From pollen to pet hair, smoke to mold, the air we breathe in is oftentimes filled with unhealthy and potentially dangerous contaminants that can frequently go unnoticed as we go about our daily lives. Unfortunately, even though you may not see these minuscule particles entering your body as you inhale, they still have the ability to have a big impact on your health, and if you’ve noticed you suffer from allergies, asthma, headaches, or other respiratory symptoms then you already have personal experience with the harm these contaminants can cause. But just because these pollutants exist all around you doesn’t mean you have to continuously suffer because of them, and if you’re tired of coughing, sneezing, and endlessly itching your eyes then it may be time to consider investing in a portable air purifier for your home. 

Who Needs an Air Purifier?

Designed to cleanse the air inside your living space in order to create a healthier and cleaner environment, air purifiers are an essential appliance for a wide range of conditions and situations. Whether you’re a seasonal allergy suffer who is hoping to eliminate that pesky pollen, or a concerned parent looking to protect your child’s health, the right air purifier inside your home can go a long way in ensuring you aren’t constantly breathing in toxins and contaminants such as mold spores, pet hair, dander, pollen, dust, smoke, and more. Utilizing an impressive filtration system, and by monitoring air quality in real time, air purifiers can be an indispensable asset for numerous people, including those who are:

If you find yourself frequently coughing and sneezing throughout the day, or you wake up each morning with red, itchy eyes, then you may be reacting to potential allergens that exist within your home environment. Dust, mold spores, dander, and pollen could all be the culprits behind these unpleasant symptoms, and the right air purifier will be able to eliminate them with ease, and have you feeling back to your normal self in no time at all. 

Parents with young children frequently find that an air purifier is a must-have necessity in their home, as tiny, developing bodies can be greatly impacted by toxins and contaminants that exist inside your house. By effectively removing potential pollutants that your children would otherwise be breathing in, an air purifier can help reduce the risk of childhood asthma, allergies, and other health issues, leaving you with a cleaner environment for them to grow-up inside. 

Your pet brings a lot of joy and happiness into your life, but they also bring a lot of dander, hair, and dirt into your home. All potential contaminants, your cat or dog can have a major impact on the air you’re breathing in and if you want to have a cleaner, healthier home while still enjoying your furry friend, then an air purifier is a must-have purchase. 

If you or someone in your home is a smoker then there is no doubt that an air purifier is needed, as this habit can quickly contaminate your environment with smoke, toxins, and other pollutants. Thankfully, with the correct type of filter an air purifier will be able to eliminate these harmful smoking byproducts, and they can also help tackle any lingering smells inside your living space

Living in the city means you have to deal with pollutants and toxins every time you leave your house, but those same contaminants can also creep into your home, leaving you to breathe in smog, smoke, and fumes even when your doors and windows are shut. While you may not be able to avoid poor air quality when you go outside you can rectify it inside your space and a powerful air purifier can make quick work of harmful particles so you can minimize potential health risks. 

Understanding Filters

In order to effectively remove such a wide range of tiny particles from the air in your environment, an air purifier relies on a sophisticated system of filters that have been specially designed to capture microscopic contaminants that you’re unable to even see. Depending on the model you select, you may find that there is only 1 type of filter that is housed inside the appliance, whereas other options may utilize a multi-step filtration system in order to not only tackle particles, but neutralize odors and destroy microorganisms as well. Which type of filtration system is best for your home will depend on what it is you’re trying to accomplish, and each option is worth researching so you can make an informed decision that will provide the biggest benefits for your health. 

For most air purifiers currently available, the types of filters you’re most likely to encounter are:

Always seen in conjunction with a secondary type of filter, pre-filters are intended to help capture and remove large-sized particles from the air before they make it inside to your air purifier. Preventing dog hair, clumps of dust, and lint from clogging the more delicate filters further down the line, a pre-filter can increase the longevity of your appliance and they are often fully washable so you don’t need to worry about replacing them on a regular basis. 

Renowned for their ability to capture and remove minuscule particles as small as 0.1 microns, HEPA filters are the gold-standard when it comes to air purifiers and is the option that is most highly sought after by buyers who want to tackle everything from dust and dander to mold spores and smoke. With an efficiency as high as 99.99%, a HEPA filter can leave your air almost completely contaminant free, however, the major downside is that they can be expensive to replace and this is something you will need to do every 6 to 12 months. 

If your home is plagued by unpleasant odors then an activated charcoal filter may be something you want to look for when you go to purchase your next air purifier. Made up of porous, carbon material, these unique filters can absorb and neutralize everything from smelly smoke to volatile organic compounds and they will leave your home smelling fresh and clean at all times. 

Also known as ultraviolet light, UV-C has unique properties that make it an effective method for neutralizing and destroying airborne pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. In some air purifier models, this powerful treatment solution may be incorporated alongside another filter and it can be an important feature, especially if you are someone who is immunocompromised or who is concerned about the health and safety of yourself and your family. 

What is a CADR Rating?

After narrowing down your search to the type of filter you think best fits your home and lifestyle, the next step in the purchasing process will be selecting the size and power of your new air purifier. With a significant range available to you, understanding performance will ensure you make the correct choice, and it will guarantee that the model you end up with will be able to adequately tackle the space you live in. Thankfully, there is a handy method for evaluating an air purifier's performance, and if you want to compare models objectively then you should always make a point of looking for each one’s CADR rating. Known as the Clean Air Delivery Rate, or CADR, this important metric quantifies an air purifier's ability to remove specific airborne particles from an environment effectively and it focuses specifically on dust, pollen, and smoke. The higher the CADR rating, the more powerful the model, and the better suited it will be to larger, more wide open spaces. 

Key Features

Beyond just the filtration system that it’s equipped with, each air purifier model will also include a number of key features that will set it apart from other options, and these can not only make it more efficient, but convenient and user-friendly as well. Whether it’s a built-in filter reminder that alerts you whenever your existing filter needs to be replaced, or an included app that allows you to monitor and manage performance directly from your smartphone, these key features play a vital role in enhancing the functionality of your air purifier and you’ll want to dig deep into each model before you select the perfect option for your living space. 

While not available with all air purifiers, some of the key features that buyers tend to gravitate towards do include:

One of the most sought after features in modern air purifiers, a built-in monitor works in real-time to assess the current air quality and then can adapt the speed and power of your unit so that it is able to adequately tackle the pollutants in your environment. In many cases, you will also be able to visually see what the current air quality is by checking the screen, indicator light, or companion app, giving you peace of mind that you’re not breathing in anything harmful while it’s operating. 

It’s important that your air purifier is able to operate seamlessly and silently in that background of your home, but just because you don’t want to have to interact with it often, doesn’t mean you don’t still want to ensure it’s doing its job at all times. If you’re someone who likes to see stats in real-time, or who wants to be able to turn appliances on or off without having to physically walk over to them, then an air purifier that includes smart connectivity will be right for you. Through the included app, you will have full control over these types of models remotely, and you can periodically check in to see what the air quality is, what the fan speed is set at, and even if the filter needs to be replaced. 

Most air purifiers include one specific type of filter which you will need to replace on a regular basis in order to ensure it is able to effectively eliminate pollutants from your environment. However, not all filters are the same, and while one type may be great at capturing pet dander and dust, another type may be better suited for smoke and odors. If you want the freedom to tackle different contaminants at different times then you may want to consider a model that allows for interchangeable filters, enabling you to have more control and flexibility when it comes to the types of particles your air purifier can remove. 

Although air purifiers are fairly safe appliances that doesn’t mean there isn’t some risk to running them all day and night, and it’s paramount that the model you ultimately purchase does include at least a few safety features to keep you and your family safe. Child locks and overheat protections are two of the most common features you will likely see in modern air purifiers, but you’ll also want to ensure it has a sturdy design that won’t tip as well as a timer function so you can have more control when you’re not around. 

Final Considerations

After looking at the type of filter used, the CADR rating, and the key features that your preferred model comes equipped with, there are only a few additional considerations you will want to explore before you finalize that purchase and bring home your new air purifier. From its overall size to its aesthetic appeal, you’ll want to find an option that fits seamlessly into your space and your lifestyle, and these extra aspects will guarantee that you are fully satisfied with your selection for years to come.

Size is one of the biggest factors when choosing an air purifier, as you want to be confident that it can adequately tackle your space, without being too big or bulky. If you live in a tiny, 1-bedroom apartment then the air purifier you purchase will be a lot smaller than the one required for a 4-bedroom house, and the best way to check this is to look at the square footage a unit is rated for. Almost all models will state the square footage they are designed to effectively purify, so take the time to measure your room or home and then choose the unit that correctly matches your space.

The filters that are used inside of air purifiers are not intended to last forever, and over time, as they capture all of those contaminants, they will start to deteriorate and become less effective. For you, this means you will be required to purchase replacement filters on a fairly regular basis, and depending on which model you opt for, these can be expensive. Before you land on a certain brand or model, always check to see how often the included filters will need to be changed, and how much you are going to need to spend every time you buy a new one. 

Your air purifier is meant to be run both during the daytime and at night, and unless you like to fall asleep to the sound of loud fans or constant noise, then you’re going to want to check what the decibel rating is for the model you are considering. The lower the rating, the quieter the unit will be, and the less of a distraction it will create at night while you sleep, or during the day while you read, relax, or watch TV. 

By evaluating all aspects of an air purifier, not just the type of filter it uses or how powerful it is, you will be able to land on the perfect fit for your living space and lifestyle, ensuring you can continuously cleanse the air you breathe, regardless of the potential contaminants and toxins that naturally exist within your home and your environment.