Air purifier research guide

Welcome to the air purifier research guide.

Do you need an air purifier? Maybe, maybe not.

That is something you need to decide based on your circumstances.

Remember rule #1: Source control.

Understand what the primary source of poor indoor air quality is and get rid of it. Smoke? Pollen? Dust? Mold? Eliminating the source may be the only step you need to take.

Also, an air purifier is no substitute for good home cleaning and should only be used in conjunction with a good hepa vacuum cleaner.

But sometimes, an air purifier can be a part of your indoor air cleaning measures.

But how do you decide? That's where this air purifier research guide comes in.

Each manufacturer claims their air purifier is the best. Here are the big (and little) issues to consider:

What type of technology is used?

There are several different air purifier technologies out there.

* Mechanical purifiers use filters
* Ionic and electrostatic purifiers use currents to ionize air
* Hybrid units contain elements of both
* Ozone generators, which aren't recommended
* Gas phase filters to capture odor and gases

The two best are mechanical purifiers that use quality filters and certain types of electrostatic purifiers that limit ozone output.

The basic technology, how well those technologies are implemented and the amount of air that flows through the unit will ultimately determine the actual efficiency of the unit.

Two you definitely don't want: Ozone generators and ionic purifiers that don't have collection plates or fans.

The ozone generators are a potential health hazard and ion generators are ineffective without fans and collection plates.

Beyond this air purifier research guide, our best air purifiers page breaks down just what to look for in filtered and electrostatic air purifiers. Make sure any unit you are looking at meets these criteria.

How big is the room in question?

Purifier manufacturers will tell you the size room they will clean. Why doe size matter?

For the purposes of the air purifier research guide, the air cleaner needs to circulate all the air in the room several times per hour (typically 6 to 10 times). Therefore, the air flow generated at high speed is used to determine the maximum size of the room it can clean.

But you aren't going to run the purifier at high speed, not all the time and certainly not if you are considering a filtered purifier which requires a larger, louder fan to move air through the filters effectively.

In general, look for a CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) of 300 or better or, if no CADR figure is cited, a CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) rate of 400 or better.

How much noise will it make?

If it's possible, turn it on and listen to it. Especially when it comes to hepa air filters, the fan can be very noisy at high speed.

In fact, most people will not want to run their air purifier at high speed when they are home, certainly not when they try to sleep at night.

Then again, some people love the consistent sound of a loud fan when they sleep. That's up to you.

One feature the air purifier research guide recommends: Many quality air filters have timers and programmable clocks that allow you to better control when the fan is on high and low.

How expensive are the replacement filters?

The replacement filter issue for hepa purifiers is actually a two-parter:

* How often must the filters be changed?

Does the purifier have an indicator to tell you when to change the filter? Is it based on pressure on the filter, or simply the amount of time the machine has been running?

Obviously, an indicator based on how clogged the filter itself is will be more effective.

Also, does the machine have a pre-filter? It needs one.

A basic, foam filter that strains out large particles ahead of the more sensitive hepa filter will extend the life of the main, hepa filter.

* How expensive are the filters.

The main filter should be a hepa filter. Not a hepa-like or some other qualification. A true, hepa filter. But because it is a quality filter, it will be more expensive.

If you will regularly use the filter year round, Plan to buy two replacement filters each year. Less if you plan to run the machine less.

How difficult are the electrostatic plates to clean?

As far as electrostatic plates, they have to be regularly cleaned (every week or every other week typically.) Make sure the plates will fit in your dishwasher.

It really isn't that much to ask, but if you aren't going to do clean the plates, don't get an electrostatic purifier. If you won't clean the plates, it won't work. Same for a filtered air purifier. If you aren't going to replace the filters, don't bother. They won't do anything with blackened, clogged filters.

How easy is it to change the filter?

Some filters require more mechanical dexterity than others to change. Be aware what you are getting into before you buy.

Does it emit ozone?

This is a major concern for air purifiers that ionize air. If you are considering an electrostatic air purifier, keep this fact in mind:

All ionizers can create ozone, though some emit more than others. Some people mistake ozone's sweet smell for a sign of cleaner air.

A small amount of ozone may not be a concern. But for many people with allergies and asthma, it may be an irritant.

But large amounts are a concern. Unlike ozone in the upper atmosphere, which helps shield us from harmful ultraviolet rays, ozone near ground level is an irritant that can aggravate asthma and decrease lung function.

Beyond this air purifier research guide, Consumer Reports found that several electrostatic purifiers tested poorly for ozone emissions in their third-party testing. The Friedrich C-90 scored best, by far.

Weight and mobility

If you plan to move the purifier around, it should be very light or, more likely, have wheels.

Style and look

Sure, it's not the most important factor, but that doesn't mean this air purifier research guide should ignore it. Especially if it has a substantial footprint, you want it to look nice and blend in with the furniture in your room. Most air purifiers are larger than you imagine.

The manual

Does it come with one? How extensive is it? Many cites have pdf versions of the manuals of the models they carry on their website.

Return policy

It should be clearly stated. Take note of any special limitations. Some will not allow you to return the machine if you use it beyond a certain number of hours.

Warranty

A typical one is 5 years on the fan and motor parts. Whatever the warranty for the purifier you are considering, make sure you know it.

Reputation

Here's what any air purifier research guide will tell you: Good air purifiers and good manufacturers produce good word of mouth.


Air Purifier Research Guide

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