Air Purifier Consumer Report

When buying air purifiers it helps to have a heads-up on different models, both the good news and the bad news. As such, I hope that the following information helps.

First, some bad news: Avoid the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze ($350-$500). It performs well below its own listed specifications, even after re-testing (in a test where the purifier was put into a 132 square foot room simulating a normal office with no ventilation, it cleared 30% of the dust near the unit and 5% in the room as a whole). You have been warned.

There are some good models out there. The IQAir HealthPro ($700) is a great option for people with allergies. The brand was the only chosen by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority as the only room cleaner powerful enough to be used during a SARS outbreak. It can clean up a 900 square foot room, and uses a HyperHEPA filter. It has a filter change alert and a five-year warranty.

If you don’t need something that strong, the Bionaire BAP-1300U ($200) may be what you are looking for. It’s relatively quiet, was made for an area of about 490 square feet, has a carbon pre-filter for odors, and a filter-change indicator. The pre-filter should be replaced every three months (a 4-pack costs about $8) and the HEPA filter ($35) should be replaced every year.

Another option for those who don’t suffer too badly from allergies is to try a filter for forced-air furnaces and air conditioners. The 3M Filtrete Ultra Allergen Filter removes the most common allergens (such as dust and pet dander), but not as well with smoke or odors. However, it is just $15, even if it must be replaced four times a year, and may improve your air quality enough that you might not need an actual air purifier.

Some advice: Bear in mind that if you do suffer from severe allergies, then avoid ozone-generating air purifiers; they have been known to trigger asthma attacks. Also, if you are retro-fitting a house with central air, Consumer Reports suggests replacing the filter with a pleated electrostatic one first, and then an air purifier with electronic precipitator. Lastly, be advised that an air purifier is of debatable value to someone with no or minor allergies, and that even an air purifier, you should not stop utilizing any allergy-avoidance strategies already in use, as there are some allergens that air purifiers are not useful against.