Easy-to-Follow Air Purifier Buying Guide

Due to poor air quality, home air purifiers have become popular in many countries. But with so many types and brands, how can one choose the right purifier for home? It can be overwhelming. So, to narrow down the selections, here are four steps to choosing an air purifier.

Step 1: Don’t Fall for The Marketing Hype!

Claims about proprietary technology can’t be verified by independent tests. Also, don’t be fooled by advertisements that feature European flags or all-white houses. Instead, make sure to do the required research and pick a suitable air purifier that is effective, while also being affordable.

Step 2: Focus on The Numbers

Rather than marketing hype, pay attention to the numbers. The most important numbers to consider are the covered room size and the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating of an air purifier. The purifier’s room size refers to the amount of space it can purify. The CADR indicates how much the purifier emits clean air.

Step 3: Learn About the Types Available

HEPA filter models help minimize common allergens like dust, pet dander, pollen, and other particles. Charcoal or active carbon filter models absorb smoke, cooking scents, pet odors, and other irritants to help reduce odor. Washable filter models are easy to clean, maintain and reuse, saving money and time on filter replacement. App-controlled models allow users to control the air purifier remotely. Using a smartphone or tablet, one can monitor performance, get notifications whenever it’s time to change the filter, and adjust the settings of the air purifier. Learn what the different types of air purifiers have to offer and pick one that works.

Step 4: Check Third-Party Test Data

After selecting an air purifier, look for third-party data to back up the claims. Here are some helpful resources:

Home Tests

Thomas Talhelm, the founder of Smart Air, has tested a few purifiers at home, including the Blue Air 203, IQ Air Health Pro Plus, Philips AC 4072, and DIYs.

Consumer Reports Tests

Consumer Reports has excellent purifier tests, but the data is accessible via paid subscription.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Tests

AHAM maintains a database of effectiveness tests easily accessible online.