Cold winters, hot summers, and air pollution, the effects of all of these can be improved with the help of modern-day technology.

The market is flooded with various air conditioners, air purifiers, and a host of similar products designed to alleviate the effects of air pollution and temperature changes.

If you live in a place with very hot summers, extremely cold winters, high pollen counts, or polluted air, either an AC unit or an air purifier is a must-have.

Options are very nice to have, but sometimes it’s hard to know which of these you need for your home or office.

In this guide, we take an in-depth look at the differences between these air conditioning and purifying products, helping to ensure you find the best option for your needs.

The Basics

An air purifier removes contaminated particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander from the air in order to improve air quality.

Air purifiers are commonly used for health reasons by individuals that struggle with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory diseases.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers work in two different ways. Active air purifiers work by filtering negatively charged ions into the air, which causes the pollutants to stick to surrounding surfaces.

Meanwhile, passive air purifiers differ by using air filters to remove pollutants from the air. The best air purifier filter is a HEPA filter.

Both types of air purifiers are effective, but passive air purifiers are the preferred option since they permanently remove both small and larger particles such as dust mites, pet dander and other allergens, and airborne contaminants.

Air purifiers can either be stand-alone units or can be incorporated into HVAC systems.

Air Conditioners

An air conditioner is a machine that treats air in an enclosed area via a refrigeration cycle. Air is removed out of the room and replaced with either cooler or warmer air depending on the setting and temperature that the device is set to. Air conditioners are mainly used for comfort in areas that experience extreme temperatures. Air conditioners all work on the same principle, but they are available in different shapes and sizes.

Types of Air Conditioners

Window Air Conditioners

A window unit is a portable air conditioner normally found in a window or an exterior hole in the wall. Window air conditioners have limited cooling capacity due to their size and static location. However, these low-cost units have the cooling power for individual rooms or small apartments that don’t have a central HVAC system.

Air Source Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are a cost-effective air conditioning option for homes with ductwork. Air source heat pumps use electricity to move warm and cold air throughout your home. In winter, the heat pump brings concentrated warm outdoor air into the house from outside. During the summer months, it concentrates warm indoor air in your house and dumps it outside.

These energy-efficient systems are best suited for areas with mild temperatures and work very well in Southern California, but may not fare so well in Minnesota.

Central Air Conditioners

Central air conditioning systems consist of the condensing unit (outside the home) and the evaporative unit (inside the home). These luxury units deliver cool air to every room within a house simultaneously, and the majority of modern homes in the US feature these systems.

Ductless Air Conditioners

Ductless air conditioners are also known as split system air conditioners. These systems are ideal for homes without ductwork and offer a more permanent solution than window AC units. Ductless air conditioners feature one unit on the inside of the home and one unit on the outside of the home, and refrigerant tubing pipes connect the two units.

These systems normally only cool one room at a time, but depending on room size, more advanced systems are able to cool multiple rooms simultaneously.

Portable Air Conditioners

A portable air conditioner can be moved in and out of a room as you please. These air conditioners feature a hose that discharges hot air out through an exterior window. Portable AC units can be noisy, but they are great temporary cooling solutions.

Do Air Conditioners Purify the Air?

Air conditioners aren’t designed to purify indoor air, but they feature filters that filter some pollutants to improve indoor air quality.

The Key Differences Between Air Purifiers and Air Conditioners

It’s all in the name, air purifiers purify the air, and air conditioners condition (either heat up or cool down) the air.

Air purifiers remove pollutants from the air, meaning individuals that suffer from asthma, allergies or other respiratory diseases can benefit greatly by installing an air purification system in their home.

Air purifiers are also a great addition to your bedroom to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep while breathing in clean, pollution-free air.

To find out which air purifier is best for your bedroom, head here.

Air purifiers are recommended for health reasons as well as for people that live in big cities where air pollution is an issue. There is no prerequisite for installing an air filter; if you feel like you want clean air in your house, go ahead and get one of these air cleaners, it can only be beneficial.

Air conditioners are different from air purifiers, and while air conditioners do purify the air to some extent, their main function is to condition the air to change temperature. Air conditioners are mainly designed for geographical locations that experience either extremely hot or cold temperatures depending on the season. Air conditioners are available in many different shapes and sizes to suit your heating/cooling needs.

What About Humidifiers?

Humidifiers differ because they add water to the air in order to increase the humidity within a room.

Humidifiers are a welcome addition in areas with dry desert air. A variety of health-related issues are aggravated by dry air, including allergies and asthma. Humidity also ensures that your skin doesn’t dry out.

Humidifiers are available as stand-alone devices, or they can be connected to your home’s HVAC system.

Read More: We’ve created a full guide on the differences between air purifiers and dehumidifiers.

Conclusion

After reading this guide, we hope it clears up the fact that air purifiers and air conditioners aren’t the same.

The main difference is that air purifiers work by removing pollutants, allergens, and odors from the air, and air conditioners condition air to be either hot or cold depending on the temperature that your cooling system is set to.

Air purifiers and air conditioners are both complex systems, but with a good understanding of what each device does, you will be able to purchase the correct option for your needs without having to second guess yourself.

The number of people using air purifiers within the home has risen considerably over the past decade or so. Mainly this is because people want to improve the air quality within the home. But why you may ask, has it suddenly become so bad that there is a need for these machines to exist in the first place?

Unfortunately, the answer to that question is due to a number of factors, but ultimately, it’s because of the general rise in global air pollution. And while we may not be able to control the air quality outside the home, when it comes to improving it inside the home, there are options – i.e. an air cleaner in the form of an air purifier.

Recent years have seen extensive research carried out in this area, specifically looking at the effectiveness of air filters and their efficiency in successfully reducing particulate matter and allergens indoors.

This of course is hugely positive and can lead to significant health benefits to those that suffer from asthma or other cardiovascular issues.

However, there are also a lot of questions emerging as to whether or not these appliances can make you sick. In this article, we will look to dispel the myths and reveal the facts so you can decide the best course of action for you.

Are Air Purifiers Safe?

Air purifiers work by removing harmful allergens and other airborne particles from within the home. The way in which they’re designed allows them to draw in unfiltered air and pass it through a filter so that it comes out as ‘clean air’. They can be a great help to anyone who suffers with asthma, allergies, or any other underlying health conditions.

Most decent air purifiers available today are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, meaning they have met the stringent standards of how effective they are. To qualify as a HEPA filter, air purifiers sold in the USA must be able to remove a minimum of 99.97% of any particle with a diameter equal to 0.3 micrometer. This percentage must also increase when the particle size falls above or below this size.

Quite simply, air filters and air purifiers are preventing us from breathing in dirty air, and if they weren’t deemed to be safe then they wouldn’t be HEPA approved.

Do They Dry Out the Air?

In a nutshell, no. Contrary to what a lot of people are led to believe, air purifiers don’t change the humidity level in the air. They are not designed to do this and are not equipped to do this. While air is filtered through the system, there’s nowhere for an air purifier to capture moisture from the air.

If you use an air conditioner, this could be one reason as to why you have dry air. To counteract the effects of this, some people choose to use a humidifier within the home. But we’ll leave that for another day and you can check out our full guide on the differences between air purifiers and humidifiers here.

Can They Make You Sick?

An air purifier alone should not make you sick. Yet there are still a great deal of people questioning this. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the main areas of concern and whether there is any truth behind the claims.

Sore throat

If you’ve got a HEPA air purifier, this one couldn’t be further from the truth. Because air purifiers work to remove bacteria from the air, they actually help in reducing the occurrence of sore throats and sicknesses. They’re also very effective at eliminating allergens too and can work wonders when placed in the bedroom to help ensure you get a peaceful night’s sleep.

If, however, you have an ionizing air purifier you may experience a slight throat irritation. This is because air ionizers work slightly different to HEPA air purifiers. Instead of taking in air to filter it, they emit charged particles into the air to clean it instead. An unfortunate byproduct of this process is a tiny amount of ozone. And while it is only a very small amount, it is enough to cause people with chronic respiratory system issues, minor throat irritation.

Headaches

One of the most commonly asked questions relating to health we receive is: “Do air purifiers cause headaches?”. Referring back to the above section on sore throats, provided you have a HEPA air purifier, this should not be an issue as they work to remove any harmful allergens, mold spores, or odors that may cause a headache . It’s also important you consider the right location for your air purifier, if you do that then you should see the quality of the air improve dramatically within your home.

Even those ionizing type air purifiers shouldn’t be a problem as the trace amount of ozone that’s emitted from them is not enough to cause a headache.

Nosebleeds

This is definitely an unsubstantiated claim regardless of the type of air purifier you have. Other than those instances relating to underlying medical conditions, nosebleeds can also be caused when the air is dry. However, air purifiers do not dry out the air. Therefore, they cannot be a trigger for nosebleeds.

Cough

Similar to that of the nosebleed scenario, if you’re breathing in dry and dusty air, it is likely to make you cough. But with an air purifier in the room working to remove any allergens, pet dander, and other irritants from the air, the chances of you coughing should be reduced significantly.

How to Ensure You Air Purifier Doesn’t Make You Sick

While the air purifier alone is not enough to make you sick, combined with a number of other factors, it may. The following are just a few helpful hints as to what you can do to prevent this from happening:

• Avoid Ozone gas-producing air purifiers: Overexposure to ozone gas is extremely dangerous. Not only can it cause coughing, wheezing, and a tightening of the chest, in some extreme circumstances it can be fatal. Even a small amount can cause inflammation in the throat and lungs. Therefore, it’s best to avoid air purifiers that emit ozone gas, regardless of how effective it claims to be. The best way to do this is to opt for a HEPA air purifier. With one of these, you avoid ozone gas altogether.

• Clean or change the filter regularly: Having a dirty filter in your air purifier is just as bad as not having one at all. To ensure your appliance remains effective at removing pollutants it’s vital that you clean or change your filter regularly (in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions).

• Use natural air purifiers as well within the home (i.e. plants). The air within the home is full of dust mites, allergens, pet dander, and other harmful lung irritants. And while air purifiers are very effective at filtering the air surrounding them, they simply can’t get everywhere at once. So, in order to achieve the very best air quality you can at home, try to use natural air purifiers in addition to an electrical one.

Some plants are very good at absorbing harmful toxins from the air, particularly in areas of reduced air flow. Spider plants are good for this and are easy to maintain. Bamboo palms are even better but take a little more looking after. Both are non-toxic so are safe for those with kids and/or pets.

Beeswax candles also act as natural air purifiers. These burn very slowly and produce very little smell or smoke. Yet they are highly effective at neutralizing toxic compounds and removing harmful allergens from the air.      

Conclusion

If you experience any of the above symptoms while in your home, then the chances of these being side effects caused solely by an air purifier is slim, and almost non-existent if it’s a HEPA air purifier but we always recommend speaking to a medical professional if you’re worried.

Your indoor air quality will improve significantly through the help of a high-quality air purifier. Not only will it help to eliminate any dust, pet dander, allergens, or other irritants in the air, it will also help rid any nasty odors too.

Over the past several years, the air purification industry has evolved. To that end, consumer demand for clean air in the home has risen with it.

In response, numerous air purifier brands have also seen a rise in popularity. In this time, many of those brands have released new models designed to fit every possible consumer when it comes to air quality.

However, even with lots of options, it may be hard to find the best air purifier with just a simple search on Amazon. As it turns out, it is a lot easier to start your air purifier search by finding a trustworthy air purifier brand and exploring their product range from there. This can then help you narrow your shortlist and find an air filter that effectively meets your needs.

With this in mind, we’ve taken the time to compare several top air purifier brands side-by-side. Herein, you’ll find useful information about each brand and their air cleaning technology. Also, we’ve taken the time to read through hundreds of consumer reviews of each brand. As such, you can trust us to provide you with trustworthy information that will make it easier than ever to find a great home air purifier.

A Comparison of the Top 5 Air Purifier Brands

If improving your home’s air quality is your goal, then these are the brands you need to look to first. All 5 of these air purifier top brands will provide you with a reliable product. That being said, each has differing capabilities when it comes to purifying the air. As such, you should take some time to compare these brands and find which brand-specific features suit your home’s needs best.

You may have already noticed that Alen, Winix, Austin Air, and Molekule are not included in this list. While we like these air purifier brands as well, they simply didn’t measure up to these top five picks in several key areas. If you end up passing on these following five purifier brands, be sure to give those other four air cleaner brands a closer look.

Honeywell

First up is Honeywell, who is easily one of the most popular air purifier brands on the market today. That’s likely because their products cover a wide price range, which is ideal for shoppers on a budget. Even so, Honeywell’s most affordable models still provide a solid fan speed relative to their price. Honeywell purifiers can have a high noise level, though, which can be a bother in small rooms.

Regardless of which Honeywell model you pick up, you can count on it to have a reliable CADR. In fact, clean air delivery rate is one of the best specifications throughout the Honeywell brand. This is definitely true of the Honeywell HPA600B, which is one of this brand’s top compact air purifiers. That model utilizes True HEPA technology that allows it to easily trap mold spores and other harmful airborne particles.

Also, Honeywell is a US-based company. As a result, you can count on them to honor the 3-5 year warranties carried by most of their products. This is even true of some of their premium models, which feature UV-C lights and ionizers.

Dyson

Dyson is another well-known air purifier name, though they’re also well known for their vacuum cleaners. In fact, you could argue that their introduction of their “Air Multiplier” back in kicked off a new interest in air flow technology. That’s because that premier model lacked any visible fan blades. This made it far safer and efficient than traditional blade-based fans.

Since that time, Dyson has implemented all kinds of new air quality monitoring features to the purifiers. For example, some of their high-end models include special HEPA filter sensors that can detect VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the air. They’ve also introduced “ultraviolent cleansing” technology that have new meaning to in-home air purifying.

Dyson is a UK-based company, though its products are available in many countries (including the US). In almost all cases, they cost more than their closest competition. However, you get what you pay for with a Dyson air purifier. That is to say, with a Dyson purifier, you always get an air cleaner that is built to last. At the same time, the Dyson name always signals a refined attention to detail that translates into enhanced performance.

Blueair

Blueair is not as well-known as a brand in the US. However, over in China and India, this name is associated with their top-tier performance. In particular, these units are known for their filtration system, which can handle urban levels of pollution with ease. They also always come with high CADR and ACH ratings, which are clear indications of their practical capabilities.

Many Blueair purifier users have noted how quiet they are when in use. As such, their noise levels are rarely a problem when used in a small room. That being said, Blueair purifiers appear to be capable of handling large room air purification as well. The Blueair Pro L, for example, features an auto-sensor that can detect across a wide room easily. Its sleek design doesn’t cause it to take up too much space, though.

Also, it’s worth noting that Blueair are the inventor of the HEPASilent technology. This innovative system is rated to remove 99.97% of particles from in-home air. At the same time, it barely creates any noise while active. This technology has allowed Blueair to gain some professional acclaim. In particular, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has verified their performance claims on multiple occasions.

Rabbit Air

No list of the top air purifier brands would be complete without discussing Rabbit Air. Despite gains from other companies, Rabbit Air has remained this market’s top dog since 2004. This is primarily because Rabbit Air has remained on the front lines of indoor air quality innovation. Despite this, they’ve managed to keep their prices fairly stable, with many popular models costing only around $500.

One such popular air purifier is the MinusA2. When it was released, this model wowed the market by providing medical-grade filtration at a fraction of the price. In fact, it immediately replaced IQair’s purifiers when it came to top-tier allergen removal. The MinusA2 is also able to conservatively use power, making it an ideal choice for daily use in homes with large room sizes.

Rabbit Air is also a US-based company, with its products made and shipped from California. As such, their 5-year warranty is worth paying a little bit extra for. That warranty also comes with 24/7 customer support at no extra charge. That can be a major asset, especially if you need help performing a filter replacement.

Coway

Finally, we come to Coway, another reliable name in the air purifier business. This Korean-based brand has long had a major presence in the US market. This is especially true of the large-particle filtration market, where their models have remained popular. The Coway AP-1512HH, for example, uses a pre-filter system that removes odors effectively. It also includes a sensor system that responds actively to airborne particles in any size room.The Coway Airmega is also a great option if you’re looking for a model with a true HEPA filter.

Coway air purifiers are also champions when it comes to filtering out pet dander. These allergens often clog up HEPA-type filters, requiring more frequent replacement. Coway’s activated carbon filters can hold tight to these particles, as well as those produced by dust mites. Many of Coway’s top models are also Energy Star rated, as well. As a result, they’re a great option if you are trying to reduce your home’s energy consumption.

Considering their overall performance, you might expect to pay up to $500 for a Coway purifier. But in fact, some of their mid-range units run for only $200 right now. That’s a considerable bargain, especially for such a reliable unit. Those mid-range units can cover a lot of square feet, too, so you won’t need to pay extra for an extra-large model.

Conclusion

As you can see, these 5 air purifier brands really are the best in the business. Each excels when it comes to different features and specifications. But taken together, they can all be trusted with keeping your home’s air as crisp and as clean as can be.

However, you might still be wondering where brands such as GermGuardian, Whirlpool, and Levoit fall into this list. These are also popular home air filter brands, though if we were to review every air purifier brand out there we were afraid this guide would have gone on forever. As such, they’ve been left out of this top 5 collection. Even so, you may still want to check out their products if you need a specific kind of HEPA filtration.

When people talk about pollution and “bad air”, they’re usually referring to the dust, dirt, and other harmful toxins found in the air outside. But there are just as many dangerous pollutants living in the air we breathe indoors too. And this is the main reason for the development of the air purifier. Air purifiers work wonders at helping to maintain good air quality within your home. They remove harmful pollutants, allergens, and bad odors from the air and can help improve the quality of your life. And there is a great deal of choice out there too.

But the problem is not in finding a decent air purifier (as there are a few); it is in choosing the best place to put an air purifier in your home.

Does it Matter Where You Put Your Air Purifier?

Yes, yes, yes! While many buyers recognize the need for an air purifier, they don’t always understand the importance of where you place an air purifier. Where you place the air purifier within your home is almost as important as the appliance itself.

There’s no point in spending your hard-earned money on a really good air purifier only for the air purifier positioning to have very little or no effect. Now let’s move on to where to place air purifier appliances.

What Room is the Best Air Purifier Placement?

To be honest, there is no hard and fast answer to this question, as the best room to place an air purifier will vary depending on various things within the home, such as kids, pets, and room size.

Bedroom

One of the preferred locations for many people is the bedroom because this is where as much as a third of your day is spent. Breathing fresh air at night could help to promote a better night’s sleep. And there are several air purifiers out there designed specifically for the bedroom, which not only look great but function very well also.

Infant/Child’s Room

Another popular choice to place your air purifier is in an infant/child’s room. Having clean air as they grow and develop is vital for young people as they’ve not yet developed a strong immune system to fight all the harmful toxins, pollutants, and allergens that adults can. Placing an air purifier in your child’s room to help with air circulation while they play and/or sleep can help reduce the risk of developing respiratory problems related to dirty air.

Other Placements

If you spend a lot of time in the living room, you may want to consider placing there. Bth the kitchen and bathroom are also good locations as they tend to be the worst for producing harmful pollutants and nasty odors.

The closer you place your air purifier to the source of bacteria or odor, the more effective it will be. Also, it takes more energy for most air purifiers to purify humid air, so you may consider placing a dehumidifier nearby as well.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Air Purifier Location

Finding the best place for your air purifier needn’t be difficult. But it does require you to think about a few key considerations, which could change your air purifier’s effectiveness and sway your decision one way or the other:

Size of the Room

This is probably the most important factor to consider when making your purchase. Placing an air purifier in a room that’s too big for it to handle is a common mistake. But, it’s also one of the worst as it won’t be able to filter all the air, leaving it contaminated with harmful irritants and deeming it pretty useless.

To avoid this happening, always make sure you check to see what the recommended room size is for the air purifier you’re buying. This will quite often be shown in square feet, so it’s a good idea to get your room measurements before shopping.

If you’re looking to get an air purifier that’s portable so you can filter the whole house throughout the day, just be sure that it’s capable of purifying the largest room.

Avoid Corners

For an air purifier to work at its best, it needs to be out in the open where there is maximum airflow and it can pull air from all directions. So, part of your air purifier placement strategy needs to involve keeping it out of the corner. Place an air purifier somewhere it can get good air intake.

If your home isn’t particularly big and you find you don’t have a lot of free space, there are some air purifiers that can be mounted directly on the wall. While they may not be able to take in air from every angle, it will be better than placing it in a corner.

Position Near Odor

If you have pets, kids, or even smelly partners, then using air purifiers within the home is a must. Pet dander consists of tiny flakes of dead skin that are shed naturally from dogs, cats, and pretty much any other animal with fur or feathers. For some people, pet dander can cause a great deal of irritation and is the main cause of pet allergies. But thanks to these portable little air filtration systems, a lot of this dander can be removed from the air. There are many good air purifiers on the market aimed specifically at pet owners. Not only do these work well at removing pet dander, but they also help to eliminate pet hair and smells too.

Doorways

If you can get away with it, placing your air purifier near the doorway is very effective in helping to maintain good quality air and proper air circulation throughout separate rooms in your home. A good portion of the harmful pollutants found within the home have been transferred there from outside. By positioning your air purifier in the doorway, you are preventing all those unwanted airborne particles from entering the room.

Should I Put My Air Purifier on the Floor?

Wherever possible, you should always try and raise your air purifier to keep it off the ground. A small air purifier can easily go on a table. You can also get a wall-mountable air purifier. A large air purifier will not be as easy to get off the ground as smaller air purifiers and may need to stay on the ground.

There are two main benefits to be seen from raising the height at which your appliance sits. Firstly, by elevating the air purifier, you increase the machine’s floor-to-ceiling efficiency by capturing air pollutants near the ceiling faster. This means there’s less chance of them reaching the air you’re breathing. Secondly, it makes the air purifier less of a trip hazard.

However, models do vary across the board, and it’s always best to check with the manufacturer’s recommendation first about elevating your machine. Assess your needs and you’ll find an air purifier suitable for them.

Conclusion

Making the decision to buy an air purifier is one that you’re unlikely to forget. Not only will it give you better air quality to breathe, but it will also help keep any unwanted odors at bay too. And now you know where to best position your air purifier, you should start to see some real improvements.

Air purifiers don’t need to be an expensive purchase these days and are much better for you than having open windows in the home, letting in all the polluted air from outside, particularly if you live in a city where air contaminants are an issue. So, if you are looking for an effective solution to help reduce the air pollution within your home and make your air cleaner, investing in a decent air purifier is a no-brainer. It will help keep bad odors at bay and improve your overall indoor air quality.

There are many reasons for choosing an air purifier. One of the most common of these is to help address odor issues. There’s a great deal of confusion regarding this subject, largely because there isn’t a simple answer to the question.

The Filter Matters

In order to tease out the true answer regarding the question do air purifiers help with smell, it’s important to understand how they differ from one another. Despite the fact that there are different technologies used to clean and purify the air, the type of filter an air purifier uses is crucial to its effectiveness at removing odors.

How Does an Activated Carbon Filter Work?

An activated carbon filter is designed with a large surface area relative to the air purifier’s volume. This surface area contains a network of submicroscopic pores. These pores are designed to absorb the particles that contribute to odors.

The unique design of an activated carbon filter enables molecules to attract other molecules that are contained within particles. These molecules attach to each other and are then removed.

Which Odors Can an Air Purifier Remove?

When armed with an activated carbon filter, an air purifier is effective at removing a variety of odors including smoke, pets, chemicals, cooking and more.

Depending on the air purifier, it might also be possible to wash the activated carbon filter. Doing so frequently improves the filter’s effectiveness and can increase its lifespan.

Square Footage Matters

Another consideration when searching for an air purifier to remove odors is the size of the area the unit is rated for. Each air purifier states the maximum square footage that it’s capable of.

It’s important to match the size of the room or home with the right size air purifier. Otherwise, the unit won’t be able to purify the air as effectively.

Other Considerations

Regardless of the quality of the air purifier, following all the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding placement, maintenance and capabilities are crucial to its effectiveness. For example, most manufacturers recommend that the casing and under the air purifier be kept clean and free of obstructions. Another common recommendation is a regular schedule of filter replacement and/or cleaning.

In quick response to the above title, “Do Air Purifiers Help with Mold?”, the answer is yes. If you’d like to know just a touch more about just how effective these devices are when it comes to treating pesky mold spores, then keep reading.

A home doesn’t have to be dirty to have problems with mold. It can appear just about anywhere indoors where you have high temperatures and high humidity levels. If it’s not treated quickly and effectively, mold can cause a whole a range of problems, not just to the house, but to your health as well. But don’t despair as there are steps you can take to help eliminate mold and keep it at bay. One of which is to invest in a decent air purifier.

In this article, we’ll go over in more detail why you need to steer clear of mold and mildew and how to best banish it from your home. We’ll also explain how an air purifier works and how it can help calm this situation, improving your indoor air quality in an instant.

Following on from that, we’ll then point you in the right direction of some of the best air purification systems available now for tackling mold within the home.

Why Mold Needs to be Avoided 

There’s quite a range of adverse effects mold spores can have on your health including the onset of allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivity flares, and respiratory problems. And these are just the short-term effects. Long-term exposure to mold is much more serious. Symptoms related to long-term exposure to mold include cancer, neurotoxicity, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and pulmonary injury.

Mold spores reproduce by releasing spores into the air. They float around the air until they find a damp surface to cling to. Then, as long as the surface remains damp, the mold spores are fed. And eventually, they start to reproduce. The spreading of mold can happen very rapidly so it’s important to deal with it as soon as it’s detected.

Where Mold is Most Likely to be Lurking 

As mentioned earlier, mold can appear anywhere that’s moist and humid. If the humidity indoors is above 60%, this is the perfect breeding conditions for mold. Finding a large source of mold in the home could indicate a much deeper problem such as poor ventilation or leaking pipes. Whatever the source may be, it still needs to be treated. In worst cases, if mold is left untreated, apart from the damage it could do to your health, it could even cause the decaying of your home.

Quite often, in properties of poor ventilation, mold spores will form around the edge of the window, typically in the corner. In the bathroom, however, you may notice spots of mold appearing just about anywhere. Both the shower and bathtub are very common as these areas tend to be damp quite a lot. The sink and toilet are in the same boat. However, you also need to look closer. Mold is very good at hiding and is also likely to appear in places such as shampoo bottles, shower heads, and toothbrush holders as all offer the perfect conditions for reproducing.

How Air Purifiers Can Help

There are various types of air purifiers available. However, not all of them are effective at mold removal, so you need to be careful. Any air purifier that’s fitted with a True HEPA filter will definitely help as these filtration systems physically trap the mold, preventing them from reentering the atmosphere. Ideally, when dealing with mold, you should also choose a model that’s fitted with an activated carbon filter. These filters are specially designed to tackle odors and are the only kind strong enough to deal with mold.

Another good feature to look for is those fitted with a germicidal UV-C light. These are the most effective at stopping mold spore reproduction. While there is some controversy over whether UV light should be used in air purifiers because of its potential danger to humans, it is contained within the system itself and therefore should eliminate any associated risk. As air passes through, it’s exposed to UV-C light, destroying any mold spores’ DNA, making it impossible for it to reproduce.

While air purifiers won’t completely solve your mold problem, it’s certainly a good place to start. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home,  while both portable air cleaners and HVAC filters may be effective at removing some mold spores, they won’t solve an ongoing mold and moisture issue. To do this, more specialist equipment will be required. But if you’re looking to remove naturally occurring mold spores from your indoor air then an air purifier is a good tool to help.

Preventing Mold Growth 

It’s one thing tackling mold that’s already there, but it’s another thing altogether, preventing it from returning. However, if you want to continue breathing in fresh and uncontaminated air, then both must be adhered to. One way to keep on top of any mold problems within your home is to periodically tour your property looking for cracks in the walls, or any signs of leakages. You should also ensure that all potential entry points for water are sealed. This will also help shield the property from wind, helping to keep your home warmer in the winter.

If you do detect any signs of serious mold, contact the professionals who can treat this problem immediately for you. Once the current problem has been rectified, your air purifier will work much more effectively at providing you with a constant supply of clean air.

When you do have your own air purifier in operation at home, make sure you change the filters on a regular basis, especially if living with any elderly people or those with any underlying health problems. While many of the high-end models have integrated filter replacement monitors, some of the budget models are a little less intuitive and will need to be checked manually every few weeks. If it looks dirty or clogged, then replace it. If you read the manufacturer’s guide, it should give you a better indication of how often the filter will need changing.

Best Air Purifiers for Mold 

Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 Air Purifier

Best for Larger Areas 

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 is a fantastic top-spec air purifying system that is perfect for use in rooms up to 1,100 square feet in size. It measures in at 15.5” x 2.5” x 14.5”, and has a cool, sleek appearance that will accentuate any office, studio, or home space.

When it comes to technology, this device has it nailed, offering some great user-friendly features. The first thing to note is the intelligent sensor that has the ability to detect the air quality within the room. This is then displayed clearly on the screen for you to see. As the fans kick in and set to work and the air becomes cleaner, you will see the sensor light change, indicating when the room is filled with clean, filtered air.

Another great feature this air purifier has to offer is that it’s so quiet when in use. Thanks to the device’s integrated WhisperMax technology, at its lowest fan setting, it kicks out just 41.5 decibels, which is around the same noise level as that of a library. So, it is pretty quiet, and therefore suitable for use even in the bedroom.

In terms of actual performance, the Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 works on a 3-stage air filtering system that includes a HEPA air filter in the center. The HEPA filter that’s included is optional and can be selected from the following: a standard HEPA Pure filter; an upgraded HEPA filter combined with an activated carbon filter for tackling bad odors (HEPA-Fresh); another upgrade to include antimicrobial Silver-Ion threads in which to eliminate mold and bacteria (HEPA-Silver); and a top-spec HEPA filter that includes everything plus Alen’s unique Molecular Conversion Powder that destroys bad odors on a molecular level (HEPA-OdorCell).

GermGuardian AC4300 Air Purifier

Best for Performance 

If you’re searching for a smooth, stylish looking air purifier that’s both highly effective and efficient, then the GermGuardian AC4300 is a good match for you. Measuring in at 8.8” x 6.38” x 22”, this slimline device is capable of cleaning the air in rooms of up to 153 square feet in size, up to 4 times per hour.

This HEPA air purifier uses a very effective 3-stage filtering process in which to clean the room air. There’s a pre-filter that’s combined with an activated carbon filter which successfully removes large particles of pollutants and reduces odors caused by things like pets, cooking, and smoke. The air is then passed through the True HEPA filter where 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns are captures. This includes pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other airborne particles. The final stage involves using a UV-C light in which to kill airborne mold spores, bacteria, and viruses.

There are 3 different fan speeds on offer with the GermGuardian AC4300, the lowest setting producing just 40 decibels of noise. And in comparison, to some of the other models out there, that’s not bad at all. In terms of power consumption, it uses just 52 watts, which is much better than many of its competitors. Even when running this device for 8 hours every day, it would less than $20 per year to power.

Another feature that many people love about this machine is the easy-to-use, control panel that sits on the top of the machine. There are just 2 buttons and an LED filter replacement indicator here. So, nothing is too difficult to work and with just a quick glance you can instantly see whether or not your filters need changing.

RabbitAir MinusA2 Air Purifier

Best for Technology Lovers 

The RabbitAir MinusA2 Air Purifier is an amazing device in so many ways it’s hard to know where to start! Firstly, it offers a pretty large room coverage of up to 815 square feet and can filter this space effectively twice in one hour. And thanks to the Energy Certified motor, filters last up to two years when used for 12 hours a day. How efficient is that?!

When it comes to the filtration system, that’s pretty amazing too, using a total of 6 different stages in which to clean the air you breathe. It uses a pre-filter to trap and reduce large particles such as dust and pollen. It then uses a medium filter to capture and reduce anything that escaped the previous stage. Air is then passed through the BioGS filter which traps allergens 0.3 microns in size at a rate of 99.97% efficiency, before moving through a customized filter of your choosing. This could be either

As well as being super-efficient at cleaning the air in your room, it’s also super fun to use. It has a customizable front panel that transforms your air purifier into a modern work of art. With just a few clicks of a button you can see creative pieces appear on the machine’s face, including images by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Peanuts, and Hello Kitty.

Being the technological marvel that it is, the RabbitAir MinusA2 is outfitted with wireless internet capabilities, allowing you to monitor and control your device from anywhere. You can also pair it with Alexa to make your life easier when you are at home and want to give the room a quick blast before you enter.

As you can see, there are some very cool and very effective air purifiers out there that will not only brighten up your room but will also effectively ward off any bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. Mold exposure can be extremely detrimental to your health. So the sooner you tackle the problem, the better.

While all three of the above models are great, the one that really tops them all has to be the Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000. It’s super powerful in performance and capable of filtering large rooms, yet it’s so quiet when in use. It also looks pretty cool, and therefore ideal if wanting to use it in a bedroom or office.

If, however, that’s not quite the style you’re after then be sure to check out the GermGuardian AC4300. While it’s only really suitable for smaller rooms it works extremely well in those spaces. It’s easy to use, and very energy efficient.

Or finally, if neither of those float your boat, you may be better suited to the RabbitAir Minus2. It’s a modern machine equipped with a technological playground, that runs like a dream and can be mounted on the wall. So is perfect for anyone who likes their gadgets and is lacking in floor space.

Any of these models can be picked up quite easily on Amazon or eBay. Breathing fresh, filtered air inside the home is a pleasure that once you have encountered, you won’t regret buying one. Not only will it help you feel more awake and energized in the day, it will also help more breathe more easily in the night too.

Many people believe that air purifiers remove household dust. Perhaps a few people question this since dust particles are tiny particles and because sometimes, the air purifiers may be placed in large rooms. So, in this article, we will help satisfy your curiosity and provide a detailed answer to the question “do air purifiers remove dust?”

For us to properly do this, we have to discuss dust and air purifiers. We also have to look at what air purifiers are best for removing dust if any air purifiers are capable of removing dust particles from large rooms and by so doing, improving air quality.

What is Dust?

Dust is made up of solid particles of various matter forms which may include soil, pollen, human hair, skin cells, pet hair, and several pollutant particles. Many people think that dust is made up almost seclusively of dead or worn-out human cells but this is not true. Yes, human body cells make up a portion of dust in your home and my home but it is not the major constituent of dust. You are more likely to have larger portions of dust from outside soil conveyed by the wind, from dust mites, mold spores, insect-byproducts, and several other sources.

Some dust particles, especially from pollens, mold spores, or such organic particles are less likely to harm you unless you already have a medical condition that makes you allergic or if you are asthmatic. Since dust particles are airborne particles, they are likely to be harmful to people who suffer from allergy symptoms. This is often without warning due to the fact that dust is particulate matter. So, besides the fact that dust settles on the floor and things around the house, making them dirty and unhygienic, you also have to deal with the health effects of dust in the living room, large rooms, and in your home in general.

Dust can affect your respiratory system, triggering health problems. So, it is important to have clean air free of pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and various forms of allergens in your living room and in indoor spaces. This is why air purifiers are important. Air purifiers help in improving air quality by making use of a filtration system to remove indoor dust and produce fresh air for you to breathe. Or do they? We will now look at air purifiers to see if they do this and how they do this- how air purifiers work to remove dust and improve air quality.

How Air Purifiers Can Help Combat Dust

Air purifiers are called air purifiers because they simply purify air to a large extent.

They are devices that help remove mold spores, pet dander, dust particles, and a host of other airborne particles or allergens from indoor air.

They do this by using a filtration system that works to clean air and improve indoor air quality. You need to understand that most of these particles we speak of cannot be seen by the naked human eye. They are so small that they are measured in microns. 1 micron for instance is one part out of a million parts. Yet, some of these particles are smaller than even 0.3microns. Keep in mind that the different particles that make up dust could range from as small as 0.01microns to over 400microns

Air purifiers work in different ways depending on the type of air purifier.

We will now discuss two of the most common types of air purifiers before giving you our verdict on which air purifier is the right air purifier or the most effective at removing dust particles and other airborne particles too.

This will guide you in choosing air purifiers, especially if you are looking for the best air purifiers for dust removal.

Types of Air Purifiers to Remove Dust

Ionizers

Ionizers are also known as ionic air purifiers. They purify the air by passing air through a filtration system that utilizes negatively charged ions to bond to the particles in the air, making them heavier and causing them to drop on the charged collection plate in the air purifier. In this way, ionizers select particles from the air. Ionizers are effective in removing particles from the air and in deactivating germs with their negatively charged ions. However, they are not as good as HEPA air purifiers when it comes to removing particles. They also don’t do anything about the smell in the room.

People are however cautious of Ionizers because of the ozone they produce as by-products. Ozone generators which are an entirely different device make use of ozone in an attempt to eradicate airborne particles. However, it produces a large and unhealthy level of ozone which is really harmful to homeowners and it also does not have collection plates to collect the particles that the ozone binds to, ensuring that the particles are on the floor and can be destabilized into the atmosphere again. Unfortunately, many ozone generator producers pass them off as ionizers, giving ionizers a bad name. Since ionizers produce ozone as by-products, people are skeptical of Ionizers even though the ozone generated is in very little and very safe quantities. So, yes. Ionizers can remove dust from the air. You will have to keep up regular maintenance by regularly cleaning the collection plate though.

HEPA air purifiers

High-efficiency-particulate air purifiers (HEPA air purifiers) is the known best air purifier for dust removal and for removing airborne particles in general. It is built with a technology that ensures that it traps most airborne particles. HEPA air purifiers make use of air filters called HEPA air filters as their filtration system tools. There are two types of HEPA air filters.

True HEPA filter: This is the most efficient filter type. They capture or trap any particle as big as 0.3microns or more. There is a rigorous process used in certifying true HEPA filters to ensure that they meet up with the accepted 99.97% efficiency when it comes to purifying indoor air. This is the best-known air purifier for dust removal.

HEPA-type filter: this is s less effective HEPA filter. It is effective for up to 95%. It is also great or cleaning air and trapping particles but obviously not as good as the True HEPA air purifier.

HEPA air purifiers have to be maintained regularly as well. Maintenance includes filter replacements which will be done from time to time because the filters trap lots of particles and microbes which have to be done away with. When the filters get saturated and are not replaced, you may risk the filters becoming a source or reservoir of the very particles you need to get rid of. The air purifier at that point may even pose more danger than if you had not gotten it. At the end of the day, this applies to lots of devices. They have to be properly maintained so they can function effectively.

There are other air purifiers such as the activated carbon filter air purifier and the UV-C based purifiers. Sometimes, the technologies are mixed or simultaneously employed to both remove dust and to deactivate microbes that may be present in indoor air.

Conclusion

Yes, air purifiers can remove dust from indoor air. This does not mean that air purifiers can remove every single dust particle. They will remove most dust particles. Keep in mind that dust particles range from 0.01microns to about 400microns. Also, HEPA air purifiers for instance can trap anything as big as 0.3microns. Unfortunately, particles as small as 0.01microns will most likely pass through the pores in the HEPA filters. However, you can be sure that most of the particles will be trapped, and only very few can make it through. The best shot you have at purifying the air in your living room or indoor space and getting fresh air that will be free from allergens remains the HEPA air purifiers.

Some air purifiers combine the HEPA air filter technology with the Ionizer technology to ensure that microbes are also killed or deactivated. Ionizers also do a good job of removing dust and microbes from the air. There are a few other types of air purifiers but they do not work as effectively as the HEPA air purifier. So, if removing dust is your goal, we recommend the HEPA air purifier, preferably one with True HEPA filters. A notable mention for removing particles would be the activated carbon air filter which uses carbon filters to remove large particles and organic compounds by filtering them through its pore spaces. It is a good air filtration device but also not as good as the HEPA air purifier with regards to the amount of dust it can filter.

Allergy symptoms occurring in the nasal passages, eyes and throat are caused by airborne contaminants. Common allergy symptoms include sinus drainage, post-nasal drip, swollen nasal passages that cause the nose to feel stuffed, a tickle in the throat that frequently leads to a dry cough, headaches, and itchy, swollen eyes with drainage. Since air purifiers can help reduce the number of airborne contaminant particles in the home, they can effectively reduce the symptoms associated with allergies.

Do Air Purifiers Help with Allergies?

What Causes Airborne Allergy Symptoms?

An individual experiences airborne allergy symptoms when his or her immune system is sensitive to a particular particle in the air. When these particles cause an allergy, they are referred to as allergens.

Which Air Particles Can Cause Allergy Symptoms?

Common airborne allergens include pet hair, pet dander (cat and dog), pollen, fungi spores, mold, tobacco smoke, dust and dust mites.

How Do Air Purifiers Help with Allergies?

An air purifier works by pulling air in via a fan and moving that air through at least one filter. The filter captures the particles and pollutants before pushing the air out the other side into the home.

What Are Air Purifier Filters Made Of?

Filters may consist of fiber (typically fiberglass), paper or mesh. To ensure the purifier remains efficient, filters must be changed or washed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. These recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual.

What is a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA)?

HEPA filters consist of multi-layered netting that is usually made of very fine fiberglass threads. Since airborne particle sizes vary, in order to capture particles of different sizes, the size of the gaps in these fiberglass threads vary as well.

How Does the Multi-Layered Netting Capture the Allergens?

As the allergens are pulled in by the fan, the particles that are larger than the filter’s fibers are captured when they crash into the fiber. The mid-sized allergens are captured when they touch the fiber. As the ultra-fine particles zigzag through the fibers, they begin hitting the fibers, which allows them to be captured.

How Effective Are Air Purifiers That Have HEPA Filters?

These filters are very effective at removing the ultra-fine airborne particles. These particles include pollen, dust, mold and dander. The industry standard for HEPA air purifying units requires that it be able to remove at least 99.97 percent of airborne particulates that measure 0.3-micron diameter (in the lab).

I Want to Get an Air Purifier, Which One Should I Choose?

Consumer Reports lists the Blueair Classic 605 and  Blueair Blue Pure 211+ (several options available) among the top air purifiers for 2020. Both air purifiers are available on Amazon. The Blueair Classic 605 has more than 400 ratings, with a total star rating of 4 ½ and the group of Blueair Blue Pure 211+ purifiers have more than 800 ratings, with a total star rating of 4 ½.

Once I Have an Air Purifier, Can I Stop Taking My Allergy Medication?

Although an air purifier can help prevent the onset of allergy symptoms, the reason an individual suffers from allergies varies, therefore, an air purifier should never be used as a means to replace other allergy treatments.