Best Portable Air Purifiers Buying Guide
A portable indoor air purifier is very essential, especially if you spend more time inside. Not only do they help to keep your environment clean, but they also alleviate respiratory issues.
With the number of portable air purifiers available, making a purchasing decision can be quite overwhelming. This is why we have created a buying guide to help narrow your search for the best portable air purifiers.
What are the Types of Air Purifiers?
Mechanical filters
Mechanical filters physically trap the pollutants that go through them. They use fans to force air through a mesh of fine particle-trapping fibers. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are filters with a very fine web of fibers. HEPA filtration devices are certified to remove about 99.97% of contaminants like smoke, dust, paint pigments, and pollen, while they are suspended in the air. Some filters can be labeled “HEPA-type” but may not have the performance of a true HEPA filter. Be sure to check the reviews of the air purifier you have in mind.
Activated carbon filters
Activated filters use porous carbon to trap odor-causing molecules. They also remove some gases but are not particularly effective against ammonia, formaldehyde, or nitrogen oxide. Unlike mechanical filters, they don’t tackle particles. This is why many air purifiers will include both an activated carbon filter and another type of air purifier. When your air purifier is not tackling the smells you want to terminate, an activated carbon filter is the best solution.
Ozone generators
Ozone generators produce ozone, a charged molecule. This molecule reacts with normal particles that have a neutral charge floating in the air. When the ozone comes in contact with particles, it causes them to stick on surfaces around the room, rather than floating in the air. Ozone may result in dangerous air quality which can cause coughing, chest pain, and lung irritation. Though their manufacturers often claim that the ozone emission levels are safe, these air purifiers are not recommended. If you still want to get an ozone generator air purifier type, be sure to do extensive research on it.
Electronic air purifiers
Like ozone generators, electronic air purifiers also charge-neutral particles in the air. These air purifiers filter the air by collecting those particles on the machines’ plates. Electronic air purifiers also produce ozone, so they are not advised.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)
An air purifier with UV light kills microbes, and even viruses sometimes. For it to be effective, the exposure to the UV light must last long enough—minutes to hours.
What should you consider when buying a portable air purifier?
Home size
The first step is figuring out how much space you want your air purifier unit to clean. Small units won’t be effective in large living spaces, while large heavy-duty ones may be too much for a child’s bedroom. A good way to find the right pick is to look at the air purifier’s “air changes per hour.” A small air purifier can use an hour to turn over the air in a 350-square-foot room but manage just four air turnovers per hour in a 700-square-foot room. The AHAM seal is also useful for checking the room size the air purifier unit can handle. Be sure to check reviews of the air purifier you have in mind, as some manufacturers make false claims about the capacity of the unit.
Certifications
EnergyStar rating
Air purifiers need to run almost constantly for maximum effectiveness. They use a lot of electricity and can increase your power bill; this is why it is important to check the EnergyStar rating to know how much your electricity will cost. Certified EnergyStar purifiers are 40% more energy-efficient than regular models.
AHAM Verified seal
This seal signifies that the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has tested the air purifier unit. The seal contains information such as the CADRs and room size protocols. The AHAM certification test is voluntary but air purifiers that undergo it are better trusted.
CADR
This stands for Clean Air Delivery Rates. It is the volume in cubic feet per minute that an air purifier produces at its highest speed setting. The higher the CADR, the quicker and more productive the air purifier is. A CADR above 240 earns an excellent rating, and anything under 60 gets a poor rating. Portable air cleaners with HEPA filters usually have the highest CADR. There are different CADR ratings to fit specific needs. A person living with a smoker will need a higher CADR than a person filtering dust from the air.
Noise
The noise level of air purifiers also needs to be checked. It is mostly listed in decibels on the specs of your unit. Large air purifiers tend to make less noise than small ones.
Budget
Before buying a home air purifier, you should consider the cost of replacement filters, energy costs, and maintenance costs. Most units have an indicator that tells you when to change or clean the filter. While some filters are washable, true HEPA filters need to be replaced completely. Be sure to select the air purifier unit that is best for you and your budget.
Tips for choosing an Air Purifier
Know where you want your home air cleaner placed.Choose an air purifier that can filter out pollutants specific to your home or health needs like allergies, asthma, and others.Choose a unit with a HEPA filter.Know the CADR and EnergyStar rating of the unit you have in mind to purchase.Be sure to select an air purifier you can maintain without a doubt.Choose air purifiers with bonus features such as WiFi, remote control, air quality indicator.
Air Purifier FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of air purifiers?
A: Air purifiers are beneficial for people who live with kids, own pets, or just want to breathe a little better.
Q: Will an air purifier cure my asthma?
A: No. Air purifiers filter out airborne particles like dust, pollen, and dander. They are used as preventive measures and not a cure.
Q: Do air purifiers remove odors?
A: An activated carbon filter is effective for eliminating smells from pets, smoke, garbage, and even diapers.