Top Quality Air Purifiers and Healthy Home Solutions that You Can Trust

For people who are just getting into the world of air purifiers, the terms used can sometimes seem confusing. When discussing contaminants, air purifier features and other aspects of air purification, specialized vocabulary is often used. To help you make sense of the jargon, we've put together this glossary of air purifier terms that you'll frequently see used in descriptions and manufacturers' ratings.  

Why Is it Important to Know These Terms?

  When you're getting ready to buy an air purifier, there are several different metrics and features you'll need to understand to make the right choice. If you don't know what you're looking at, there's a good chance you'll accidentally select an air purifier that isn't right for your home and your needs. To make the most informed buying decision, it's important that you speak the same language as the air purifier manufacturers that write the specifications.   Keep in mind that buying the wrong air purifier isn't just a waste of time and money. If you select a unit that doesn't properly cover your home, you could be leaving yourself and your family exposed to contaminants that a better-suited purifier would be removing. With such high stakes, we think it's important that you be able to easily navigate all of the ratings, specifications and features each air purifier has to offer.  

Glossary

  Following, you'll find the most important air purifier terms arranged in alphabetical order. To help expand on some of these concepts, we'll also include links to blog posts we've written about specific topics and relevant product examples from time to time.

Activated Carbon

  A filtering material used to capture gases, odors and chemicals. Activated carbon is chemically treated to allow it to capture airborne gases. Activated carbon filters often take the form of large drums weighing several pounds, with a greater volume of carbon corresponding to greater filtration capabilities. The Airpura C600, for example, uses a 26-pound carbon canister to efficiently remove airborne chemicals. Some activated carbon is treated with chemical adsorbents to help it remove VOCs and gases more effectively. This type of carbon is known as impregnated carbon.  

AHAM Certification

  The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) conducts independent testing to certify the clean air delivery rate (CADR) of different air purifiers. Manufacturers pursue AHAM certification voluntarily by allowing their units to be tested and rated.  

Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)

  The number of times an air purifier can cycle through the air in a given space in one hour. The higher this rating is, the more frequently the unit can completely clean the air. The Blueair Pro L, for instance, executes five air changes per hour in spaces of up to 1,180 square feet. ACH is calculated by manufacturers under ideal conditions, and a wide range of factors can reduce the actual frequency of air cycling in real-world use. Typically, manufacturers calculate ACH without a filter in the machine, resulting in a "free flowing" measurement instead of a true delivered ACH rating. ACH ratings can be helpful, but it's important to keep in mind that the real rate of air cycling will be a bit lower than the manufacturer's rating.  

Air Quality

  A measure of the overall level of pollution or contaminants in the air at one time. This is usually measured using the air quality index, or AQI. The AQI ranges from 0 to 500, with larger numbers representing higher pollution levels. The AQI measures particulates, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur monoxide. It should be noted that there are several different indices for measuring air quality. If you live in a country other than the United States, your local standard may be different than the AQI.  

Air Quality Meter

  An air purifier accessory that measures the overall quality of your indoor air. Air quality meters can help you see how well your air purifier is performing and give you hard numbers to work with in improving the health of your home air. For more information, see our selection of indoor air quality meters. The Foobot meter, for instance, is great for measuring total VOCs and particulates in your home.

Casters

  Wheels that can be found on the bottom of most larger air purifiers. Because air purifiers are typically a bit heavy, casters make them much easier to move from room to room as needed.  

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

  A rating given by the AHAM to air purifiers on the basis of their ability to filter various contaminants from the air. The CADR scale measures the speed at which air purifiers remove dust, tobacco smoke and pollen. The higher the CADR rating, the faster a given unit eliminates that contaminant. To learn more about CADR, visit our page on AHAM certification and CADR ratings.  

Coverage (Capacity)

  The amount of space an air purifier is designed to cover, sometimes also referred to as capacity. Coverage is expressed in square feet and is calculated assuming a standard 8-foot ceiling. To learn more, check out our blog post on how air purifier capacity is calculated and how to adjust it for spaces with difference ceiling heights.  

  Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)

  A measurement of the volume of air an air purifier can cycle through each minute. The higher the CFM rating, the faster the air purifier is drawing air in. As with air changes per hour, CFM ratings are generated by manufacturers under ideal conditions. While the rating can be useful in determining which air purifier is right for you, it should be treated more as a general guideline than a hard and fast measurement of an air purifier's real-world performance.  

Energy Star

  Energy Star certified air purifiers are those that are the most energy efficient. Energy Star is a government program that provides efficiency ratings for many household appliances in an effort to help consumers reduce their carbon footprints.  

Fan Speed

  A setting that allows users to increase or decrease the speed of an air purifier's fan. The higher the fan speed, the more air the machine will be able to process. However, higher fan speeds also increase noise levels to some extent, and a higher fan speed will also somewhat increase power consuption.  

Filter Change Indicator

  A feature that reminds users when an air purifier is due for a change. Generally, this takes the form of an indicator light or a reminder displayed on the unit's control panel. Keeping up with regular filter changes is an important part of keeping your air purifier working at maximum capacity.  

Filterless Air Purifier

  Any air purifier that uses a method other than a filter to clean the air. Typically, filterless air purifiers use heat to destroy particles in the air, as is the case with the Airfree line of air purifiers. While filterless purifiers provide good protection against particles, they have no ability to capture gases or odors.  

 HEPA

  A type of filter used for particles. To meet HEPA standards, a filter must capture 99.97 percent of particles more than 3 microns in diameter. HEPA filters are the best way to capture dust, dander, pollen, mold spores, particulate matter and other ultrafine contaminants.  

Noise Level

  A measurement of the volume of noise produced by an air purifier. This measurement is given in decibels and can help you determine how loud an air purifier will be. Keep in mind that noise level will vary with fan speed, and many manufacturers give individual noise level ratings for each fan speed setting. If you're looking for low-noise air purifiers, check out our blog post about the 6 best quiet HEPA air purifiers.    

Ozone

  A molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. While some people believe that ozone is good for air quality, it is actually a dangerous chemical when inhaled. For maximum health benefit, a good air purifier must be ozone-free. Our readers are encouraged to avoid so-called ozone generators at all costs. These machines may be promoted as air cleaners, but the ozone they introduce into your home air is at least as dangerous as any normal contaminant.  

Prefilter

  A layer of material through which air passes before reaching an air purifier's main filter. Prefilters are meant to catch large debris, such as pet hair and larger dust particles. Many prefilters are washable and can be reused several times before needing to be replaced.  

Power Consumption

  A measure of how many watts of power an air purifier draws while running. Most air purifiers these days are reasonably energy efficient, though power consumption can vary widely from model to model. For more information of wattage, check out our blog post about how much electricity air purifiers use.  

  UV Germicidal Lamp

  An ultraviolet lamp added to some air purifiers to target bacteria and viruses. The application of UV light to these common contaminants renders them neutral, resulting in healthier home air. Ultraviolet light has the ability to disrupt the DNA of bacteria and viruses, ultimately killing them and preventing them from multiplying. It's important to keep in mind that UV lamps must be changed on a regular basis just like filters. Even if a lamp is still glowing after a year of use, it will have lost a significant amount of its germicidal capabilities. For more information about units equipped with this feature, see our blog post about the best UV air purifiers.  

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

  A class of organic compounds that vaporize easily at or near room temperature. VOCs include toxic gases that can cause severe health problems in humans when inhaled. To remove VOCs, an air purifier with an activated carbon filter is needed. Common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene and tetrachloroethlyene (TCE). Because these chemicals are sometimes used to treat construction materials, VOCs are often present in small amounts in home air. Depending on the VOC in question, specially impregnated carbon may be required to remove it.  

  Wall Mount

  A class of air purifiers that can be mounted on walls instead of left sitting on floors. Wall-mountable air purifiers are useful when floor space is limited, making them great for small bedrooms, offices, studio apartments and other small spaces. For more information, see our blog post about the best wall-mounted air purifiers.  

Is This Everything You Need to Know About Air Purifiers?

  While knowing these terms is a great starting point, there are still other things you will need to know to make an informed buying decision. For a more thorough rundown of key concepts and buying factors, be sure to check out our air purifier buying guide and FAQ page. You can also use our blog as a learning resource, as we've created hundreds of articles on air purifiers, features, uses and various contaminants over the years!   Now that you're familiar with these terms, though, you should be able to navigate manufacturers' ratings and descriptions with no difficulties. Still have questions? Don't worry, we're here to help! Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations based on your unique needs.

Spring and fall allergies affect huge numbers of people each year. When these seasons roll around, pollen in the air causes everything from sneezing and watery eyes to severe allergic reactions. Using a good air purifier is one of the best ways to limit your exposure to pollen and keep your allergies to a minimum. Here's what you need to know about air purifiers for allergies and 8 of our top recommended units for capturing seasonal pollen.  

What Kind of Air Purifier is Best for Allergies?

  To capture pollen, an air purifier needs a HEPA filter. These filters capture particles and debris in the air, making them the best solution for tiny grains of pollen. In order to qualify as HEPA, a filter must capture 99.7 percent of particles over 0.3 microns in size. Since the average grain of pollen is between 10 and 40 microns, a HEPA filter is well equipped to capture them.   Although a HEPA filter is essential, many of the best air purifiers for allergies feature both HEPA and carbon filters. Carbon filtration lets an air purifier target gases, odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. While a carbon filter doesn't actually make an air purifier better for targeting pollen, it does make it more versatile.  

Who Needs an Air Purifier for Allergies?

  Since seasonal allergies are such a widespread problem, practically anyone can benefit from using a HEPA air purifier. If you experience regular allergy symptoms during spring or fall, an air purifier may be able to help keep them under control. With a HEPA purifier, you can keep pollen out of your home, allowing you to breathe easier, sleep better and generally feel better during pollen-heavy seasons.   With that said, there are people who need air purifiers for allergies more than others. If you suffer from severe allergies, asthma, COPD or other respiratory issues, allergies may be more than a seasonal inconvenience to you. People with chronic respiratory illnesses often find that their existing problems are made worse by allergies, making air purification a necessity during allergy season.  

Best Air Purifiers for Allergies

  If you're looking for an air purifier to help you fight your allergies, there are several great options to choose from. While practically any air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove pollen, some stand out from the field because of their unique features or their filtering capabilities. Below, you'll find our list of 8 of the best units you can use to protect yourself from pollen.  

IQAir HealthPro

The IQAir HealthPro stands out as a great option for allergies because of its HyperHEPA technology. The filters in this air purifier go beyond normal HEPA standards, capturing particles as small as 0.003 microns in diameter. With these enhanced filters, the IQAir HealthPro offers even greater protection against pollen than a typical HEPA unit.   The HealthPro also has several other excellent features to recommend it. This unit can cover up to 1,125 square feet and performs two air changes each hour. It is also an extremely quiet air purifier, thanks to its noise-dampening design. A final great feature is the inclusion of a filter change reminder, making it easy to know when it's time to swap out your filters.  

Austin Air Allergy Machine

Designed specifically for dealing with allergies, the Austin Air Allergy Machine offers combined HEPA and carbon filtration to remove a wide range of contaminants while focusing on those that could aggravate allergies and asthma. This unit covers up to 1,500 square feet, making it great for mid-sized homes, larger apartments and even some work spaces.   Aside from its impressive cleaning capabilities, the Allergy Machine features all-steel construction and a 360-degree air intake. Thanks to its unique combination of features and filtering stages, the Allergy Machine routinely ranks as one of the best air purifiers in independent tests.  

Amaircare 3000 HEPA

With the ability to cover up to 1,800 square feet, the Amaircare 3000 HEPA is a great option for large houses and apartments when it comes to removing pollen. Its high-efficiency fans and excellent HEPA filtration make it one of the best air purifiers for allergies, while an included carbon filter also allows it to remove gases, odors and VOCs for broad-spectrum protection. Like the Allergy Machine, the Amaircare 3000 HEPA is also built with all-metal construction.   Another great feature of the Amaircare 3000 series is its silent mode, which brings the noise created by the purifier down to a very low level. This feature makes the 3000 great for use in a bedroom during allergy season so that you can get a better night's sleep.  

Airpura H600

Like the Allergy Machine, the Airpura H600 is designed specifically for those who suffer from asthma and allergies. Thanks to its large HEPA filter, the H600 does a great job of targeting pollen and other common particulate contaminants. A carbon weave filter can also be added for protection from gases and odors.   The H600 covers up to 2,000 square feet, making it great for even larger homes. At 560 cubic feet per minute, the H600 has one of the highest air flow capacities of any residential air purifier on the market.  

Field Controls TRIO

As one of the only portable medical grade air purifiers on the market, the Field Controls TRIO is a great option for pollen and just about anything else you need to remove from your home air. With HEPA, carbon and UV filtration, the TRIO targets everything from pollen to bacteria and viruses. If you suffer from severe allergies or asthma, this model is an excellent option for keeping your home air clean and healthy.   In a single air cycle, the TRIO removes up to 99.99 percent of particles in the air, along with 93.6 percent of bacteria. With the ability to cover 1,000 square feet, it is ideal for smaller homes and medium-sized apartments.  This unit also features a UV germicidal lamp, which allows it to eliminate bacteria, viruses and other pathogens by rendering them neutral.  

Rabbit Air Minus A2

The leading air purifier for allergies from Rabbit Air is the Minus A2 model, which can cover up to 815 square feet. Equipped with both HEPA and carbon filters, the Minus A2 does a great job of removing most common contaminants from home air. The Minus A2 is also an excellent bedroom air purifier, thanks to its automatic l0w-light sensor which puts the unit into an ultra-quiet mode.   The Rabbit Air Minus A2 is also wall-mountable, making it good for use in smaller spaces where floor space may be limited. Another great feature of this unit is its built-in mood light. With this light, the A2 becomes part of your home decor, rather than just another air purifier.  

Blueair Pro XL

Sitting at the top of Blueair's Pro series, the Blueair Pro XL is a HEPA air purifier capable of covering up to 1,180 square feet with 5 air changes per hour. With its high-quality filtration and large air change capacity, the Pro XL is a perfect option for keeping the air in your home clean, healthy and breathable during allergy season.   Like the Rabbit Air Minus A2, the Pro XL can be mounted on a wall for space-saving convenience. For maximum durability, this unit is constructed from galvanized steel. For extra protection, this unit can be equipped with a Blueair Smokestop or VOC filter.  

Airpura R600

While not targeted as specifically to allergens as the H600, the Airpura R600 all-purpose air purifier still does a great job of removing them from the air. This unit combines HEPA and carbon filtration for wide-ranging protection in spaces of up to 2,000 square feet. If you're looking for a great all-around air purifier, the R600 is an excellent choice that won't let you down.  

Other Ways to Fight Pollen

  In addition to using an air purifier for allergies, there are also several other steps you can take to keep pollen from affecting you. The most effective thing you can do to keep pollen out of your home is to keep your windows closed during pollen-heavy seasons. Using an internal fan to circulate air will prevent pollen from being dragged in while still allowing for plenty of circulation. If you really want to open your windows for some fresh air, consider doing it in the evening or early morning, since most allergy-inducing plants will release their pollen during the warmer parts of the day.   It's also a good idea to limit the amount of time you spend outdoors while the plants you're allergic to are pollinating. Consider exercising indoors instead of going for runs or walks outside, and avoid being outdoors during warm periods when pollen is likely to be at its heaviest. Likewise, you may want to avoid spending large amounts of time working in your yard while plants are actively producing pollen.   If you suffer from severe allergies, you may also want to consider changing your clothes as soon as you come in from outside. Pollen can get stuck to your clothes during time spent outdoors, then come home with you when you walk through the door. As you move around, this pollen can become dislodged and ultimately end in the air you're breathing. By changing clothes, you can get this pollen away from you as quickly as possible.  

How Much Can an Air Purifier Help?

  Even the best air purifier can't completely prevent your exposure to pollen during allergy season, since you'll still have to leave your home for work and other tasks. With that said, a home purifier can make it much easier to avoid pollen in the place you spend the most time throughout the day. By limiting pollen exposure, an air purifier can help you reduce the frequency and severity of your allergic reactions.   The most important benefit of using a home air purifier for allergies is the lack of pollen reactions while you're sleeping. Nighttime allergic reactions are especially annoying, since they can prevent you from falling asleep or cause you to have poor sleep quality. If your home and bedroom are covered by an air purifier, these reactions become much less likely.   For times when you're outside the home, however, a smaller HEPA air purifier may be able to offer you some extra protection. One great unit for this use is the Amaircare Roomaid HEPA. Standing only 7.5 inches tall and weighing only 5 pounds, this miniature air purifier can cover an impressive 300 square feet, making it perfect for taking to work with you if you have a job in which you're stationary throughout the day. This unit also features a car power adapter so that you can even use it on your drive to and from work. Like the Amaircare 3000 HEPA, the Roomaid features all-steel construction, a 360-degree air intake system and a high-efficiency fan.  

What Else Can HEPA Filtration Remove?

  In addition to pollen, HEPA filter can remove a slew of other common air contaminants. Pet hair, dander, mold spores, particulate matter and dust can all be captured by HEPA-rated filters. When you buy an air purifier to help with your allergies, you will also get protection against all of these other common airborne debris. By removing these contaminants from the air, you can breathe easier and enjoy generally better respiratory health.  

Have More Questions About Air Purifiers for Allergies?

  We're here to help! Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and product recommendations based on your needs. Whether you just need some extra protection to stop your sneezing or medical grade air purification to help you cope with severe allergies or asthma, we have the models that will help you breathe easier all year round.

When it comes to preventing allergies, removing airborne dust and just keeping the air you breathe clean in general, a HEPA air purifier is an essential tool. Many people, though, think that air purifiers are too noisy and will make it difficult for them to sleep, relax or focus. The idea that air purifiers are too loud is usually overblown, but there are several models made specifically to be quieter than their competitors. Here's what you need to know about air purifier noise levels and six of our top picks for the best quiet HEPA air purifier.  

  Are Air Purifiers Loud in General?

  There's a common misconception that air purifiers make a great deal of noise when running. This was somewhat true of older models, which typically used much less efficient fans than the options you'll find in today's market. Today, there are very few truly loud air purifiers, and most models are quiet enough that noise won't become a serious problem.   With that said, there are still air purifiers that stand out as being quieter than others. These units are designed to be as close to silent as possible while still delivering great air quality. As a general rule, quiet air purifiers have multiple fan settings, allowing them to be turned down to lower volume levels when needed. With variable fan speeds, the air purifier can be set to a low level whenever you need some peace and quiet.  

  What Rooms Need Quiet HEPA Air Purifiers?

  While a low-noise purifier is always handy, there are certain settings that require one. Any space where work or study is done, for example, needs to be kept quiet. If your office or study space gets too loud, it can become difficult to concentrate on the tasks at hand. While some white noise can be helpful, a loud fan roaring in your ear will almost certainly make you less productive.   Quiet air purifiers are also essential in bedrooms. High noise levels can reduce your sleep quality, making you tired and less effective throughout the day. At the same time, clean air in your bedroom is extremely important, as you likely spend 7-8 hours each night in that room.   Other rooms can also benefit from low-noise air purification systems. Living rooms where you and your family come to spend time together, for instance, are likely not spaces in which you want a high ambient noise level. Similarly, kitchens or dining areas should be kept relatively quiet so that your meals can be eaten without a loud hum in the background.   It's also worth noting that some people are more noise-sensitive than others. If you are relatively resilient to noise, you may only need a quiet purifier in your bedroom. If you are sensitive to volume, though, you may prefer getting a higher coverage air purifier to provide clean air throughout your entire home at low volume. This aspect of the selection process is mostly a matter of personal taste, so be sure to take your own noise sensitivity into account.  

  Why Do Air Purifiers Make Noise?

  Even though the noise level of modern air purifiers is usually overblown, it is a fact that all HEPA air purifiers do produce at least some noise while running. This is because purifiers use fans to force air through the filter material to clean it. While modern fans are much more efficient than their older counterparts, any moving fan blade will make a little bit of noise. So, the challenge for quiet air purifiers is to reduce that noise as much as possible, rather than to eliminate it altogether.  

  Best Quiet HEPA Air Purifiers

  To help you find the right unit for your needs, we've put together a list of six of our top quiet HEPA air purifiers. While all of these units are quieter than average, they also have other great features that make them stand out on their own merits as purifiers.  

  IQAir HealthPro

IQAir's HealthPro is a great air purifier for people looking to get clean air with minimal noise. With its HyperHEPA technology, this purifier removes even smaller particles than standard HEPA models, all while maintaining an extremely quiet volume. This unit's quiet operation is achieved through the use of special sound dampening design. Key features of this model include:  

•   1,240 square foot coverage
•   Medical grade filtration
•   Quiet, efficient fan
•   10-year warranty

  Thanks to its high-efficiency filters and low noise levels, the IQAir HealthPro is one of the best quiet HEPA air purifiers you'll find. It also has the advantage of being compatible with a gas and odor filtration cell. Using this feature, you can enhance your purifier's abilities. The HealthPro is also compatible with IQAir's AirVisual Pro air quality meter. This monitoring system helps you understand your home air quality and provides useful advice to help you improve it over time.  

  Rabbit Air Minus A2

  The Rabbit Air Minus A2 is a high-quality combination HEPA and carbon filtered air purifier that operates at very low noise levels. In addition to its ultra-quiet operation, the Minus A2 also features a soothing mood light meant to make it a relaxing part of your home decor. Key features of this model include:  

•   815 square foot coverage
•   6-stage filtration
•   Automatic quality monitoring
•   Filter replacement indicator light
•   Automatic ultra-quiet night mode
•   Wall mountable

  Thanks to its many useful and intuitive features, the Rabbit Air Minus A2 is a perennial favorite here at US Air Purifiers. One of the best of these features is its automatic night mode. When the purifier senses low light levels, it will automatically adjust itself to its quietest setting. This makes it an ideal choice for bedrooms, as you won't have to manually change the settings before you go to sleep.  

  Austin Air Bedroom Machine

  Designed specifically for use in sleeping spaces, the Austin Air Bedroom Machine is a quiet HEPA air purifier that can help you get a better night's sleep. By removing a wide range of particles and gases, the Bedroom Machine allows you to get improved sleep with less exposure to contaminants. Key features of this model include:  

•   1,500 square foot coverage
•   Combination HEPA and carbon filtration
•   Steel construction
•   3 fan speeds
•   360-degree air intake

  Even though this model runs quietly, it won't let you down in terms of performance. Austin Air constructed the bedroom machine with next-generation filters based on research conducted at Johns Hopkins University. These filters allow the bedroom machine to catch gases and smaller particles at an improved rate, delivering cleaner air without sacrificing efficiency.  

  EnviroKlenz

  Made for optimum filtering of both particles and gases, the EnviroKlenz air purifier is a unit that does well for almost any application. In addition to excellent filtration capabilities, this model can operate at extremely low volume levels on its lower settings. On low, this unit is quieter than a fan, while on its unique Whisp-Air setting it produces no detectable increase to ambient noise levels. As a result, the EnviroKlenz richly deserves a place on this list of quiet HEPA air purifiers. Key features of this model include:  

•   1,000 square feet of coverage
•   HEPA filtration
•   Patented VOC filtration system
•   Dial control
•   Wheels for easy mobility

  While we typically recommend the EnviroKlenz for removing gases and odors, it is also an excellent HEPA purifier. Whether you need protection from VOCs or everyday particles, this air purifier is a great option.  

  Amaircare 3000 HEPA

  When it comes to quiet HEPA air purifiers, the Amaircare 3000 HEPA is a unit that can't be ignored. With both a quiet low setting and a special silent mode, this air purifier can keep delivering clean air at very low noise levels. Thanks to its ability to cover up to 1,800 square feet, the 3000 HEPA is also a great choice for medium-sized homes and large apartments. Key features of this model include:  

•   1,800 square foot coverage
•   Combination HEPA and carbon filtration
•   360-degree air intake
•   Metal construction
•   Filter change reminder feature
•   Variable fan speeds
•   Silent mode

  Thanks to its overall quality and great features, the Amaircare 3000 HEPA frequently appears on our rundowns of the best air purifiers for various uses. If you need protection from pollen, dust, dander, mold spores and other particles, this is an air purifier that won't let you down.  

  Airpura R600

  Last but certainly not least on our list is the Airpura R600, an all-purpose air purifier featuring both HEPA and carbon filters. This model runs at quite minimal volumes when used on its low setting, making it a good option for spaces where noise needs to be cut out. Key features of this model include:  

•   2,000 square foot coverage
•   HEPA and carbon filtration
•   Targets both gases and particles, great for allergy and asthma sufferers

  While the R600 is a general use purifier, it does target both gases and particles extremely well. The HEPA filter in this unit uses a total of 40 feet of material, while the carbon drum filter includes 18 pounds of activated carbon. Between these two, the R600 is a great choice for practically any common contaminant.  

  Is One Purifier Better Than the Others?

  In terms of sheer noise reduction, the Rabbit Air Minus A2 is likely the best model on this list, given the overall volume range in which it operates. An argument can also be made for the EnviroKlenz and Amaircare 3000 HEPA, as each has a made in which it operates effectively silently. However, each of the air purifiers listed above has features that make it a good choice, which is why we created a list instead of recommending a single product. At the end of the day, it's about which one is the best for you, rather than which one is the best overall.  

  How to Pick the Best Model for Your Needs

  Picking out a quiet air purifier is about more than just considering noise levels. You also need to think about the size of your space and the features you want your purifier to have. If you try to decide based on noise levels alone, you'll likely miss out on other important aspects of the air purifier selection process.   It's also important to keep your budget in mind. Air purifiers come in at many different price points, but there are great options available at every level. Whether you need to keep your spending in check or not, there's an air purifier out there that will suit your needs.  

  Should You Keep Your Air Purifier on Low All the Time?

  As stated above, the quietest air purifiers are generally those that have low fan settings as an option. This brings up the interesting question of whether you should leave your purifier on low at all times. While you could take this approach, a better solution is to set the unit on a higher setting when quiet isn't essential. For example, you might decide to turn your air purifier up to a higher fan speed during the day while you're at work, then turn it back down when you come home. This saves you listening to ambient noise while allowing the unit to clean the air as thoroughly as possible.   This is another area in which the Rabbit Air Minus A2 stands out. Because of its automatic night mode, you can turn your air purifier to a low setting simply by turning out the lights. This lets the Minus A2 run optimally throughout the day, then put itself into a quieter maintenance mode at night. If you mostly need quiet during the night, this makes the A2 a nearly perfect option.  

  Still Have Questions About Quiet HEPA Air Purifiers?

  We're here to help! Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations based on your unique needs. If you're looking for a quiet HEPA air purifier for your bedroom, office or study space, we have the models you need to deliver clean air at low volume levels.          

Mold is one of the most common causes of poor air quality in the home. Spores, gases and odors released by molds can irritate the respiratory system, leading to short and in some cases long-term health effects. To combat mold, one of the best things you can do is use a good air purifier. Here's what you need to know about air purifiers for mold and 7 of our top models in this category.  

  Why Is Mold a Major Concern?

  Though it is not always visible, mold is present in more homes than people realize. Even if you aren't seeing black spots on the wall or catching heavy smells of mildew in your basement, it's entirely possible that you have at least some mold growing in your house. Once mold or mildew has established a foothold, it can continue to grow undetected for months or even years, posing a constant risk to your indoor air quality.   Health problems from mold exposure often take the form of an allergic reaction with symptoms such as itchy eyes and runny nose. Mold exposure can also aggravate asthma and cause or worsen attacks. Black mold can be especially concerning, with symptoms of exposure including chronic fatigue and headaches.  

Do You Have to Have Mold Growing in Your Home to Need Protection?

  Even if your home is completely free of mold, you may not be spared from at least some exposure. Mold spores are present in the air in most places, meaning that you could be breathing in spores without seeing any kind of growth in your house. This is especially true during wet seasons when molds tend to thrive. While low-level mold spore exposure isn't a problem for most people, it can be a serious issue if you suffer from severe mold allergies or asthma.   Mold contaminants in the air can become especially bad in the autumn, when fallen leaves get wet with rain and begin to develop mold and mildew just outside of your home. Spores, odors and gases can all get inside your house in the fall months, aggravating what is already a difficult time due to seasonal allergies. By using a good air purifier, you can take care of ragweed pollen and leaf mold with one machine, allowing you to breathe easier all the way through the autumn.

Features of the Best Air Purifiers for Mold

  To combat the problems associated with mold, an air purifier needs to be able to remove mold spores from the air. These spores are the cause of mold allergies and represent the greatest overall threat to air quality. For capturing spores, a HEPA filter is required.   Although spores are the biggest source of contamination from mold, they are not the only one. Mold can also produce gases and odors that can cause issues on their own. Gases and odors from mold are most concerning for people suffering from severe asthma or other respiratory diseases, as they are more susceptible to the effects of exposure. Even for otherwise healthy individuals, though, exposure over a long enough period of time can become a problem. For this reason, a good mold air purifier also needs at least some carbon filtration ability to allow it to capture gases and odors produced by mold growths.   Finally, the best mold air purifiers typically feature a UV light. When exposed to light in the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum, mold spores are neutralized, making them effectively harmless. As a result, purifiers with UV germicidal lamps targeted at viruses and bacteria are also great for dealing with mold spores.  

  Our 7 Top Air Purifiers for Mold

  Taking these features into account, we've come up with a list of our top recommended units to help you keep mold spores and odors under control in your home. Although you should always try to combat mold at its source, these air purifiers can help you deal with the effects of hidden or minor mold and mildew issues.  

  Airpura UV 600

  One of the best air purifiers for mold is the Airpura UV600, a unit which can cover up to 2,000 square feet and is ideal for large apartments and mid-sized homes. With a HEPA filter, 18 pounds of activated carbon and a UV germicidal lamp, the UV600 offers excellent protection against mold spores and odors, as well as other common household contaminants. The UV lamp on this model is twice as long as most competitive UV air purifiers, making it twice as effective.   Because of its UV capabilities, this unit also helps to protect against viruses and bacteria. This makes it a great solution for keeping your home healthy year-round. Overall, this is one of our top air purifiers for all-purpose use and will offer you some of the best protection you'll find against mold.  

  Field Controls TRIO

Like the UV600, the Field Controls TRIO is a powerful all-around air purifier that offers carbon, HEPA and UV filtration stages. With hospital-grade filtration, the TRIO can greatly enhance your air quality by removing 99.9 percent of particles on the first pass and 98 percent of VOCs within just a few hours. These same capabilities make it an excellent option for mold spores and mildew, while the UV germicidal lamp adds an extra layer of protection.   With the ability to cover 1,000 square feet, the TRIO is great for apartments and small houses. In larger spaces, though, you'll likely be better off using the higher capacity UV600.  

Amaircare 3000 VOC

Although it doesn't feature a UV lamp, the Amaircare 3000 VOC is still a great air purifier for mold. This unit can cover up to 1,800 square feet and features both HEPA and carbon filtration. With this system, the 3000 does a great job of removing gases, odors and spores from mold growths in the home. It's also a great all-around air purifier for improving air quality.   Aside from its mold-specific abilities, the 3000 VOC offers some excellent features that help it stand out. Thanks to its all-metal construction, this unit is durable and does not produce any offgassing. This model also features 360-degree air intake, multiple fan speeds, a silent mode and a helpful filter change reminder light.  

IQAir HealthPro Plus

Another of the best air purifiers for mold is the IQAir HealthPro Plus. This purifier combines IQAir's hyperHEPA technology with a separate, optional gas and odor filtration cartridge. As a result, this model is extremely good at removing mold spores while also capturing the gases and odors produced by mold when equipped with the added cartridge. Thanks to its construction, this model also prevents contaminants from leaking back out once they have been captured better than most other brands.   At 1,125 square feet of coverage, the IQAIr HealthPro Plus is suitable for apartments and smaller homes. It offers quiet operation across all fan speeds and comes with a handy remote control. The hyperHEPA filters are also able to go longer between changes than older IQAir models.    

Austin Air HealthMate Plus

Like the Amaircare 3000, the Austin Air Healthmate Plus combines carbon and HEPA filtration with 360-degree air intake for optimized purification. With this system, the Healthmate Plus covers up to 1,500 square feet and is a great option for getting rid of mold contaminants in your home air. This model is also constructed with a steel housing that makes it one of the most durable air purifiers you'll find on the market.  

Rabbit Air Minus A2

If you're looking for a stylish and aesthetically pleasing air purifier for mold, the Rabbit Air Minus A2 may be the right unit for you. With its thin profile and built-in mood light, this air purifier can easily blend in as part of your home decor. It can even be mounted on the wall in rooms without much extra floor space.   Just because it looks good, though, doesn't mean that the A2 skips on capabilities. This model covers up to 815 square feet and combines both HEPA and carbon filtration for maximum protection. With its 6-stage filter setup, the Minus A2 is a great option for eliminating mold byproducts from your home.  

Airfree Onix 3000

Last but not least on our list of the best air purifiers for mold is the Airfree Onix filterless air purifier. This model uses a heater core to destroy mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pollen, dust and other particles with thermal energy, rendering them harmless. With this system, the Onix requires no filter changes or other maintenance.   At 650 square feet of coverage, the Onix is a good option for small apartments, offices, dorm rooms and other small spaces. Although it doesn't offer the kind of protection that you can get with HEPA, carbon and UV, this model is a reasonably good and economical option for protecting yourself from mold in smaller areas.  

How to Select the Right Unit for Your Needs

  The right mold air purifier for you will depend on a few different factors. First and foremost, you need to consider the space you're using it in. Using a low-capacity unit in a large space will not give you the protection you need. Be sure to get accurate measurements of your space and select a unit accordingly.   Next, the right model will depend on your sensitivity to mold. If you suffer from severe mold allergies, a unit with a UV germicidal lamp like the UV600 or TRIO is probably your best bet. If mold allergies are just an occasional annoyance, you may be able to get away with something less powerful.   Finally, you should think about your overall air quality needs. A broad-spectrum purifier will eliminate mold and many other contaminants. Be sure to choose a unit that targets everything affecting your home air quality, not only mold spores.  

Will an Air Purifier Help Prevent Mold Infestations?

  While there's no guarantee that an air purifier will prevent the growth of mold in your home, it can definitely help. By removing spores carried in from the outside air, a good purifier can make it less likely that mold will gain a foothold in your home. The fewer spores manage to settle in your home, the fewer changes there will be for mold growth.  

Is an Air Purifier Enough if You Find Major Mold Growths?

  If you discover a major growth of mold somewhere in your home, it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible. Mold can cause severe structural damage if left unchecked, often requiring difficult and expensive repairs. Whenever mold gains a foothold, there's the possibility that it could turn into a major problem.   In some cases, small growths of mold can be removed with a mixture of warm water and soap or hydrogen peroxide. However, it's important to always consider the surfaces you're removing the mold from, since liquids can sometimes inflict additional damage on the surfaces you use them on. Today, you can also find all-natural mold cleaning sprays that will help you remove mold in your home without the use of harsh synthetic chemicals.   If your mold growth is more major, it's likely best to call in a professional. Mold remediation can be expensive and inconvenient, but it is sometimes the best way to ensure that your home is protected from mold and your family's health doesn't suffer from exposure. While the best course of action will depend on the extent and location of the mold in your home, there are definitely instances in which professional help is needed.   With all of this said, an air purifier can be helpful while you deal with your mold problem. Whether you're getting ready to get rid of the mold yourself or you plan to bring a professional in to do it, air purification can offer you some protection from the mold growths in your home. It will not, however, serve as a suitable alternative for actually getting rid of the mold problem.   Have more questions about the best air purifiers for mold and why you might need one? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us directly with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations based on your unique needs.    

One of the most popular blogs we've ever written here at US Air Purifiers was our rundown of three great dorm room air purifiers for keeping college students healthy while they were away at school. In that article, we focused on small, filterless units that were ideal for small spaces and wouldn't add air purifier maintenance to a student's already heavy workload. While these units are still great, some students may need more powerful protection. Here are some of our top air purifiers for dorm rooms for the student struggling with severely unclean air.  

  Why Get a Heavy-duty Dorm Room Air Purifier?

  There are a number of reasons a student may require something more than a small, filterless purifier in his or her room. The most obvious example is the case of a student who suffers from asthma or other chronic respiratory disorders. While a filterless air purifier is a good option for removing pollen, dust and other small particles, it won't eliminate gases, odors and VOCs that can also trigger asthma attacks.   Some students also deal with more airborne impurities than others. Roommates who vape in their dorms, for example, can present a serious threat to indoor air quality. While most students won't face this problem, it's worth noting that a 2019 survey found that 12.9 percent of college students had used a vaping device in the past 30 days, and in many cases vaping is done in dorms by students trying to avoid campus bans. In such circumstances, a model with more filtration ability may become a necessity.   Much like apartment buildings, dorms also prevent students from exercising complete control over the quality of the air they're breathing. Ventilation systems can bring contaminants from other rooms into your student's dorm, making it very difficult to keep air quality in check without a purifier. This consideration is especially important for asthmatic students, since harsh cleaning chemicals used by students in other rooms can become airborne and travel through the events, affecting neighboring rooms.  

  What Kind of Air Purifier Does Your Student Need?

  The most important feature for a student in a high-contamination environment is a HEPA filter. These filters remove dust, pollen, dander and other particles from the air. By doing so, they make the air much safer for those suffering from asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions.   Beyond HEPA, you can add extra protection for your student with a carbon filter. Carbon can filter out VOCs, gases and odors that HEPA filters aren't able to capture. This is especially useful for students with severe asthma that can be triggered by odors and gases.   Also high on the list of requirements is a relatively small size.  Dorms are notoriously small, and students already have to fit the rest of their possessions in, leaving little room for a large air purifier. While heavy-duty units won't be quite as compact as a a filterless model, there are some reasonably small yet powerful air purifiers that are suitable for putting in a dorm room.   Finally, it's obviously important for air purifiers for dorm rooms to be fairly quiet. Because students study and sleep in these small spaces, excessive noise is a definite negative. So, you're best off looking at units that produce nothing more than a gentle hum in the background.  

Does Every Student Need an Air Purifier?

  Even if the college students in your family doesn't have asthma or severe allergies, an air purifier can still be a helpful gift. Breathing clean, pure air is an important component of staying healthy. A good air purifier can also help to protect against ordinary seasonal allergies and irritation caused by dust. So, even if the student you're sending off to school doesn't have any known health issues, getting an air purifier for dorm rooms can still be a good idea.  

Top Heavy-duty Dorm Room Air Purifiers

  Taking what we've already covered into account, there are a few units that stand out for helping students breathe easier in their dorms. Here are our top picks for the students who need more than basic protection.  

  Amaircare 2500 HEPA

  Combining a HEPA filter with limited gas and VOC filtering abilities, the Amaircare 2500 HEPA is a great option for targeting most common contaminants your student might face in a dormitory. This unit is easily capable of handling a dorm room or on-campus apartment, as it is rated for up to 1,250 square feet. Best of all, it's made with a durable metal housing, ensuring that it won't be damaged during the frequent moves that students go through over the course of their college careers.   The Amaircare 2500 also fits the bill when it comes to size and noise levels. At just 13.5 inches high by 16 inches wide, it is more than compact enough to fit comfortably in a dorm room. Since it features variable fan speeds, it can be set to a lower-noise setting whenever students really need to focus.   If VOCs are your concern, you can also consider the Amaircare 2500 VOC. This model features more powerful carbon filtration that will help to clear gases. At the same time, it also offers the same benefits as the 2500 HEPA.  

  Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr.

  Next up in our selection of air purifiers for dorm rooms is the Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. This small but powerful purifier can cover up to 700 square feet, making it perfect for dorms and studio apartments. The HealthMate Plus Jr. also combines HEPA and carbon filtration to deliver optimum protection.   Like the Amaircare 2500, the Austin Air HealthMate Jr. is also a remarkably compact unit given what it's capable of. Standing at just 16.5 inches tall and 11 inches wide, this air purifier takes up minimal floors space and won't clutter up the room. It's also quiet enough not to keep your student from studying.  

  Blueair Pro M

  For students who need the maximum possible protection against airborne contaminants, the Blueair Pro M is a great option. This air purifier can perform 5 air changes per hour in spaces of up to 390 square feet, making it a perfect option for keeping the air as clean as possible. In its basic form, the Pro M only comes with a HEPA filter. However, a Blueair SmokeStop filter or full-scale carbon filter can be added on as an option for protection from gases and VOCs.   At 17 inches tall and 20 inches wide, this air purifier is a bit larger than the two previous models, but still more than small enough to qualify as a good dorm room air purifier. It is also extremely quiet and is one of the best options for students who are easily distracted by noise.  

  Rabbit Air Minus A2

Last but certainly not least on the list is the Rabbit Air Minus A2, a stylish air purifier that does an excellent job of removing common contaminants. This unit offers the same HEPA and odor protection of many of the other models on this list, but also comes with a few added convenience features. These features include automatic quality monitoring, which allows the purifier to adjust its fan settings based on the air quality in the room at the time. The Minus A2 also offers a light-sensing feature that will put it into a quiet sleep mode when it's in a darkened room.   With the ability to cover up to 700 square feet, the Rabbit Air Minus A2 is great for dorms, offices and small apartments. It is also a thin, compact model that can be put into a narrow unused space beside a bed or desk. For students who want a bit of decor in their dorms, this unit also comes in housings that feature the art of Claude Monet or classic Peanuts characters.  

Which Is the Best Air Purifier for Dorm Rooms?

  While all of the units listed above make great dorm room air purifiers, the best of the bunch in terms of features, capabilities and value is Amaircare 2500 HEPA. For most students, this air purifier will provide great protection without taking up too much space or making too much noise. If your student suffers from severe asthma or chemical sensitivities, the Amaircare 2500 VOC may be the superior choice.  

Add-on: Indoor Air Quality Meter

So far, we've discussed air purifiers for situations where students know what is bothering them. The example of a vaping roommate, for instance, is a clearly identifiable source of gases and odors that could affect a student with respiratory troubles. Unfortunately, air quality issues aren't always so simple. In some cases, you may not know what the problem is just by looking at the dorm room and the people in it. When this is the case, an indoor air quality meter can help to identify and remedy the problem.   Indoor air quality meters give you exact data on the air in any given space. Whether VOCs or pollen is the problem, they'll tell you and make it easier to pick out an air purifier that can deal with the issue. Once you're using the air purifier, the meter can also continue to monitor its performance and provide information for further air quality improvements.   Our top recommended indoor air quality meter is the Foobot. This unit displays easy-to-read air quality ratings via a color-coded light, allowing students to quickly determine the quality of the air they're breathing. Via a smartphone app, it also delivers detailed air quality data and specific recommendations for improvement.   We also offer two other air quality meters students can use to keep an eye on their air. The Blueair Aware is a meter made for compatibility with Blueair purifiers, and the IQAir AirVisual Pro pairs units from IQAir. While these are both excellent systems in their own right, they are at their best when paired with a compatible air purifier. The Foobot, on the other hand, is made for more general use.  

Helping Students With Air Purifier Maintenance

  Once you buy a dorm room air purifier for your student, he or she will have to perform occasional maintenance to keep it in good working order. This maintenance consists mainly of changing filters when needed. Of course, students have enough to keep track of without having to track filter change times. Fortunately, there are a few tools that can help with this.   The easiest way to help your student remember to change filters is to buy a purifier with a filter change light. This feature measures air flow through the filter and indicates when it's time for a new one. Units like the Amaircare 2500 will remind their owners to change filters, taking time tracking out of the equation altogether.   For an extra reminder, you can use our Filter Reminder tool. This free tool lets you select your air purifier and receive email notifications when it's time for a filter change. Our system tracks the time since your last change and sends out reminders based on the manufacturer's recommended filter maintenance schedule. This way, you can always remember when it's time for new filters.  

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Dorm Room Air Purifier?

  Generally, the best time to give an air purifier to a student is at the start of the fall semester. Fall allergies caused by pollen can be a nuisance when a student is trying to study, and having one from the beginning of the term ensures that students won't have to deal with compromised air quality during their first few weeks on campus.   With that said, there's no wrong time to gift an air purifier to a student living in a dorm. Even during the winter months, air quality issues can arise. Spring allergies are also a consideration, as pollen returns with a vengeance as the weather warms in April and May.   Have more questions about selecting the right air purifier for your son or daughter's college years? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us directly, and we'll be happy to provide you answers and dorm room air purifier recommendations based on your student's needs. We can also help you find the right models for your home, office and any other spaces where cleaner air is needed.