Air Purifiers
Recently you’ve experienced shortage of breath as you’ve got asthma. You’ve known all along that your whole house indoor air quality is 5 - 10 times dirtier than that of outside air (due to poor circulation) so it makes perfect sense to get a home air purifier for health reasons. Since you only want to be in tip top health, knowing how to get some of the best air purifiers will benefits you in more ways than one in the long run.
Air Purifier Buying Guide
1) Purification Techniques
There are basically 5 main types of filtration used in air purifiers namely HEPA, activated carbon, photocatalytic oxidation, electrostatic precipitators and ionic / ozone generators.
High Efficiency Particulate Air or true HEPA air purifiers seem to be the most common fitration techniques used as it can effectively traps close to 99.97% of airborne allergens such as dust mites, fungi, molds, pollen etc which is the leading causes of asthma attacks and allergies.
Activated carbon air purifiers are often used to adsorb chemicals and gases that are often too small to be trapped by HEPA filters. Moreover certain carbon filters also contain certain chemicals called chemisorbent to adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
UV air purifiers in conjuction with HEPA filters works by utilizing UV light or other agents to kill airborne germs and bacteria as they get trapped in the HEPA filter.
Electrostatic air purifiers works by charging airborne allergens as they are being forced into the air purifier and gets trapped on the plates due to electrostatic attraction. They are then removed by washing these plates.
Lastly, ionic /ozone air purifiers emit ions / ozone into the air, charging these airborne allergens as they come in contact with them. Unlike electrostatic precipitators which uses plates to trap these particles, activated allergens cling to walls due to electrostatic force. After a certain period of time you can see dirty spots on the wall.
** Do take note that certain air purifiers may come with 2 or more of these filtration techniques mentioned so make sure to choose the one that satisfy your needs.
2) Air Flow Ratings
This refers to the volume of air filtered per unit time, expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the number, the more effective is the unit. Recommended air flow ratings is about 100 CFM per 250 square feet of space.
3) ACH, CADR & Floor Space
Air change per hour (ACH) is the number of times the air in a given room is being exchanged for a given period of time. For example if the ACH is stated 4, it means that all the air in the room is being exchanged 4 times per hour by the purifier. Aim for ACH value of 6-8 for satisfactory results.
Rated by Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), clean air delivery rate (CADR) is an indication of how well an air purifier functions with respect to the removal of dust, pollen and smoke, expressed in cubic feet per minute. For example if the air purifier has a CADR of 200, it means that it is able to exchange 200 cubic feet of clean air per minute or 12,000 ft3/min.
Advised floor space for efficient use of air purifier is CADR / (ACH x 8 ft). 8 ft is used as the standard height between ceiling and floor while standard ACH value is 5. In our example, advised floor space = 12,000 / ( 5 x 8 ) which is equal to 300 square feet.
** Please take note that floor space, ACH and CADR is dependent of each other.
4) Filter Replacement Costs
This usually provides the bulk of the costs in the long run. HEPA and carbon filters need to be replaced regularly and thus adds up the dollars. To save money, go for filterless air purifier such as those that rely on electrostatic filtration techniques.
5) Energy Usage
Just like a dehumidifier, air purifier runs continuously non-stop therefore it is advisable to go for one that uses less power so that in the long run you will be able to save on electricity bills. A typical purifier uses 50 - 200 watts.
6) Noise Level
Opt for one that is noise-free unless you want to be disturbed by the humming of the unit.
Air Purifier Reviews & Ratings
We found the best air purifier reviews from Allergy Buyers Club, Air Purifiers America and Consumer Reports. Experts there tested some of the best air purifier models from well-established makers such as 3M, Alen, Alpine, Austin, Bionaire, Biozone, Blueair, Edenpure, Friedrich, GE, Hamilton, Harmony, Holmes, Honeywell, Hunter, Infinity, Oreck, Panasonic, Rainbow, Sharp, True Air, Venta, Vornado, Whirlpool. Air purifier ratings based on dust and smoke removal plus noise level determines the best air purifiers in their respective class.
Best Air Purifier (Home)
Air Purifier Reviews #1: Beating high expectations with superb air purifier reviews from pros and consumers is the best rated IQAir HealthPro Plus HEPA Air Purifier. For allergy and asthma sufferers who want nothing but the best for health reasons, this IQAir air purifier will be godsend to them. This best air purifier from IQAir features EN 1822 certified Hyper HEPA technology air filter (as used in hospitals) removes 99.99% of small particles including dust, pollens, danders including gases and odors. With powerful 6-speed control to effectively remove small particles, it’s suitable for use up to 900 square feet rooms.
Air Purifier Reviews #2: Jumping high up with impressive air purifier reviews from users is the best rated Rabbit Air BioGS 421A Air Purifier. For cleaner air without germs and bacteria, let this Rabbit air purifier deliver the knockout punch. This best air purifier from Rabbit uses 3-stage filtration to filter, destroy and absorb allergens, bacteria, germs and odors. 1st-stage - Pre-filter removes 99.97% particles e.g. dust, pollens, fungus etc. 2nd-stage - BioGS HEPA filter with Anti-Virus coating destroys germs and bacteria on the filter. 3rd-stage - Honeycomb charcoal filter eliminates odors and VOCs for complete filtration functions. Comes with ultra quiet but powerful brushless DC motor for efficient (2x ACH) yet quiet operation (18 - 45 dB). Comes in 4-speed control and best used for rooms up to 600 square feet.
Best Air Purifier (Room)
Air Purifier Reviews #3: Stamping its mark with excellent air purifier reviews from experts and users is the best rated Honeywell 50250N 99.97% Pure HEPA Round Air Purifier. For cleaner homes all year round, you can thank this Honeywell air purifier for it. This best air purifier from Honeywell features HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of small particles and 98.4% bacteria and germs for cleaner air to breathe in. Charcoal filter absorb smoke and VOCs from cooking. Comes in patented 360-degrees air intake and discharge with 3-speed control for complete purification. Includes dual HEPA and charcoal filters for added functionality.
Air Purifier Reviews #4: Making a name for itself with great reviews from air purifier experts is the top rated Whirlpool Whispure 510 Air Purifier AP51030S - HEPA Air Cleaner. If you value clean air for your room, let this Whirlpool air purifier do its job. HEPA filter removes 99.97% of >0.3 microns particles such as dust, spores, pollens etc for cleaner rooms and healthier you. With 330 CADR and 4.8 ACH, you can be sure of getting super clean air for great health benefits. Suitable for use up to 510 square feet rooms.
Resources: Air Purifier (Wikipedia)