But the truth is, many homes, especially older builds, are actually filled with allergens, mold, and pet odors that are polluting your living space. DOI: 10.Entering your home should feel like a breath of fresh air-literally. Effect of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation on viral aerosols. Enhancing indoor air quality: The air filter advantage. Effectiveness of air filters and air cleaners in allergic respiratory diseases: A review of the recent literature. epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-07/documents/residential_air_cleaners_-_a_technical_summary_3rd_edition.pdf Effect of a novel photoelectrochemical oxidation air purifier on nasal and ocular allergy symptoms. Effects of air purifiers on patients with allergic rhinitis: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Prevention of exposure to and spread of COVID-19 using air purifiers: challenges and concerns. Far-UVC light (222 nm) efficiently and safely inactivates airborne human coronaviruses. Because most home air purifiers require filters to be replaced, we specified the cost of the unit along with estimated maintenance costs. Units that were recognized with any awards were noted. We browsed reviews to see what actual users thought of the products. We differentiated HEPA-type or True HEPA filters, along with other options such as PECO filters. We separated out the size and weight of the unit along with how loud - or not - it was during operation. This figure indicates the amount of air a machine filters per minute for a specific range of particle sizes.
Certain home air purifiers are better for people with asthma compared to pet dander, so we noted the best uses for each. Thinking of buying an air cleaner for your home? We looked at plenty and put together our list of best picks based on the following criteria: The author also acknowledged several limitations in study design. Germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) at a certain wavelength can be effective on the virus, but may pose a health hazard.Ī 2020 study found that far-UVC light (at a lower wavelength) can safely kill seasonal coronaviruses, which are similar to the one that causes COVID-19 and that another ongoing study was examining it on SARS-CoV-2 at the time this article was published.Īnother 2020 study found that using air purifiers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 seemed to have more drawbacks than advantages. Several products have praised UV light to battle SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The technology is effective, but the intensity often used in home air purifiers is generally low and not quite effective, the EPA reports. In recent years - especially since the COVID-19 outbreak - ultraviolet (UV) light filters have become popular because they inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and mold.
THE WIRECUTTER AIR PURIFIER PORTABLE
They don’t fit in the portable home air purifier category, but it is worth mentioning. These may use any of the above filters or an air exchanger. Your existing HVAC system also can clean the air in your home if it includes a permanent air cleaner.
There are several types of filters, including: Some units have reusable filters - and some are filter-free where you just clean off part of the unit - but most require you to change filters regularly. In that case, you likely want to look for air purifiers and filters that are certified asthma and allergy friendly devices by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.įilters commonly are made of paper, fiberglass, or mesh. They’re especially useful for those with allergies, or anyone with health vulnerabilities. If you want cleaner air in your homes beyond what a plant can offer, an air purifier might be for you.