We know that shopping for an air purifier is tiresome, especially with so many options out there. You may spend hours on end, trying to find the best air purifier for your situation. In fact, you may be reading this at 2:00 am because those pesky allergies won’t let you sleep.
Thankfully, our Rabbit Air Team has put together some helpful tips to aid you in your air purifier shopping experience. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Technology: Types of Air Purifiers
How are you going to clean my air?
The first step toward picking an air purifier that suits your needs is to learn about all the different types and technical specifications used on products.
There aren’t that many features to remember, but they all significantly change the air purifier’s operation.
HEPA Filters
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration air purifiers are definitely the way to go. They are the most recognized and reliable air filtration technology with an efficiency of trapping particulates down to 0.3 microns in size, 99.97% of the time. They are also highly recommended by allergists due to their effectiveness.
There are also other technologies that are beneficial at cleaning the air. One of them is activated carbon.
Activated Carbon Filters in Air Purifiers
Known for its high absorption capability, activated carbon can effectively trap toxins such as VOCs, smoke, and odors.
They work by adsorbing gases and chemicals, making them ideal for homes with smokers, pets, or strong cooking smells. While they don't capture particulate matter, they complement HEPA filters well in multi-stage purification systems.
Another recommendation is to select an activated carbon filter that is charcoal-based. Individual charcoal pellets are highly porous and are able to trap all types of gases in their large internal surface area.
Ozone-generating Air Purifiers
Air purifiers to avoid? We do not recommend any type of “filter-less” air purifier. These include ozone generators and electrostatic precipitators, also known as “ionic” type purifiers.
Electrostatic precipitators are not as effective as HEPA-filtration air purifiers and both air purifiers are culprits for emitting ozone, which is a respiratory irritant for allergy and asthma sufferers.
If an air purifier uses ozone in addition to HEPA filtration, the two technologies can be complementary. But, avoid ones that don’t use filtration of any kind.
UV Sterilization Air Purifiers
Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization purifiers use UV-C light to inactivate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
These are particularly useful for those concerned about airborne pathogens. However, UV purifiers are most effective when used alongside filters that capture particles, as UV light doesn't remove pollutants from the air.
Key Factors To Consider
Room Size & Coverage Area
Air purifiers are rated for specific room sizes. Measure your room's square footage and choose a model designed for that space. An undersized purifier won't effectively clean the air, while an oversized one may consume more energy than necessary.
You don’t need to be exact in your room measurements but you also shouldn’t ignore coverage. Air purifiers typically list coverage in square feet. Multiplying the approximate length by the approximate width of the room will give you a pretty good idea of the air purifier you need.
Does room coverage matter?
Room coverage is very important, especially when you suffer from asthma or allergies. When shopping for an air purifier, look past the room size an air purifier covers and look at how many air changes per hour that particular air purifier has.
What is an air change per hour?
An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean a room in one hour. For example, 2 air changes per hour shows that an air purifier can clean a room once every 30 minutes. An allergy and asthma sufferer needs at least 4 air changes per hour, which means an air purifier can clean a room at least once every 15 minutes.
Noise
How loud is too loud?
Noise is measured in decibels. Although sensitivity to sound varies from person to person, there is some agreement over what is comfortable to the ear. Since we recommend that our customers operate the air purifier 24 hours a day, we advise choosing an air purifier that does not go over 55 decibels.
Be sure to check the decibel level of each speed before making a purchase, especially if you are a light sleeper. Once the noise decibel level goes over 60, it is considered to be “loud” according to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Maintenance and Filter Replacement Cost
Do I have the time and the money?
Not only do you need to consider the initial costs of the air purifier, you also have to look into how costly it is to operate.
One big cost is replacement filters. Look into how often you have to replace and how expensive the filters are. Also, choose an air purifier that requires less cleaning maintenance.
Energy Efficiency of an Air Purifier
Do you think the costs stop there? Definitely look into purchasing products that are Energy Star Certified or at least one that consumes less energy since you will most likely be operating your air purifier 24 hours a day. To put power consumption into perspective, it will cost over $120.00 a year to operate a 100-watt air purifier 24/7 in the state of California.
Extra Features to Look For in Air Purifiers
Smart Features & Air Quality Tracking
Modern air purifiers may offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control settings via a smartphone app. Some models provide real-time air quality monitoring, adjusting operation based on pollutant levels. These features add convenience and ensure your purifier responds to changing conditions.
Portability
If you need to move your purifier between rooms, consider its weight and design. Some models feature handles or caster wheels for easy mobility. Portable purifiers offer flexibility but ensure they're appropriately sized for the rooms you'll use them in.
Customer Service
Add great value to your purchase.
Vote for a company that has your best interests in mind. Besides, what’s more enjoyable than dealing with a company that makes everything seems so easy?
We suggest that you choose an air purifier company that offers great customer service, and is easily accessible. Many companies frequently discontinue models, so make sure you are able to find replacement filters when the time comes.
You also want to choose a company that provides a great warranty and return guarantee. Aim for a company that offers a warranty longer than one year and one that does not charge a restocking fee to return a product.
Last, but not least, consider the reputation of the company. Check consumer reviews online to see if you are dealing with an honest company. It’s not uncommon for a company to go out of business or disappear after a short time, which will leave you out of luck when trying to buy replacement filters or receive customer support.
