Air purifiers are a way to keep the air in your house clean. Purifiers take in air and remove particles that could be harmful to your health. They then disperse clean, filtered air on the other side. Purifiers come in all shapes and sizes and have different features, including fan speed, lights and odor-reducers. Knowing which air purifiers are of the highest quality can help you in your search for the best model.
IQAir HealthPro Plus
In 2010, the IQAir HealthPro Plus purifier was ranked the best overall air purifier by ConsumerSearch.com. In fact, the the website states, IQAir HealthPro was the only purifier used by Hong Kong hospitals during the SARS outbreak in 2003. In 2010, the unit sells for about $900 and has a five-year warranty. Among its features is one that lets you know when the filter needs to be changed. ConsumerSearch.com notes that the high-end IQAir HealthPro Plus may better suit users who have severe allergies or have a dire need for clean air. Otherwise, buying a less expensive model may be more cost-effective.
Austin Air HealthMate
The Austin Air HealthMate has an all-in-one carbon filter pack that only needs to be replaced every three to five years. This represents convenience and a potential cost savings over other models of this type with filters that may need to be replaced several times per year. The HealthMate filters 95 percent of particles in the air, according to ConsumerSearch.com. Selling for about $450 in 2010, it is suitable for rooms as large as 1,500 square feet.
Honeywell Enviracaire 50250-N
The Honeywell Enviracaire 50250-N purifier is a smaller air purifier suited to rooms of up to 400 square feet. The Enviracaire uses a HEPA filter but also contains a permanent filter that can be cleaned using a vacuum. This filter is recommended to be cleaned twice every year. The purifier also contains a carbon pre-filter that helps reduce odors. It is cylindrical and in 2010 sells for about $185. It is rated the best small-room air purifier by ConsumerSearch.com.
Alen Paralda HEPA UV Tower Air Purifier
The Alen Paralda HEPA UV Tower Air Purifier helps filtrate bacteria, viruses, allergens and other airborne particles. It is an ozone safe ionizer, according to Allergybuyersclub.com. The purifier also has a UV light that lets you know when the device is on. It is compact and has a translucent outside, which shows the bright green inside. It can operate at four different speeds. In 2010 it sells for about $500, has a lifetime warranty.
