Which HEPA Air Purifier is Right for You?
Many families are looking to HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestor) air purifiers to keep their homes clean and safe. So many different brand HEPA air purifiers are on the market that it can be confusing to choose the right one for your family. There are many factors one should consider when purchasing an air purifier. These factors include the size of the room being cleaned, the severity of allergies or other issues being dealt with (what you are removing from the air) and the budget allotted for the equipment purchase.
Size of the Room: Size Matters!
It is important to understand that a HEPA air purifier will only clean the room that it is in. The more expensive HEPA purifiers can clean one room that is 900 – 1500 square feet. An average one room purifier will clean approximately 350 – 500 square feet. If you purchase an air purifier that is too small for the room you are wanting to clean, the effect it has on the quality of the room air will not be noticeable.
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How Severe are Your Allergies?
Most people do not have to have a top of the line HEPA filter to control their allergy or respiratory symptoms. The less expensive models will usually cycle less often and pull less air through the filter, leaving a greater number of particles in the air. The more expensive purifiers can cycle up to 8 times more than the less expensive brand, leaving the air exceptionally clean and basically allergen free. Unless you have severe allergies or a chronic, life-threatening medical condition like cystic fibrosis a less expensive model can most likely meet your needs.
What Do You Want Removed from the Air?
HEPA filters remove 99.7% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns and larger in size. This includes pollen, smoke, dust, dust mites and animal dander. To remove mold, fungi, viruses and bacteria the HEPA filter must also have a high ultra-violet light system. A TRACS HEPA air purifier also contains activated carbon and zeolite to remove odors. This will leave the room not only clean, but fresh smelling also.
What is Your Budget?
A high end medical grade HEPA air purifier can cost almost $1000. Some cheaper discount store models can cost less than $100. You should not make a decision based on cost alone. The best advice is to research each brand and buy the model that has the most features you need within your budget. You should also keep in mind that the HEPA filter will have to be changed and can be quite expensive. You should price the cost of replacement filters when comparing costs of different brands.
After reviewing what to generally look for in a HEPA air purifier, there are some models that are recommended for particular situations.
- The IQAir HealthPro Air Purifier can be purchased for $799 and is one of the top recommended models for those with severe allergies. This air purifier has been trusted in many medical environments and was the filters used during the SARS outbreak in Asia. It is rated to clean rooms up to 900 square feet in size and is a good choice for those who need the best performance available. It also contains activated carbon to control room odors.
- The IQAir HealthPro Compact Air Purifier is as effective as the full-size model, but takes up less space. It cleans a slightly smaller area, being rated for approximately 800 square feet and costs about the same price as the full-size model.
- The BlueAir 503 and 550E models are a great choice for a bedroom HEPA air purifier because they are exceptionally quite. These models also contain activated carbon for odor elimination. At $550 they are slightly more expensive than other comparable models, but the quietness alone is worth the higher price.
- The Alen Paralda Air Purifier is an excellent choice for the consumer wanting a HEPA air purifier that also eliminates odors and fumes. This air purifier will clean approximately 400 square feet and comes with a lifetime warranty. The tower design is economical and attractive. This model costs $450 and is a great choice for bedrooms, dens and family rooms.
- The Honeywell Enviracaire 5250-N is perhaps the most economical choice at $185. Its permanent HEPA filter can be vacuumed twice a year and its activated carbon filter should be changed every three months. This air purifier should be used for rooms less than 400 square feet in size. It does not cycle as often or pull as much air through its filters as its more expensive competitors, but it is adequate for the needs of most families. Be aware that many consumers complain that this purifier is noisy.
Reviewing several models of HEPA air purifiers and knowing what your particular needs require is the first step to finding the right purifier for your home.
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