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Introduction
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.
Soltek Air 3500 Pro 6-Stage Whole House Air Purifier and Sanitizer
Air Fantastic AF4000 Stand-Alone Filter-less Whole Home Air Purifier
The best air purifiers for the whole house – reviews
Aprilaire 2410 Whole-Home Air Cleaner

If you are on a limited budget, suffering from allergies and you want your whole house to be covered with an air purifying system, this should be the right model for you. Aprilaire offers a pretty straightforward device that is easy to handle without additional headaches. One of the most notable issues with these types of systems is installation and filter replacement.
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.
- Easy install and handling
- 5 Year limited warranty
- Low price
- Filters should be replaced more than once a year
- Better filters for this device are more expensive
Aprilaire 3410 Whole House Air Purifier

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.
- Silent
- Price
- Better filter is more expensive
- No true HEPA filter
Aprilaire 5000 Air Cleaner

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.
- Prolongs lifespan of HVAC system
- Independent study was done to show the exceptional performance of this device
- Has a dehumidifier and a thermostat as included components
- Expensive
- Not eligible for international shipping
- If you install the unit yourself the 5-year warranty is voided
- Exceptionally hard to change the filter by yourself
Soltek Air 3500 Pro 6-Stage Whole House Air Purifier and Sanitizer

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.
- 6 stages of filtration
- Price
- Stylish design
- Quiet
- Does not have a True HEPA filter
- Limited lifetime warranty – installation and shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility
New pureAir 3000 Whole House Air Purifier

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.
- Remote control with away mode
- Comprehensive and powerful air cleaning
- Small and quiet
- Easy to set up and do the maintenance
- Expensive
- Does not have a HEPA filter
- It is advisable to ask about the warranty terms before purchasing the device
O3 Pure Whole Home Air Purifier

We find this device to be a good fit for most homes. The price is acceptable; you get a 7-stage filtration system with a high level of sterilization and purification. There is a pre-filter, HEPA filter which captures 99.3% microorganisms, and ozone. It also has UV2 ultraviolet sterilization (both positive and negative charges), photocatalytic filter and activated carbon filter for odors. All of the filters are washable, vacuumable or replaceable, so the maintenance costs should be low.
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.
- Value for money
- Able to purify up to 4000 square feet
- Good customer service
- Low maintenance
- It’s not shipped to California and Canada
- It has HEPA type filter, not true HEPA
- 2-year manufacturer warranty – limited
Honeywell F300E1019 Electronic Air Cleaner

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.
- Available in four sizes to fit most ducts
- Low maintenance
- Strong and long-lasting device
- Expensive
- 2 year limited warranty
- Large – height 20 inches, width 16 inches
- Uses only the electronic purifying system
- Can only run while hearing or cooling is on
Air Fantastic AF4000 Stand-Alone Filter-less Whole Home Air Purifier

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.
- No filters
- AC/DC transformer
- Low maintenance
- Very quiet
- 30 day 100% money back guarantee
- Good design
- Expensive
AIRMEGA 400 The Smarter Air Purifier (Covers 1560 sq. ft.)

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.
- Fully digitalized
- Very quiet, especially on sleep mode
- Easily replaceable filters
- Modern design
- Uses True HEPA filter
- Big and heavy
- Expensive carbon filters
- Covers only 1560 sq. ft
Air Purifier for the Whole House Buying Guide: How to Choose?
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.
Types of whole house air purifiers
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:
- Filter based units – installed in HVAC furnace and air intake places
- Duct-based units – purifier is installed into the air duct path
- 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
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.
- Everything is integrated and easy to control
- HVAC has to run all the time
- HVAC design might cause problems
- Distance from the filter
- Maintenance costs
Duct based units
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.
- Everything is integrated and easy to control
- You must have an HVAC system in order to install this kind of air purifier
- HVAC has to run all the time
- HVAC design might cause problems
- Some systems filter only part of the air
- Mold and algae can appear in the duct
- Expensive device with expensive maintenance
Stand-alone systems
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?
- Prices can be significantly lower than HVAC based systems
- Maintenance is less expensive and easier
- Energy efficient
- They don’t conserve space
- You have to have separate air conditioning and heating
- The position of the device determines the quality of the air in the room
Main features of the whole house air purifiers
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.
Filters for the whole house purifiers
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.
CADR – Clean Air Delivery Rate
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.”
Available space and its size
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.
Energy consumption
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:
- The annual number of hours – 8760
- Price for one Kilowatt-hour (KWH) – you can find it on the electric bill
- Number of watts that the device is using
The equation:
8760 x KWH x (Watts / 1000) = Annual Electricity Cost
Budget
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.)
Noise
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.
Facts about air purifiers
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.
Recapping Benefits
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
Recapping Drawbacks
Drawbacks of having an air purifier for the whole house
- These devices are the most expensive types of air purifiers
- Many of them don’t use a True HEPA filter and it is hard to find a combo of True HEPA and electronic filters
- Maintenance costs can be very high and you might not be able to change the filter yourself (Also consider that you have to learn how to clean air purifier filter)
- HVAC has to be on for the air purifier to work
- You are bound by the HVAC design
- Electricity consumption can be high if the fan has to blow harder in order to push the air through the HVAC
- The device can be large and heavy if it is stand-alone
- Since the whole market is highly unregulated, you can never be sure if the device you are getting is strong enough to clean up your entire house. That means that you might need to get a stronger (and more expensive) model to take a deep breath of fresh air.
Additional steps you can take when you tackle indoor air pollution
1. | Don’t smoke or allow smoking in your home |
2. | Ventilate when you use chemicals and don’t keep chemical containers open and exposed at home |
3. | Regularly change and/or clean filters |
4. | Vacuum with HEPA filter as often as you can |
5. | Maintain your HVAC system regularly – if you have it |
6. | Don’t burn wood or candles |
7. | Use kitchen ventilation |
8. | If you don’t have allergies, ventilate your space regularly |
9. | If you have pets, make sure that you bathe them regularly and clean up after them |
Wrap up
We tried to give you the most important tools, tricks, and tips to start your hunt for best whole house air purifier which will help you clean the air, remove odors, mold, bacteria and everything else that you don’t want to breathe in. If you follow our advice, the chances of you getting the wrong device fall drastically. We hope that we made this journey pleasant and enjoyable while choosing your best home air purifier as much as it is possible with household appliances.
We have one final tip for the end. There are many companies that offer a money back guarantee, which means you can always take a purifier, test it, and if it doesn’t work for you return it to the vendor. Installing and testing different models can be a hassle, but it is a small price to pay to have a clean and safe environment because your health is priceless.