See The VIDEO and 5 Mistakes Below

After 30 years in the Air Cleaner Home Purifier industry I have watched people choose the wrong air purifier system hundreds of times. I’d like to help you avoid making that mistake. My suggestion, as the best way to begin, include these steps:

STEP #1: Review the 10 types of purifier to determine which fits your needs (reviewed below)

STEP #2: Read the Comparison Chart below to choose several that match the type you need.

STEP #3: Watch any video reviews, spec sheets, particle tests and ratings from those models on this site to make your decision.

You’ll discover a review on pretty much every brand name Air Cleaner Home Purifier on the market from the left menu . A complete list of air purifiers reviewed is available on the site can be found using the link below:

Air Cleaner Home Purifier Comparisons

5 Mistakes

The 5 mistakes most consumers make when choosing an air purifier:

1 – Buying an air purifier that does not cover adequate square footage

2 – Discovering that the replacement filters are overpriced on the model purchased

3 – Choosing the wrong technology for the job (EX: buying an Oreck to get rid of dust when the Oreck does not include a HEPA filter, and hence is inadequate for dust)

4 – Failing to review the warranty terms

5 – Purchasing an overpriced infomercial model

STEP ONE: Learn The TEN Technologies

There are 10 primary Purifier technologies available. The video below covers all 10 and what they help.

To Review:

#1 HEPA – For Particles including dust and pollen

#2 UV light – To Kill germs, viruses, and bacteria

#3 Active Carbon – For Gases: smoke, chemical fumes, and odors

#4 PreFilters – For large particles: Pet Hair, hair and Dust

#5 Tio2 – Improves UV effect making it much more effective

#6 Ozone – Great for Gases: Smoke, odor, mold (But can hurt lungs)

#7 Negative Ions – Can remove some smoke and pollution but more important has a positive effect on the physical body (better sleep, breathing, and more energy)

#8 Electrostatic Plates – pollution (soot), smoke, odor

#9 Water – Can gather dirt, hair and dust.

#10 Ionizers – Collects pollution and will kill some odor and smoke.

Keep a list of the technologies you want as you look at the comparison chart to find models matching your needs.

Air Cleaner Home Purifier comparison Chart

Watch the Reviews

From the link below (or the menu) you can find complete reviews on all major brands. These reviews include:

1) Spec Sheets

2) Pros and cons

3) Video reviews

4) Written reviews and comments

5) Particle tests for many popular models

There are many facts about air purifiers, and many more misconceptions about air purifiers in the world. For over 30 years, I’ve been involved with air purifiers and helping thousands of people get cleaner air. The following facts are designed to shorten the learning curve and get you educated to find the right air purifier for you.

To begin your journey in learning the facts about air purifiers, here are some questions you will need to be able to answer:

1) Which of the ten available Air Purifier Technologies match your needs? (And if you don’t know those 10 technologies watch the video below)

2) What is the square footage for my room? This is determined by multiplying the width by the length. (You can approximate this, but be sure to factor in high ceilings.)

Once you have these two questions answered view the air purifier comparison chart on our top ten models to see ratings, square footage, filters included,warranty info, and prices. The video further down the page will walk you through the technologies and what to look for. Because each technology has different strengths and weaknesses (EX: HEPA is good for allergies but not odor) it’s likely you’ll be looking for a multi-technology air purifier. The chart below can be more easily viewed on smaller screens via the link to the right.

Consider The Top 3 Reasons Why Most People Choose The Wrong Air Purifier

There are three primary reasons why most people choose the wrong air purifiers. Here are the top 3:

Mistake #1: Not knowing the 10 technologies and buying an air purifier that misses the technology that solves your problem.

REASON 2: You don’t understand some of the questionable practices of air purifier manufacturers (EX: you end up buying an air purifier with a limited warranty, or overpriced replacement filters).

REASON 3: You pay too much for an air purifier because the infomercial or marketing convince you it will solve your problem.

To compare air purifiers properly you’ll want to use this information to choose the best one for you.

Facts About Air Purifiers – More Reviews

How to Understand Air Purification Technology

Become A Smart Shopper

There’s no replacement for getting educated about what you’re buying, especially with a larger purchase like an air purifier. You’ll have it (likely) for years. Save money and “Stay Smart my Friends”!

Facts About Air Purifiers – Conclusion

If you watched the 10 technologies video, and figured out your square footage, then it’s time to begin doing some comparisons. You’ll find more air purifier video comparisons and stat sheets on the major brands via the left menu.

I hope this helps you as much as it has helped others…

 

Overview

In this review of air purifiers for the home I'd like to first ask: "Do you understand the ten technologies, and how they match (or fail to match) your homes needs?" That's

where I find most people end up wasting money.

Please watch the video below first to learn:

1) Which of the ten types of air purifiers for the home match your homes needs

2) What size air purifier you need.

Armed with that information the comparison chart (via the left menu) can help you narrow down several air purifiers for the home that match your homes needs. Then watch the video reviews and

particle tests on these model available on this site.

You'll find complete video reviews and specification information on almost every home air purifier here. To date we have tested and reviewed over two hundred air purifiers for the

home.

Top 10 Home Air Purifier Mistakes

1 – Incorrect Type of filters. EX: If allergies are your main concern avoid electrostatic air purifiers like the Oreck. You need something with a HEPA

filter, according to allergies and experts. Learn the 10 technologies first.

2 – Too small or too large. Check the square footage of your room, and the square footage of the brand name. With small rooms you can often buy 2 for the price of one large air purifier.

3 – Paying too much. Many air purifiers are overpriced for what they do and their square footage.

4 – Poor warranties. Many warranties are pro-rated, meaning if it breaks down you'll have to pay to get it fixed. Read the warrantyb terms first.

5 – Failing to check replacement part costs. Many companies overcharge, in my opinion, for their HEPA filters, carbon filters, and UV bulbs. But if you own their model you're stuck

buying their filters so check replacement costs first.

6. – Not checking decibel levels. If you plan on using it in the bedroom make sure you look for a model that has a decibel level below 24. I've seen consumers who had to return the model

at their cost by not checking for quiet.

7. – OZONE machines. As ironic as it sounds some air purifiers that produce ozone in large amounts can irritate your lungs and cause breathing problems. Ozone machines are good for smoke and

odor, but the health risk is there as well.

8. – Falling for Infomercial Claims. Most infomercials need a 7 times markup – which means they are generally overpriced.

9. – Old technology. Many air purifiers, and even several expensive "top-rated" models, still use the old brush-type fan motors which use more electricity, break down faster and

are noisier. Look for a brushless motor with the latest electronics.

10. – Failing to see for yourself. Watch the videos on this website to see inside each machine, the size of the filters, and particle tests.

Overview

It’s true that a home ozone air purifier (while good at smoke, mold and odor) can hurt your lungs and airways. But let’s start by explaining the difference between ozone and ions, because they are two different things. Certainly there is a lot of confusion for consumers about the difference, and the controversy about ozone.

Ozone Explained – Ozone is a very unstable substance, which makes it good for cleaning smoke and odors from the air. It does not help with dust and pollen. However it is nothing more than oxygen (O2) with an added molecule (making it O3). Simple enough, but what does this mean? It’s that extra molecule, created by an electrical process, that can go out into the air and because it is unstable it will attach itself to gas molecules (odor, smoke) and some living molecules (mold spores) killing or disabling them. Unfortunately this is what, at certain levels, also harms the lung tissues.

Ozone vs. Ionizers

Ionizer – Ionizers (ions) are another way to clean the air (Oreck, ionic Breeze, etc.) which uses small washable plates or grids that are electrically charged with positive and negative electricity. This is called an “Ionizer” because it counts on positive and negative “ions” to clean the air. Like a magnet the plates attract any molecules in the air that air negative or positive. Since so many pollutants are positively charged the negative plates make a perfect place for them to attach themselves. Then you simply wash off the plates or grids. However dust and pollen carries little charge so these types of air purifiers are not good for dust or pollen.

The problem with Ionizer plates, or truman cells, is that ionizers can create ozone as a “by product”. This is why the Sharper Image company had to remove the “ionic Breeze” from the market. And despite claims by Oreck that their machine does not produce ozone consumers are complaining about an “odor” from their machines.

Home Ozone Air Purifier Brands

Besides the ionizers that produce ozone as a by product some companies sell Ozone machines. These include:

Ecoquest- Now owned by Vollara. A multi-level marketing company. They sell for over 500

Alpine – The earlier name of the Ecoquest Company. The name changes have been as the result of the government cracking down on the claims by Ecoquest and Alpine as to teh health benefits, as well as consumer complaints from ozone problems.

Conclusion

While I do own a home ozone air purifier I only use it for treating my basement, garage and bathroom. In other words I use it for mold and mildew problems only. I also leave the house when I use it to treat a room.

However if you have allergies or any kind of lung problems stay away from Ozone. It does not gather dust or pollen and it can harm your lungs. My primary air purifier starts with HEPA and UV – to gather dust and pollen – and UV, to kill germs, odors, and bacteria.

 

Overview

On this website you will see my video reviews of major brands, particle tests, comparison charts, and recommendations.

But enough about me. The real goal of this website is to help you determine which air purifier is right for you. What some consider the “best air purifier” might be the worst one for you. A little education on air purification technology will help you find the right air purifier for you.

The Best Air Purifier Consumer Report – Comes From You!

Navigate to the from page of this website and you will find a 4-step process (via video) which will help you determine the best air purifier for your needs. Learn the technology, the things to watch out for, and then (and only then) look at the comparison charts and watch the video reviews on the major brands.

Go inside the videos to see the filters you are buying. Look out for expensive replacement filters, deceptive warranties, and other air purifier loopholes. After you have done your own research you’ll be the best person to write the best air purifier consumer report for your needs. And your needs are different from everyone else.

Save Time

Please, please, follow the steps I have outlined on the homepage. I have had many people waste time online searching and trying to learn about air purifiers amongst the thousands of available models on the market only to buy the wrong one.

It’s easy to get lost or confused. That’s why I consider this website the best air purifier consumer report – because it reports the steps consumers need to make to purchase the “best” air purifier based on their needs.

Save Money

Purchasing an air purifier that is to small, too big, or has overpriced replacement filters before doing your research can waster hundreds of dollars overtime.

Here’s a checklist of what to look out for:

1) Make sure you know which of the 10 technologies fit your needs

2) Make sure any replacement hepa filters or UV bulbs are not over 50

3) Check the size of your room against square footage

4) Review the warranty and guarantee to make sure you’ll be taken care of in the event of problems

Conclusion

I hope you find this website helpful in your searcher the right air purifier. Feel free to ask me a question via the link below…

Best Air Purifier Consumer Report Video

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The only way to determine precise air purifier ratings – ones that shows the true effectiveness – one must incorporate the following:

1. Particle Tests – to determine ability to remove particles like dust and pollen

2. Decibel tests – to determine the quiet levels of the machine

3. Smoke tests – to determine ability to remove cigarette, fireplace and cooking smoke

4. Bacteria, and mold tests as available

5. Independent tests from outside sources

6. Consumer feedback

7. Hands-on dissection (video)

8. Replacement filter costs – to determine the value and economy of an air purifier over time

I’ve tried to include as much of this data as possible on this site, including particle tests that we perform in real world situations.

Complete List Of Air Purifiers Reviewed On This Site

For the air purifier brands listed on the left menu (search our site for others not listed) you’ll find a condensed version of the information above with comments, videos, and Q&A.

Our overall air purifier ratings system is calculated by:

1. Technologies Included

2. Particle Removal (Allergens, Dust)

3. Immune System Threats (Germs, Virus, etc.)

4. Gas Removal (Odor, Chemicals, Smoke)

5. Longevity/Quality

6. Noise Levels

7. Ease of Use

8. Warranty

9. Customer Service/Reputation (reviews)

10. Price Value

At the end you’ll find Questions and Answers from readers and from online reviews as available.

Air Purifier Ratings – Comprehensive Comparison Chart

Why Companies Don’t Include Particle Tests

I don’t know why, except I have a hunch why they don’t. If you can sell someone an air purifier without showing particle tests then why bother. Especially if your air purifier does not perform particularly (pun unintended) well.

For all my reviews I try to include a particle test because it’s the only way to really know a machine removes dust and pollen. It shows that air purifiers really work. The only drawback is that it doesn’t show how it does on germs, viruses and gases. There are other tests for those. But if pollen allergies are your problem it must test a particle test.

Also – Particle tests need to be done two ways: 1) on the outflow of the air purifier to determine if it is removing all molecules and 2) from across the room over a 1-2 hour period to determine if the air purifier is effective at lowering the numbers to near zero.

Conclusion

I hope to offer you the most comprehensive reviews available online. You’ll find Comparison Charts and a List of all air purifiers reviewed on this site via the links below…

 

Overview

Over the past 30 years my Air Purifier Rating Review Reports have focused on:

1 – Which technologies are best for asthma, allergies, mold, and dust ?

2 – What are the pros and cons of each air purifier ?

3 – How can the consumer avoid buying the wrong air purifier?

Plus factors involving replacement filter costs, warranty issues, safety issues and industry problems. I’ve been involved with design, education, marketing, and industry issues with many air purifier companies since college.

Because todays consumer is more educated and wants more information my reviews now include video reviews on all brands, which often include particle tests, decibel tests, comparison charts, mold/mildew tests and more science. I’m sure that it is more information than most people want or need but it’s there if you ned it.

But the real reason for my involvement in air purifier ratings review s has to do with my own health problems. I first became interested in,and began using, air purifiers in the early 1960’s when I was a young boy with asthma and allergies.

Particle Tests

Particle tests, one of the primary methods I use to test the effectiveness of an air purifier, are good for the following:

1) To determine the removal ability for dust, pollen, hair and soot

2) To determine a HEPA filter’s ability

3) To remove allergens for asthmatics and allergy sufferers

4) for dtermining the air purifiers ability to remove some forms of bacteria and mold spores

However a particle test does not indicate an air purifiers ability to remove odor, gases, chemical fumes, and many other forms of pathogen (germs, bacteria, etc.). the video below demonstrates the uses of a particle tester for air quality.

[ Air Purifier Rating Review ]

How Do I Start?

If you look for the ” Best ranking air purifier” or the ” Best rated air purifier ” (while not a bad starting point) it might be a recipe for disaster. That’s because the best seller is not necessarily the best for your needs, or your budget.

To find the right air purifier for your home (or your needs) involves several steps to assure that you purchase properly:

1) Learn the 10 technologies – then you will know which air purifier technology fits your problem

2) Determine the square footage – many people buy an air purifier that is either too small or too large

3) Look at the comparison chart to find models that match both the technology and the square footage. the comparison chart will also help you weigh warranty/guarantee terms, fan volume, and replacement filter costs.

40 Watch videos and read the complete review of each model that matched from the chart.

The Video on the home page takes you through all 4 steps. VIDEO: 4 Steps To the Right Air Purifier

Comparing Air Purifiers

I hope this Air Purifier Rating Review Guide has proven helpful to you.

The link below takes you to the comparison chart page.

Air Purifier Rating Review Comparison Chart

Mike H. (Detroit) phoned one day to say:

“I wouldn’t recommend any air purifier Home Depot sells in their store. They don’t know squat about air purifiers, and they don’t even warranty the products they carry”.

He was frustrated having wasted time buying an air purifier from with poor advice given in the store. The purifier he bought not only didn’t offer him any allergy relief, it didn’t collect any pollen in the filters when he opened it up. However the Customer Service (in the store) was good and he received a full refund.

I told Mike:

“You can’t expect expert advice from Home Depot on air purifiers, since they don’t have an in-house expert in health matters. You first have to know which technology matches your needs, and then which models have that technology, before you should even search for a good price. Do you know about the 10 technologies and what they do?”

“Nope”

He then asked me what I thought of the Ionic Pro, the model Home Depot recommended, and which was on sale there. I told Mike that the ionic pro does not have a HEPA filter – the technology he needed most for dust and pollen effectiveness.

He then asked me for suggestions in buying the right air purifier. This review offers my suggestions to Mike, plus all the reasons to avoid, or buy, an air purifier from a big box store or their online website.

10 Technologies – and what they do

Air Purifier Home Depot Brands

Home Depot Carries the Following models online:

RabbitAir

Honeywell

Winix

Blueair

Ionic Pro

GE

HomeDepot.com Problems

Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s all sell air purifiers on their sites. Before buying any air purifier home depot (or any of the other “big box stores”) sells check the following:

1) Do they have the best price on the model you want? Remember – they are just a middleman and don’t actually carry, or service, the item. They just have it drop shipped from the manufacturer.

2) Is the warranty the same there as with the manufacturer? In many cases I’ve seen that the original manufacturers offer longer warranties if you buy direct.

3) Are prices on Amazon lower? Amazons return policies are better than Home Depot. You’re better protected, and most often the price there is lower. (However check the warranty on Amazon, and the price on the page of the manufacturer as sometimes Amazon is more).

Conclusion

If you know the ten technologies (see the video), and you have compared several brands that match your needs (see the comparison chart and reviews) then shopping online at Home Depot, Amazon, Ebay, etc. is a good way to get the best price.

If you get the same price from the manufacturers site as from the reseller (Home Depot, etc.) I suggest you buy from the manufacturer, as you’ll be able to deal directly with them if help is needed.

The Link below takes you to the comparison chart…

Air Purifier Home Depot Comparisons

Overview

The Air Purifiers Ratings Charts, video reviews, and particle tests you will find on this website represent the most extensive compilation from my 30 year experience in the air purifier industry. My hope is that it saves you time and helps you to find the best air purifier for your needs, at a reasonable price.

While most air purifiers ratings charts found on the internet only reflect the top-selling units (not necessarily the best for you) of that website I’m going to suggest you watch the video below first. This video will educate you about the ten types of purifier and what each does.

Which Type Fits Your Needs?

The Best One For You

Did you watch the video? Do you understand the ten types of air purifier technology and which fits your needs? I emphasize this because I have seen many people spend time returning an air purifier that doesn’t fit their needs. A few minutes getting educated will save you money and aggravation.

How We Determine An Air Purifiers Ratings

To rate an air purifier I use the following criteria:

Available Technology- Which of the ten technologies are in the air purifier? Many air purifiers only use 2-3.

Replacement Filter Cost- I have found that most air purifiers on the market have overpriced replacement filters. For this reason the comparison chart includes these prices.

Particle Tests- This determines whether dust and pollen are taken out of the air. It surprises me that more companies do not provide video particle tests, especially for people with allergies.

Customer Reviews- Almost all air purifiers reviewed on this site are ones that I own, as witnessed by the video reviews on most brands. However it is the customer reviews on Amazon and other websites that has helped find flaws and problems with Air Purifiers which I include in my reviews.

Internal Video Review- Talking about an air purifier is one thing, taking it apart is the best way to really see what it can do. When I take apart an air purifier I can see the motor design quality, construction quality, filter size, and technology. You’ll see me do this in many of the video reviews.

Specifications – Included in each review are extensive specification information on each air purifier.

Air Purifiers Ratings

Then, along with the criteria about I give it my own personal score, using the following information:

1. Technologies Included: (out of of 10 technologies)

2. Particle Removal (Allergens, Dust)

3. Immune System Threats (Germs, Virus, etc.)

4. Gas Removal (Odor, Chemicals, Smoke)

5. Longevity/Quality

6. Noise Levels

7. Ease of Use

8. Warranty

9. Customer Service/Reputation (reviews)

10. Price Value

Conclusion

Knowing the technology, and the square footage you need, continue below to the comparison chart. After you have chosen several air purifiers watch and read the reviews on this website.

 

Overview

An Air Purifiers Ratings will only be of value if you first know:

1) What technology matches your needs (Ionic? HEPA? UV? Carbon?)

2) The value of the models you are reviewing (Consumer reviews, operating cost, filter replacement costs).

3) What square footage you need and

4) All the in’s and out’s of warranties, and guarantees

To determine the best air purifier – and that is the best based on YOUR NEEDS – my suggestion is to first watch the video below. It explains the 10 air purification technologies available and what they do.

Once you determine which technology matches your need then review the comparison chart (link on the left menu) for models that match. Choose several that match your needs. Then watch the video reviews on each model and the complete written reviews which include particle tests, as well as lists of pros and cons.

What Makes This Site Unique

While most sites offer an purifiers ratings based purely on spec sheets or price on this site you’ll find the more important information including:

1) Video reviews where I take the air purifier apart to show you the filters and technology.

2) Comparison charts – this especially important information because many companies use deceptive warranty policies and have overpriced replacement filters.

3) Particle tests which show which units really remove dust, pollen, and other debris in the air. I haven’t found any other site which covers this. (video)

How Most Air Purifiers Ratings Deceive Consumers

If you chose your air purifier before learning the 10 technologies matches you will likely choose poorly. In fact most consumers buy based on infomercials. Here’s a few things you’ll want to consider:

1) Every air purifier covers a different area of square footage, yet many consumers purchase models that are too small or too large.

2) Each of the ten air purification technologies removes something different from the air. For example, many people bought the Oreck Air Purifier for pollen allergies, only to find that it doesn’t have a HEPA filter – hence it won’t do a very good job on pollen.

3) When the air purifiers ratings come out in consumer reports they fail to include include important factors like replacement filter costs. EX: Buy their best-rated air purifier and you’ll be paying 75 every 9 months.

Got Allergies: Watch the Particle Tests

The only way to properly test whether an air purifier removes dust, dirt, or pollen is a laser particle tester. And this is perhaps the only site where you’ll find particle tests on most major brands.

Video Reviews For The Best Choice

I like seeing inside things I spend money on. And I’ve bought many good and bad air purifiers. They’re not cheap! Since air purifiers are only as good as the fans, filters, and technology inside I’ve put together a video review for the majority of air purifiers reviewed on this site.

 

OVERVIEW

On this site we have created the best rating air purifier reviews. The reason we claim that is because there is no other site that includes: specification sheets, particle tests, and complete video reviews which take you inside each air purifier.

Best Rating Air Purifier ?

Many websites claim to have the most definitive rating methods but the problem is that each persons air purifier needs are different. Here are several examples of why there can be no “best rated air purifier”:

Small Room? Most best rated air purifier s are the larger models.

Mold Problem? HEPA air purifiers are ineffective for mold, yet the best rating air purifier on the market is a HEPA air purifier.

Asthma? You would be ill advised to buy an Ozone air purifier as it can irritate sensitive lungs and trigger asthma.

How About Consumer Reports ?

While you might review the Consumer Reports Magazine best rating air purifier list (from a few years ago) for information “best” does not equal “best for you”. In fact one of their top rated suggestions – the Friedrich Air Purifier – is a huge, loud machine which is less than effective at dust and pollen being an “electrostatic ” machine. (See my review on the Friedrich).

Particle Tests

The value in particle tests is they reveal which air purifiers do an effective job at removing dust, pollen, and some bacteria. The particle tests of the major brands on this site (via the left menu) show how well each does for particle removal.

Bacteria Tests

A bacteria test can be a way to determine the effectiveness of an air purifier in getting rid of bacteria, germs, mold, bacteria and in some tests viruses. The primary methods to accomplish this through an air purifier is with Ultraviolet light, Tio2, or with Ozone.

Most air purifier are not tested for this, and while germs, bacteria and viruses may not be your primary concern it can be a consideration. If you have allergies and asthma, for example, dust and pollen would be a first concern. However viruses and germs can trigger asthma and allergies as well, and weaken an already compromised immune system.

Decibel Tests

The primary reason for looking at volume tests (volume is tested in decibel) is to determine:

Will the air purifier be quiet enough that it doesn’t disturb my sleep?

Will I notice this air purifier on while I am watching TV or doing work?

For sleep anything under 20-25 decibels is considered quiet

A Better Rating Method

A better method to determine the best air purifier for you is to create your own rating system based on “your needs”. First determine which technologies you need, then how much square footage you want to cover, and compare features using the comparison chart on this site, and then watch view reviews to narrow your search. Otherwise you are going by someone else’s rating as to which one they feel is best, but not necessarily the one that fits your need.

 

Overview

The realization that my Air Purifier was a poor financial purchase didn’t happen until 7 months later when I went to buy a replacement filter. This 220.00 machine was now asking me to spend another 120 to replace the filter. The filter was gray and clearly dirty from the auto pollution, pollen and dust in my home air, so I was clearly happy with the results, just not with the financial bath I was about to take.

The HEPA filter itself is a cloth-based filter which captures and permanently holds particles. Most can collect molecules down to 99.97 percent. It is recommended most by Allergists because nothing else does as good a job. Electrostatic and ionic plate air purifiers (like Oreck) are not anywhere close to doing a good job on dust and pollen. They simply do not collect particles as well.

Why so Expensive?

While HEPA filters are very inexpensive to produce manufacturers know they own you: If you own the air purifier then you’re basically stuck buying the replacement filter at the price the company sets for it. Most filters are now made in China.

In Japan consumers are smarter – they look for additional filters included with any air purifier purchase. Because most Americans don’t think about “down the road’ costs the air purifier makers can charge whatever they want. They often make more money on filters over 2 years than they do on the original air purifier sale itself. The same realization holds true for Auto Makers and inkjet Printer manufacturers: The real money happens in the backend.

HYPE

There are variations in sizes and shapes but none of it makes much difference in effectiveness. The difference is that bigger one will last longer and cover a larger room (if the fan is also bigger). Marketers will use the following terms to try to make theirs “sound” or “appear” different:

“True HEPA” – A term used to imply that some brands are not the real thing. If it says HEPA (and not any variation) then it is. The exception is terms like “hepa-like” or “Washable” filters. These are less-effective than the “real thing”.

“Hyper” – Different companies often try to make their filter sound better or more unique. Some have bacterial agents to kill germs and viruses. However this just kills the viruses and germs on the filter itself, not in the room.

“Sealed” – Marketers also use the term “sealed” to infer that some machines leak air out the sides of the filter making it less effective. Having reviewed, particle – tested, and owned hundreds of air purifiers (over 40 years worth) I have never seen this happen in any High Efficiency Particulate Air Purifier on the market.

Conclusion

Being just one the 10 types of air purification technologies, it is still best for allergies and the first choice I suggest in buying an air purifier.

Particle tests and comparison charts on this website will show you different models and the most popular filters inside each machine. To compare filter prices see the comparison chart via the link below.