Best air purifiers 2021: Reviews and buying advice - TechHive
Best air purifiers 2021: Reviews and buying advice - TechHive |
- Best air purifiers 2021: Reviews and buying advice - TechHive
- The best car air purifier - WAVY.com
- The Best Smart Air Purifiers for 2021 - PCMag.com
| Best air purifiers 2021: Reviews and buying advice - TechHive Posted: 25 May 2021 03:00 AM PDT The COVID pandemic—and in much of the country, smoke-filled air caused by rampant wildfires—has renewed interest in a formerly sleepy sector of the gadget universe: the air purifier. For those of us in California, air purifiers have been essential companions in the fall months, helping to rid the unyielding stench of wood smoke from the air while (we hope) protecting our health from the potential damages of inhaling toxic gasses and particles. But do air purifiers do any good? A well-publicized Consumer Reports story from 2003 found that they were not only basically useless, but that many models produced unhealthy levels of ozone instead of removing it. The upshot was that some purifiers could make health conditions like asthma worse, not better. The Sharper Image, whose Ionic Breeze product was the poster child for air purifiers at the time, sued the magazine for libel—and lost—going out of business soon after. The air purifier had suddenly become a pariah. In recent years, however, the EPA has reported that the typical air quality indoors (where we spend about 90 percent of our time) is much worse than it is outside, with some airborne pollutants two to five times more concentrated in the home than outdoors. These pollutants include combustion byproducts, pet dander, mold, pesticides, ozone, natural gasses like radon, and the all-encompassing category of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which include everything from formaldehyde to trichloroethylene to chloroform. (These gasses can be 10 times higher indoors than outdoors.) And none of this stuff is healthy to breathe. The good news is that air purifiers have come a long way since 2003 (even Consumer Reports is back on board), though there's still plenty of confusion out there. (Purifier manufacturer Molekule was recently hit with multiple class action lawsuits alleging its devices, which cost up to $1,049, don't actually do anything.)  Blueair Most air purifiers use multiple filters to trap increasingly small airborne particles and typically include a HEPA filter and a activated carbon filter to neutralize odors. This particular filter is used in some Blueair air purifiers. Do air purifiers protect you? The experts (including the EPA) say that HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are effective at reducing airborne contaminants of all types—including viruses—but are careful to note that on their own they are not enough to protect you from viruses and bacteria, and that you should still be practicing the standard battery of safeguards even if you have a great purifier on hand. That said, a purifier won't hurt, and they are also effective at reducing (but not eliminating) indoor pollution. At TechHive, we generally focus our air purifier coverage on smart devices; models that have some level of app support and wireless connectivity. While we don't have the facilities to scientifically test the pollution-reduction claims of each purifier, we do report on the manufacturers' specifications on that front, and you'll find some guidance regarding those claims in our "what to look for" section, below. These are our top picks in this space: Best air purifier for large roomsThis infomercial staple is a monster at 27 pounds and more than two feet in height, and while it won't win any design awards, it gets the job done. Its CADR ratings of 332 to 369 are untouchable, and its battery of four filters are indeed effective at scrubbing the air clean of anything in short order. Even a lunchtime fish fry is no match for the OxyPure, which leaves the kitchen smelling as fresh as cleaning day in a matter of minutes. If the OxyPure has a downfall, it's its app, which is simply a recreation of its onboard controls and lacks a scheduling system or any kind of pollutant monitoring view. That said, when I want my air cleaned up and I want it cleaned up fast, this is my go-to purifier. Best air purifier for small roomsAt less than a third the price of the NuWave OxyPure, the Coway Airmega 150 is the perfect device to clean smaller spaces, with a HEPA H13 filter and a separate deodorizer to scrub offending smells out of the air. Its CADR ratings of 138 to 219 are competitive with more expensive filters like the Mila, but the petite, 12-pound device won't make much of a dent on your décor. The only catch? There's no app control whatsoever, so smart home enthusiasts will find this solution wanting. Still, it's an excellent value for its capabilities. What to look for in an air purifierOutside of our commentary on the smart features of these purifiers that you'll find in our individual reviews, here's a guide to some of the key operational features in the category. You might also want to check out our buyers' guide to stand-alone air-quality monitors, which can keep you informed of the quality of air inside your home. Since most air purifiers are best deployed in a single room, you can easily move a less-expensive air quality monitor from room to room to track the quality of all the indoor air you breathe.
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| The best car air purifier - WAVY.com Posted: 26 May 2021 10:04 AM PDT  The best car air purifiersMany people put air purifiers in their homes but don't ever consider their car may need one too. Whether you drive with the windows up or down, pollutants like pollen, smog and road dust can enter the vehicle easily. When you think about how much time you probably spend running errands and sitting in traffic in your car, the damage adds up and the need for an air filter becomes apparent. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about car air purifiers to make an informed purchase, including our favorite model, the IQAir Atem. This Bluetooth-equipped option offers HEPA filtration and is powerful enough for vans and large SUVs. Types of car air purifiersWhen it comes to air purifiers for vehicles, you can choose from either physical filtration or ionization for your purification methods. FiltrationAir purifiers that utilize filtration feature a physical filter to trap particles, much like your home air conditioner or vacuum. The most effective models often have HEPA filters to catch tiny contaminants, which combine with active carbon to absorb odors or ionization. IonizationAir ionizers create negatively charged ions that bind to the positively charged ions carrying bacteria, dust and other allergens. These newly formed particles are larger and heavier, so rather than float around in the air, they settle on the floor and other surfaces. They are also easier to trap in filters. Features to consider when buying a car air purifierPower sourceAir ionizers and any purifiers with a fan used to suck in the air will require a power source. Most often, this will be a USB slot of a 12-volt adapter. Some models available are equipped with rechargeable batteries for those who prefer a cordless design. If you would rather not use up one of your power ports in your car, you can opt for a non-powered model that is essentially a bag of active charcoal. However, it is worth noting that these are often the least effective options. Size and installationThe physical size of any air purifier, as well as where and how you mount it, should play a role in your buying decision. If you have a small car, you may want to avoid a large, dashboard-mounted option that blocks your view and takes up many spaces. In this case, something that hangs over the back of the seat would probably be a better choice. Another option is to choose a small model that fits in the cupholder or sticks out of the 12-volt adapter. CoverageIf you have a large vehicle, the effective coverage area of an air purifier will most likely be more important than the unit's physical size. Most manufacturers exaggerate how large of a place their purifiers will cover, so it is always wise to buy one rated for a bit more square feet than the size of your vehicle's interior. As touched upon previously, models equipped with fans to draw in the air will have more significant coverage than non-powered purifiers. Noise levelAny air purifier with a fan will make some noise. However, some are considerably louder than others. If you are sensitive to noises and worried that the sound of a constantly running fan would annoy you while driving, make sure to read the reviews of any model you are considering to get an idea of how loud it is. Another option is to choose an air ionizer that doesn't have a fan, or a non-powered bag of active charcoal, though you may be sacrificing on effectiveness. How much you can expect to spend on a car air purifierYou can find simple air purifiers for $15-$25, HEPA-equipped models for $20-$50 and bags of active charcoal for as little as $10. There are also highly advanced purifiers that cost well over $100. Car air purifier FAQsDo air ionizers release ozone?A. Ozone generation is an unavoidable result of releasing an electrical charge into the air. For most people, the amount of ozone generated by ionizers is negligible enough not to cause concern. However, people sensitive to ozone or with lung issues should opt for an air purifier that relies on filtration rather than ionization. Will an air purifier get rid of odors in my vehicle?A. Air purifiers should help reduce and potentially eliminate unwanted odors in your car. Strong scents such as those caused by smoking and pets may be too much for most car air purifiers. To get rid of these, you will need to air out your car regularly and shampoo all fabric surfaces, sometimes more than once. What is the best car air purifier to buy?Top car air purifier
What you need to know: A practical and highly advanced model, the Atem is controlled via a smartphone app and features HEPA filtration. What you'll love: Thanks to a powerful centrifugal fan, it cleans the air in a standard-sized vehicle up to 20 times per hour. What you should consider: It is notably expensive. Where to buy: Sold by Amazon Top car air purifier for the money
What you need to know: The Queenty Air Purifier utilizes a three-stage filtration process that includes activated carbon to trap small particles and rid the air of unpleasant odors. What you'll love: It can double as an essential oil diffuser, and, despite having two fans, it doesn't create a lot of noise. What you should consider: The large size and dashboard mounting make it unsuitable for small vehicles. Where to buy: Sold by Amazon Worth checking out
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag What you need to know: A small and discreet option, the Moso Air Purifying Bag can easily be placed anywhere. What you'll love: Not only is it very affordable, but it absorbs both odors and moisture. What you should consider: It's less effective than fan-equipped models. Where to buy: Sold by Amazon Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. Copyright 2021 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.  |
| The Best Smart Air Purifiers for 2021 - PCMag.com Posted: 26 May 2021 05:53 AM PDT Between allergy season, COVID-19, and wildfires, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the quality of the air you breathe. With these issues more prominent than ever, it's no wonder that demand for air purifiers is on the rise. A high-quality air purifier can remove bacteria, dust, industrial emissions, mold, odor, pet dander, pollen, viruses, and other contaminants from the air. But not all air purifiers are created equal, and with so many compelling models on the market, it can be tough to narrow down your options. Over the past year, we here at PCMag have made it a priority to test a wide range of smart air purifiers to help you select the best one for your needs and budget. On a personal note, my interest in air purifiers began in pre-COVID times, shortly after I adopted my pitbull Bradley in the fall of 2019. I'm allergic to dogs, but his cute face and playful personality easily won me over. It wasn't long after adopting him that my allergies turned into asthma. Desperate for relief, I bought a refurbished Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02 on eBay during a Black Friday sale. My refurbished unit worked like new, and while I can't say that it alone cured my asthma and allergies, it has helped lessen my symptoms (along with medicine and daily vacuuming).  My dog, Bradley, surrounded by air purifiers I'm reviewing Since then, I've acquired an army of smart air purifiers from various brands to test and review. I still take Xyzal allergy medication daily, but haven't had an asthma flare-up or had to use my Albuterol inhaler in more than a year. I tell you this as a testament to the power air purifiers (as well as robot vacuums and modern medicine). If you're looking to improve your indoor air quality, a good purifier is a must. But before investing in one, read on for some important factors to consider. What Makes an Air Purifier Smart?Most air purifiers (not just smart ones) typically have sensors that measure the density of various airborne pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2, a toxic gas primarily produced by car exhausts and power plants), PM2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns in size, including industrial emissions and tobacco smoke), PM10 (particulate matter up to 10 microns, including dust, mold, and pollen), and VOC (volatile organic compounds, or potentially harmful gases from things like cleaning products and paint).  LG ThinQ app Smart air purifiers typically feature Wi-Fi for phone and/or voice control, and to collect information on the pollutants above, sending it to a companion app where you can monitor your home's air quality. Some apps offer graphs of your air quality over time. Dyson breaks it down by pollutant, showing graphs for each one.  Dyson Link app Most smart air purifiers feature an auto mode, which will automatically adjust the machine's fan speed based on the level of pollution detected. They also typically let you set up an air purifying schedule, so the machine automatically turns on and off at your specified times. Some models feature Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri support, so you can control them with voice commands. Common Contaminants and Their Health EffectsSome sources of indoor air pollution are obvious, like cigarette smoke, household cleaning products, and pet dander. Others are less so. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that "thousands" of products—including air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothing, and office equipment like copiers and printers—emit VOCs, which can lead to a long list of health effects ranging from headaches to cancer. Moreover, concentrations of VOCs are typically much higher indoors than outdoors.  Sharp FXJ80UW Anything that causes smoke—such as cooking, burning candles or incense, or lighting up a fireplace—can lead to elevated concentrations of particulate matter. The EPA says PM10 and smaller can "get deep into your lungs" and, in some cases, your bloodstream. Inhalable particles, especially PM2.5, which is 30 times smaller than the average human hair, may pose a greater risk to those with heart and lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Most smart air purifiers detect PM10 and PM2.5, but LG's $1,299 PuriCare 360 is the only model on this list that reports the density of PM1.0 (particulate matter 1 micron or smaller).  LG PuriCare 360 Humidifiers can help relieve cracked lips and dry skin, but if you're not careful to use distilled water and clean them often, they can provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which is then pumped into your air. Gas stoves, especially when not properly vented, can emit unsafe levels of NO2, which can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate or contribute to the development of asthma. Another gas pollutant to worry about, especially if you're renovating or redecorating your home, is formaldehyde, which is released by many household items such as carpets, flooring, furniture, rugs, insulating materials, particleboard, plywood, paint, varnishes, and wallpapers. Long-term exposure to low levels of formaldehyde can cause skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation. Higher levels can cause some types of cancer. Dyson says that formaldehyde is 500 times smaller than 0.1 microns, making it difficult to capture. Not all air purifiers can detect and break down formaldehyde (Dyson charges $100 more for models that do), so that's something to consider when mulling your options. Check out our individual reviews to see which contaminants each model detects and captures.  Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 In some cases, exposure to airborne pollutants may not cause immediate symptoms, but can lead to serious health problems down the road. For this reason, the EPA says, "it is prudent to try to improve the indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable." Buying an air purifier isn't the only way to improve your indoor air quality. Other steps you can take include eliminating the sources of your air pollution, opening a window (as long as the outdoor air quality is good), and regularly vacuuming and dusting surfaces. HEPA vs. Ionic vs. Activated Carbon: Which Filtration Method Is Best?The machines on this list combat airborne contaminants using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon filters, ionic technology, and/or UV light.  Some of our favorite models, including the LG PuriCare 360 and Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, feature 360-degree HEPA filters HEPA air purifiers are the most popular, making up the largest segment of the market. To comply with the current baseline standard, HEPA filters are tested and certified to remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any other airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. There are different levels of HEPA filters, but in general, you want to make sure the model you buy meets the baseline standard (many that do are labeled "True HEPA") and stay away from those marketed as "HEPA-like," "HEPA-type," or "HEPA-style," which may not be as effective. As Wirecutter reported late last year, a NASA study found that HEPA filters can actually capture almost 100% of particles as small as 0.01 microns (10 nanometers), well exceeding the baseline standard. To put that in perspective, COVID-19 is about 60 to 140 nanometers. H1N1 influenza is about 80 to 120 nanometers.  Activated carbon filter Meanwhile, activated carbon filters are filled with porous carbon, which traps gases such as NO2 and VOCs, as well as foul smells, from the air. Activated carbon filters are often combined with HEPA filters, which do not remove gases. Our top overall choice, the $549.99 Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, features a 360-degree filter with a HEPA layer that captures allergens, bacteria, mold spores, pollen, and other pollutants, and an activated carbon layer that removes gases and odors. It also doubles as an oscillating fan. The version that destroys formaldehyde, called the Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09, costs $649.99. Dyson says its latest air purifiers, including the TP07 and TP09, not only meet the baseline HEPA filter standard, but are also fully sealed to the HEPA H13 standard, meaning they can remove 99.95% of particles down to 0.1 microns.  Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 The LG PuriCare 360 is another model that combines HEPA and active carbon. The only downside to HEPA and active carbon models is that the replacement filters can be costly (around $50 to $100) and wasteful. Other models, like the Sharp FXJ80UW and Aura Air, combine HEPA, active carbon, and ionic technologies. Sharp's model features an ion-generating unit that creates positively and negatively charged ions using water and oxygen molecules in the air, and disperses them throughout the room. The ions then actively attach to and break down airborne pollutants like bacteria, mold, and viruses before returning to the air as invisible water vapor. Sharp says the technology reduced 94% of E.coli bacteria, up to 87.7% of mold fungus, and 90.3% of MS2 virus in a closed laboratory over four hours. Aura Air's patented Sterionizer disinfection technique works in a similar way.  Aura Air The primary concern about ionic air purifiers is their possible production of ozone gas molecules, a lung irritant that can exacerbate asthma symptoms and cause a host of other health issues. The safety of ionic air purifiers came into question in the mid 2000s, after it was revealed that the then-popular Sharper Image Ionic Breeze air purifier produced ozone (an issue that eventually bankrupted the company). As the California Air Resources Board (CARB) warns, some ozone-producing devices are still marketed as air purifiers. The clean air agency maintains a list of potentially hazardous models to steer clear of. All models on our list that use ionic technology are EPA-compliant, CARB-certified, and considered safe to use in your home for extended periods of time.  Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool The Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool is unique in that it serves as an air purifier, fan, and humidifier. Remember how I mentioned that humidifiers can release bacteria and mold into the air? Dyson's model combats that issue through a combination of UV-C light and silver mesh. A column in the water tank uses UV-C light to kill waterborne bacteria by denaturing its DNA so it can no longer multiply. Dyson says this system kills 99.9% of waterborne bacteria on the first pass. As a second line of defense, the machine's 3D Air-Mesh evaporator (the part that converts the treated water into vapor) has interwoven silver strands, which Dyson says provide biostatic properties that inhibit bacterial growth. The Best Smart Air Purifier for Large RoomsWith the exception of Dyson, most smart air purifier makers tell you the maximum room size their machines can effectively clean. A Dyson spokesperson says the company's latest air purifiers are "engineered to purify all rooms—it's just a matter of how long it takes (the larger the room, the longer it will take for purified air to reach all corners)." That said, Dyson tests its Pure Cool purifying fans to ensure they can circulate purified air throughout a 290 square-foot space (which is about the size of a large living room).  LG PuriCare 360 The LG PuriCare 360, which features two large 360-degree HEPA filters, is recommended for rooms up to up to 512 square feet. In testing, the PuriCare 360 cleared the air faster than the Dyson Pure Humidify+Cool, so while it's definitely one of the pricier smart air purifiers you can buy, it's also one of the more effective. LG says the PuriCare 360's fan can push purified air up to 24 feet away. Its lower section blows purified air 19 inches from the ground, which benefits babies and children.  Sharp FXJ80UW The Sharp FXJ80UW, which is recommended for rooms up to 502 square feet, is another excellent option for large rooms. At one point while testing it, I accidentally burned toast, and the FXJ80UW sensed the smoke from a different room. Its air quality monitor light went red and the machine automatically increased its fan speed. In my roughly 1,000 square-foot, single-level home, most of the smart air purifiers I've tested can detect elevated levels of air pollution even from several rooms away. Sometimes, when I'm frying veggies in the kitchen, the Dyson TP07 located across the house in my office will detect cooking smoke I didn't even notice, automatically kicking on. Can Air Purifiers Really Reduce Allergies?Whether air purifiers can truly reduce allergies caused by larger particulates such as pollen, dust, mold, and animal dander is a bit controversial, according to the EPA. "Most of these particles are found where they settle on surfaces in the home, rather than in the air," the EPA says. "They cannot be removed by an air cleaner unless disturbed and re-suspended in the air." Before turning to an air purifier for allergy relief, consider what type of allergies you have. Air purifiers may do a better job of capturing pet dander compared to other types of allergens. According to the American Lung Association, pet allergens "remain suspended in the air for a long time, much longer than allergens from cockroaches or dust mites." Dust mites, on the other hand, "cling to particles that are too heavy to remain in the air for long" and settle into things like pillows, bedding, and furniture "within minutes."  In my experience, air purifiers aren't an infallible cure for pet allergies, but they can certainly help. To combat dander from my dog, I usually keep at least one air purifier running 24/7. I find it particularly helpful to have one blowing clean air in my direction at night, when my symptoms often worsen. With my allergic asthma now under control, my doctor has given me the OK to discontinue my Montelukast prescription on a trial basis. I've been off of it for several months now, and haven't experienced any asthma. Needless to say, I'm a big fan of air purifiers and plan to continue using and testing new models for the foreseeable future. Going forward, I'll continue to update this list as we review new models we deem worthy of inclusion. In the meantime, let us know in the comments if there are any specific smart air purifiers you would like to see reviewed.  |
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