How to choose the best home air purifier

Indoor air quality isn’t as good as it used to be. Pollutants, smoke, dust, and allergens are making their way into homes more often, especially in cities with already poor outdoor air quality. An air purifier reduces indoor pollutants by pulling in air, trapping contaminants in its filters, and pushing cleaner air back into the room. 

When choosing a home air purifier, it’s important to pay attention to key features like filter type, room coverage, noise level, and maintenance needs. Some models even use HEPA filters that capture smaller particles, while others offer additional filtration for odours and gases. So, to help you sort through the options and find a model that suits your space, here’s how to choose the best air purifier for your home.

How to choose the best air purifier for your home?

If you’re dealing with allergies, pet dander, or pollution, or if you just want to breathe cleaner air, an air purifier is a smart addition to your home. 

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It can help reduce the dust, pollen, smoke, and odours that build up in your space. But with so many options out there, knowing what to look for can be tricky. Here’s what to keep in mind before you choose the right air purifier for your needs:

1. Pick the right filters

When choosing an air purifier, the filter should be your top priority. If you’re looking to tackle allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander, a True HEPA filter is the way to go. These filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Be cautious of “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type” filters, as they don’t meet the same standard. For odours or gases such as smoke and cooking smells, look for a model with an activated carbon filter alongside HEPA. Some purifiers combine both, offering a more well-rounded approach to air cleaning.

2. Match the air purifier to your room size

Next, make sure the air purifier fits your space. Air purifiers are designed to cover specific room sizes, usually listed in square feet. Measure your room to ensure the model you’re considering can handle it. 

You’ll also want to check the CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate), which tells you how quickly the purifier can clean the air of smoke, dust, and pollen. A higher CADR means faster cleaning, which is especially useful for larger rooms.

3. Check the noise level

Noise level is another factor that can’t be overlooked. If you plan on running the purifier overnight or in a living room, you’ll want an air purifier that doesn’t get too loud. Check the decibel (dB) rating to get an idea of how noisy it might be. Around 30 dB is about the sound of a whisper, which is perfect for sleep, while 50 dB is more like a quiet conversation and fine for daytime use.

4. Know the maintenance and running costs

Another factor you shouldn’t ignore is maintenance and filter replacement. Air purifiers need regular upkeep, and filters typically need replacing every 6–12 months, depending on the type.

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Carbon filters often need to be changed more frequently, about every 3–6 months. It’s important to consider how much replacement filters will cost and whether they’re easy to find.

5. Avoid ozone emissions

Ozone emissions are another thing to watch out for. Some purifiers, especially those with ionisers or UV-C lights, can produce ozone as a byproduct. While this isn’t always a major concern, ozone can irritate the lungs, especially for people with respiratory issues. If you’re sensitive to this, look for models that are ozone-free or CARB-certified.

6. Look for features that make life easier

Lastly, consider extra features that can make using the purifier easier. Features like auto mode, which adjusts fan speed based on air quality, and sleep mode, which operates quietly at night, can be very convenient. You might also find a purifier with app control or a remote for easier adjustments, or a timer to set it to run on a schedule.

Equipped with this knowledge, go ahead and buy the right purifier for your home.