If you work full-time, then chances are that you spend a good portion of your life at the office. So, it’s important to ensure you have a safe environment to work in. In addition to being free from too much clutter, and having adequate lighting to work in, another very important factor to consider is the indoor air quality within your office space. This is particularly important if working in a small room with a lack of fresh air.
Constantly breathing in dirty or dusty air isn’t good for anyone, particularly those who suffer from allergies or any kind of breathing problems. As well as affecting the way in which you breathe and the way in which you function, inhaling unfiltered air can also increase the risk of spreading harmful viruses. It can also affect productivity levels.
But thankfully, regardless of whether you have a small home office, or you work in part of a big open plan room, there are steps you can take to improve the air you breathe within your office space. One of which is to invest in a good quality air purifier.
In this guide we’ll explore some of the most important factors to consider when buying an air purifier for the office.
This will help you decide what features and functions you’re looking for and will help narrow down your end selection when you do go to buy. Then, we’ll share with you some of the best air purifiers out at the moment for office use. In this section, you’ll find out exactly what each of these top models has to offer and which is best suited to meet your air cleaning requirements.
Best Air Purifiers for Office Use: Buying Guide
Before you head straight out and buy an air purifier on the simple merit that it would look great in the office, there are a few things you should consider first:
- The size of the office: Before you even take a sneaky peek at any air purifier, you need to know the size of the office you’re looking to filter the air in. This is probably the most important factor as buying a machine that’s not powerful enough is almost as bad as not having one at all. Likewise, buying an air purifier that’s too big for the office space you have, is simply a waste of money. Which brings us nicely on to the next point.
- Your budget: If you work for a large corporation, this probably won’t be too much of a concern for you as they are likely to be footing the bill. If, however, you work for yourself, or you are the boss, then it’s definitely something you’re going to want to bear in mind. When it comes to price, air purifiers vary massively. However, much of this is linked to the quality of the components and the efficiency of the machine. So, try not to think of the purchasing of an air purifier as just another unnecessary appliance, as it is providing you with better quality air to breathe, which has a huge number of benefits.
- Usage: Another thing you’ll want to consider is where the air purifier will be used. Is it just to be for one particular office or will it be moved around to various rooms? If you’re purchasing an air purifier to simply sit in one location, then the size or weight of the device won’t really matter, provided there’s enough space for it to work efficiently. If, however, you want an air purifier that you can move from office to office you’ll want to look for a model that’s not too heavy and easy to transport.
- Space: This is another important factor as not having enough room for your air purifier to be able to work properly is not only ineffective, it’s also unsafe. So, before you make your final decision, and all the other above boxes are ticked, just make sure there is enough space to put it. Somewhere safe enough where it’s not a trip hazard, yet out in the open enough where you get the maximum benefits from it.
Read More: Where is the Best Place to Position an Air Purifier
Top 8 Best Air Purifiers for Your Office Space
So, now you know what kind of things to keep in mind when purchasing your next office air purifier, the following are some of the best-selling models out at the moment that are perfect for the office.
Winix 5300-2
If you’re looking for an all-around good quality air purifier that’s both effective and affordable, then be sure to check out the Winix 5300-2.
Complete with a True HEPA filter, this air purifier features a 3-stage cleaning process that effectively removes a wide range of allergens and airborne particles, including dust, pet dander, and even viruses. It also uses plasma wave technology to break down chemical vapors, odors, and any other lurking allergens that aren’t capturable.
As well as being super effective in the removal of various pollutants, the Winix 5300-2 has another fantastic quality to offer, and that is that’s it’s so quiet. On any of the four fan speeds, this machine makes barely any noise, making it ideal to use in an office environment. And with the Auto Mode in operation, you don’t even need to move to adjust it. The fan will simply filter the air as and when needed, saving energy and prolonging filter use.
In terms of the size of the actual device, the Winix 5300-2 measures in at 14.9” x 7.8” x 23.6” and weighs 18 pounds. So, it’s not too big if you do need to move it around anywhere. In terms of performance, it’s capable of filtering a room of up to 360 square feet in size. And, it even has a filter replacement indicator to let you know when it’s time to purchase some more replacement filters and change your HEPA filter.
Blueair Blue Pure
The Blueair Blue Pure 211+ is by far, one of the most modern and funky looking air purifiers on the list. Inspired by advanced Swedish design, this air purifier will look fantastic just about anywhere. With a selection of great color schemes to choose from, this device is a true work of art. But it’s not all about the looks. It’s also equipped with some advanced Swedish filtering technology that’s capable of capturing 99% of potentially harmful pollutants such as pollen, pet dander, viruses, and mold.
One of the best selling points this air purifier has to offer in addition to its stylish looks is that’s is effective in filtering rooms of up to 540 square feet in size and has a turnaround of 5 air exchanges per hour. For a machine that’s just 13” x 13” x 20.4”, that’s pretty darn efficient.
When it comes to noise levels, it’s pretty good in that department too, kicking out just 32 decibels on the lowest setting, and 56 on the highest. It’s also very easy to use, with literally just one button to select any of the 3 speed settings. Another bonus feature this air purifier has to offer is that it’s been rated as being a low energy consumption appliance, with a rating of just 30-61 watts.
Conway AP-1512HH Mighty
Another fantastic looking air purifier that’s perfect for all modern offices, the Conway AP-1512HH Mighty is a true competitor in this market for several reasons. Putting its super cool looks aside, it’s also a very effective air cleaner.
Through the use of a 4-stage filtration system, this machine is capable of reducing up to 99.97% of airborne particles including pollen, pet dander, and dust.
As well as being highly effective in filtering your office space air, this device is a popular choice for those looking for something a little more durable than a couple of flimsy pieces of cheap plastic. This air purifier is made from high-quality components that are very robust. Encased in a solid exterior, there is no off-gassing with this machine, and it remains stable when in use.
One really cool feature it has to offer is its unique pollution sensor that communicates air pollution levels in real-time. With just a quick glance you can see just how clean or dirty your air is at any point in the day. It has five fan settings to choose from and there’s even a timer that allows you to run the machine constantly for either 1, 4, or 8 hours.
Measuring in at just 13.8” x 14.5” x 8.3”, this air purifier works well both on the floor or tabletop. And in terms of capability, it can filter a room up to 361 square feet in size. So, not bad at all. It’s also very economical, using just 77 watts of power. And, it has a filter replacement indicator to let you know when it’s time to go.
Levoit LV-PUR131 280
It may not be the most classiest looking of models out there, but if you’re on the hunt for an air purifier that’s well made, super-efficient, and affordable, the Levoit LV-PUR131 is an excellent choice. This True HEPA air purifier works using a 3-stage air filtration system. It uses a pre-filter to neutralize larger airborne objects such as dust, mold, and fungi. Then the air gets filtered through the True HEPA filter which is effective in trapping up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants. Finally, it goes through the activated carbon filter where it also works to remove any odors or smokes.
There are three fan speeds to choose from to best suit your need and it also features a handy timer that’s programmable from 1-12 hours. In terms of efficiency, it can clean a room up to 900 square feet in size in just one hour, which is nothing short of amazing, really. If used in a room size up to 500 square feet, it will be filtered in just over 30 minutes, and for even smaller rooms of up to 360 square feet in size, it takes just 24 minutes on the highest fan speed.
The Levoit LV-PUR131 measures in at 14.5” x 7.2” x 18.5” and weighs just over 11lbs. So, there’s no real worry about moving it around if need be and also means its perfect for small spaces. On top of all that, it’s also Energy Star rated to be one of the best energy-saving air purifiers on the market, costing as little as $12 per year to run. And, it’s 100% UV-C light and ozone free.
Honeywell AirGenius 5 HFD-320
If you’re looking for an air purifier that’s not only going to make the air in your office space much cleaner to breathe but will add a touch of class to the room, then the Honeywell AirGenius 5 HFD-320 is a good choice for you.
At first glance you might mistake this air purifier as an executive ornament or furnishing of some kind. However, what’s really there is a highly effective tower air purifier that’s designed to make your air more breathable. And it works too. This air purifier is capable of filtering a room of up to 250 square feet in size, which is pretty modest compared to some other others listed here. But it works well, none-the-less.
Underneath that smooth black case is an air purification system that features a 2-stage filtration system. And while that might not sound much considering some of the air purifiers on this list have 3, 4, or even 5-stage filtration systems, what they’re all lacking is the unique Intense Field Dielectric (ifD) filter.
On the Honeywell AirGenius 5 HFD-320, the ifD filter is the second level of filtration air travels through after going through the pre-filter. The ifD filter is highly effective at removing all kinds of harmful toxins and airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns in size. It’s used in conjunction with an activated carbon filter and captures 99.9% of contaminants such as dust, viruses, or mold spores.
Dyson Pure Cool
If you’re looking for a high-end air purifier that looks classy works extremely well, then be sure to feast your eyes on the Dyson Pure Cool. Made by the very same company we’ve all come to love and trust with all our vacuuming needs, this sophisticated model on offer from Dyson is very unique in its appearance, but very compelling at the same time.
With its unique 360-degree wrapped HEPA filter, this machine is capable of filtering pretty large rooms of up to 500 square feet in size. It uses a True HEPA filter in which to capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles including dust, dirt, and pollen then uses an activated carbon filter in which to remove lingering odors, smokes, or gases.
While it is highly effective at cleaning the air giving you a much more breathable environment to work in, it is a little on the noisy side. On the highest speed setting, the Dyson Pure Cool reaches around 62 decibels, which is maybe a little loud for the office. That being said, there are 10 air speed settings to chose from, so finding one that works at an acceptable noise level shouldn’t be too hard. It also features an automatic shut off function if it’s tipped over, which always useful when using in an office full of people.
Molekule Air Purifier
The Molekule Air Purifier is a relatively new entry into the market. It’s another high-class model, that’s very well made, looks fantastic, and will give just about any other air purifying system less than $1000, a run for its money.
Made from the highest of quality components, this air purifier uses a 2-stage filtering system which consists of a hard-working pre-filter that captures all those larger allergens such as dust and dirt, and a special patented Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) filter that destroys just about everything else. The PECO filter consists of innovative technology that works at molecular level to destroy airborne particles and pollutants. It uses free radicals and nanotechnology to break down irritants in the air that are up to 1000 times smaller than those of which quality as HEPA-style air filters.
Capable of filtering a room size of up to 600 square feet, this air purifier is ideal for anyone working in a large office or workspace. It measures in at 8.2” x 32”, so it is a bit of a beast. But with its big size, comes great abilities, and this machine is capable of taking in air from 360 degrees. So, provided it’s not placed in a corner, it’s super effective.
Using the very functional touch-screen display, this device is super easy to use. It’s even connectable via Wi-Fi to enable you to control it remotely. And, it’s one of the best looking models out there.
RabbitAir Minus A2
Another high-quality air purifier that’s very popular at the moment is the RabbitAir MinusA2. While it’s not a model for shallow-pocketed, this device is a true force to be reckoned with when it comes to functionality, high efficiency, and looks.
In terms of appearance, this air purifier is very sophisticated looking and would suit any modern office space. Measuring in at 7” x 21.4” x 20.2” it’s a super slim design that doesn’t take up much room. It’s also very good for mounting on the wall, which is ideal for any offices that are lacking in floor space. And, included with your purchase is everything you need to do just that.
When it comes to performance, the RabbitAir MinusA2’s got that covered too. This device uses a 6-stage filtration system to ensure you’re breathing the clean air 100% of the time. Both the pre-filter and medium filters trap and reduce any larger allergens and particles, while the BioGS HEPA filter reduces those particles and allergens that are 0.3 microns in size at a 99.97% efficiency rate.
The fourth stage of the filtering process involves air moving through a customized filter of your choice from the following: a germ defense filter, a toxin absorber filter, a pet allergy filter, and an odor remover filter. Stage 5 of the air purifying process involves a charcoal based activated carbon filter in which to reduce bad odors and chemicals, while stage 6 consists of a negative ion generator fortifying the air.
In terms of capability, the RabbitAir MinusA2 can filter a room up to 815 square feet in size. Another added bonus is that it’s super quiet with a noise level range of 20.8 to 45.6 db.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is quite a variety of decent air purifiers available today that are ideal to be used in any office space, albeit big or small. All you need to do is work out the dimensions of the office the air purifier is to go in, figure out what kind of features or functions you want to see in your air purifier, then search for a model that suits. Once you’ve found a model that you like (or two, just in case), then you need to find a suitable space for it.
Once it’s up and running you’ll feel so much better for it. You’ll be inhaling much cleaner air, free from any harmful toxins, odors, or viruses. Not only will you notice the difference in your breathing, you should also notice the rise in productivity as you’ll feel more awake and alert.
So, all-in-all, investing in a good air purifier for the office is a win-win situation. As well as improving the quality of the air you breathe, you’ll also improve the quality of the work you produce. Happy days!