Considered the gold standard of air purification, a HEPA filter must remove at least 99.7% of microns at least 0.3 micrometer and larger, as defined by the United States Department of Energy. While these HEPA filters are often paired with additional layers, such as activated carbon or ionized filters, they’re considered the most important element of any air purifier—whether you’re searching for a design for someone with allergies or a space with mold. Not only does the right air purifier tackle allergens, dust mites, and pet dander—but it can even tackle bacteria. Some devices also opt for ionizers that can kill viruses; however, these devices output ozone (an environmental pollutant that can harm the lungs at high concentrations). With so many purifiers on the market, it can be difficult to determine which is the best. Read on to learn more about choosing the right HEPA air purifier for your specific needs, as well as our top picks of 2022. “HEPA filters, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, are meant to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micron in diameter or larger, which is 100 times thinner than a human hair. These particles, which include dust, smoke, pollen, and mold spores, can cause irritation or allergic reactions in susceptible people that can lead to nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath,” explains Joshi. Unlike regular air purifier filters, the HEPA rating does ensure a higher level of purification based on the size of particle, which is needed to remove common allergens and irritants from the air, he adds. But while HEPA filters do offer a range of benefits for users, they can be more costly than traditional air purifiers on the market. The replacement filters, which generally need to be replaced every six to 12 months, also tend to cost more than traditional air filters. Fortunately, there are quality options for all budgets and needs, so you can enjoy cleaner and healthier air in your home or office for years to come. Filtration process HEPA filters are effective at removing particles sized 0.3 micron and larger from the air, but it’s not the only way to tackle contaminants. Choose an air purifier with a multistage air filtration system to ensure that it traps and removes as many particles as possible. For example, carbon filtration can help remove odors and chemicals from the air. Some purifiers may also include a UV light to inactivate and destroy microorganisms, like mold and viruses. Size and capacity “Each purifier is designed for a specific room size and comes with a maximum square footage rating. Smaller devices generally are efficient for smaller rooms but may not be effective for larger rooms. Choose one that is appropriate for the size of your room,” explains Joshi. Proper sizing will help ensure your device can operate efficiently, which will allow you to run the air purifier on a lower setting—which is generally quieter too. Cost and accessibility of replacement filters Replacement filters are often a hidden cost associated with air purifiers—and some filters can be pricey. Be sure to factor this cost into your decision and choose a purifier with filters that are both affordable and easy to replace. Some replacement filters may be available locally, while others may require you to purchase them through the company’s website. If you are someone who would rather pick up a filter locally and not order online, keep that in mind when shopping for an air purifier. What Customers Say: The GermGuardian AC4825E has an overall 4.7/5.0 rating on Walmart’s website. One reviewer raved about how impressed she was, stating “Came across this as I searched online about keeping the dust down. Went from needing to dust AT LEAST 2x week, to every 2-3 weeks.” Another reviewer shared, “The reduction in dust in the room over a two week period is astounding.” What Customers Say: What Customers Say: This purifier uses VortexAir™ Technology, which utilizes 360° air intake, curved fan blades, and raised vents to increase air circulation and improve speed of air purification. It also uses a high-sensitivity laser to scan the nearby air for allergens, allowing the purifier to adjust its speed accordingly when set in Auto Mode. What Customers Say: While the purifier does come with a range of benefits, it also requires more maintenance and cleaning than other models. In addition to annual replacements of the carbon filter and HEPA filter, the company recommends cleaning the pre-filter every 14 days, as well as the carbon filter every three months. What Customers Say: The Winix 5500-2 has over 23,000 ratings with an overall 4.7/5.0 rating. Among other benefits, reviewers rave about the purifier’s ability to remove smoke from the air. One reviewer shared, “My wife and I both smoke and we’ve got 2 indoor cats but whenever we have guests over they always say how clean the air smells.” Other reviewers purchased this purifier to help with smoke resulting from local wildfires, with one reviewer stating, “I’ve had no smoke smell AT ALL in the bedroom when I run this with the door shut to the rest of the home.” Some reviewers, however, were dissatisfied by the sensitivity of the auto-mode sensor, with one reviewer sharing, “If you are buying this mainly for auto mode then skip this and look for a different purifier.” It boasts an activated carbon filter to conquer odors and VOCs, as well as a HEPA filter for small particles, like mold spores and dust mites. The simple design is best for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time dealing with upkeep or adjustments—it offers minimal settings with just a single light to indicate when the filter needs to be changed. What Customers Say:
