5 Tips for Buying an Air Purifier

Room air purifiers — sometimes called room cleaners — can remove fine particles like dust, pollen and pet dander from the air. They can also eliminate bacteria, viruses and mold spores. This makes the air you breathe cleaner and can help keep you and your family healthy, too.

As you shop for a new air purifier, pay attention to each model's filtration technology, price, capacity, noise and more to find the best model for your home.

1. Technology

First, choose what filtration technology you'd prefer. Air purifiers that only use pleated mechanical filters don't help with gases or odor, but those made of fine mesh (HEPA filters) collect 99.97% of very small particles. Others use carbon filters to trap odor-causing molecules or ozone generators and ultraviolet (UV) radiation to kill airborne pollutants. Make sure any UV source is UV-C rated and completely enclosed in the purifier.

2. Price

High-quality air purifiers with more features can cost up to $900, but many are under $400. You should also factor in filter cost. Replacement filters can run from $20 to $200 a piece, and some air purifiers have multiple filters that need to be replaced at different intervals. Depending on the type, you'll need to replace a filter once every three to 12 months.

3. Size

The size of your space will determine what size purifier you should get. Small models are designed for rooms up to 299 square feet, medium models work best in spaces between 300 and 699 square feet, and large air purifiers are good for rooms between 700 and 1,900 square feet.

4. Noise

It's hard to find a completely silent air purifier, but some are certainly quieter than others. Noise levels can range from 17 dB — which is comparable to a whisper or a rustling leaves — to more than 60 dB, which sounds like a normal conversation or the hum of an air conditioner.

5. Extras

Air quality or filter change indicators can keep you up to date on the status of your air. Some models come with Wi-Fi capabilities and app connectivity, allowing you to control the air purifier with your phone. Other helpful features include multiple fan speeds, remote control, and carrying handles or wheels to easily move larger models.

Choose an ENERGY STAR^®-certified air purifier to save money and conserve energy. These energy-saving models are almost 27% more efficient than standard models, which can save you up to $16 annually on your energy bills.