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

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.

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.