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

One of the most common metrics by which air purifiers are measured is the clean air delivery rate, or CADR rating. Many first time buyers treat CADR as a proxy for air purifier quality. In this article, we'll explain what this measurement is, how it works and discuss some of the limitations of using it as your only standard when buying an air purifier.  

What Is the CADR Rating?

  Before we can look at the pros and cons of CADR, it's important to first understand what it is and how it's calculated. CADR metrics are given in three categories: dust, smoke and pollen. In each category, the CADR rating measures how many cubic feet of air a given air purifier effectively removes each type of particle from each minute. The highest possible rating scores are 450 for smoke and pollen, while 400 is the highest score for dust. The higher an air purifier scores in a given category, the more efficient it is at removing particles in that size range.  

How Is CADR Calculated?

  To calculate CADR, an air purifier is placed in a room measuring 1,008 cubic feet. The air purifier is then allowed to run for 25 minutes. After the 25 minute test, the levels of the three contaminants the test is designed for are measured against the pre-test levels. In this way, an objective measure of how well the purifier removes the different particle sizes can be calculated.  

Who Calculates CADR Ratings?

  CADR tests are conducted by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). To get a CADR for an air purifier, the manufacturer voluntarily submits it to the AHAM for testing. Because the AHAM uses the same test for every air purifier, CADR ratings are fairly consistent and represent a good measure of air purifier efficiency in the tested categories.  

Do All Air Purifiers Have a CADR Rating?

  While many air purifiers do carry a CADR measurement, the AHAM rating process is entirely voluntary. As a result, you may find some purifiers that have not been tested or assigned a rating. This doesn't necessarily mean that these units are sub-par air purifiers, but it does make it a bit more difficult to evaluate them.  

Benefits of CADR Measurements for Consumers

  Now that we've taken a look at how CADR ratings work, let's discuss how they benefit consumers. A CADR allows potential buyers to objectively compare air purifiers when making a purchasing decision. Unlike measurements such as air flow rate and overall capacity, the CADR provides a specific measurement of how well an air purifier does in filtering out particles of different sizes. The objective nature of a CADR rating makes it much easier to tell how well an air purifier will perform when compared with other units that have undergone the same testing.   CADR ratings are also useful because they show you how well an air purifier can remove several common contaminants. If your main aim in using an air purifier is to remove pollen from your home air, for example, you can select a unit that has a high pollen CADR rating but may perform less well when it comes to removing smoke. Thanks to the three-category nature of the test, consumers can select the air purifier that best suits their unique needs.   Finally, the CADR rating introduces a certain amount of transparency into the air purifier rating process. Because it is conducted by a neutral third party under pre-set conditions, the CADR test gives an unbiased measurement of air purifier performance. Other metrics, such as air flow, often represent the air purifier operating under ideal rather than real-world conditions. When you're looking at a CADR rating, you can at least know that it is generated using a standard test administered by a disinterested party.  

What Are the Drawbacks of CADR?

  For all of their advantages, CADR ratings don't tell you everything about an air purifier. One of the biggest CADR limitations is the fact that the test does not include gases, odors or VOCs. These non-particulate contaminants are very common in home air and can be targeted by air purifiers that use carbon filters. Many air purifiers that carry CADR ratings use HEPA as well as carbon filters. When these air purifiers are submitted to the CADR test, only one part of their filtering capabilities is actually being measured. So, if gaseous contaminants are part of your home air quality concerns, a CADR test should not be the only metric you use in picking out an air purifier.   Another drawback of the CADR test is that it only tests air purifiers on their highest settings. While this is an understandable standard for the test, it can inflate the unit's efficiency in a buyer's mind. If you are buying a bedroom air purifier, for example, it's fairly unlikely that you would run it on its highest setting while you're sleeping due to noise concerns. This being the case, the air purifier you buy would not be performing as efficiently as it was under the conditions of the CADR test. This fact is important to keep in mind when looking at the CADR ratings of air purifiers you're considering.   Finally, the CADR test only shows how an air purifier will work within a very limited period of time. While the 25-minute test allows the unit to cycle a significant amount of air through, it can't tell you how it will perform after weeks or months of continuous use. As HEPA filters absorb particles from the air, they naturally experience slight declines in efficiency. While this shouldn't be a serious problem if you're changing your filters on the manufacturer's recommended schedule, it is worth noting that the clean air delivery rate of a purifier with a brand-new filter operating for only 25 minutes will be higher than that of the same purifier with a filter that has been absorbing particles for several months.  

How Should You Use the CADR Rating?

  Once you understand the advantages and drawbacks of CADR ratings, you can make proper use of them when buying an air purifier. As a rule, CADR is a great thing to consider when looking at particle filtration. The rating will give you a fairly good idea of how a given air purifier will do when it comes to removing dust, smoke and pollen from your home air. If one or all of these contaminants is your main home air quality concern, you should definitely pay attention to the CADR ratings of the units you look at.   With that said, you shouldn't make your buying decision based solely on CADR. While it's a useful metric, the rating doesn't give you any information about gas filtering and doesn't represent every important aspect of an air purifier. As a result, the best way to approach CADR is as one component of your purchasing decision, rather than the only metric you look at.  

What Else Do You Need to Look at When Buying an Air Purifier?

  To get the best air purifier for your needs, you should consider several different factors. First and foremost among these is the kind of air purifier you need. As stated above, purifiers with HEPA filters target particles, while those with carbon filters target gases. If you want to filter out both classes of contaminants, you'll need an air purifier that combines these two filter types. Deciding what contaminants you're most concerned about and choosing your model accordingly is arguably the most important step in buying an air purifier.   You also need to think about the size of the space your purifier will be used in. As you can imagine, a unit capable of covering a mid-sized house must be able to cycle air much more quickly than a unit that covers a studio apartment. In addition to CADR, you should be looking at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air flow and the unit's square footage rating to determine what unit is best for your needs. Keep in mind that unless stated otherwise, most air purifiers' square footage ratings are calculated on the basis of one air change per hour in a space with 8-foot ceilings. To learn more about area ratings and how to adjust based on different ceiling heights, check out our blog post on air purifier capacity here.   Another important factor to consider is the physical size of the air purifier itself. Some buyers intend to use their units in areas where floor space may be limited. In these cases, either a small air purifier or a wall-mounted model are usually the best choices.   Likewise, it's important to consider the noise level you're comfortable with. Many air purifiers can operate very quietly on their lower fan settings. As stated above, though, lower fan speeds will reduce the functional clean air delivery rate. Try to find a unit that offers a good balance between your noise comfort level and efficient filtering. Ending up with a unit that's too noisy, even if it means better filtration, can be a serious annoyance and make you less likely to keep using an air purifier over time.   Finally, you should consider the additional features of each air purifier you're looking at. Some models, for example, offer a convenient filter change reminder light that will tell you when it's time for new filters. Others, like the Blueair Pro L, can automatically detect air quality levels and change their settings accordingly. Note that in the case of Blueair this is an optional rather than a standard feature.  

Monitoring Air Purifier Performance in Real Time

  As stated above, the CADR rating will give you a picture of how an air purifier performs only within a 25-minute window and using a brand-new filter. If you want to get a more complete picture of how your air purifier operates over the course of its lifetime, you can monitor its performance yourself using a home air quality meter. These simple, easy-to-use devices let you see the levels of different contaminants in your home so that you can take effective steps to remove them.   When used in conjunction with an air purifier, these monitoring systems become especially valuable tools. You can, for example, try running your air purifier on different fan speeds, then monitor the effects on your indoor air quality using the meter. Likewise, you can see how well your purifier performs as its filters age. With this kind of real-time monitoring, you can always know where your home air quality stands and test the effects of different approaches to improve it.   As you can see, an air purifiers CADR rating is a valuable metric in choosing the right unit for your home, but it shouldn't be the only thing you think about. Be sure to consider square footage, additional features, CFM ratings, filter types and other factors as well. Picking the right air purifier is often a bit of an involved process, but the results can be well worth the effort.   Still have questions about CADR ratings or the metrics you should use to select an air purifier? We're here to help! Feel free to send us your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with the answers and information you need. If you're still not sure what air purifier is best for you, we'll also be happy to provide you with personalized product recommendations based on your needs to help you get the right air purifier the first time.

If you're using an air purifier in your home, it's easy to forget about it on a day-to-day basis. While air purifiers shouldn't need much maintenance, one task that's very important is changing their filters on a regular basis. Here's what you need to know about air purifier filter changes, when it's time for a new filter and how you can easily keep track of your filter change schedule with a little help from US Air Purifiers.  

  What Happens When a Filter Gets Too Dirty?

  As air purifier filters are used, they pick up contaminants from the air. The result is that they gradually become loaded with these contaminants, making it harder for them to filter effectively. The biggest problem caused by dirty filters is a reduced supply of clean air. When filters are clogged, less air will be able to pass through them. This means less clean air will come out. Once the filter becomes too dirty, the space your purifier can cover will gradually begin to shrink.   Dirty filters can also run up your energy bills. As your purifier has to work harder to pass air through, it will become less energy efficient. If you leave an old filter in too long, it can markedly increase your air purifier's energy consumption. Wait too long, and you'll be stuck with higher energy bills and lower air quality.   Finally, a filter that gets dirty enough could become a source of airborne contaminants itself. Toxins from bacteria and mold trapped in the filter could be distributed by the fan, allowing them to be breathed in. This usually only happens in extreme cases where filters are left in long after they should be changed, but it is something to keep in mind.  

  How Often Should You Change Your Air Purifier Filters?

  The question of how often to change air purifier filters comes up quite often, but it's a question without a single answer. Different air purifiers require filter changes on different schedules. Each air purifier comes with a recommendation from the manufacturer on how often its filters should be changed. This recommended schedule should be followed as closely as possible in order to ensure proper function.   It's also worth noting that many air purifiers have more than one filter. Each filter in your model will likely be on a different changing schedule, a fact which can sometimes make it difficult to keep up. For example, let's take the popular Amaircare 3000 VOC, which uses a pre-filter, a HEPA filter and a carbon canister. On this particular model, the pre-filter should be changed every 3-6 months, while the HEPA filter lasts 2-5 years and the carbon canister lasts 1 year.   With that said, it's absolutely essential to know the changing schedule for your specific model. By sticking to this schedule, you can ensure proper operation and keep your air as clean as possible.  

  How to Keep Track of Filter Changes

  There are several different ways to know it's time to change your filters. The simplest method is to buy an air purifier with a filter change indicator. This feature will tell you exactly when it's time for a filter change, preventing you from having to track the time since your last change on your own. Many leading air purifiers offer built-in filter reminders, including the Amaircare 3000, Blueair Pro L and the IQAir HealthPro.  

Can You Measure Air Purifier Filter Performance?

  Even though regular filter changes should keep your air purifier in peak working condition, many users still want to be able to measure performance independently. Fortunately, this can be done with the use of an indoor air quality meter. These meters will give you data about your home air, allowing you to see if your purifier is really doing its job. If you notice the air quality beginning to diminish, it may be a sign that you have a filter in need of a change.   Our most popular indoor air quality meter is the Foobot unit. This meter has a simple color-coded display that will give you a basic picture of the air quality in your home. Via a smartphone app, you can also get more in-depth data and recommendations for improving your overall air quality.  

Are There Ways to Extend Your Filter Life?

  Because replacement filters cost money, many people understandably want to find ways to keep using their old filters for longer periods of time. The one proven way to extend the life of a filter is to minimize the amount of contamination it has to deal with. By reducing dust in your home, for example, you can keep a HEPA filter cleaner for longer. Eliminating contaminants at their source also has the advantage of making your home healthier overall, so it's well worth doing in any event.   With that said, all air purifier filters will need replaced eventually. Waiting too long or trying to squeeze extra life out of an old filter may put your air quality at risk. When in doubt, it's better to change your filter than to put it off.  

What About Filterless Air Purifiers?

  In addition to the standard HEPA and carbon filtered models, there are some air purifiers that remove contaminants without the use of a filter. Filterless air purifiers typically use a thermal core to remove solid contaminants from the air. This system can be useful for bacteria, viruses, mold spores, dust, dander, pollen and other particulates, but it doesn't have any ability to filter VOCs, gases or odors. So, if you're looking for something that will focus on particulates only, a filter-free model may be a decent choice.  

Want to Make Air Purifier Maintenance Effortless? Use Our Filter Change Reminder Tool!

  As you can probably tell by now, there are few things more essential to keeping your air purifier running properly than changing its filters on the right schedule. The problem, though, is that many users don't keep careful track of filter changes or monitor their units to see when the filter change reminder light comes on. Fortunately, we offer a free, easy-to-use online tool that can make tracking your filter changes as easy as pressing a few buttons.   With our Filter Change Reminder tool, you can register your air purifier with us and receive an email notification when it's time for new filters. The tool uses the intervals suggested by manufacturers to keep track of your filter changes. When it's time for a new filter, our till will automatically notify you, making it easy to remember. Forget writing down your last filter date or tracking the time on a calendar, because we have you covered!   Even better, we've recently made some huge improvements to this tool. At one time, we only had the ability to register one air purifier per email address. Now, you can register several air purifiers and track each one individually. This means that all of your notifications can go to the same email address, making it much easier to keep track of them as they come in.   If you own an air purifier, proper filter maintenance is an essential part of keeping it working and keeping your air clean. By executing air purifier filter changes on the right schedule and monitoring your purifier's performance, you can make sure that you're always breathing only the cleanest air. Still have questions about how often to change filters or how to use our Filter Change Reminder tool? We're here to help! Just contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with the information and new filters your air purifier needs.        

Clean air in the home is essential for maintaining good long-term health. Even if you think the air in your home is clean, there's a good chance that it's contaminated with dust, mold spores, VOCs and other impurities that work their way into your lungs on a daily basis. If you want to achieve better home air quality, you'll need to proactively take steps to remove these contaminants. Here are some of the best ways to clean the air in your house so that you can experience better health through improved air quality.  

Pay More Attention to Ventilation

  One of the simplest ways to improve your indoor air quality is to ventilate your house sensibly. Bringing in fresh air from outside can help flush out VOCs, mold spores and other contaminants that accumulate inside the home. One important component of this that is often overlooked is kitchen ventilation. Since cooking fumes can drastically reduce air quality until they are cleared, it's important to use a good fume hood, keep windows open for cross-ventilation or both.   While ventilation is important, you also need to use common sense. If you live in a heavily polluted city, for instance, opening windows may bring in more contaminants than it removes. The same is true at the peak of pollen season in spring and fall. Generally, it's a good idea to open windows in the evenings, when cooler temperatures will make both pollen and some forms of air pollution less of a problem.  

Keep More Live Plants

  In addition to making your home look better, houseplants can have a profound impact on its air quality. As plants take in air, they can remove chemical gases from it, leaving your home cleaner. Incredibly, the gases that houseplants can absorb include benzene, formaldehyde and even trichloroethylene (TCE).   As a result, one of the best ways to clean the air in your home is to keep more live plants around. It's important to understand, though, that different plants are best for removing different contaminants. To learn more, check out our popular blog post on the best air purifying plants you can keep in your home to achieve better air quality.  

Eliminate Contaminants at Their Source

  Many of the common contaminants in home air can be prevented from building up in the first place. Dust, for example, can be kept to a minimum with a regular and thorough cleaning regimen. Mold spores and toxins can be eliminated by finding and treating small mold infestations in your home before they turn into larger problems. Even pollen can be kept to a minimum by circulating the air in your house with a fan instead of opening the windows during allergy seasons.   With this said, there are some contaminants you simply won't be able to avoid. Formaldehyde is a good example, as many building materials are treated with this dangerous chemical. As a result, most homes have an ambient level of formaldehyde that is given off by insulation and other materials over time. Getting rid of formaldehyde at the source is much more difficult than dust, mold or pollen because its source is the very materials your home is constructed from.   In your efforts to clean the air in your home, targeting contaminants at their sources is a great way to supplement other approaches. By minimizing what ends up in the air, you'll make it easier to remove the contaminants that do. That said, it's unlikely to solve all of your air quality problems.  

Best Way to Clean the Air in Your House: Use a Home Air Purifier

  Though having more houseplants and targeting contaminants at the source can both help to improve your home air quality, the best way to clean your home air is by far to use an air purifier. Air purifiers are designed specifically to draw air in, remove impurities and cycle the clean air back into your home. By continually repeating this process, they can keep pollutants at bay and help you enjoy cleaner, healthier air.   The reason that using an air purifier is the best way to clean the air in your home is that the process is predictable and controllable. While houseplants certainly do remove some contaminants, they will do it at an unpredictable rate. With a good air purifier, you'll be able to pinpoint how large a space your machine will cover, what contaminants it will remove, how many air changes per hour it will execute and other important pieces of information. Using an air purifier, you can actively take control of your indoor air quality.  

Choosing the Right Air Purifier

  Air purifiers come with two major types of filters. The first, known as a HEPA filter, is used to target solid particles in the air. These include dust, dander, pollen and even mold spores. HEPA filters are made with large amounts of fine filter material stacked into several layers. As air is passed through these layers, the solids present in it are captured and retained inside the filter.   The second major type of air purifier filter is made of activated carbon. Carbon filters can be used to capture gases, including odors and VOCs like formaldehyde. In some cases, chemically impregnated carbon is used to target specific gases.   It should be noted that many leading air purifiers feature both of these types of filters. If you're looking for the best way to clean the air in your house, it's usually a good idea to buy an air purifier with both HEPA and carbon filtration. By using the two filter types in tandem, you'll be able to remove more common contaminants than either one could on its own.   Some air purifiers also feature a UV germicidal lamp meant to kill viruses and bacteria. When exposed to UV light, these biological contaminants are rendered neutral. Purifiers with this feature are especially helpful during cold and flu season and will help support your health year-round.   Beyond the filters themselves, many air purifiers offer user-friendly features meant to make them more convenient. Multiple fan settings, for example, will let you achieve a balance between cleaning the air in your home and maintaining a noise level you're comfortable with. Filter change reminder lights are another useful feature, as they will make tracking filter changes much easier.   To get the best air purifier for your needs, you'll also need to think about the size of the space it's being used in. Air purifiers have their capacity rated in square footage, typically calculated on the assumption that they'll be used in a space with a standard 8-foot ceiling. When choosing your purifier, be sure to select a unit with the capacity to clean your entire home or multiple air purifiers that can provide comprehensive coverage.   When choosing an air purifier, it's important to consider what type of contaminants you want to target, how large your space is and what additional features you may need. For some of our most popular units, check out our Best Sellers page to see the air purifiers that our existing customers buy most often.  

How Concerned Should You Be About Home Air Quality?

  One of the most common questions people have when they start looking into ways to clean home air is whether or not the everyday contaminants in their houses are causing any real problems. While it's impossible to say whether any one person is being affected by indoor air pollution, there is clear evidence that low air quality is a contributing factor to several chronic diseases, including both heart disease and diabetes. Air pollution is one of the most widespread problems facing the world today, and new evidence continues to emerge every year pointing to its detrimental effects.   Even if you live in an area where pollution isn't a huge concern, an air purifier can help you breathe more comfortably. Common contaminants like dust and pollen can irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing, sneezing and other annoying symptoms. If you suffer from allergies or regular sneezing, an air purifier may be able to provide you with some relief.   The people who should be most concerned about indoor air quality are those who have asthma, COPD and other chronic respiratory illnesses. If you or someone you know suffers from such an ailment, a high-quality air purifier can be an invaluable tool in preventing flare-ups. By keeping the air fresh and clean, air purifiers may be able to help make asthma attacks less frequent and less severe.   Ultimately, everyone should pay at least some attention to the quality of the air they're breathing every day. If you have asthma or live in a heavily polluted city, it's extremely important to take active steps to clean the air in your house. Even if you don't, though, cleaner air can help you lead a healthier and happier life by reducing allergies and reactions to dust on a daily basis.  

Measuring Indoor Air Quality

  If you're thinking about trying out different ways to clean the air in your house, you should be thinking about how you'll measure the results. The most precise way to see what contaminants are in your home air is by using an indoor air quality meter. Using a meter, you can get a good reading on your home's baseline air quality, then monitor it as you use an air purifier and other methods to improve it. These meters will also alert you to changes in your home's air quality, allowing you to identify new contaminants or troubleshoot problems with your air purifier before your air quality suffers too much.  

Bonus Tip: Use a Humidifier for Maximum Comfort

  Although contaminants are the bigger concern, dry air can also cause problems. If the air you're breathing is too dry, you may experience sore throats, headaches and nasal irritation. To deal with overly dry air in the home, it's a good idea to use a personal humidifier. By adding some humidity back to your home air in addition to cleaning it, you can enjoy maximum comfort and breathe better than ever.   Have questions about the best ways to clean the air in your house or how an air purifier can support your overall health? We're here to help! Feel free to send us your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers, advice and personalized product recommendations based on your needs.    

With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about buying gifts for friends and family. If you're looking to give an extra-meaningful present this year, a home air purifier can be a great option. To help you give the gift of clean air this holiday season, we've put together this air purifier gift giving guide. Keep reading to learn why air purifiers make great gifts and how to pick out the perfect model for your loved ones.  

  Why Give an Air Purifier as a Gift?

  Although an air purifier may not be the first thing you think of when trying to come up with gift ideas, it's actually one of the best presents you can give. With a home air purifier, your loved ones can enjoy cleaner air and, as a result, potentially better health. Air purifiers can remove everything from plant pollen to air pollution, helping your friends or family members breathe cleaner, healthier air.   An air purifier can be an especially good gift for someone who suffers from severe allergies, asthma, COPD or other respiratory conditions. Though we all need clean air to maintain good health, people with these conditions can be negatively affected by even moderate contaminants. So, if you have a friend or family member who suffers from a chronic respiratory problem, an air purifier is a gift that can help that person to improve his or her overall quality of life.   With that said, a person doesn't have to have an existing respiratory condition to enjoy the benefits of cleaner air. Today, most of us breathe air that is contaminated with pollution, VOCs and other impurities. Unfortunately, unclean air may contribute to a wide range of ailments, including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers. S0, while they are necessary for people with respiratory issues, air purifiers make great gifts for anyone who is trying to live a healthier life.  

  Picking Out the Perfect Air Purifier

  Once you've decided you want to give an air purifier as a gift, you'll need to select the unit you want to buy. Choosing an air purifier is a process that requires a bit of thought. To help out, we've broken down the basic factors you need to consider to help you choose the right one for the recipient.  

  Area

  The first thing you need to consider when buying an air purifier is how large an area it will need to cover. If you're buying one for a bedroom or college dorm, it can have significantly less capacity than a unit meant to cover an entire home or large apartment. Try to estimate the size of the area the air purifier will be used in to decide how much coverage the recipient needs.  

  Filter Type

  Next, you need to consider the type of filter the air purifier you're buying should have. For allergens, dust, dander and other solids, a HEPA filter is required. To deal with odors, gases and VOCs, you'll need a carbon filter. Many of the leading air purifiers feature both types of filters, allowing them to remove contaminants of many types at once.   Before you decide to buy an air purifier as a gift, it's important to consider what kind of contaminants you want it to focus on. For a friend or family member who suffers from allergies, a HEPA filter is by far the best option. If the person you're buying for is sensitive to odors or has concerns about chemical gases, a model with a carbon filter is in order. If you aren't sure or want to provide the broadest possible protection, consider a unit with both types of filters.   In addition to HEPA and carbon, some air purifiers also feature an ultraviolet lamp to kill bacteria and viruses. These purifiers make great gifts to people who are susceptible to colds, flus and other common illnesses.  

Other Features

  Beyond capacity and filter type, you should also consider which features will be most convenient to the recipient. Common additional features of air purifiers include remote control functions, filter change reminder lights, silent fan modes and wall mounting brackets. The exact combination of features your friend or relative will need will depend on personal tastes and needs.  

Top Air Purifiers to Give as Gifts

  Although everyone has different needs, there are several air purifiers we can recommend very highly as holiday gifts. Following, you'll find our top 5 recommendations for residential air purifiers, plus 2 bonus models for budget-conscious buyers!  

Amaircare 3000 VOC

One of our best-selling air purifiers, the Amaircare 3000 VOC is a combination HEPA and carbon filtered model that can cover up to 1,800 square feet. With a user-friendly filter change indicator, a silent mode and all-metal construction, this air purifier is a great option for practically anyone looking to improve their health with cleaner air.  

Field Controls TRIO

For a recipient who needs medical grade air purification, we recommend the Field Controls TRIO. This purifier features HEPA and carbon filtration along with a UV germicidal lamp, allowing it to target everything from pollen to viruses. Covering up to 1,000 square feet, this unit is perfect for the person who needs the best possible air quality. Great as a gift for severe asthma or COPD patients.  

Blueair Pro L

Another of the best air purifiers to give as gifts is the Blueair Pro L. This high-quality HEPA air purifier stands out due to its ability to perform up to 5 air changes per hour in spaces of up to 780 square feet. Thanks to this higher number of air changes, the Blueair Pro L can keep air cleaner and healthier. This unit can also be equipped with additional carbon and VOC filters to give it even broader filtering abilities. The Blueair Pro L makes a great gift for a friend or family member with allergies or asthma.  

Austin Air HealthMate

With up to 1,500 square feet of coverage, the Austin Air HealthMate is a great air purifier to use in small homes and larger apartments. This air purifier moves up to 250 cubic feet of air per minute, allowing it to efficiently remove contaminants. Like most of the models on this list, the HealthMate combines HEPA and carbon filtration. It also offers the benefits of steel construction, 360-degree air intake and 3 variable fan speeds. The Austin Air HealthMate is one of our top all-around units, making it a great choice as a gift for just about anyone.  

IQAir HealthPro

If you know someone who suffers from severe allergies or reactions to dust, the IQAir HealthPro is an air purifier that can provide relief. This unit uses IQAir's specialized HyperHEPA technology, which removes smaller particles than even a normal HEPA filter can target. The HealthPro is also among the quietest HEPA air purifiers on the market thanks to its sound dampening construction. This model covers up to 1,125 square feet.  

Bonus Budget-Friendly Options

  Although all of the air purifiers listed above make great gifts, they may not fit easily into everyone's price range. At US Air Purifiers, we believe that cleaner air should be accessible to everyone. For that reason, we've come up with two extra budget-friends options that will let you give your loved ones the gift of cleaner air at an extremely reasonable price point.  

Airfree Iris

Covering up to 650 square feet, the Airfree Iris is a filterless air purifier that uses thermal technology to remove dust, dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, viruses and other solid matter from the air. The significant upshot of this technology is that the air purifier does not require periodic filter changes. With that said, this type of purification does not target gases, odors or VOCs, so these air purifiers are best as gifts for people with allergies or dust issues.  

Amaircare Roomaid VOC

A smaller relative of the Amaircare 3000 VOC, the Roomaid is a compact unit that covers up to 300 square feet. Like the larger version, the Roomaid combines HEPA and carbon filtration to target the most common household contaminants. This model is also unique for its ability to plug into a car power supply, allowing it to be used on the go. If your friend or relative needs something for a small space or for traveling, this is easily one of the best options out there. The Roomaid VOC also makes an excellent gift for college students who live in dorms.  

Other Awesome Gifts to Improve Air Quality

  Although air purifiers make great gifts, they aren't the only things you can give to friends and family to help them take control of their air quality. Below, you'll find a few more great gifts that will help your loved ones breathe easier this holiday season.  

Personal Humidifier

  Just as contaminants in the air can create breathing problems, air that is too dry can also irritate the respiratory system. To help your loved ones breathe easier during the dry winter months, a home humidifier is a great gift idea. Dry air can cause headaches, dried skin and lips and sore throats. Air that is properly humidified also helps to keep dust and other small particles down, leading to better overall air quality.  

Indoor Air Quality Meter

  A major part of improving air quality is being able to measure it in the first place. This is where indoor air quality meters come in. These meters allow users to track contaminants in the air, monitor air purifier performance and make changes to optimize indoor air quality.  

Air Purifying Lamp

  For small study or work spaces, a traditional air purifier may be too large to use. If you're buying for a student or someone with a small, enclosed workspace, the Vortex Air Purifier Lamp may be the ideal gift idea. The Vortex is a high-quality LED lamp that doubles as a filterless air purifier. The Vortex covers up to 175 square feet, making it ideal for dorms, study spaces and personal offices.  

US Air Purifiers Gift Certificate

  Not sure what to get for your friend or family member? Let them pick out their own gift with a US Air Purifier gift certificate! Simply select the amount you want to purchase and you'll be able to give a gift certificate in the amount of your choosing. Best of all, our gift certificates can be sent in digital form by email or delivered in printed form to the recipient's home address. Our certificates can also be personalized with a message of your choosing.   Whether you're shopping for a health-conscious friend or a relative who suffers from asthma, a home air purifier can make the perfect gift this holiday season. Still not sure what the best gift for your loved one is? 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.  

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.