What to Look For in a Home Air Purifier

Keep your air clean with the proper purifying system

By Sabah Karimi

Photo by iStockphoto.com

You may not be able to see the particles of dust, bacteria, pollen and allergens in the air, but they can wreak havoc on you and your allergies. Investing in a high quality air purifier can rid your air of contaminants and improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe on a daily basis. Whether you live in a small studio apartment or a spacious multilevel home, you have several options to choose from when investing in an air home purifier.

Types

There are two main types of air purifiers: room models and whole-house air purifiers. Room models are typically standalone units designed for tabletops or floors. Some larger models are designed on wheels so that they can be moved from room to room with ease. Some room models are designated as "ozone generators" because they help to reduce allergens, germs and mold in addition to purifying the air. Whole-house air purifiers are professionally installed in your home's heating and cooling system. These heavy-duty units are designed to remove dust, smoke and odors by pulling particles in through the home's vents.

Key Features

Key features to look for when purchasing a home air purifier include: HEPA filtration system, removable filters for easy filter replacement, ionizer technology, quiet fan, servicing indicator, air quality monitor, auto shut-off option and dust sensors. Some home air purifiers are designed with a digital display for easy air-quality readings. You may also consider purchasing a home air purifier with a touch pad instead of a dial control setting for easy use.

Brands

Some of the major home air purifier brands include Holmes, Oreck, Ionic Pro, Honeywell and Hunter. You can select from several different models depending on your budget and the square footage you need to filter. Some of these home air purifiers are available at big-box retailers, while others can be purchased from home goods stores or directly from the manufacturer online.

Performance

When looking for a high-quality model, check the air purifier's clean-air delivery rate (CADR). A CADR above 350 is considered to be very good while a CADR below 100 may not clean the air very efficiently. CADR rates are a measure of cleaning speed, and only some manufacturers provide this information for consumers. Look for certification by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. If the home air purifier manufacturer has been recognized as a top performer by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, the features list will include a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV).

Considerations

Determine what type of warranty coverage you have when choosing between different brands so that you are covered against faulty motors, broken filters and mechanical defects from ongoing use. Some home air purifier manufactures offer a limited warranty, while others may offer an extended warranty with purchase option. The retailer you purchase the air purifier from may also offer an extended warranty or protection plan. You may want to invest in one if you plan to use the device for several years.