Freshairguide – Searching for the Best Indoor Air

Here at Freshairguide, our aim is to help you find the right machines to create the most perfect indoor air in your homes.

Cons:

Read our full review of the IQ Air healthpro plus

Honeywell 50250-S True HEPA, for 390 sq. ft

This model is one of the most effective air cleaners within this price range. It’s created to purify rather large spaces up to about 400 sq. ft, be it a spacious living room or an office.

The cleaner is equipped with a carbon pre-filter which is designed to catch larger particles before allowing the air to be cleaned with a certified HEPA filter. This filter does a good job cleaning out almost 100 % of pollen and spores, which makes it a great choice for people who are prone to common colds and flu.

This air filter is top-rated for its efficiency but has an unfortunate downside of being rather loud.

Pros:

Cons:

Read our full review of the Honeywell 50250-S in the reviews section.

Whirlpool-Whispure-Purifier-Cleaner-AP51030K

This air cleaner is easy to use thanks to the nicely-labeled control panel. It also has a sleek design which allows it not to take too much space.

Light sleepers will appreciate the absence of loud filtration noise. The adjustable fan speed makes it even easier to operate and regulate the air flow according to your wishes.

This model is designed to clean the air in large rooms up to 500 square meters in size.

As the unit is rather powerful for it's size, it can produce some heat which is unlikely to be noticed in a large room but in a smaller room it could be an annoyance.

The air is filtered with carbon and HEPA filters that get rid of 99.9% of all pollens, mites, and bacteria.

The bonus I liked was a 5-year warranty offered by Whirpool which speaks for the quality of the product.

Pros:

Cons:

Germ Guardian AC 5350-B Elite

This air cleaner is a good choice since it does a great job filtering out almost 100 % of air pollutants.

I really appreciated the shape of this unit since it can easily fit wherever you need it without taking up too much space. It’s also easy to operate thanks to the digital control panel.

This model has a time-off feature which is convenient for people who want to use it at night or want to get the air clean before they come home.

The carbone filters coupled with a HEPA filter do a great job filtering out strong odors.

Pros:

Cons:

Read our full review of the GermGuardian AC5350B here

Different types of Air Filter Components

Ion and Ozone Air Purifiers

Some air purifiers come with an ionizer. An ionizer applies a certain voltage to the built-in needles and creates electrons that go into the air. These electrons attach themselves to the air molecules and form ions.

In turn, the negative ions attach to the tiny particles such as plant pollen and dander to form larger particles. The increased size of these particles makes it easier for the air cleaner to collect them.

The disadvantage of these particles is that they often get stuck in the device's grill, making it harder to clean.

The best ion air filters typically work more efficiently than a regular air purifier, as long as you keep it clean and the filters are changed on a regular basis.

This is true for ozone-safe ionizers only. They shouldn’t be confused with ozone purifiers.

So...are ion air cleaners safe?

There is a lot of hysteria surrounding these types of air cleaners as it has been discovered that air purifiers that release ozone into the air are dangerous.Ozone purifiers used in places where people live can be dangerous. Ozone is a strong and toxic air pollutant that can cause severe health problems. Ozone purifiers can be useful when applied for shock air filtering in hotel rooms or hospitals. However, short and long term exposure to ozone can lead to such problems as chest pains, coughing, eye and throat irritation, worsening of asthmatic symptoms, and heart disease - so these devices should always be used according to the strict instructions.

However, it has recently been found that any air filter that emits less ozone than 50 parts per billion (whether intentional or not) are as safe as ozone free air purifiers.

Ionic technology is relatively new to the scene and certainly provides a very useful tool in the battle of air quality. If you are not put off by these types of air cleaners, then you should check out our ion air purifier reviews.

HEPA Filters

These highly-effective filters are created to get rid of differently sized particles.

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air.

HEPA filters differ from others due to the way they are tested. In order for the filter to be labeled HEPA, it must catch 99.97% of the particles 0.3 microns or smaller in size.

HEPA filters have a web of multiple fibers. They trap the particles 3 different ways: impaction (for larger particles), interception (for medium-sized particles), and diffusion (for smaller particles).

Not all HEPA filters are the same. They are usually classified by letters from A to E, depending on how well they can filter out the particles and resist the flow.

HEPA filters marked with an A are the most basic ones, while E-marked filters provide the highest quality filtration and are used for chemical or radiological particles.

Check out our blog post about Hepa Filters for more information

Activated Carbon Filters

In order to activate carbon or charcoal, it needs to be treated with oxygen. This special treatment opens up special small holes between the atoms. These holes can trap and absorb tiny particles that contaminate the air. Such filters are especially useful for controlling the odors.

With time, odor-causing particles fill the activated carbon air filter and it starts releasing them back into the air. That’s why it is compulsory to change these filters on a regular basis.

Electrostatic Precipitators

Electrostatic precipitation is an efficient method of filtering out small particles from flowing air. These filters can handle large air volumes without slowing down the flow rate thanks to the low-pressure drop. Electronic precipitators are used for filtering the air in the kitchens where they need to deal with a high volume of grease, water vapor, and smooke.

An electrostatic precipitator ionizes the grease particles and they become electrically charged.

Particles can either become positively or negatively charged. Accordingly, the most efficient electrostatic precipitators are the ones that produce both types of charge.

The charged particles go to the collector cells where they stay. The fresh air moves freely out of the filter. The collector cells must be cleaned on a regular basis.

Whole House Air Purifiers

Whole house filters are designed to keep the air in your entire home fresh and duust free.

However, they usually don’t deal with such small particles as plant pollen and dander. Accordingly, they don’t offer any protection from airborne toxins. The air is filtrated only when the filter is running. Usually, such systems use lower grade filters.

Whole home filters are not energy-efficient since in order to do a good job they need to be run around the clock.

This is a useful system for people who are looking to generally freshen up the air in their homes without hoping for high-quality filtration. Such whole home air purifying systems require a professional installation.

Some whole house air purifiers come with built in humidifiers or dehumidifiers depending on the climate. Be sure to ask your local HVAC technician about these.

Other Considerations when buying

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

This stands for how many cubic feet per meter of clean air your purifier delivers.

CADR ratings allow you to choose a good air cleaner for your needs. The rating is usually found at the AHAM seal.

The higher the number is the more air the unit can filter.

Pollution particles are the smallest and hardest to deal with so naturally come first. Pollen and bacteria follow. AHAM recommends using the filter only if the room size in cubic feet doesn’t exceed CADR ratings multiplied by 12. In short, CADR helps you rate the efficiency of an air purifier.

Check out our blog post on CADR ratings for more information.

The Coverage Area

No matter how high-quality and expensive your air cleaner is, it won’t do a good job if you place it in a room which is too large for it.

Buying a powerful purifier for a small area is a waste of money and energy.

Before purchasing an air cleaner, you must consider the area it will need to service. Each purifier has a “manufacturer suggested room size”. When you go out shopping for such a device, you must have the room measurements in hand.

There are three general room sizes the air filters are made for: 22 -22 m2 (215 – 220 sq. feet), 23 – 35 m2 (320 – 375 sq. feet), and 42 – 45 m2 (450 – 485 sq. feet). If your room is somewhere in between these parameters, go for a more powerful device.

The Noise Level

Noise level is one of the most important factors for light sleepers wh0 might have a serious problem with some of the louder air purification devices.

Some noise levels might be uncomfortable for babies or can divert your attention when you are working. Here is some information I use for comparison in dB:

If you are a light sleeper, like me, consider getting a purifier with a sleep mode that automatically lowers the noise level during the night. Large capacity purifiers produce less noise since they can do the same job at medium fan settings as low-capacity devices do at higher (and louder) fan settings.

The Maintenance

Before buying, you need to consider the amount of maintenance a unit requires.

If your purifier has a filter, it will need to be replaced as often as the manufacturer recommends. Make sure to learn the price of such replacement filters since some can be rather expensive.

Some air cleaners use several filters that need to be changed at different times. Here are some examples:

Pre-filter lasts about 3 months

HEPA filter lasts about 6 months

Activated carbon filter lasts about one year

You can find the average filter lifespan in the product specifications. Some models, such as air sterilizers, don’t need filter replacements at all.

Optional Features to look for

After you choose the type and the size of your filter and study all the information about maintenance, you might want to consider some extra features. They are designed to add convenience to the air cleaner operation and enhance its performance.

Filter change indicator

It’s easy to forget when you need to change the filter. An indicator will let you know when your filter’s lifespan is coming to an end.

Air Pollution Sensor

This feature makes your air purifier more energy efficient. The sensor determines when the amount of pollutants in the air is too high and starts working automatically. It stops when the levels fall back to normal.

Energy Star

If you see an energy star label on your air filter, it means it’s designed to be energy-efficient and can save you money on electricity bills.

Fan Speed

Low-grade air cleaners usually have 2 fan speeds. More advanced devices have up to 10 fan settings. The more fan speeds the device has, the easier it is to adjust it to your needs. The higher the speed is, the louder the air purifier works.

Pre-Filter

Higher-grade units are usually equipped with pre-filters. These filters serve as the first screen that captures larger particles from the air. The main filter works with cleaner air and its life is extended.

A pre-filter also allows the main filter to focus on smaller particles like dander, and pollen. Some pre-filters are reusable and washable. This can help cut the replacement costs.

Ionizer

Some devices have a built-in ionic generator that works by emitting ions that attach themselves to harmful particles and make them so heavy, they fall to the ground. This doesn’t allow them to get into your lungs.

Programmable timer

This useful feature allows you to program your air filter to start and stop working at preset times. For example, a few hours before you get home from work.

Purpose

When you are choosing the characteristics of your air cleaner, keep in mind the purpose you need it for.

If you suffer from allergies, you need a purifier that deals with pollen. If you need to keep the air in the kitchen clean and fresh, you need a device that deals with grease, and odor and so forth.

Budget

Purchasing an air cleaner for its low price might lead to getting a useless device. Accordingly, it doesn’t make sense to save on the brand.

What you can save on is additional features and the number of filters that need to be replaced. An energy efficient air purifier might be expensive but it will save you more money on energy bills in the future.

Safety

Your life depends on the air you breathe. Accordingly, buying a low-quality air cleaner can lead to unfortunate consequences.

Ozone-releasing purifiers can be harmful to your health. If you have children, look for an air filter with child safety features that will make it safe to use at a kid’s room.

Support and Warranty

Reputable brands offer good customer support and long warranties. The duration of warranty usually speaks for the quality of the product. If the manufacturer offers a 3 -5-year warranty, it’s a good buy.

Large companies usually have many different service centers. By choosing a product manufactured by such a company, you have more chance to find a service center near you.

Reviews

Before buying an air cleaner, you should read at least a few customer reviews. Even the best- looking device might have some hidden problems that can only be noticed when it’s being used. That’s why learning other people’s opinions is compulsory to making a good buy.