Keeping the air in your home fresh and clean has become increasingly important for your health and safety. According to the CDC, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, which can reduce the risk of airborne transmission of diseases such as COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Ventilation and bringing in outdoor air are important for keeping things fresh in your home. However, running a ventilator isn’t the best way to remove contaminants from the air, and opening a window may make the temperature in your home uncomfortable. Hence, air purifiers have taken on an ever more important role in keeping the air in your home safe to breathe and enhancing comfort.
Related: Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor review: What is it good for?
What is a smart air purifier?
Smart air purifiers provide all of the same benefits as standard air purifiers, which is to remove contaminants from the air through the use of filters. Although, smart air purifiers come with the added benefit of sensors that allow them to adjust modes based on the air quality, and some can be controlled by voice or smartphone. Smart air purifiers can also alert you when certain types of toxins are detected in the air, and remind you when it’s time to change your filter.
How to choose the best air purifier for your home
There are a few key areas you need to consider before purchasing the right air purifier for your needs:
Room size: Air purifiers, depending on size, are generally sufficient to purify the air in one room. Manufacturers will typically list the size of room their air purifiers are rated for. It’s important to match your needs to the size of the air purifier to get the best results.
Contaminant removal: Below are some of the substances that air purifiers generally remove:
- Allergens: Pollen, dust, mites, and other pollutants that are harmful to those with asthma or allergies
- Pet hair: Animal hair, fur, and dander
- Smoke: Fumes such as cigarette smoke, fireplace soot, and other contaminants
- Odors: Scents from smoke, pets, cooking, and more
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Gases and chemicals emitted from paints, varnishes, disinfectants, degreasers, adhesives, air fresheners, cosmetics, and other household products and aerosol sprays. Some of these pollutants may cause issues including headaches, allergies, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, fatigue, and other health effects.
Filters: These are the most common types of filters used in air purifiers:
- HEPA filters: Usually made of materials such as cotton, fiberglass, or foam, HEPA filters can trap particles as tiny as 0.3 microns or smaller
- Carbon filters: Typically used alongside other filters and are effective at removing odors, VOCs, and gasses
- Pre-filters: Used in tandem with other filters, pre-filters can catch larger particles and make your air filter run more efficiently
Now that you’re all up to speed on the basics before you buy, here are some of the top-rated smart purifiers for keeping the air in your home clean:
Bissell air220 Smart Air Purifier
$236.89
Specifications
- Room size: up to 800 square feet
- Contaminant removal: removes 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns including pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander
- Filter type: Pre-filter, HEPA, activated carbon
- Filter replacement cost: ~$25
Features
- 3 Stage Filtration. Includes a fabric pre-filter, an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter which captures 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles and smaller including pollen, dust, smoke, hair, and pet dander
- Honeycomb-Structured Filter. Activated carbon filter captures gases and VOC’s including odors from pets, cooking, smoke, and other common household odors.
- Automated CirQulate System. Monitors and provides indoor air quality readings in real-time and adjusts to the appropriate fan speed.
- Peaceful Sleeping Environment. Whisper-quiet fan speed option and automated night mode make it the perfect addition for bedrooms
Bissell air320 Smart Air Purifier
$329.99
Specifications
- Room size: up to 1000 square feet
- Contaminant removal: removes 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns including pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander
- Filter type: Pre-filter, HEPA, activated carbon
- Filter replacement cost: ~$25
Features
- 3 Stage Filtration. Includes a fabric pre-filter, an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter which captures 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles and smaller including pollen, dust, smoke, hair, and pet dander
- Honeycomb-Structured Filter. Activated carbon filter captures gases and VOC’s including odors from pets, cooking, smoke, and other common household odors.
- Automated CirQulate System. Monitors and provides indoor air quality readings in real-time and adjusts to the appropriate fan speed.
- Peaceful Sleeping Environment. Whisper-quiet fan speed option and automated night mode make it the perfect addition for bedrooms
Honeywell AirGenius 6
$290.00
Specifications
- Room size: up to 260 square feet
- Contaminant removal: captures up to 99.9% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander
- Filter type: Pre-filter, ifD (washable)
- Filter replacement cost: ~$25 for pre-filter
Features
- Permanent ifD filter is washableaptures up to 99.9% of airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns, including pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander.
- Can be controlled via smartphone for advanced controls, including a proximity sensor, allergen alert settings, custom schedules, filter reminders & more.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier
$690.00
Specifications
- Room size: up to 300 square feet
- Contaminant removal: removes 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns including pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander
- Filter type: HEPA, activated carbon
- Filter replacement cost: $69 – $79
Features
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Dual Functionality: HEPA Air Purifier. Space heater, + fan
- Second layer in filter contains activated carbon to capture household odors and volatile organic compounds like paint fumes, certified asthma and allergy friendly
- Automatically monitors and reacts; Dyson Link app provides real time air quality reports and allows you to remotely control your machine from your smartphone
- Features include night time mode, sleep timer, and an easy to clean aperture with no fast spinning blades so it’s safe for little fingers or paws
- Other features include oscillation, 10 airspeed settings and automatic shut off if machine is tipped over
Samsung Cube Smart Air Purifier
$712.99
Specifications
- Room size: up to 310 square feet
- Contaminant removal: captures up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.26 microns, including pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria and pet dander
- Filter type: Pre-filter, HEPA, activated carbon
- Filter replacement cost: ~$79
Features
- Can be voice-controlled through your mobile device using Bixby, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant
- Digital display provides air quality feedback through lasers that monitor air particles in your room
- Filter lasts up to one year, even when used 24/7 in normal conditions
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