Top Air Purifier Reviews

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Ion Flow Air Purifiers Guide

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Ionic Breeze History

A few years back, Ionic Breeze was the biggest name in the air purification industry, selling millions of units, backed by an extensive marketing campaign. Ionic Breeze purifiers, as the name implies, used ionizers to capture pollutants by creating a charge that attracted them, thus removing them from circulation in the air. Ionic Breeze was manufactured by The Sharper Image, a successful consumer electronics company that operated its own stores.

However, the Ionic Breeze’s reign came crashing down in the mid-2000s due to studies by Consumer Reports magazine that questioned its effectiveness and even indicated that, by producing high levels of ozone, it was positively dangerous to those who used it. Ozone is a molecule that can severely damage the lungs when inhaled even in relatively small doses. When the Ionic Breeze fell, it took The Sharper Image with it, to the point that all Sharper Image stores were closed and the company went bankrupt. However, the brand has recently been revived under new ownership, though solely as a maker of consumer electronics and an online seller at sharperimage.com, rather than a chain of stores. It is now owned by the Camelot Venture Group.

Ionic Breeze Re-emerges as Ion Flow

As part of this revitalization, the company has once again entered the air purification market. It now makes air purifiers under the name Ion Flow. The Sharper Image describes the Ion Flow as “a filterless, ozone free, and energy efficient air cleaner that removes over 99% of harmful air pollutants.” It also states that Ion Flow devices work at “capturing the smallest particles, down to .01 microns,” all without using a filter that must periodically be replaced or cleaned like most air purifiers.

To back up this claim, it cites testing performed by the Swedish government’s National Testing and Research Institute, which indicate that the Ion Flow is capable of clearing the air of nearly all pollutants between 0.3 and 1.0 microns within 5 hours. The company also states that all their products, unlike their predecessor the Ionic Breeze, emit no measurable amounts of ozone and are therefore not a health hazard.

Note that ionizers such as the Ion Flow target particulate pollution only, and are not effective against gasses and odors.

Ion Flow Price Range

The variants of Ion Flow are pricier than some other air purifiers, but it should also be kept in mind that there will be no continuing costs that come with replacing old filters. The only difference that The Sharper Image mentions between the three models of Ion Flow is their size, shape, and where they are meant to be placed; notice that the coverage area given for all three is the same, despite their different sizes and prices. They are all rather stylishly designed, with a very modern look, as was the Ionic Breeze in its day.

Ion Flow Air Purifier Models

  • Light Air Ion Flow 50 Style: Ionizer. Coverage area of 540 square feet. Designed to be placed on the floor.
  • Light Air Ion Flow 50 Table Top: Ionizer. Coverage area of 540 square feet. Designed to sit on desks or tables.
  • Light Air Ion Flow 50 Sky: Ionizer. Coverage area of 540 square feet. Designed to be hung from the ceiling.

Ionic Pro Air Purifiers Guide

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Ionic Pro Parent Company & Product History

The Ionic Pro® series is manufactured by Air Purifier, LLC, a member of the Electronic Retailing Association which specializes in direct-to-consumer commerce and is not associated with Sharper Image. Their line of five air purifiers can be purchased online or in stores such as Wal-mart, Best Buy and Frys.

This company suffered repercussions from poor ratings that ionic/electrostatic/ozonator technologies received from Consumer Reports for ineffective air cleaning and unacceptable ozone emissions. Their marketing strategy has centered on making their units significantly more affordable than the more effective air purification products by having them manufactured in China using reverse-engineered American designs.

Consumer Complaints

Many consumers choose an ionic air purifier because of its low price, quiet operation and the slight breeze that sends out a “clean” smell. They are easy to maintain since do not require filter changes, although the mechanisms must be serviced regularly, so the unit produces a “buzz” when it is time to clean the elements. The steel plate assembly can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and if the unit goes too long without servicing it will shut itself off to prevent creating a fire hazard.

Criticism of Ionic Pro products include false advertising regarding the nature of the filter, which is not a Pure HEPA filter and consequently does not capture particulates down to 0.3 microns. In fact, their “HEPA-type” filter only captures airborne matter down to 1 micron, which is comparable to the capture rate of a regular vacuum cleaner. Claims regarding coverage area is misleading, because much of that radius is a result of the ozone drifting away from the machine.

Clean Air Delivery Rate

A Clean Air Delivery Rate of approximately 20 is achieved when the positively-charged ionizer wire attracts electrified particles to the charged collection plate, known as the Zenion effect. Collector plates can be damaged by electrical fluctuations and replacements cost $30.00, so surge protectors are recommended.

Construction and Warranty

All the towers are made of plastic and available in black or white. A control panel on top of the tower has LED lights indicating the status and power setting of the unit. Warranties vary, and longer warranties are available for installment plan purchases.

Ive Been Researching Air Purifiers for Days and am Totally Overwhelmed?

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Question

I’ve been researching air purifiers for days and am totally overwhelmed. I need one for a 168-sq. ft. bedroom, primarily to alleviate dust allergies. The RabbitAir BioGS SPA-421A has great reviews and looks better, but it seems the reviews for Honeywell purifiers (which are cheaper, but apparently much more noisy) were better in terms of alleviating allergy symptoms. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

-Zee

Answer

We haven’t been able to find any definitive studies that prove any air purifier relieves allergy symptoms.  However, from personal experience and the stories of others, the IQ Air Health Pro series has gotten great reviews.  I use one in our bedroom and it has helped reduce symptoms of my chronic rhinitus.  It is the only model I can personally vouch for regarding allergy symptoms.

Merv-Ratings

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What Are MERV Ratings and How Do They Work?

What is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value?

MERV Rating Chart

ASHRAE Standard 52.2 ASHRAE Standard 52.1 Application Guidelines

MERV Rating

Particle Size Removal Efficiency Dust-Spot Efficiency Percent Particle Size and Typical Contaminant Typical Applications Typical Air Filter Type 0.3 to 1 0.3 to 1 0.3 to 1 ≥ 99.999 in 0.1 – 0.2 μm particle size

< 0.3 μm Virus (un attached) Carbon Dust Sea Salt All combustion smoke

Electronics manufacturing Pharmaceutical manufacturing Carcinogenic materials HEPA/ULPA Filters ≥ 99.999 in 0.3 μm particle size ≥ 99.99 in 0.3 μm particle size ≥ 99.97 in 0.3 μm particle size 0.3-1 μm All bacteria Droplet nuclei (sneeze) Cooking oil Most smoke Insecticide dust Most face powder Most paint pigments Superior commercial buildings Hospital inpatient care General surgery Bag Filters – Non supported (flexible) microfine fiberglass or synthetic media, 12 to 36 inches deep. Box filters – Rigid style cartridge, 6 to 12 inches deep. 85-95 75-85 90-95 80-90 70-75 1-3 μm Legionella Humidifier dust Lead dust Milled Flour Auto emission particles Nebulizer drops Superior residential Better commercial buildings Hospital laboratories Pleated filters – Extended surface with cotton or polyester media or both, 1 to 6 inches thick. Box Filters – Rigid style cartridge, 6 to 12 inches deep. 65-80 60-65 50-65 50-55 40-45 30-35 3-10 μm Mold Spores Dust mite body parts and droppings Cat and dog dander Hair spray Fabric protector Dusting aids Pudding mix Better residential Commercial buildings Industrial workspaces Pleated filters – Extended surface with cotton or polyester media or both, 1 to 6 inches thick Cartridge filters – Viscous cube or pocket filters Throwaway – Synthetic media panel filters 50-70 25-30 35-50 20-35 > 10 μm Pollen Dust mites Cockroach body parts and droppings Spanish moss Sanding dust Spray paint dust Textile fibers Carpet fibers Minimum filtration Residential window air conditioners Throwaway – Fiberglass or synthetic media panel, 1 inch thick Washable – Aluminum mesh, foam rubber panel Electrostatic – Self-charging (passive) woven polycarbonate panel

(Table Data Source – United States Environmental Protection Agency)

Who Uses MERV Ratings?

How is an Air Cleaner’s MERV Rating Determined? What Does an Air Cleaner’s MERV Rating Mean for You?

 

 

 

Sources referred to in this article:

  • Mechanical Reps., Inc. “MERV Rating Chart.” http://www.mechreps.com/PDF/Merv_Rating_Chart.pdf
  • National Air Filtration Association. “Understanding MERV: NAFA User’s Guide for ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007.” http://www.nafahq.org/LibaryFiles/Articles/Article006.htm
  • Newell, Donald A. “Interpreting Filter Performance.” http://www.emcorservicesnynj.com/news/FilterPerformanceByDN.pdf
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency. “Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home.” http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airclean.html
  • Wikipedia. “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_Efficiency_Reporting_Value
  • Wilkinson, Ron. MC2 “Market & Competitive Convergence — Air Filters: New Facilities, New Standard.” http://www.foustco.com/_fileCabinet/ProductInstructions/HVACFilters/merv_explanation.pdf

Kenmore Air Purifiers Guide

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Kenmore Company Info

The Kenmore line of appliances became associated with Sears since back in the late 1930s, and by 1936 over one million Kenmore appliances had been sold through Sears stores and mail-order catalogs. Over the decades, Kenmore has become their number one appliance brand, selling over 50% more than its closest competitor.

Kenmore Air Purifier Options

Out of the 5 air purification products offered by Kenmore, 4 are EnergyStar qualified for efficient operation, with the exception being the electrostatic model. They come in a range of coverage sizes from 150 square feet to 450 square feet and are competitively priced. All but one one unit has a true HEPA filter with a carbon filter with Sanitized® designed to remove smoke, dust and pollen. The units are advertised as having quiet motors, but no decibel figures are included in the product descriptions. All Kenmore air purifiers have a one year warranty.

Air Purification Technology

Kenmore’s HEPA filters are washable, but they still need to be replacedand replacement intervals are not mentioned in the product descriptions. The HEPA filtration systems capture 99.99% of the particulates in an air stream down to 0.3 microns. Room air quality is controlled by sensors that detect pollutants and automatically adjusts the fan speed for optimal cleaning. A blue LED “smooth touch” control panel is programmable.

Consumer Issues

Overall, the Kenmore line of air purifiers receives more bad reviews than good, many having to do with issues about getting repairs, receiving improper replacement parts and filters or about Sears policies and/or their customer service department. Some critics suspect that the units sold as Kenmore products are actually inferior knockoffs of brands like Sharp and Whirlpool.

Kenmore Air Purifier Models

  • Kenmore PlasmaWave™ Small Room Air Cleaner EnergyStar ® will cover 150 square feet. The CADR rating is 98 smoke, 98 dust and 103 pollen. The black plastic tower case includes a washable true HEPA filter with a carbon filter.
  • Kenmore Cleanable HEPA-Type Tower Air Cleaner cleans up to 150 square feet and does not have CADR testing information available. It only contains a washable HEPA-type filter and three cleaning power levels. It also includes a timer and an intelligent filter change/clean indicator that alert to when it is time to clean the filter.
  • Kenmore PlasmaWave™ Midsized Room Air Cleaner ENERGY STAR® cleans up to 300 square feet and has a 3-stage cleaning system. It has a CADR of 197 for smoke, 219 for dust and 214 for pollen.. The unit includes the true HEPA filter with the activated carbon treated with Sanitized® and the Advanced PlasmaWave™ Technology.
  • The Kenmore EnviroSense 85500 is not listed on the company website. Reviewers say it has a 5-stage cleaning system that includes a pre filter, a true HEPA filter, a nano-silver filter, a washable carbon filter and Advanced PlasmaWave™ Technology. Comes with a four speed fan and measures 27″ high,” 16 wide and 8.5″ deep. The CADR rate was quoted as 182 for dust, 183 for smoke and 194 for pollen. The review gave it an overall rating of 73 out of 100.
  • Kenmore PlasmaWave™ Small Room Air Cleaner ENERGY STAR® covers up to 450 square feet. Unit contains the true HEPA filter with the activated carbon filter treated with Sanitized® and the Advanced PlasmaWave™ Technology.  It comes with a programmable remote control and an integrated back handle for portability.
  • Kenmore Electrostatic Air Cleaner is a 3-stage portable air purifier and covers 465 square feet, or a 23′ x 20′ room. The washable filter system has a HEPA filter with the activated carbontreated with Sanitized® as well as the Advanced PlasmaWave™ Technology. It has a CADR of 300 dust, 380 pollen and 300 smoke.

LG Air Purifiers Guide

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LG Company Info

Founded in 1958 as GoldStar to produce Korea’s first line of electronic appliances, this company quickly grew to become an electronics and appliance industry leader in that country. LG Electronics Gulf FZE was established in 1996 and by 1999 it had become a worldwide leader in digital technology with emphasis on the Middle East with offices and affiliates in Dubai. LG Electronics has developed innovative, industry-setting standards for digital technology and appliances.

LG Air Purifier Technology

LG Electronics air cleaning technology uses washable filters as part of a 16-stage multi-layer filtering system that includes an anti-virus pre filter, a photocatalyst plasm filter, an allergen filter, a washable HEPA filter, an activated charcoal filter and a platinum deodorization filter. These 6 filters not only remove 99.97 percent of the particulates from an airstream down to 0.3 microns, but they tackle the tough pollutants like animal dander, allergy causing germs, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and even nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions that irritate respiratory conditions.

Replacement filters are only required for the allergy filter which costs $30.00. LG Air purifier prices or warranty information are not listed on the manufacturer’s website, consumers are referred to their nearest location to get further information. LG Electronics produces five types of air purifiers, but not all are listed with online retailers so prices are not available for all models.

Master Resource List

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Master Resource List

We’ve put together a list of air purification and indoor air quality (IAQ) resources for use by students, researchers, academic professionals, industry experts, and media. Our list covers a variety of topics from technology to health to scientific research and will be updated regularly. Please contact us if you feel an important consumer focused resource is missing from our list. (Updated February 3, 2011)

Air Purification General

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Residential Air Cleaning Devices (2nd Edition) – An August 2009 update to the EPA’s original guide to air cleaning devices in the home.  This essential document outlines common air pollutants, types of air cleaners, measuring air cleaner efficiency against common pollutants, and the health impact of air cleaners.  This document should be the starting point for any interested in the main issues surrounding residential air purification.
  • Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM): Clean Air Delivery Rate – Although a pro-industry group, AHAM has succeeded in forming an ANSI-certified standard for measuring air purifiers called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR).  This site explains what the rating means for consumers and manufacturers and also lists which air purification companies participate in the program and what CADR their products received for tobacco, pollen, and smoke, the main pollutants CADR measures.
  • EPA: Ozone Generators Sold As Air Cleaners – The EPA examines the health risks of ozone generating air purifiers and how ozone impacts health.
  • EnergyStar Approved Air Cleaners (PDF) – Most recent list of U.S. Department of Energy “EnergyStar” rated air cleaners.  Also listed are standards used for the EnergyStar rating and a savings calculator (XLS file) for consumers to find out real savings from EnergyStar approved air cleaners.
  • California Environmental Protection Agency: Particles and Air Cleaners – The State of California’s guide to air cleaner products including Fact Sheets on reducing exposure to particle pollutants, FAQ on air cleaning devices for the home, and air cleaners to avoid. 
  • ______: Hazardous Ozone-Generating “Air Purifiers” – Another guide from the State of California regarding the hazardous production of ozone by some air purifiers.  Includes a list of California certified air cleaners, research reports, and press releases.
  • Health Canada: Ozone Generator Q&A – Health Canada, a Canadian governmental agency, lists important questions regarding ozone generating air purifiers along with answers which including regulations, studies, consumer complaints.
  • National Air Filtration Association – Trade association for the air filtration industry.  Members are individuals and companies that sell, service and manufacture air filtration products all over the world.  Membership is also extended to those who are members of other organizations like the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and others.
  • Texas A&M: A Strategy For Reducing Pollutants In Indoor Air? – Guide detailing ways home owners can help keep indoor air clean in addition to air filtering products

Health Issues Related to Indoor Air Quality

  • California EPA: Sources and Potential Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollutants – Fact sheet that identifies potential indoor air pollutants along with potential health effects
  • California EPA: Reducing Your Exposure to Particle Pollutants (PDF) – Guide to identifying and limiting exposure to harmful particle pollutants, an alternative to air filtering
  • California EPA: Combustion Pollutants In Your Home – How to recognize sources of indoor pollutants, health effects, and what home owners can do to eliminate these sources without air filtering
  • California EPA: Combustion Pollutants In Your Home 2 (PDF – Addendum to original report) – May 1994 update to the original report that presents more current findings
  • State of California Certified Air Cleaning Devices – Air cleaners that have been approved for sale by the State of California due to meeting stringent ozone requirements.
  • California EPA: Cleaning Products and Indoor Air Quality – Guide to understanding how some cleaning products may contribute to indoor air pollution.
  • The New England Journal of Medicine: Environmental Intervention and Asthma – NEJM study on what the impact of cleaning up the environment has on asthma sufferers.
  • EPA: Will Air Cleaning Reduce Effects From Indoor Air Pollution? – Subsection of the EPA’s 2nd Edition on residential air cleaners addresses the effectivenes of these products on reducing negative health symptoms.
  • WebMD: Asthma and Air Filters – WebMD opinion on the effectiveness air purifiers have on asthma symptoms.
  • Asthma and Allergy Foundation: Air Filters – Discusses issues surrounding air filtration and allergy relief
  • EPA/AirNow: Particle Pollution and Your Health – How particles in the air affect your health and how to manage exposure.
  • How to Decide If Your Office Needs an Air Purifier – Guide to determining workplace related illness linked to poor indoor air quality and how air purifiers can help.

Air Purifier Performance

  • Consumer Reports 2010 Findings (Subscription Required) – Consumer Reports releases findings on the efficiency of some air purifers about every 3 years.  Testing is based on smoke, pollen, and dust removal.  Consumer Reports does not give detailed information on their testing methodology.  Most recent air purifier test was done in their September 2010 issue (always available online) but only gave test results for 20 portable models, 2 professionally installed HVAC systems, and 5 consumer installable furnace filters.
  • Consumer Reports 2007 Findings (PDF) – 2007 edition of Consumer Reports air purifier ratings made freely available to the public.
  • Consumer Reports 2005 Findings (PDF) – 2005 edition of Consumer Reports air purifier ratings made freely available to the public.
  • Air Purifier Clean Air Delivery Rates – Certified tests of select air purifiers and how they perform in the removal of smoke, pollen, and dust
  • British Allergy Foundation: Seal of Approval (Air Purifiers) – The non-profit British Allergy Foundation has recognized select air purification products which “restrict/reduce/remove allergens from the environment of the allergy sufferer and for products which have significantly reduced allergen content.”  No guidelines are given concerning the degree to which these products restrict, reduce, or remove allergens.

Indoor Air Quality (General)

  • Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Air Quality – EPA’s main IAQ portal addressing issues like asthma, mold & moisture control, radon, education for home buyers, and an interactive tour of a home and standard indoor air quality issues home owners face.
  • Indoor Air Quality Association – A non-profit organization established in 1995 that serves as an information exchange between professionals along with a public facing educational resource.  IAQA also offers certified courses from industry professionals and academic leaders in the IAQ industry.
  • Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA): Indoor Air Quality – Information about air quality issues in the workplace including how hazards are recognized, evaluation and control of IAQ issues, and other resources.
  • Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Indoor Air Quality Publications – Safety alerts and guides to consumer products that have an affect on indoor air quality including paint strippers, biological pollutants, carpet, lead, asbestos, and much more. 
  • US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health: Indoor Air Pollution – A master resource list like this one covering a broad range of indoor air pollution topics from basics to organizations to important journal articles.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Indoor Environmental Quality – Lists health evaluation reports from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researching potential hazards in the workplace.  These reports outline how NIOSH responds to complaints and how they test and evaluate potentially contaminated areas.
  • State of California Indoor Air Quality Program – The State of California has been a forerunner in addressing indoor air quality issues, especially the evaluation of air purification products.  This site lists common indoor pollutants, how to address those pollutations, and how to find an IAQ professional.
  • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE): The Indoor Air Quality Guide – Best Practices – ASHRAE advances HVAC issues through research, standards, and continuing education.  This guide addresses for building design, construction, & maintainability of IAQ systems.
  • Florida Department of Health: Indoor Air Quality – State of Florida program to help educate and reduce exposure to indoor air contaminants by the general public. 

Legal Issues

  • California Air Cleaner Regulation – September 2007 regulation adopted by the State of California to prohibit the sale of air cleaners that release potentially harmful amounts of ozone as part of the air purifying process.

Portable Air Purifier Manufacturers & Brands

  • 3M Filtrete
  • Aerus
  • Air-O-Swiss
  • Aireox
  • Airfree
  • Airgle
  • Airpura
  • Alen
  • AllerAir
  • AmairCare
  • Austin Air
  • Bionaire
  • Biotech Research
  • Blueair
  • Continental Fan (CFM)
  • Coway
  • Dr. Caboodle
  • FilterQueen
  • Friedrich
  • Funglan
  • Germ Guardian
  • Hamilton Beach
  • Holmes
  • Honeywell
  • Ion Flow (Sharper Image)
  • Ionic Pro
  • IQAir
  • Kenmore
  • LG
  • NeoAir
  • NQ Industries
  • Oransi
  • Oreck
  • Panasonic
  • Pure Air Systems
  • Rabbit Air
  • Sharp
  • Swizz Style
  • Tiger Corporation
  • Ultra Sun Technologies
  • Vollara
  • Vornado
  • Westinghouse HVAC
  • Whirlpool
  • Winix
  • Zojirushi

Industrial and Commercial Air Filtration Manufacturers

  • AirFlow – Provides filtration for commercial and industrial HVAC systems.
  • Cameron Great Lakes Inc. – Specializing in molecular filtration media.
  • Clarcor – Product lines include air filters, antimicrobial filters, dust collection systems and filters, electrostatic air filtration, carbon filters, paint overspray filters, HEPA filters, and air pollution control systems.  Owns Airguard, Air Technologies Inc., and Purlator brands.
  • Columbus Industries Inc. – Global provide of a broad range of filtration products.
  • D-Mark Inc – Specializing in activated carbon filtration for odor, gas, and particulate removal.
  • Flanders – Designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes air filters for commercial and residential heating, HVAC systems, semiconductor manufacturing, ultra-pure materials, chemical, biological, radiological and material processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, synthetics, nuclear power and nuclear materials processing.
  • Glasfloss Industries – Oldest manufacturer of HVAC filters for commercial, residential, and industrial applications.
  • Koch Filter Corporation – Produces air filtration products for commercial, industrial, hospital, gas turbine, and paint filtration applications

Questions?

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NQ Air Purifiers Guide

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NQ Industries Company Info

Since 1993, NQ Industries has been manufacturing air filtration and air sterilization devices, utilizing UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation), HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration, UVPCO (ultraviolet photo catalytic oxidation) and activated carbon filtration technologies.

The company began as a supplier of tuberculosis isolation units to hospitals and homeless shelters. NQ’s primary product lines are still targeted to medical care facilities, but the company has branched out into military and food industry applications as well, and the company also makes air treatment systems for commercial and residential use.

In isolation rooms, operating theaters, and other hospital setting, air purity is of critical importance. Today NQ’s air treatment systems are used in over 370 healthcare facilities in 37 states, as well as by U.S. armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) and numerous school facilities throughout the nation. NQ products have a strong international following as well, and in 2003 the company donated several air purifiers to help combat the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak in Hong Kong.

Air Purifier and Sterilizer Price Range

NQ’s filtration and sterilization devices are standalone products designed to be utilized around the clock, 365 days a year. NQ sells its products through a comprehensive network of dealers. List price for the basic Clarifier-Standard NQ Industries Air Purifier, designed to be used in the home.

While the majority of air purifiers manufactured today are made overseas, all components used in NQ products – with the exception of the blower – are manufactured in the United States from American produced steel. NQ Industries eschews the use of plastics in its products in order to guarantee that its customers receive the cleanest air possible.

NQ Air Purifier Technology

Each NQ product is designed to accommodate a slightly different process, but generally all of them work by trapping particles larger than 10 microns in size with pre-filters. Then air is circulated through some combination of specialized filters like activated charcoal or HEPA filters to remove odors, volatile organic compounds and other chemicals, and particulates as small as 0.3 microns. Finally air is circulated into a specialized chamber where UVGI is used to destroy biological contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold. Purified air is then discharged back into the room.

Most air purifiers that deploy UVGI technology use it only on the surface. NQ Industries pioneered the use of the single pass UVGI kill chamber.

NeoAir Air Purifiers Guide

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NeoAir Company Info

NeoAir manufactures high grade air purifiers that range from typical HEPA and carbon activated filtration systems to high tech ultraviolet filtration for hospital grade sterilization. New NeoAir filter units are only available through online sources and can not be found in retail outlets. The brand has been in the marketplace long enough to have developed a healthy positive reputation among consumers who have posted glowing reviews of the filters on several different retail websites.

NeoAir Air Purifier Technology

NeoAir air purifiers are manufactured in China and exported to a United States base of operations in Miami, Florida. These filters have been available to United States customers for approximately two years. The company strives to remain environmentally safe and claims that that their air filters emit very little ozone. NeoAir states that their pre-filter and HEPA/Carbon filters enjoy long life spans and do not need to be replaced very often when the units are used on a daily basis.

Since the air purifiers utilize a multi-filter system, owners will need to replace the pre-filter as well as the HEPA or Carbon filter at different times. The pre-filter tends to need replacement more often than the internal HEPA filtration system due to the fact that it collects more particulates than the HEPA/Carbon filter.

All of the units offered by NeoAir were created with portability in mind. Even the more powerful units are designed to be moved comfortably from room to room. NeoAir’s innovative multi-filter design includes a pre-filter that catches particulates from the air before the air passes through a more delicate HEPA or Carbon filter.

Some units include a third layer of filtering that involves the use of UV light filters or sterilization filters for medical uses. Some NeoAir purifiers are designed specifically to remove mold and mildew from basements, boats, and other areas that acquire moisture on a regular basis. NeoAir is committed to finding affordable ways for consumers to improve the air that they breathe through researching and developing new technology in air purifiers of all types.

Air Filter Price Ranges

Prices may vary depending on the website where you shop. Shipping and handling charges will also impact your final cost. Customers who need more than one air purifier can take advantage of discounts that NeoAir offers for purchases of two or more air filters at once.

Oransi Air Purifiers Guide

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Oransi Company info

Oransi is a company based in Austin, Texas that has primarily been manufacturing and distributing air purifiers for 15 years. The company was started by Peter Mann, whose child suffered from asthma. Because of this, Oransi strives to make air purifiers that can especially help people suffering from asthma and allergies. Peter Mann also started Alen Corporation, another air purifier company. Oransi prides itself on a business model of giving back to the community by employing stay at home moms, encouraging employees to work from home to cut down on motor emissions, and donating 5% of their income to promoting student interest in the sciences.

Oransi Air Purifier Technology

The v-hepa air purifiers are energy star qualified and operate at a low cost. The company states that they are the quietest HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) air purifiers on the market, and are RoHS lead free directive certified. Oransi’s HEPA filters utilize two filters to clean the air. Air will go through a pre-filter which traps large particles. By filtering out the biggest particles, the pre-filter helps extend the life of the next filter – the HEPA filter. The HEPA filter removes 99.97% of dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, dust mites, smoke and other particles that are between 0.5 and 2.0 micrometers in size. The filter also utilizes low air flow resistance so it can function more powerfully and effectively.

The v-hepa filtration system also includes negative ionization, which uses chemical injection technology. Negative ions are molecules that have an additional electron. This electron makes the ion negatively charged. Because the ion is charged, when it touches another element like a particle of dust, it sticks to it. The air purifier sucks in dust laden air, and the negatively charged ions stick to the dust and trap it inside the machine.

To entice new users, Oransi is offering three additional HEPA filters when you buy a new v-hepa air purifier. These three filters should keep your purifier running for the next two years. The purifiers are small and less than six inches deep so they can fit easily and unnoticeably into corners and against walls. The company claims that compared to other air purifiers, these are very quiet machines, and that they are easy to use and incredibly effective at removing particles from the air. The air purifiers do not weigh more than 10 pounds, and thus are easy to move around.

These v-hepa air purifiers have a v-lock magnet that creates a strong seal around the air filter. This seal locks the filter cover in place and makes sure that all the air inside gets filtered properly. While other air purifiers cost anywhere from $3-$8 in electricity per month, it only costs $2 a month in electricity to run a v-hepa air purifier. This filter has safety certifications from ETL, GS and CE as well as the RoHS lead free directive, and is made of fire-resistant ABS materials. As a safety feature, if someone opens up the cover of the air purifier, it will stop working. Oransi stands by its v-hepa purifiers, going so far as to offer a 10 year warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee.

The two ionic air purifiers use negative ionization to remove odors and particles from your room or fridge. They work silently, do not require you to replace the filters and come with a one year warranty.

Oreck Air Purifiers Guide

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Oreck Company Info

The choice of “Healthier, Easier, Smarter” as the Oreck company motto is just one of things that point towards the fact that Oreck brand-originator David Oreck appeals to the consumer’s sense of self-entitlement when trying to market his products.

The company that is now known as The Oreck Corporation opened its doors during 1963 when David Oreck – with the help of his family – began to bring to life his vision for the manufacture and sale of premium vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and related household implements. At the time of writing, The Oreck Corporation had been in business for almost 50 years, and, apart from its manufacturing plant, which is situated in Cookeville, TN, and its country-wide franchised offices, it also boasts premises in Canada and England, where it does business as Oreck Canada and Oreck Holdings LLC respectively.

Oreck air purifiers, vacuum cleaners and furnaces are available throughout North America, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe, and the company’s clients – which primarily consist of international hotel franchises – can buy them either in stores or online. Oreck supplements the sales of their main lines, which they market as their “floor care products” and their “air care products”, with that of related items, including their “home goods” like their location-specific refrigerator air purifier as well as their cleaning products, which have been developed to sanitize, among other locations, the kitchen and bathroom, pet places, hard floors and upholstery.

Oreck also offers consumers a full range of supplies and accessories, including the air filters, scent cartridges, odor absorbers and mounting kits that are specific to their air purifiers. Oreck does not market their air purifiers under any brand name other than their own as, no doubt, they wish to foster international recognition of their distinctively named Oreck brand.

Consumer Reaction to Oreck Air Purifiers

A study of public opinion regarding the Oreck brand of air purifiers may, however, reveal that The Oreck Corporation’s air purifier lines are, perhaps, not as competitive in today’s market as Oreck management may wish. On the one hand, Oreck infomercials are well known for inducing consumers to order their products – which all boast numerous extremely positive buyer testimonials – but, on the other hand, these same consumers have a tendency to later report that the Oreck air purifiers sometimes need frequent cleaning and, perhaps, do not completely purify the air.

Price Range

Apart from the compact refrigerator air purifier, Oreck offers its customers three different air purifier models: the ProShield purifier, the ProShield Plus purifier and the Tower purifier.

Oreck Air Purifier Technology

The Oreck Corporation’s website is, unfortunately, not extremely forthcoming about the technical specifications of their air purifiers. Oreck does, however, claim that its patented Truman Cell (TM) filter technology is superior to HEPA-certified filters as the Truman Cell allegedly “never needs to be replaced”.

Oreck Air Purifier Models

The Oreck air purifiers customers can presently choose from comprise:

  • ProShield: this boasts Truman Cell technology, which electronically charges harmful air particles preparatory to their being “pulled out of the air”;
  • ProShield Plus: this features both the Truman Cell filter and the Helios Shield permanent odor absorber;
  • Tower: Truman Cell technology is, again, this unit’s main claim to fame.

It should be noted that Oreck’s website describes all units in somewhat general terms – like being “energy efficient” and utilizing “Quiet Silence Technology” – but that these terms are, on the whole, not elaborated on.

Haier Air Purifiers Guide

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Haier Company Info

Haier is an international supplier of household appliances headquartered in the people’s Republic of China and is currently considered the world’s largest white goods manufacturer. Founded in 1920 as a refrigerator factory, it was turned into a state-owned enterprise in the 1950s, which was foundering until the 1980s when a German company, the Liebherr Group, stepped in and diversified the Haier brand. Haier has since become the most recognized Chinese name brand and has extended their market from household appliances to mobile phones and computers and established worldwide distribution.

Air Purification Products and Warranty Info

Haier makes three models of air purifiers, all of which are Association of Home Manufacturers (AHAM) certified and the two larger models are ETL/CELT certified. All three models contain TrueHEPA filters that can remove 99.97% of the particles down to 0.3 microns. Each model has the same basic filtration setup that combines the pre-filter with the carbon filter to help remove odors and trap large particles, lint and hair as well as the main HEPA filter.

Each size Haier air purification unit has a 3-speed fan, all with quiet operation motors, and plastic grills that feature a 45° angle for the air outlet. The fan should be lowered to a Level 1 before turning off./p>

Haier offers a replacement filter pack that contains 2 carbon pre-filters and 1 TrueHEPA filter that can service the unit for 1 year and cost about $20 per pack. The two larger units come with a 1 year warranty for parts and labor and all three have a 5 year warranty for the sealed system.

Panasonic Air Purifiers Guide

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Panasonic Company info

The Panasonic brand is known the world over, as is the company’s short but significant brand slogan: “ideas for life”.  The Panasonic Corporation’s headquarters are in Osaka, Japan, and this multinational corporation started up in 1918 as the Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works. At the time of writing, the corporation has 680 subsidiaries, which are divided up into 14 different business domains. Panasonic is one of the largest corporations in the world and boasts market share in almost every country on earth.

Panasonic specializes in the manufacture and sale of all types of electronics products, which products are broadly classified into three groups: consumer products, business products and industrial products. The Panasonic air purifiers fall into the consumer products’ group, and, although these purifiers may have been manufactured under a different brand name in the past, in 2008 the corporation consolidated all separate brand names into one umbrella brand: “Panasonic”.

Air Purifiers Sold Under a Few Different Names

Panasonic continued to sell air purifiers under only the Panasonic brand name until December 21st, 2009, when it purchased Sanyo, another large Japanese electronics company and one that already had its own brand of air purifiers. At present, Panasonic-manufactured air purifiers are marketed under both the Panasonic and the Sanyo brand names.

Apart from Sanyo – which markets Panasonic air purifiers under the Sanyo brand name – a further two of the Panasonic Corporation’s 680 subsidiaries manufacture and sell air purifiers: Panasonic Corporation of North America and Panasonic Ecology Systems Co Ltd. Although both the multi-award winning Panasonic and Sanyo brands have been known for their product excellence for many years, it is unclear exactly when the companies began to develop and manufacture their air purifier lines.

Price Range

Consumers looking to buy an air purifier from the Panasonic Corporation of North America, which markets three distinct models. Those looking to buy from Panasonic Ecology Systems Co Ltd, which does business out of Hong Kong and supplies mainly the Middle Eastern and Asian markets, will have to contact the company directly in order to ascertain unit prices as the company’s website is silent in this regard. Panasonic Ecology Systems Co Ltd has eight distinct models of air purifiers for sale.

Panasonic Air Purifier Technology

The Panasonic Corporation of North America claims that their air purifiers both “reduce noise” and “save energy”. It also claims that their units’ High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters only have to be replaced every three years and remove over 99.5% of all noxious air particles larger than 0.3 microns. The purifiers marketed by Panasonic Ecology Systems, on the other hand, claim to sport sophisticated “nano” technology that “senses, attacks and inhibits” as many as 28 separate strains of allergens and viruses. This nano technology is apparently aided by such features as the units’ front and upward 3D Circulation Airflow systems and their anti-allergen substance, Super Alleru-Buster.

Blueair Air Purifiers Guide

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Blueair Company Info

Blueair is a Swedish company founded in 1996. The company’s only products are its line of air purifiers and filters. Blueair has received its share of notice and media attention in recent years, including magazines such as Men’s Health, Woman’s World, and Wired, among others. Blueair has also won the Excellent Swedish Design award, and one model has even been placed in the Swedish National Museum.

Blueair Purification Technology

Blueair makes many different models of air purifiers, but they all work in basically the same way. The purifiers use “patented HEPASilent technology” which the company claims “combines the best features of electrostatic and mechanical filter technology,” resulting in clean air with little noise, as well as “phenomenally low power usage.” Blueair claims a 99.7% particle filtration efficiency at .1 microns for all of its purifiers.

Blueair’s air filters also use ionizers, which the company says do not produce ozone. In addition, for an extra cost, you can also install a carbon filter (called the “Smokestop”), which will target gasses and odors; otherwise, the standard units will only filter out particulate pollution.

Airflow Technology

What makes the models distinct is how powerful they are; or in other words, how big the recommended maximum room size is. The models designed for larger rooms make use of a technology that Blueair calls “SurroundAir,” which is intended to increase airflow by drawing the polluted air in through the sides and bottom of the purifier, and releasing clean air from the sides and top.

Also, the ECO10 model is, according to Blueair, the “greenest air purifier ever,” due to a special fan that results in very low energy consumption. Finally, the Medical Filter model and the Furnace Filter system also reduce common gaseous pollutants known as Volatile Organic Compounds.

Blueair Model Price Range

Blueair’s purifiers have a wide price range over the different models, from moderate to quite high.

Blueair Air Purifier Models

  • Blueair 203: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. Coverage area of 175 square feet.
  • Blueair 270E: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. Coverage area of 210 square feet. Also distinguished from the 203 by its remote control and digital display.
  • Blueair 303: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. Coverage area of 225 square feet.
  • Blueair 403: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. Coverage area of 365 square feet.
  • Blueair 450E: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. Coverage area of 365 square feet. Distinguished from the 403 by its remote control and digital display.
  • Blueair 503: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. SurroundAir system. Coverage area of 580 square feet.
  • Blueair 550E: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. SurroundAir system. Coverage area of 605 square feet. Also distinguished from the 503 by its remote control and digital display.
  • Blueair 603: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. SurroundAir system. Coverage area of 640 square feet.
  • Blueair 650E: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. SurroundAir system. Coverage area of 698 square feet. Also distinguished from the 603 by its remote control and digital display.
  • Blueair ECO10: HEPASilent filter, ionizer. Optional carbon filter. EC fan for low energy consumption. Coverage area of 298 square feet.
  • Blueair Medical: HEPASilent filter, ionizer, multi-gas filter. Coverage area of 370 square feet.
  • Furnace Filter System: Different from Blueair’s other offerings, this is a package that includes an ionizer and a set of filters. Blueair’s instructions are to “replace your ordinary furnace filter with a Blueair filter and plug the MX2 particle charger into the electrical outlets near the return air grills in your home.”

CFM Air Purifiers Guide

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CFM (Continental Fan, Aeroflo) Company Info

Continental Fan and its sister company Aeroflo are manufacturers and distributors of a variety of air ventilation equipment including air purifiers. Although Contintental Fan is located in the United States and Aeroflo is in Canada, both companies deal with the same product line known as CFM.

Continental Fan was started in 1986 with the goal of providing customers with good products, service and knowledge. The company offers the largest quick ship program available, and if a product is not in stock, can get it delivered quickly. Continental Fan offers custom orders and can help design models to demonstrate moving air solutions. Their air purifiers can range in price from $550 to $1,400.

CFM Air Purifier Technology

The CX air purifiers are designed to deal with every aspect of air filtration, including particle removal, chemical neutralization, living organism abatement and odor elimination. The pre-filters are designed to remove particles up to 5 microns in size, while activated carbon filters cut down on toxic chemicals in the air. The UVC light eliminates viruses and bacteria, and the negative ions and activated oxygen helps freshen up the air.

The UVC light uses a form of naturally occurring ultraviolet light and can kill up to 99.9% of all airborne germs. It does this by irradiating the DNA of the viruses and bacteria and causing them to be unable to reproduce, thus stopping them in their tracks.

The reactive catalyst is unique to CFM products as many other air purifiers do not have this. The air purifier neutralizes the chemicals by using Photo-Catalytic Oxidation in combination with a UVC light. This combination creates a catalyst, and during that process the toxic chemicals are converted into benign substances like water and carbon dioxide. The air purifiers are easy to maintain and have built-in lights that will let a user known when filter or lamps need to be replaced.

HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters, commonly found in air purifiers, can remove tiny particles floating in the air. A HEPA filter is a mat consisting of extremely thin fiberglass fibers. These fibers get tangled and create a netlike structure with small openings that allow air through but trap microscopic particles. HEPA filters are very thorough – they can filter out 99.97% of particles that are .3 microns in size. Continental Fan uses hospital grade HEPA filters for the most thorough filtration.

CX1000 Portable Air Purifier

The CX1000 air purifier is a portable air purifier that can serve as a warning system for potentially dangerous situations. If the machine detects the presence of toxic chemicals or fumes, warning lights will go off and alert the owner before the situation ever reaches a dangerous level.