Buying Guide for Air Purification at Home or Office
AIR PURIFIER BENEFITS
- Helps protect against the effects of pollution
- Helps alleviate the symptoms of allergies
- Helps capture dust, pollen and pet dander
- Helps eliminate bacteria, viruses and mold spores
- Helps reduce chemical fumes, smoke and odors
- Circulates clean air, revitalizing your environment
- Ideal for home and bedroom
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING AN AIR PURIFIER
Room Size: A larger room requires a higher-capacity air purifier.
HEPA Filters: These filters help reduce common allergens, such as dust, pet dander, pollen and other particles.
Charcoal or Active Carbon Filters: These filters help reduce odor by absorbing smoke, cooking smells, pet odors and other irritants.
Washable Filters: Avoid the cost and hassle of replacing your filter by choosing a washable filter that’s easy to clean and reuse.
App-Controlled Air Purifiers: Some models let you remotely control your air purifier with an app. You can monitor performance, receive an alert when it’s time to change the filter and control your air purifier’s settings from your smartphone or tablet.
AIR PURIFIER FEATURES
Filter Service Indicator: Most room and whole-house air purifiers that use an electronic precipitator, and whole-house air purifiers that use a HEPA filter with ionizing circuitry, feature an indicator light that lets you know when it’s time to replace or clean the filter. A clogged air purifier works inefficiently. You should remove and wash an electronic precipitator’s collector-plate assembly every month or so. You can do this in the sink or tub or put it in a dishwasher.
Ionizing: Air purifiers with ionizing technology, such as Sharp Plasmacluster, generate negative ions that attract positively charged air pollutants. As the charged particles clump together, eventually they become heavy enough to fall from the air.
UV-C Light: Part of the ultraviolet light spectrum, UV-C light is used by many hospitals to kill germs. UV technology helps capture airborne contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, fungus, mold and mildew. It’s often used in combination with a HEPA filter and activated carbon.
Multi-Function Air Purifiers: Some air purifiers can function as a heater or a fan, as well as an air purifier. A combination air purifier gives you multiple options for improving the comfort of your home in a single appliance.
TECHNOLOGY TERMS EXPLAINED
Thermodynamic Sterilization System (TSS): Purification technology that features a ceramic core that heats up to around 400°F.
ENERGY STAR Certified: Products that save money, reduce energy use and protect the environment by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Certified: The AHAM’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures how effectively an air purifier filters smoke, pollen and dust.
Photocatalyst Filter: Removes toxic fumes and chemicals.