BEST WHOLE HOUSE AIR PURIFIER – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2021)

Living in a modern society has a lot of visible costs. Clean air has become somewhat of a luxury if you are living in a large urban area, or in a polluted rural area. Even if you are living in the cleanest place on earth a change is visible. Most people tend not to think about the air they breathe, and they go on living their lives without ever realizing that the air around them is getting more polluted. In the past decade, a lot has been done to mitigate the effects of CO2 emissions and other polluting factors, but rising economic growth all over the world is taking its toll with respect to air pollution. Some large cities in China are so polluted that people from time to time wear masks over their faces. We are not saying that the US is having these kinds of issues, but unfortunately, air can spread all over the world uninterrupted and the quality is getting worse. We are not yet able to make the air clean for the entire world, but we are committed to helping you make the air in your home cleaner with our analysis of the whole house air purification systems. Our choices and reviews are here to show you best whole house air purifier that is suitable for your home in order to make your purchase cost-effective and your air fresh and healthy.

Whole house air purifiers will become must-have devices that almost every home will own in the future. So, when you plan to install a cooling, heating or advances HVAC system in your apartment or a house, it is very important that you examine these devices so that you can make a comprehensive ventilation and filtration system for you and your family.

Most users of this device were very satisfied with the performance, but keep in mind that the standard filter is not a True HEPA and that the level of filtration is not as high as with True HEPA filters. As for filter installation and replacement, it is possible to do it by yourself with the help of youtube videos, or you can call in HVAC company for this service, but the prices may vary significantly. The manufacturer has pointed out that the filter permanently captures 97% of airborne pollen-sized particles which is a decent level of filtration, but not a complete filtration as with better filters.

As for the quality of their standard filter, the manufacturer states that the filter will trap up to 75% of bacteria particles sized 0.3-1.0 micron and over 90% of particles that are 1.0-3.0 microns. An important feature of this device is its capability run 24 hours straight, unlike some smaller devices that have their operating period down do half a day or even less. What is also interesting about Aprilaire devices is that they produce no ozone, which can be important for some customers.

The manufacturer even pointed out that this model has been rated first for the past three years among leading products in its category. This model also has an air cleaner controller with different options. Regardless of the fact that this device is very strong, the users have reported issues with filter replacement and maintenance which was not the case with weaker models.

As far as Soltek is concerned, this device covers all major pollutants, allergens, bacteria, odors etc. A good thing about this device is also the fact that ionizer is in front of the fan and that it is very quiet during the operation. Also, there is no installation required, so it can be easily set up and turned on.

This device is specialized in removing allergens, mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and odors, which means it covers all of the major pollutants and health hazards in the air. PureAir is certified to cover as much as 3000 square feet of space, which is enough for most US homes which are in average 2687 square feet.

Also, this device has a lot of different perks next to other similar devices. It has an advanced remote control with an away mode, which is very good since it is not advisable to be home when you are sterilizing the air with ozone. You can also upgrade the device with harsh environment pre-filters, but this device mostly relies on ozone and ionizing technologies, not on HEPA filters.

A good thing about devices that have more purifying mechanisms is a fact that it not only purifies the air but also reduces pollution in the walls, furniture, carpets etc. The fan has 5 speeds and the display is digital with a clock and timer.

Downsides of this device are hard to find, but nothing is perfect. Customers from California and Canada will be disappointed since the device is not shipped there. Also, the warranty is only for 2 years and we haven’t seen that this device has a certified true HEAP filter, but only HEPA type filter.

This is a great device if you have a forced air filtration in your home. The electricity consumption is very low, but it can only run when your heating or cooling system is on. The coating of the device is made out of zinc and it is very strong and corrosion protected. The airflow strength is 1400 CFM which makes it a very powerful device. It has a low profile door with a test button. If you own a humidifier it is advisable to install a standard furnace filter between the humidifier and the air cleaner.

This is for sure one of the best devices we have analyzed, and if you want to have a permanent solution in your home, and you don’t mind not having true HEPA filters, this is a device for you. Even if you don’t like it there is a 30 day 100% money back guarantee, and since this is a stand-alone device there is no installation or removal.

This device is rich with indicators, smart mode options, timers and other perks that are intended for technology savvy people. It has auto-speed, sleep mode, eco mode, real-time air quality monitoring system, filter lifetime indicator, light sensor etc. You can control your Airmega through an app which is made for both iOS and Android.  All of this makes this device one of the most comprehensive devices in terms of quality and functionality on the market.

In today’s world, clean air has become somewhat of a luxury. Large metropolitan areas have increasingly polluted the air and during the years, respiratory diseases and allergies have grown in numbers. Also, we have seen a rise in the number of pets and also the number of households that own a pet. All of these factors, as well as the advancement in technology, are driving the market for air purifiers. If you fall into any of these affected groups or if you just want to make sure that the air you breathe has a decent quality, you need to equip yourself with the knowledge on how to find the best home air purifier for your home.

This process might seem easy and straightforward, but unfortunately, it is not. This market is highly unregulated which means that the manufacturers do not have an obligation to follow rules and regulations in order to produce these purifiers which is a case for other industries like a vehicle or computer manufacturers. The main issue that arises from the air purifier industry is the fact that manufacturers tend to overexaggerate device performances, which leaves some of the customers unsatisfied if they expect the device to perform in accordance with the manufactures specifications.

The air purifying industry is a confusing and tricky topic to discuss. Manufacturers can label their products in any way they want because there are no clear guidelines for standardization of these devices. This fact is very important because any manufacturer can put any label on its product and promote features that do not exist. Filters can be made out of ordinary paper style materials with added deodorant or some pleasant scent to make them pass as real air purifiers. This is, of course, an extreme example, and most of the manufacturers or retailers don’t do that, but what is present is an exaggeration of device performances. This is why we would like to help you make the right choice by explaining which are the main types of whole home air purifiers and what are their most important characteristic because no one is rich enough to waste money by buying a useless device.

Before we start explaining different types of units, the important thing to point out is that there are two basic ways to connect your air purifier, depending on the type. The air purifier can be stand-alone or connected to the HVAC system in your home. HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This is a comprehensive system which encompasses almost all important factors in the air circulation process. The only part that is missing is, in fact, air purifying process, which can be added depending on the HVAC system itself. It is important to remember that the air purifier can be connected to the HVAC in two different ways, or it can be completely independent if HVAC doesn’t exist or if the preferred device has no connection to it.

In accordance with previous statements, we can present three main types of whole house air purifiers which are based on their design and position within the space:

1. Filter based units – installed in HVAC furnace and air intake places
2. Duct-based units – purifier is installed into the air duct path
3. Stand-alone units – they can be separately installed with air intake and exhaust or they can be placed on the floor or somewhere else.

Filter based units are deeply connected to your HVAC system. They are integrated as a filter for the furnace of the HVAC. There are two main options, to get them as a media filter (flat 1’’ thick or extended media filters up to 8’’ thick), or as an electronic air cleaner which in both cases needs to be physically installed by an expert. These filters are usually sold in packs and their main purpose is to keep dust and other particles out of the HVAC system so that it can run at optimum level.

There are numerous issues with this kind of a system. First and foremost is the fact that HVAC has to be running all the time in order to clean the air that it is inserting into your home. Running the HVAC all the time can be costly and energy inefficient. Also, what can be seen as an issue is the design of your HVAC, which might not be able to do a good job, since it is not designed as an air purifier but as a cooling/heating system and large particles can’t travel a large distance to get to the filter.  Last but not least is the maintenance of the HVAC system with furnace filter. Since the filters are hard to replace, the cost goes up. Unfortunately, it is very expensive and inconvenient to call someone to do it for you every few months and you may end up with a buildup of pollutants in the media filter that can be spread around the house.

Duct-based units also have to be installed in HVAC systems where they basically replace a part of the ductwork. It is understandable if you ask yourself: “What will happen with the blower inside the HVAC?” There will be a pressure drop, and if the HVAC blower can’t handle the drop, it has to be replaced with a stronger one. Another issue with them is that they are filter based, so it has to be replaced from time to time, and since the filter is inside the ductwork, you might add a few additional dollar bills to the price of your unit. It is harder and more expensive to replace filters in duct-based air purifiers where you might need even real professionals to do it, which is why you have to ask the right questions when talking to a retailer or a vendor.

If you are thinking of installing this kind of a unit in the HVAC system keep in mind that there are two main options when it comes to system placement:

• Return air path of ductwork

This option means that the air purifier is placed before the HVAC unit, which means that the air is purified first and then it is heated or cooled down and sent into the supply duct. If there is more than one return air ductwork it is possible to install an air purifier in only one, which will reduce a need for the additional blower, but it also means it will purify only a part of the air that comes into your space.

• Supply air path of ductwork

This option means that the air purifier is placed right after the HVAC unit in the duct, which means that the air is first cooled or heated and then pushed through the air purifier. Usually, this option means that the air purifier has an additional blower since these purifiers contain HEPA filters which slow down air circulation.

If you don’t have an HVAC system in your home, these stand-alone air purifiers for the whole house are your only option. Luckily for you, these devices are less demanding than HVAC systems, but they are more visible and they take a bit of additional space. Also, it is important to point out that unlike HVAC devices, this device can operate only in the room where it is placed. So if you close the door and the device is not in that room, you are effectively cutting off that room from the air purifiers range of operation

There are two main types of stand-alone systems

• Systems with installed air intake and exhaust which are placed into closets, attics or walls
• Stand-alone systems that are placed in living rooms or common areas

Please check out to find out more: where should i place my air purifier?

Knowing the main features of the whole house air purifiers is the most important part of the buying process. There is a vast range of air purifiers on offer and it is hard to keep track of all the details that they encompass. Vendors tend to leave out some of the key features which actually determine whether you want to buy the air purifier or not. They like to point out their strengths, but they leave out the drawbacks, which every device has. Our job is to help you make a qualified decision based on your personal needs and to make the air in your home clean and healthy.

If talking about efficiency, we have to give credit to the whole house purifiers. Unfortunately, these systems are passive, which means they work only if the whole system is turned on. There are four different types of these filters

• Flat filters – They are usually basic filters which are used for HVAC systems to keep them safe from large particles.
• Extended media filters – They are basically stacks of furnace filters which are up to 8 inches thick and they require professional installation which is costly. Depending on the manufacturer, these filters can be True HEPA filters.
• Electronic filters – They are also installed into the ductwork. The technology works so that a high-voltage current puts an electrical charge on particle and on the other end oppositely charged collector plates grab those particles. A good thing with those filters is that they don’t need replacing and they are far better than media filters. They are very expensive and they need a power outlet.
• Ultraviolet Filters – They are highly effective against germs which are killed instantly by ultraviolet light when they enter the filter. They can be built in or sold separately.

This is the indicator which was developed by AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) in order to impose an industry standard. The CADR is an indicator which shows filtered air flow and every device that is tested can be checked on the AHAM website . The downside of CADR measurement is that it only measures tobacco smoke, dust and pollen and does not account for particle size. It is important to check CADR numbers but it is not advisable only to rely on this indicator.

Environmental Protection Agency gave the best explanation for CADR which we will quote: “The CADR is a measure of a portable air cleaner’s delivery of contaminant-free air, expressed in cubic feet per minute. For example, if an air cleaner has a CADR of 250 for dust particles, it may reduce dust particle levels to the same concentration as would be achieved by adding 250 cubic feet of clean air each minute.”

If you are buying an air purifier for the whole house, it is imperative to measure the amount of space that the air purifier will cover. The first thing you should look for is whether the device is strong enough to cover the intended area. If you have a small room or an apartment, you need a device with a lower airflow, but if it’s large, you need a more powerful device.

For instance, if you decided to buy a stand-alone device in a large room, you should consider a box style device which has larger surface area of the filter and can purify larger areas more efficiently, while tower style air purifiers are better for confined spaces because they save space and they have a smaller surface area of the filter.

If you want to test or compare the energy consumption of the air purifiers that are on your short list, there is an easy formula to test that.

Inputs:

1. The annual number of hours – 8760
2. Price for one Kilowatt-hour (KWH) – you can find it on the electric bill
3. Number of watts that the device is using

The equation:

8760 x KWH x (Watts / 1000) = Annual Electricity Cost

When considering the price of your device, you should calculate not just the price of the electricity but how much space do the filters cover in terms of cost per square foot cleaned. In order to calculate this indicator you just need to divide the price of the device with square feet that unit can clean and you get comparable numbers. Just keep in mind that manufacturers almost always exaggerate the coverage of their devices. In order to get a more precise price, you can add the maintenance costs into this equation. The equation:

(Device price + maintenance) / square feet covered = price per square foot

Budget considerations:

• Price of the device
• Warranty coverage and money back guarantee
• Electricity costs
• Square feet coverage
• Maintenance cost (Trained professionals, filter replacement, spare parts etc.)

If you are buying a stand-alone air cleaner, level of sound that the device is producing is very important as it will be operating during the night. Many purifiers have a night or silent mode, but it is important to compare decibels (dB) in order to get a quiet purifier if that is an important feature for you.

Most of the devices with media filters have strong motors that can be loud, while ion and ozone purifiers have motors that make less noise.  That is why it should be important that you check decibel levels when you consider buying the device.

It is a very well-known fact that the indoor air quality is often 2 to 5 times worse than outdoor air quality and it can even be up to 100 times worse. Health problems which arise from the quality of such polluted air are numerous and they account for heart attacks, allergy and asthma, respiratory problems, and increased risks for people suffering from chronic heart or lung diseases etc. Dust and dander are the main perpetrators, but they are not the only ones. You have mold, cigarette smoke, different chemical compounds found in bathrooms or kitchens, and many others. It all depends on your living habits and lifestyle. But one thing is for sure, we are underestimating the importance of having an air purifier at our home and if you are reading this article, you probably want to become an owner of one. So, after knowing these, ask this question to yourself again : “Do i need an air purifier?”

We did our best to lay out the whole picture on how to select an air purifier for the whole home which suits your needs and in the end, we would like to synthesize the most important pros and cons when buying the air purifier for the whole house.

When you look at the whole article and read all the pros and cons, it might seem that the air purifier which is added to the HVAC system might not be a good idea. Of course, our goal is to be objective and non-biased, so we had to lay out all the facts and issues that can arise from using this kind of air purifier. Having an air purifier that is connected to your HVAC system can be a great idea only if that purifier meets certain criteria and aligns with your wishes and needs.

Benefits of having an air purifier for the whole house:

• You get a comprehensive heating, cooling, ventilation, and air purifying system that is very easy to handle
• Maintenance costs can be low if you use the same company for HVAC and air purifier
• Maintenance costs can be low if you can change the filter by yourself as in stand-alone devices
• Having an air purification system tied into your HVAC can greatly extend the life of your heating and cooling system since it can reduce the amount of dust and other particles in the ducts
• Having an air purification system in the utility area away from the living space is a much more quiet option than having an air purifier right next to you in your living room or in your bedroom
• Compact size – Since your air purifier is in the utility area, you do not have one or several devices competing for space in your bedroom and in your living room – it reduces clutter
• These air purifiers are much more efficient when it comes to removing small particles from the air that you breathe then the regular sized ones – that means that they are more effective when it comes to neutralizing allergy and asthma triggers