Other Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
The CADR, calculated by AHAM (The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), tells us not only how much air is purified, but also how well it is purified. Air purifiers that have been tested by AHAM should have the AHAM Certified seal and CADR numbers for three pollutants: tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. The higher the CADR rating, the more effective the air purifier is against that pollutant. CADR ratings are calculated impartially and recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency and American Lung Association.
Area Coverage
Make sure the square footage listed for the Air Self-purification Device is about the same or slightly greater than the square footage of the room where you intend to use it.
Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)
This number, also known as the ACH rating, tells us how frequently the air purifier can exchange all the air in a given room. For example, if the purifier has a ACH rating of 6 for a 20′ x 20′ room, then it is capable of exchanging all of the air in that room 6 times every hour. If you have allergies or asthma, you want an ACH rating of at least 4 and preferably 6 or 8.
Manufacturer’s Reputation
A manufacturer’s reputation and the experiences of past customers deserve consideration in your decision. Certain manufacturers and products are highly respected in the industry for a reason, and the same goes for products which have garnered less respect. Check out customer reviews to get a sense of the reputation.
Price
Air purifiers range from affordable $100 air purifiers for small spaces to fully loaded $1,000+ air purifiers for large rooms.
Filter Replacements
If you’re buying a HEPA filter, don’t forget to check and see how much replacement filters will cost. If your unit includes both a HEPA filter and a carbon filter or other combination filtration media, they will probably need to be replaced separately, and may last for different periods of time. This can be a hassle, particularly if they are difficult to access.
Noise Level
Some air purifiers are extremely quiet, while others can be quite loud when operating at high power. If possible, ask for a demonstration before you buy your air purifier.
Energy Usage
Like all appliances, different air purifiers use different amounts of energy for operation. Unlike most appliances, air purifiers run continuously, so you’ll want to consider your utility bill before buying an air purifier. If only volts and amps are listed, simply multiply the two: volts x amps = watts. Typical mechanical air filters can use anywhere from 50 watts on low to 200 watts on high.
Air Pollution
Some air purifiers pollute the air with ozone, a powerful lung irritant that is especially dangerous for asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
Extra Features
These are the bells and whistles. They can make your air purifier a lot easier to use, like the FFU Fan Filter Unit. On the other hand, they can also significantly up the price on an air purifier that isn’t really all that much better than the next one. You simply have to decide which features will make your life easier and which ones just aren’t worth the extra cash. For example, a filter change indicator light lets you know when to change the filter, and handles or casters are important if you plan on moving your air purifier around a lot.