Air Purifiers

Choosing an air purifier is no trivial matter. Poor air quality has been linked to numerous chronic conditions, from headaches and sinus problems to more serious illnesses like asthma and lung disease.

But how to choose from the dizzying variety of choices? Will a cheap one from the hardware store do the trick, or do you need one that costs thousands? Also, manufacturers have come up with all sorts of technologies to clean the air. Which ones work, and which are simply smoke and mirrors?

When choosing an air cleaner purifier, the first consideration is the number of square feet that your home encompasses. Ideally you want one with enough power to clean the air in every room of your house. Air purifiers that incorporate fans in their design tend to cover more area in less time, but there is a trade-off in terms of noise and extra power-consumption. If you live in a house, it may be worthwhile to install one in your furnace, provided you have a forced-air system which you can run year-round.

When choosing an air purifier it’s important to choose one that covers the full spectrum of air quality issues that can affect your health. Dust and pollution are among the most common air complaints and can be dealt with by most filters. But if you suffer from allergies due to pollen, or other factors, this may not be enough. Other air concerns include airborne bacteria, mold spores and viruses as well as chemical compounds which are emitted by everything from household cleaners to carpets. Make sure when buying a quality air purifier that the manufacturer addresses these concerns with their product.

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Honeywell produces some of the most popular air purifier models. But are people buying them for their effectiveness or affordability? Here’s a look at three popular air cleaners.

The Honeywell HHT-011 Compact Air Purifier is ideal for small spaces and affordable enough to buy for every bedroom in your home. They feature a permanent HEPA filter to remove smoke, pet smells and allergens, as well as an ionizer and pre-filter for additional cleaning effectiveness. It fits unobtrusively on your dresser or under your desk and the fan is relatively quiet. The HEPA filter can be simply vacuumed four times a year to maintain it and a cleaning indicator serves to remind you when it’s time. The ionizer is optional, as some users dislike the “machine” smell it produces.

For large rooms and open-concept homes, there is the Honeywell HEPA Round Air Purifier. This barrel-shaped unit features a 360 degree air intake. Most users find it highly effective at removing dust and smells from their homes, although it is not very stylish in appearance. The fan consumes a fair amount of power, although the cost is offset by the permanent HEPA filter. The carbon filter is also permanent, however the cleaning process is more elaborate, involving washing with detergent. Some customers find the noise level to be unacceptable, although lower fan speeds can be used when you are in the vicinity.

For smaller jobs the Honeywell HFD-120-Q Tower HEPAQuiet Air Purifier provides an effective and stylish air cleaner. The oscillating fan blow air in an arc, for effective distribution in medium spaces. Customers appreciate the quiet operation and small footprint, ideal for apartments. The HEPA filter is aided by an ionizer to ground airborne particles.

Conclusion

Other companies offer models which can be quieter and offer more options, but can also cost hundreds more. If you are looking for an inexpensive air purifier, Honeywell is an effective and reliable option.

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Buying an air purifier requires some shopping around, not that they’re hard to find. You can get air purifiers at virtually any hardware or discount department store. The problem is that the store staff are probably not going to be very knowledgeable, so getting advice on choosing the right air purifier is going to be tricky.

Many look to the internet to figure out what the best product is, not to mention the best price. If you’re going to buy through a website, it’s probably better to get it directly from the manufacturer than a “superstore” site. Otherwise returns and servicing could be problematic. While you’re on the net, have a look at what other people are saying about their purchases. Sites like Amazon.com offer a wealth of feedback and ratings from satisfied – and unsatisfied – customers.

Since it’s not always easy to tell how well this particular type of device is working, the market is ripe for exaggerated sales claims. You might look to the big name manufacturers or store brands, hoping they can give you some assurances about quality. However, there are also companies that specialize exclusively in air purifier technology. These companies probably put a lot more into the products they create in terms of research and testing than generic suppliers, some of whom simply brand a product coming in from abroad. Some of the better known names are Hunter, Holmes, Ionic Breeze Silent Air Purifier, Air Oasis and Honeywell. Before buying, check the guarantee and maintenance agreement. Air purifiers are very complex and prone to problems. Is there a support number you can call?

The most important thing is to do some homework first, and not rush into a purchase. Decide what your needs are – do you have allergies that require medication? If so, investing in a good quality unit might actually save you money in the long run.

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