferable to buy an air purifier with adjustable speed settings so you can choose to have it stay quiet whenever you’re staying in that room.
How Much Space Do You Have for It?
Some air purifiers can be rather bulky and they may require clearance on all sides. If you have a smaller space, you can opt for compact and portable ones. If you’re on a budget, you can also use the small ones so you can easily transfer them from room to room.
Another piece of advice is to get one that has a bigger capacity than the room.
Best Room Air Purifier Features Checklist
If you’re only looking for the best room air purifier out there, make sure it has the following features:
HEPA Filter
Many consider this the best type of air purifiers. In general, avoid ionizing purifiers and ozone generators.
Pre-Filter
This is another layer that traps larger particles. With this in place, your HEPA filter will have a longer lifespan.
Servicing Indicator
This notifies you when the air purifier needs cleaning or when the filter needs replacing.
Adjustable Speed Settings
You can control if you need it higher for the allergy season, or lower when it’s bedtime.
Air Quality Sensors
An air purifier with sensors can automatically adjust to the level of pollutants in the air.
Programmable Timers
You can choose to let an air purifier run before you use a room. Or you can set it so that it turns off when you want it off.
Remote Control
Have a remote control by your side for whenever you want to change the settings.
Carrying Handle
This will make it easier for you to move the air purifier from one area to the next.
High Air-Exchange Rate
This measures how many times your unit purifies the room in an hour. You want this to be in the 4-6 air exchange per hour range.
Note that the best one is not necessarily the most expensive one. The best room air purifier you can get covers all your needs while giving you the best value for money.
Check Certifications, Reviews, and Ratings
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) certifies the clean air delivery rate (CADR) of air purifiers. You want higher CADR, specifically above 350. The higher it is, the faster it is in removing pollen, dust, and smoke.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation also endorses certain air purifiers. If you’re buying one because of these conditions, look for the products with certification. This ensures that the air purifier can remove allergens without redistributing them.
Lastly, don’t forget the best ones who can help you are other consumers. Look for their reviews on blogs and forums to see if they have good experience with a particular product. Here’s a detailed review of the GermGuardian AC4825 air purifier.
More Work from Home Tips
An air purifier is essential if you spend most of your time at home. We hope this guide can help you in choosing the best room air purifier.
Visit our blog and contact us for more tips on working at home effectively.