Whether you need an air purifier for relief from allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities, choosing features that will help your unit do the best job for the least money can be hard to define.
An air purifier with the following 5 features will not only improve your indoor air quality but your bottom line as well.
1.
Multiple Filters - Since indoor pollutants come in the form of particles, gases and odors, your cleaner should be equipped with filters that can handle each type.
A high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) filter is the most efficient type of filter for eliminating common airborne household particulates such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and viruses.
By definition this type of filter must be able to remove particles as small as .
3 microns with 99.
97% efficiency.
A carbon based filter is best at trapping gases and odors.
And several pre-filters will help trap large particles and prevent them from clogging the HEPA and carbon filters.
The pre-filter are invaluable as they greatly prolong the life of the other 2 filters.
2.
A Hefty Warranty - The manufacturer of many inexpensive models may warrant their unit for 6 months to a year.
But if you have to replace it, or repair it after such a short period of time, you are really paying far more than the price tag indicates, not to mention the time and aggravation of having an air cleaner that you're depending on to work need constant attention, repair, or replacing.
Look for at least a 5 year warranty period.
This means the manufacturer has confidence in the product and is willing to repair or replace it as long as you are within the warranty period.
Many times a product that has such a substantial warranty will not need repair and will last far longer than the warranty period because it is well made.
3.
Filter with a Warranty - Guaranteeing the filter is something that few manufacturers are willing to do.
In fact many purifiers require filter changes as often as every 6 months to a year.
And not replacing the filter at the scheduled intervals can negate the warranty on the purifier.
Having to replace the filter frequently will continue to increase the cost of the unit year after year.
Instead, opt for a filter that has a 5 year filter life, and comes with a 5 year prorated warranty.
So if your filter should malfunction any time within the 5 year period, you don't have to pay full price, but a lesser amount based on the amount of time you've had it.
4.
Interchangeable Filter - The old adage...
the only thing in life that's constant is change...
comes to mind with this feature.
You may be interested in an air purifier now because of allergies or asthma.
But later you may find that you or someone in your family develops chemicals sensitivities, or smoke may become an issue.
Having a cleaner that accept different types of filters will help you deal with changes in your life quickly and economically without your having to buy a totally new unit.
5.
Energy Efficient - A power hog is hard on the environment and your wallet.
Opting for a cleaner that can run for pennies a day-similar to power used by a 60 watt light bulb-makes clean air affordable 24 hours every day.