Getting a decent air purifier for cheap is always tricky and let’s be honest, less than $100 is super cheap in the world of air purifiers which can be up to 1000 dollars for medical units.
6 Best Air Purifier for Wildfire Smoke
A blazing wildfire can travel at a terrifying speed for miles, and even if it doesn’t get too close to your neighborhood, strong winds can carry the smoke along with its harmful particles into your home. Wildfire smoke can have a drastic effect on the air quality inside, not to mention the smell that lingers around your home and sticks to your clothes, furniture, hair, and even your pets.
The History of the Air Purifier – 11 Steps to Modern Day
Updated October 2020
The first-ever air purifiers similar to those that they sell today happened in 1963 with the release of first commercial unit by the Incen Air Company which was headed up by Manfred and Klaus Hammes in Germany. This company was the precursor to the very respected IQair corporation.
But the idea of a gadget that can clean the air you breath has been put down to paper since 1854.
The following list is all based upon existing patents and also include relevant diagrams.
1. The Stenhouse gas mask, 1854
A chemist by trade, John Stenhouse began experimenting with charcoal filters as an air purifier as early as the 1850’s. The unit he devised called for wire gauze “filters”, which held powdered charcoal as the filtering ingredient. His findings led to the invention of the gas mask, used in London factories as a personal “air purifier” to protect workers from toxic gas.
2. Carbon Filtering – 1862
The carbon filter was invented in 1862 and was originally used to purify water. Its transition into an air purifier occurred in 1872 when Allen and Alvin E. Rice advanced the technology by creating a 2 stage filtration based on activated carbon. In modern-day, air purifiers built around the carbon filter are used to purge the air of vapors, odors, and hydrocarbons… as well as the basis of today’s spacesuit breathing system.
3. Barton’s respirators, c. 1874
In 1874, Samuel Barton filed for a patent for the canister gas mask… one of the most advanced air purifiers of the time. Air impurities were lifted as the user inhaled through a tri-layer filtering system, which was strapped to the face via head harness and face cover. The invention also included a revolutionary air recycling system, whereby clean air was cycled through a secondary filter to remove carbon dioxide.
4. Air Purifier For Refrigerators – 1899
This was one of the first patents for a commercial air purifier similar to what we see today but this one works for the refrigerator and uses a carbon filter to remove odors.
It probably became less of an issue as refrigerators became more powerful and capable of staying at lower temperatures for a long period – so no rot = no smell.
The patent has now lapsed so maybe there is room for an air purifier for the refridgerator for those of us who just plain forget to throw our food away.
5. First Vacuum – 1901
While riding the train, Hubert Cecil Booth began breathing dust laden air through a handkerchief during a moment of inspiration. The moment spurred Booth on to the 1901 invention of “Puffing Billy”, the world’s first vacuum cleaner. The unit ran on an oil engine and is a precursor for more advanced air purifier systems.
6. First Air Conditioner – 1906
Patents #808 and #897 are the soil from which today’s air conditioner bloomed. By using centrifugal force and a complex system of filters and coolants, Carrier (the unit’s inventor) birthed a robust air purifier and cooling system. Not only did his invention purify air and control temperature, but it also curbed humidity and manipulated air circulation.
7. Electrostatic Precipitator – 1908
Dr. Frederick G. Cottrell invented the electrostatic precipitator, a device which created and collected charged particles. Cottrell’s apparatus found use in smelting factories and vineyards, where sulfuric acid and lead oxide fumes which once polluted the air could be collected and eliminated. The technology evolved to become a key component in publically-marketed air purifier units.
8. The First Personal Air Purifier – 1914
Garret Morgan filed for patent in 1914, having invented a device that resembles the mask of an ancient scuba diving suit. A long tube runs from the mask down to the floor, sitting below lighter-than-air gases. The filter in the “air purifier” itself mimics the body’s mucous membrane, cleansing inhaled air by running it through a wet sponge lining. And what does a user do when the gas is heavier than air? Elevate the tube above the gas…
9. HEPA – Filters – 1940’s
The USA Atomic Energy Commission invented the HEPA filter during the Manhattan Project, seeing a need for a system to clean air contaminated with radioactive particles. After World War 2, the HEPA filter was released to the public and is now used by air purifier companies as a heavy-duty filtration device.
10. Rufus Stokes – Air Factory Purification Device, 1968
Rufus Stokes invented the “clean air machine”, a device used on smoke stacks to clean the emissions. His invention drastically reduced the amount of ash and gases that made it beyond the stacks, leaving behind virtually transparent releases. The boost in air quality improved the health of people, plants and animals living in the vicinity of commercial furnaces and power plants.
11. NASA Space Air Cleaner Laser – 2004
In an invention that sounds like something out of Star Wars, NASA created the Low-Temperature Oxidation Catalyst (LTOC) in 2004. LTOC began as a method for lasers to control carbon monoxide in space. Now, researchers are finding applications for air purification on Earth, using the tech in automobile catalytic converters.
Coronavirus: Can Air Purifiers Help Kill COVID-19 Virus In The Air?
There is still not a total consensus on the issue of COVID-19 virus being airborne at the World Health Organization but they still recommend HEPA filters for healthcare facilities.
As of 24 August 2020, the US CDC added the following guidelines to US schools about using ventilation to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
I would always recommend checking the latest CDC advice as things change quickly as more research data is reviewed: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
But let’s assume that there can be some situations that COVID-19 is airborne then we would want to quickly remove the virus using an air purifier.
Many portable HEPA air cleaners can signif’ lower risks of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in classrooms < 1,000 ft2. Put on stable small table to lower re-suspension from floor. Go CADR > 300 (scfm) for ETS. Avoid devices w/ gimmicky add-ons. Just purchased 12 for my bldg @Portland_State.
— Dr. Richard Corsi (@CorsIAQ) July 15, 2020
As recently as last month, Dr Richard Corsi (Dean of Maseeh College of Engineering) said that all classrooms should look at getting HEPA air purifiers that have a CADR rating of 250-300.
Most of us don’t live in classrooms yet it would be safe to play on the side of caution by getting a similar spec model for home use.
This doesn’t mean that the purchase of an air purifier will replace Coronavirus prevention methods such as social distancing, mask usage, and hand-washing – these have all shown to be very important to beating an epidemic like COVID-19.
After being involved with air purifiers for the past 10 years, I know that the biggest hurdle for many people is the sheer number of choices available.
It doesn’t help that some air purifier manufacturers are actively trying to bamboozle customers with different technologies!
So it can get confusing… But for most people, the best candidate for home use is a powerful HEPA air purifier.
The simplest way to understand the function of an air purifier is to just envision a fan connected to some sort of filter.
Here’s a homemade example of this:
Image was seen on Reddit and the user said they found this device provided significant air cleaning
The truth is that it could be as simple and literal as a box fan with a filter taped on the back but most people prefer to buy a machine designed specifically for the task.
Now, if you fancy keeping this as cheap as possible then you are best having a crack at the DIY option with a large box fan and a HEPA filter that fits your sized fan – and you could be up and running for $70ish!
But it will be really loud and isn’t going to be as efficient around the edges that are duct-taped.
Air purifier technology has come a long way over the last few years, so I would recommend most people to invest in a machine that was specifically designed for one task rather than the DIY approach.
Most Recommended Air Purifiers to Remove COVID-19 from the Air
This list of the top recommended air purifiers to catch Coronavirus particles from the air is updated as of August 2020.
I have only included those with a large HEPA CADR score as per Dr. Richard Corsi’s advice to teachers.
I am also making sure to ignore those that have lots of bells and whistles that add to the price but don’t provide a good $ ratio to the amount of air cleaned each minute.
1. Honeywell HEPA HPA304
You can tell from the picture that this unit is all about the HEPA, although it also contains a charcoal filter.
- Whilst this unit is not likely to win home design awards, it is a top performer in cleaning air with a dust CADR score of 320.
- The HEPA replacement filters come in a pack of 3 and work out around $26 each and the charcoal pre-filter is available at around $18-22.
- The HPA304 is the main air purifier we recommend for those looking to remove COVID-19 from the air.
It’s a powerful unit with no bells and whistles to add extra to the cost. For most people, this is the air purifier that we would recommend for dealing with COVID-19.
Sale
Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Air Purifier, Extra-Large Room, White
- HEPA air purifier from Honeywell: Recommended for x-large rooms (465 square feet) this air purifier helps capture up to 99. 97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, like pet dander, pollen, dust, mold & smoke. Also helps capture certain germs & odors.
- Reduce allergens: Do you or your kids have allergies? Do you have pets, or live with a smoker? Using an air purifier that helps remove allergens from the air may help you breathe easier, so you can enjoy sleeping & relaxing more comfortably in your home. Uses pre-filter HRF-AP1 and True HEPA filter HRF-R3
- Filter and circulates air 5 times an hour: Honeywell air purifier filter and circulate air in the stated room size up to 5 times an hour, so you can relax and breathe easy, knowing the air in your home is fresher, cleaner, and contains fewer allergens.
- Honeywell air purifiers: Use Certified HEPA filters in your air purifier to remove allergens, dust & other particles from your air. If you have allergies or pets, air purifiers don't just freshen air, but remove airborne particles to improve air quality.
- Honeywell quality: Improve your air quality with Honeywell air cleaners, odor reducers, and air purifiers. Compare to similar products from Germ Guardian, Dyson, Holmes, Levoit, Molekule, Blueair, Winix, Coway, Oreck, AirMega, RabbitAir, and Rowenta.
2. Coway AP-1512HH
Do you like the power of the HPA 304 but you also fancy something that doesn’t look so clinical?
- This unit has a CADR of 246 so less than the HPA304 but still in the right ball park for most home uses.
- The replacement filters are around $20 for the charcoal and HEPA and you buy in packs of 2.
- It also runs fairly quiet for an air purifier. One customer compared it to their older Honeywell air purifier and the Coway unit made far less noise.
I really like the look of this unit, it’s a small white cube that doesn’t take a ton of space and looks good on a shelf or in the corner of a room.
Sale
Coway AP-1512HH White HEPA Air Purifier, 16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6
- Coway Mighty (AP-1512HH) is designed to accommodate room sizes up to 361 sq.ft (CADR: Dust 246 / Pollen 240 / Smoke 233 cb. ft.).
- 4 Stage Filtration System (Pre-filter, Deodorization filter, True HEPA filter, Vital Ion) captures and reduces up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in the air, including pollen, pollutants and other allergens. It also reduces volatile organic compounds and reduces odor.
- Coway Mighty pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality in real-time. The brightly colored LED lets you know how clean or dirty your indoor air is every minute of the day. And it features a timer, and filter lifetime indicator.
- Fan speeds available in 1, 2, 3 stages by manually setting up. While auto mode automatically optimizes the speed setting 1 through 3 based on the level of indoor air quality. When no pollution is detected for 30 minutes, the fan will automatically stop and set as Eco mode to save energy.
- Timer feature allows the machine to run 1/4/8 hours before automatically powering off.
3. LEVOIT H13 (Budget Friendly Option For Less Than $100)
If $200 for an air purifier is completely out of budget then the Levoit H13 is the best air purifier you can get for less than $100.
I would still push beyond the $100 mark for something life threatening such as the COVID-19 virus but I get that budget is a major concern right now.
- The CADR rating is 230 for dust so a lot less than the other 2 units but it’s also half the cost.
- They have one replacement filter available that combines a True HEPA, pre-filter and carbon filter which cost around $20.
- Perfect option for someone wanting to keep a small room rid of Coronavirus particles – keep in mind that its max room size is around 180sq ft.
I would still always recommend paying a little more and getting the Honeywell unit but if $100 is your max, then the Levoit Air H13 is the unit we recommend.
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies and Pets Hair Smokers in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core 300, White
- High Performance: Enjoy fresh air in 12 minutes with the Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier. Featuring VortexAir Technology and 360° air intake, the Core 300 refreshes the air 5x per hour in rooms as large as 219 ft² / 20 m²
- Find Relief: Ease sneezing, congestion, and other allergy symptoms caused by airborne contaminants. The H13 True HEPA Filter works alongside the Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter to capture 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size, such as dust, smoke, pollen, odor
- Multiple Filter Choices: Choose from a variety of replacement filters to best meet your needs. The Toxin Absorber Filter specializes in wildfire, smoke and VOCs. And if you’re a pet owner, try the Pet Allergy Filter to capture pet dander and absorb unpleasant odors.
- Most Silent Air Cleaner: Choose Sleep Mode at night and then forget all about your air purifier while you sleep. QuietKEAP Technology reduces noise levels to a near-silent 24dB, ensuring the Core 300 won’t get in the way of a good night’s rest.
- Sleek Design: The Core 300 practically serves your home while blending in with your decor. Its award-winning design (Red Dot, 2020) and modern white finish help your air purifier fit anywhere in your home/bedroom/room.
Which Air Purifier Should You Get To Protect You From The Coronavirus?
If your budget is limited, then go for the Levoit Air H13.
If your space is big, then you’ll be better off with the Honeywell HEPA HPA304.
And if you care about how your air purifier looks, then the Coway AP-1512HH will probably be the best choice for you.
But whichever option you go for, what’s important is to keep the main goal of your purchase in mind. Dr Corsi kept it simple with his advice for buying an air purifier to help keep your house clean from COVID-19 particles:
“No need to purchase gimmicky add-ons that sometimes do little and sometimes emit ozone. HEPA is fine.”
Dr. Richard Corsi
This means that either of those three options would do the job just fine. It’s just about your preference.
5 Best Air Purifiers for a Home with Pet Allergies
If you suffer from red-eyes or just feel itchy when around animals then you may have what scientists call allergic rhinitis.
This is an allergic reaction to proteins found in airborne pet dander that float around homes with animals.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Millions of pet owners in the U.S. suffer from these allergies, and there is a solution that doesn’t involve giving away your beloved family pet.
Air purifiers use a series of special filters (HEPA and activated charcoal) that decrease airborne levels of pet allergen by 90% [1] by removing these small particles from the airstream leaving you with a clear chest, a decent night’s sleep, and a way for your to share your home with a pet allergy-free.
In our search for the best air purifiers for pets, we first found out the basics:
1. Which filters are most effective for pet dander? We decided only recommending units that used pure or H13 HEPA and activated charcoal for those looking for air purifiers for pet odors.
2. Consumer reports analysis – What has been the experience of pet owners with different models of air purifiers?
We based our final recommendations based on analysis using reported CADR data, long term consumer reports with analysis of actual reviews from consumers making sure to avoid those that are just rated highly due to manipulated reviews.
What are the best air purifiers for pet owners?
- GermGuardian AXC5900WCA
- Blueair 211+
- RabbitAir MinusA2
- Winix HR900
- Eureka NEA120
Next, we will dig into the detailed review of our recommended units that we think are best for dealing with pet allergies:
1.GermGuardian AC5900WCA – Best Overall
Described as a mid-size portable console, the GemGuardian is ideal for rooms up to 338 sq.ft. With 3 speed high-performance settings to choose from, it can be customized to meet the needs of people who suffer both small and large allergic reactions.
Using carbon and UV technology to kill germs and absorb odors like smoke and cooking smells. The AC5900WCA boasts that its HEPA filter captures dust and allergens as small as.3 microns (which to us non-scientists is pet dander). It’s suggested to change the filters every 6 to 8 months and the UV C bulb every 10 to 12 months depending on usage.
With features that include a timer that can be set for up to 8 hours, it can also be set to a low speed for running through the night. It’s not the quietest at high speeds but its CADR figures are great for a purifier of this size.
What we love:
- Replacement filters are easy to come by
We don’t like this as much:
- It’s quite noisy on high speeds
Sale
Germ Guardian Air Purifier 4 in 1 High CADR True HEPA Filter, Large Rooms to 338 sq ft, UV Light Sanitizer Eliminates Germs, Filters Allergies, Pollen, Smoke, Dust, Pets, Mold, Odors, Quiet, AC5900WCA
- 4 in 1 Air Purifier for Home: True HEPA air filter reduces up to 99.97% of harmful germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as small as .3 microns from the air
- Kills germs: UV-C light helps kill airborne viruses such as influenza, staph, rhinovirus, and works with Titanium Dioxide to reduce volatile organic compounds
- Traps allergens: Pre filter traps dust, pet hair, and other large particles while extending the life of the HEPA filter
- Reduces odors: Activated charcoal filter helps to reduce unwanted odors from pets, smoke, cooking fumes, and more
- Quiet operation: The lowest setting can be used as gentle white noise at night for a quiet, restful sleep
2. Blueair Blue Pure 211+ [Great Alternative to our top pick]
This black and white portable unit by Blueair is very comfortable in larger households. It filters the air at a rate of 5x per hour in a 540 sq.ft. room without being intrusive using 3 speeds to remove dust, pollen, and smoke from the air.
The Blue Pure 211+ uses a 3 part carbon/HEPA filter to clean the air. The pre filter catches larger particles extending the life of the primary filter. Part 2 uses a layer of activated carbon to catch odors from pets, cooking and smoking while the main filter takes care of the smaller particles like pollen, dust and most importantly, pet dander.
A great feature of this unit is that the pre filter is washable so you don’t have to replace it like the main HEPA filter. The CADR on the 211+ is the best out of this list but it does compromise on noise and can be relatively loud on all 3 speeds.
UPDATE: This unit is regularly out of stock so only third-party sellers are selling the units at inflated prices. The RRP is $299.99 so beware of paying anymore.
What we love:
- Modern design
We don’t like this as much:
- It doesn’t have a UV C light
Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier,3 Stage with Two Washable Pre-Filters, Particle, Carbon Filter, Captures Allergens, Viruses, Odors, Smoke, Mold, Dust, Germs, Pets, Smokers, Large Room (Pack of 2)
- 3-Part Filtration System Captures 99% of Common Airborne PM 2.5 Pollutants Such As Allergens, Odors, Smoke, Mold Spores, Dust Mites and Pet Dander
- Activated carbon filter removes common odors caused by smoke, pets, cooking, dorm room smells and gases (VOCs) as well as smoke caused by wildfires.
- Two washable pre-filters come with each unit to capture large particles such as dust and pet hair and can be changed to match any décor. Dark blue and grey pre-filters are included and other colors can be purchased separately
- Quiet operation enabled by advanced filters that allow for a higher air flow at a lower noise level. Sound level-31 - 56 dB(A)
- Designed for medium to large rooms between 400 and 600 square feet. (aham rated at 540 square feet.), this purifier is ideal for large bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and offices
3. RabbitAir MinusA2 [Premium pick but $$$]
The most expensive in our list, the super stylish MinusA2 by RabbitAir doesn’t disappoint. The unit can either be placed on the floor or mounted on the wall out the way of children and pets. It has 5 different speeds including a turbo mode for when those allergies are really kicking in.
The MinusA2 makes the most out of its BioGS HEPA technology by using a 6 stage filtration system. There’s a pre filter for large particles, medium filter for smaller particles such as molds spores, a HEPA filter for those tiny pet dander particles, an activated carbon filter for odors, a negative ion generator which electrically charge air molecules to attract and trap them and finally, one extra filter specifically designed for pet allergies.
There are many features packed into this unit including light sensors which tell it to go into sleep mode at night, air quality and pollen indicators to tell you what the air is like at all times. This thing also uses the air quality indicator to automatically change its fan speed depending on how the air is that day. It even comes with Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motors which are well known for being hush hush.
What we love:
- Comes with WiFi capabilities and an app to monitor and control air quality
We don’t like this as much:
- CADR not as high as other models for price
RabbitAir MinusA2 Ultra Quiet HEPA Air Purifier - Stylish, Efficient and Energy Star (SPA-780A, Black, Toxin Absorber)
- Advanced HEPA filtration with six stages of purification and deodorization
- 5 Year Warranty
- Toxin Absorber customized filter: Traps and reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals.
- The MinusA2 is designed to either stand alone or to be mounted on the wall.
- Room coverage up to 815 sq. ft.
4. Winix HR900 – [Also great for Pet Odors]
Winix class the HR900 as ‘the ultimate pet air purifier’ stating that it was specifically designed for pet owners. They have focused their attention to capturing pet hair, dander and odors produced by our four legged friends by using smart sensors and enhanced technologies.
The HR900 uses a 5 stage purification system to back their case. Including a washable pre-filter, AOC (Advanced Odor Control) carbon layer, HEPA and their own PlasmaWave which creates hydroxyls to neutralize bacteria and viruses. They boast that their ‘Ultimate Pet Pre-Filter’ works in tune with the HEPA capturing 99.97% of airborne allergens.
On the front of the unit there’s a smart sensor that measures particles and odor suspended in the air. It then adjusts the fan speed in real time to get the best out of the filters. It also features an LED on the front that changes color to indicate the quality of the air. With a 300 sq.ft. coverage it is no noisier than others of this size but it does feature an ultra quiet sleep mode which switches on automatically at night.
What we love:
- The filter is easy and quick to change
We don’t like this as much:
- There is no remote
Winix HR900, Ultimate Pet 5 Stage True HEPA Filtration Air Purifier, 300 Sq. Ft, White
- The next generation of the wildly popular Winix 9500 Ultimate Pet Air Purifier
- True HEPA filtration captures 99. 97percent of airborne pollutants, pet dander and allergens as small as 0. 3 microns
- Washable Advanced Odor Control (AOCTM) Carbon Filter captures pet odors as well as smoke, kitchen and other household odors. Also extends the life of the True HEPA filter.
- Ultimate pet pre-filter is the first line of defense against pet hair, dander, and large household particles
- Washable pre-filter extends the life of your filter by capturing pet hair and larger airborne particles
5. Eureka NEA120 [Under $100 Option]
For the budget option, we have the NEA120 from Eureka. At under $100 this unit is definitely not one to look past. The space age looking purifier stands at 26 inches weighs 12.6 pounds and works best at rooms up to 222 sq.ft. Using carbon, HEPA and UV technology and has 3 different speeds to choose from.
The NEA120 uses a three-layered filtration system with an activated carbon filter, HEPA main filter and a long life UV LED which all work to a high standard without the bells and whistles. Its CADR figures are the weakest out of this list but still hold strong for a budget purifier and the HEPA filter will still capture 99.97% of pet dander.
This unit will let you know when the filter needs changing which is typically every 12 months. It may not be the most serene out of the bunch but it does have a quieter sleep mode. If you’re looking for a purifier without breaking the bank, this is the perfect option.
What we love:
- Very easy to operate
We don’t like this as much:
- The filters aren’t as common as the rest
Eureka Instant Clear 26' NEA120 Purifier 3-in-1 True HEPA Air Cleaner with Carbon Activated Filter and UV LED, for Allergies, Pollen, Pets, Odors, Smoke, Dust, Black
- [Air Purifier for Particles and Smoke]True HEPA filter captures 99. 7% of dust and airborne allergens as small as 0. 3 microns such as household dust, model, pet dander, and pollen. Charcoal filters would remove the odors from pets, smoking and cooking due to bad air circulations in the winter.
- [Air Purifier for Mold and Germs]Built-in long lasting UV LED (5 times more life cycles than traditional bulbs) with TiO2 could effectively reduce the bacteria, viruses and mod spores . Eureka air cleaner complies with the Federal Ozone Emissions Limit. CARB CERTIFIED.
- [AHMA Verified & Energy Star]Certified This 26" Eureka Air Purifier with 3 fan speed settings is best used for whole-room airflow up to 222 sq. ft. With high CADR values (Smoke 143, Dust 145, Pollen 228) and long distance air circulation technology, the air purifier can establish a great airflow at high efficiency even at low speed setting.
- [Ultra-Quiet Sleep Mode]Only 32dB at low setting is "whisper" quiet, you can barely hear it unless you're hyper-sensitive to noise. The UV LED in the Air Purifier brings Zero Light Pollution, offers a comfortable sleeping environment
- [Easy Filter Replacement] The blue indicator light would flash when the filter replacement is required. True HEPA filter (NEA-F1) needs to be replaced every 12 months, and the activated carbon filter (NEA-C1, 4 pack) requires replacement every 3 months. 1 Year limited manufacturer .
Frequently Asked Questions
Do air purifiers help with pet hair?
People with pet allergies are rarely allergic to pet hair. It’s the dander, saliva, or urine particles that contain allergy-producing proteins that can get trapped in pet hair that causes a reaction. [5] These air purifiers use HEPA filters which remove those tiny particles from the air minimizing the risks of allergies.
Are air purifiers safe for dogs?
All the purifiers in our list are safe for dogs, they don’t emit any toxins into the air, they just remove them. You will need to replace the filters as regularly as the manufacturer advises so the unit can work to its maximum efficiency. Some other brands of air purifiers can be harmful to your pets. These are ones that use Ozone technology. According to the EPA, [6] these units can give off a toxic gas that is not only harmful to your pets, but to you as well. Avoid at all costs
Do air purifiers help with pet allergies?
In short, yes! Air purifiers can remove up to 99.97% of contaminants (including pet dander) that cause allergic reactions. A study of ‘Clinical effects of air cleaners in homes of asthmatic children sensitized to pet allergens’ showed a significant improvement in airway hyperresponsiveness in young asthmatic patients when an air purifier was introduced into their household. [2]
Numerous studies from institutions like the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America) show that using an air purifier with a HEPA filter in a multi-faceted approach will reduce pet dander from the air. You will still need to take other precautions like vacuuming regularly and bathing your pets to make sure you’re catching the dander that isn’t yet airborne.
How do air purifiers work when dealing with pet dander?
Air purifiers work by forcing air through filters capturing the pet dander in a continuous circulation. [3] The main type of filter we found gets the best results for pets is a HEPA (High-efficiency particulate arrestance) filter which tends to use two different mechanisms. The outer filter captures larger particles and the inner for smaller particles. [4] This is the most effective as pets produce some of the smallest dander [5] in a typical household.
What features and considerations are important when buying an air purifier for pets?
The most important feature in air purifiers is the technology they use to clean the air. Some products using ‘Ozone’ tech that can be dangerous to pets. The filter they use will dictate if they can remove the right particles from the air. In each of our picks, we have made sure to choose units that use HEPA, Carbon filters, or both. You should also consider its CADR to make sure you’re getting the right size purifier for the right size room.
Which Air Purifier is best for you and your pets?
We’ve covered a variety of units considering room size, budget, and different features, but which one will suit your needs?
If you’re not looking to break the bank, we suggest the Eureka NEA120. It may not have all the features as the more expensive purifiers, it does its job best in smaller rooms. If you have a few dollars to spend or a large dwelling, you want to go for RabbitAir MinusA2. This futuristic wall-mountable bad boy works in rooms up to 815 sq.ft. For those with long hair pets, we suggest the Winix HR900. With its 5 part filter engineered specifically for pet hair, this is our favorite of the bunch.
No longer will you fear coming home to your pets, knowing your eyes will soon be stinging. Sleepless nights with a scratchy throat and chesty cough will be a thing of the past. With the right air purifier, you can love your animals without suffering from your allergies.
Sources
- P. Eggleston. 2005. Improving indoor environments: Reducing allergen exposures. jacionline.org
- S van der Heide. W M van Aalderen. H F Kauffman. A E Dubois. J G de Monchy. 1999. Clinical effects of air cleaners in homes of asthmatic children sensitized to pet allergens. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- C. Woodford. 2020. HEPA filters. explainthatstuff.com
- ACAAI. 2018. Pet Allergy Management and Treatment. acaai.org
- EPA. 2020. Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners. epa.gov
Zen Living Professional Air Purifier
This was a popular unit for removing smoke from areas. It worked well because it utilized ozone. Whilst the amount of ozone was not massive, any amount of ozone has associated risks with Cancer – NewScientist.
For this reason, we currently recommend that you stop using this air purifier and if you are looking for similar power in a modern unit we would recommend a larger unit in general.
If you are interested in the PCO side of the technology being used in this unit, then you can check out the Molekule Science units – they use an upgrade version they call PECO. Be aware that the cheapest unit by Molekule around $400 for room 250sqft which is a fairly large premium compared to competitors like the Levoit H13 that uses HEPA and can be found online at the $100 range for a room-sized 129sqft.
My number 1 Alternative for the Zen Living air purifier is the Blue 211.
Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier,3 Stage with Two Washable Pre-Filters, Particle, Carbon Filter, Captures Allergens, Viruses, Odors, Smoke, Mold, Dust, Germs, Pets, Smokers, Large Room (Pack of 2)
- 3-Part Filtration System Captures 99% of Common Airborne PM 2.5 Pollutants Such As Allergens, Odors, Smoke, Mold Spores, Dust Mites and Pet Dander
- Activated carbon filter removes common odors caused by smoke, pets, cooking, dorm room smells and gases (VOCs) as well as smoke caused by wildfires.
- Two washable pre-filters come with each unit to capture large particles such as dust and pet hair and can be changed to match any décor. Dark blue and grey pre-filters are included and other colors can be purchased separately
- Quiet operation enabled by advanced filters that allow for a higher air flow at a lower noise level. Sound level-31 - 56 dB(A)
- Designed for medium to large rooms between 400 and 600 square feet. (aham rated at 540 square feet.), this purifier is ideal for large bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and offices
Below is the original marketing material for the Zen Living unit that was sold between 2010-2016. It’s no longer on the market and we recommend all existing customers to look for replacements and not use them due to Ozone production.
The Zen Living Professional Air Purifier is a UVC Germicidal digital air purifier with HEPA filter that is best for regulating allergies. For odor eliminating features, it is recommended to use the Carbon Filter Zen Living Model.
When you first turn the unit on, the air purifying function will automatically work. To reduce the number of dust particles, this air purifier will create negative ions that attract particles of dust around the clock. It has a separate control for the activated oxygen. In occupied spaces, the activated oxygen is usually retained at modest levels. To ensure the removal of odors, the air purifier may be set to a high level for a certain time period. If you are away, you can automatically set the timer to deodorize your office or home completely. Ozone that is unused returns back to regular O2 around 1 hour.
This product removes pet dander, tobacco, odors, and smoke. The Zen Living Professional Air Purifier features an air sanitizer that significantly reduces bacteria, mildew, and mold that cause illness from the workplace or home. As the germs flow through the unit, the UV-C germicidal light will exterminate them.
The Zen Living Professional Air Purifier is designed to have a larger airflow. There is four steps process when the air is purified. The first step is the pre-filter that traps big particles like hair and then the air goes to the second stage which contains a washable HEPA filter that traps airborne pollutants, pollen, and dust that cause symptoms of allergy. The third stage is the stage that eradicates all types of microorganisms by using the UVC Germicidal light. The fourth and final stage creates negative ions that attract and attach to the bacteria, germs, and dust. When those harmful particles collected will be heavy enough, they will fall into the ground and can easily be vacuumed by vacuum cleaners. In that way, it will no longer be a threat to the irritating respiratory tract. The unit comes with activated oxygen for removing odors but it is suggested not to use this feature for allergy-fighting, because it may have a negative effect on people suffering from respiratory problems like severe allergies.
The Zen Living Professional Air Purifier weighs 17 pounds and generates 11,300,000,000,000 ions per second or 11.3 Trillion ions per second! What generates the ions is the 12-15 Kilovolts power supply. This unit also operates silently with its 12 volts DC 400 CFM five-speed fan.
Update April 2020:
The Zen air purifier was a good machine back when we originally reviewed it in 2011 but 9 years has been a long time for this type of technology and things have moved along at a rapid pace. The following air purifiers are those that we are happy to recommend to people looking for an air purifier:
1.Blue Air 222 – Best Overall
Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier,3 Stage with Two Washable Pre-Filters, Particle, Carbon Filter, Captures Allergens, Viruses, Odors, Smoke, Mold, Dust, Germs, Pets, Smokers, Large Room (Pack of 2)
- 3-Part Filtration System Captures 99% of Common Airborne PM 2.5 Pollutants Such As Allergens, Odors, Smoke, Mold Spores, Dust Mites and Pet Dander
- Activated carbon filter removes common odors caused by smoke, pets, cooking, dorm room smells and gases (VOCs) as well as smoke caused by wildfires.
- Two washable pre-filters come with each unit to capture large particles such as dust and pet hair and can be changed to match any décor. Dark blue and grey pre-filters are included and other colors can be purchased separately
- Quiet operation enabled by advanced filters that allow for a higher air flow at a lower noise level. Sound level-31 - 56 dB(A)
- Designed for medium to large rooms between 400 and 600 square feet. (aham rated at 540 square feet.), this purifier is ideal for large bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and offices
3. LEVOIT CORE 300 – Quite a machine for less than $100
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies and Pets Hair Smokers in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core 300, White
- High Performance: Enjoy fresh air in 12 minutes with the Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier. Featuring VortexAir Technology and 360° air intake, the Core 300 refreshes the air 5x per hour in rooms as large as 219 ft² / 20 m²
- Find Relief: Ease sneezing, congestion, and other allergy symptoms caused by airborne contaminants. The H13 True HEPA Filter works alongside the Pre-Filter and High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter to capture 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in size, such as dust, smoke, pollen, odor
- Multiple Filter Choices: Choose from a variety of replacement filters to best meet your needs. The Toxin Absorber Filter specializes in wildfire, smoke and VOCs. And if you’re a pet owner, try the Pet Allergy Filter to capture pet dander and absorb unpleasant odors.
- Most Silent Air Cleaner: Choose Sleep Mode at night and then forget all about your air purifier while you sleep. QuietKEAP Technology reduces noise levels to a near-silent 24dB, ensuring the Core 300 won’t get in the way of a good night’s rest.
- Sleek Design: The Core 300 practically serves your home while blending in with your decor. Its award-winning design (Red Dot, 2020) and modern white finish help your air purifier fit anywhere in your home/bedroom/room.
16 Houseplants You Can Use as Air Purifiers
Updated 19th April 2020
Here are 16 plants that could clean your air for just the price of a few drops of water each day.
First lets check some of the evidence behind the claim that plants can purify your household air:
1. NASA Research
A NASA research document came to the conclusion that “house plants can purify and rejuvenate air within our houses and workplaces, safeguarding us all from any side effects connected with prevalent toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia and also benzene.”
Here are the results of the NASA research study:
| Common name | Scientific name | Score | |
| 1 | Areca palm | Chrysalidocarpus lutescens | 8.5 |
| 2 | Lady palm | Rhapis excelsa | 8.5 |
| 3 | Bamboo palm | Chamaedorea seifrizii | 8.4 |
| 4 | Rubber plant | Ficus robusta | 8.0 |
| 5 | Dracaena “Janet Craig” | Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig” | 7.8 |
| 6 | English ivy | Hedera helix | 7.8 |
| 7 | Dwarf date palm | Phoenix roebelinii | 7.8 |
| 8 | Ficus Alii | Ficus macleilandii “Alii” | 7.7 |
| 9 | Boston fern | Nephrolepis exalta “Bostoniensis” | 7.5 |
| 10 | Peace lily | Spathiphyllum sp. | 7.5 |
2. Interior Plants: Their Influence on Airborne Microbes inside Energy-efficient Buildings
In another study made in 1996, a bedroom with no plants had 50% more colonies of airborne microbes than a room which contained houseplants.
3. Foliage Plants For Indoor Removal of The Primary Combustion Gases Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide
During a laboratory experiment in 1985, Dr. Wolverton PHD compared the removal of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide using a sealed chamber of spider plants.
4. Dr Wolverton – Formaldehyde removal experiment
In another laboratory study by Dr. Wolverton PHD, he compared a number of house plants at removing formaldehyde from a sealed chamber. Formaldehyde is a common household toxin that is released from a variety of household items.
Removal of Formaldehyde from Sealed Chambers for Plants Grown in Potting Soil
| CommonName | Botanical Name | Removal Rate*(Micrograms/Hour) |
| Boston fern | Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis” | 1863 |
| Dwarf date palm | Phoenix roebelenii | 1385 |
| Bamboo palm | Chamaedorea seifrizii | 1350 |
| Janet Craig | Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig” | 1328 |
| English ivy | Hedera helix | 1120 |
| Weeping fig | Ficus benjamina | 940 |
| Peace lily | Spathiphyllum “Clevelandii” | 939 |
| Areca palm | Chrysalidocarpus lutescens | 938 |
| Corn plant | Dracaena fragrans “Massangeana” | 938 |
| Lady palm | Rhapis excelsa | 876 |
Source.5
16 Air Purifier Plants
With reference to the experiments of Dr Wolverton and the NASA experiments, I have compiled a list of 16 house plants that provide the greatest level of air purification.
1. Areca Palm Tree
Costa Farms Areca Butterfly Palm Tree, Live Indoor Plant, 3 to 4-Feet Tall, Ships in Grow Pot, Fresh From Our Farm, Excellent Gift
- Do not recommend shipping to states currently experiencing extreme cold weather/temperatures.
- I can adapt to full sun or light shade, but bright indirect sunlight is the best!
- Place me on your patio to create a topical paradise!
- I love regular watering's, keep me damp, but not muddy
- We're unable to ship this item to: AK,AZ,CA,GU,HI
The Areca palm tree is the very best air purifying plant according to the ratings from NASA’s research and has the 8th highest removal rate for Formaldehyde according to Dr Wolverton’s data. This house plant was referred to as “the most effective air humidifier” by MetaEfficient.com. The Areca has the ability to maintain your office or home moist throughout dry periods as well as continually removing chemical toxins from your air. In the course of the winter season, it’s so effective at putting moisture back in the air that you could switch off your electric humidifiers!
2. Lady Palm
American Plant Exchange Lady Palm Rhapis Excelsa Indoor/Outdoor Air Purifier Live Plant, 6" Pot
- A graceful palm for gardens or a beautiful addition to an indoor space.
- Adds an elegant and graceful tropical effect to any home.
- Slow growing, bamboo-like clustering trunk pattern.
- Wonderful in large pots and containers.
- Nasa clean air study discovered Rhapis Excelsa to be one of the Best houseplants at cleansing the air of formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene and toluene.
This house plant – Lady palm (or Rhapis excelsa) achieved exactly the same rating as the Areca Palm tree in NASA’s research. This adaptable house plant, can be stored in dry or moist parts of the world ( between 20-100° Fahrenheit) and is particularly resistant to the majority sorts of plant insects.
The Lady Palm is not the most effective at removing Formaldehyde so if this is a concern then i would suggest you look at another plant.
3. Bamboo Palm
Costa Farms Clean Air-O2 For You Live House Plant Collection 4-Pack, Assorted Foliage, 4-Inch, Green
The bamboo palm was the third most powerful plant at removing formaldehyde from the air. It ranked third in the NASA experiment so is a good all rounder at keeping your room air clean. This house plant will grow best in a moist but not wet soil and in direct sunlight. However this palm will require lots of room to grow, so it might not be the best option if want this plant to sit on your desk.
4. Boston Fern
Costa Farms Boston Fern, Nephrolepis exaltata, Live Plant, 2-Feet Tall and Wide, Ships in Grow Pot with Hanger, Fresh From Our Farm, Excellent Gift
The Boston fern was the most effective plant at removing Formaldehyde and removed significantly more per hour than the rest of plants examined.
Studies have also shown that the Boston fern will also eliminate heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic from the soil.
5. Rubber Plant
Burgundy Rubber Tree Plant - Ficus - an Old Favorite - 6" Pot
This rubber house plant (Ficus robusta) has been mentioned as one of the leading Twenty plants by Doctor. B.C. “Bill” Wolverton’s “50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home Or Office.” This rubber house plant provides moisture, eliminates bio effluents, takes away volatile organic compounds as well as suppresses air based microorganisms as soon as it’s put into a room
As time passes this rubber plant will become much more skilled at eliminating toxic compounds present in the air. Bacteria within the rubber plants leaves break up the toxins and also feast on them. The procedure subsequently emits clean air in to the surrounding environment. Since the plant grows, these microorganisms increase.
This increased number of bacteria assist the rubber house plant in becoming progressively more effective at extracting further toxic compounds from the air.
6. Janet Craig – Dracaena
No products found.
The Dracaena (or Dracaena deremensis) places fifth on NASA’s ranking with a 7.8 score. According to data it can remove Formaldehyde, at a rate of 1,328 micrograms per hour. It also removes Xylene, at a rate of 154 micrograms per hour according to http://www.earthwitchery.com/pollution.html
Recommended Placement in Home: These are especially effective in newly carpeted or newly furnished rooms were formaldehyde levels are at the highest.
Tips to keep this plant healthy:
- Favours vibrant light, although not direct sunlight.
- Water completely through early spring through the winter season and allow the plant’s soil to dry out in between watering
7. English Ivy
American Plant Exchange Easy Care English Ivy California Trailing Vine Live Plant, 6" Pot, Indoor/Outdoor Air Purifier
If your air flow in your geographical area has got stagnant and dried out, English ivy (also known as Hedera helix) may be just the solution! WebMD.com talks about this effervescent house plant as “a solution for allergic reactions” observing that sixty percent of air based mold within the space was removed after just six hrs right after English ivy had been introduced.
People that have allergies, asthma, or even the desire to inhale cleaner, more fresh air might be wise to give this English ivy plant a shot!
8. Date Palm Tree
Although it does not position at the top of the purifying scale when compared to it’s three palm relatives, make no mistake: this Date palm house plant (also known as Phoenix roebelinii) remains an extremely efficient and stylish looking method to both cheer up the design of an area and reduce the content level of volatile organic compounds floating all over the air.
The Date house plant is very effective at getting rid of formaldehyde thus works great in combination with other purifier plants (has the second highest removal rate after the fern plant.)
9. Ficus Alii
Benjamina Ficus Tree- Unique Potted Tree, Perfect as a Patio Plant or Indoor Tree | No Shipping to AZ (2-3 ft.)
This ficus alii (also known as the Ficus macleilandii) isn’t as strong in it’s pollutant-removing effectiveness as, say, a rubber plant, however it remains an excellent addition to any kind of office or home wherever clear air is missing. Although they aren’t terribly difficult to look after, PlantCareGuru.com alerts to us that hand protection ought to be used whilst dealing with the house plant for those who have latex allergic reactions.
10. Peace Lilly
Peace Lily Clean air Plant Friendship Foliage's Family Farm Quality Live Indoor Spathiphyllum (6" Pot, 14-18in Tall from Bottom of The Pot)
The Peace Lily (also known as Spathiphyllum sp.) is a perfect air purifier plant for those who don’t have green fingers. Peace Lilies are often found in malls because they are so easy to grow.
If you scared you might kill your new house plant then I recommend you go for this one.
11. Aloe Vera
Costa Farms Aloe Vera Live Indoor Plant Ships in Grow Pot, 10-Inch Tall, Green
Aloe vera was proven to be a lot more effective at the elimination of formaldehyde at lesser concentrations when compared with Philodendrons. Aloe vera is likewise famous as being a healing plant acknowledged for its therapeutic qualities, giving it the majority of its nicknames.
The Aloe house plant was also used in the initial photography used for the Andrea plant air purifier – probably due to the plants purification properties.
12. Spider Plants
The spider plant was used by Dr Wolverton in his 1985 study that examined the plant’s removal of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. In a room with many spider plants, the amount of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide dropped to near zero after only 24 hours.
13. Chrysanthemum
This particularly attractive house plant was shown to be effective at removing the VOC compound – benzene which has been known to cause cancer.
Many tobacco products contain high levels of benzene so it would be helpful to have one of these plants in a smoking household. However no house plant can ever negate the effects of tobacco smoke.
Remember to be careful with Chrysanthemum as it is poisonous when ingested or with prolonged skin exposure.
14. Heart leaf philodendron
The N.A.S.A. study showed that the Philodendron house plant was one of the best house plant for elimination formaldehyde from the surrounding air, especially when working with higher concentrations.
15. Snake Plants or Mother of Law Tongue
Snake Plant, Mother-In-Law's Tongue - Sanseveria - 6" Pot/unique-from jmbamboo
Snake house plants — these types of plants tend to be incredible growers and also extremely tough. They’re excellent at eliminating the majority of toxins plus they are quite happy to grow in areas where other plants may decline and perish ( say for example a hot window ledge). Also, they are great bathroom and darker area plants.
16. Sago Palm Air Purifier
Snake Plant, Mother-In-Law's Tongue - Sanseveria - 6" Pot/unique-from jmbamboo
There is a large number of air-purifying palms on this list for good reason and the sago palm was a great plant for cleaning the air.
One Final Point:
Make sure to Maintain your house plants in a good condition and make sure you have enough of them. The NASA research advised that there should be a six inch plant for every 100 sq feet of interior living space
A Note About Pets:
As noted by a number of readers, many of the plants on this list can also be poisonous to dogs and other pets. Be sure to check for any potential poison or allergies from the plants for your animal and try to put plants in locations that pets can not reach.
If you do have pets, make sure you check out the recently updated list of our recommended purifiers for pets as these in combination with a combination of these 15 plants on this list can allow pet owners to live without the fear of allergic reactions.
Alen a350 Air Purifier Review
Updated 2020
The Alen A350 was an air purifier that was first sold in 2010, if you already have one of these units then congrats on keeping your unit running for 10 years. You will also be happy to know that you can still buy filters for these units:
Alen BF25A-Silver Filter, True HEPA Silver
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Silver-Ion Technology protects the filter against growth of harmful bacteria and microbes
- Creates an allergy and asthma friendly environment by removing dust, pet dander, mold spores and pollen from the air
- Provides pure, breathable air by capturing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from cleaning products, personal care items and other household materials
- Pre-Filter layer extends the life of the filter
Sadly the Alen A350 is no longer for sale but there are a number of new Alen units that you might be in interested in that have a similar specification:
1. Alen BreatheSmart Flex
Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Air Purifier, Medical Grade Filtration H13 True HEPA for 700 Sqft, 99.99% Airborne Particle Removal, Captures Allergens, Bacteria, Germs, Mold, Odors from Smoke, in White
- RECOMMENDED FOR: Dust, allergens, pollen, fur, pet dander, household odors PLUS smoke from cigarettes, wildfires, and VOC fumes from chemicals and aerosol sprays. Sleek design fits in any space from small to large rooms.
- B4-FRESH FILTER: Has 0.66 lbs of activated carbon to absorb smoke and toxic smells to help prevent respiratory issues.
- TRUE HEPA FILTER - Includes a Medical Grade H13 True HEPA layer that removes 99.99% bacteria, aerosolized viruses, and airborne particles larger than 0.1 micron. True HEPA filters last 3-5 months longer than standard filters.
- CLEANS AIR FAST: Cleans 700 SqFt every 30 minutes, twice as fast as key competitors on Turbo speed. Perfect for any space from small to extra large bedrooms, living rooms, offices, nurseries, kitchens, and basements.
- SLEEP MODE: Features a “lights out mode”, press the power button once and the lights turn off. SleepScore validated and users feel more rested upon waking. rested the morning.
With a CADR rating of 230 for pollen, the breathsmart flex would be the A350 for the modern era. This unit comes with the same Alen lifetime guarantee so you can expect this air purifier to keep performing beyond 2030!
2. Alen BreatheSmart T500
Sale
Alen BreatheSmart T500 True HEPA Air Purifier, Allergies + Germs & Mold, White
- RECOMMENDED FOR: Dust, dander, allergens, pet fur, odors and cleans up to 500 SqFt of air every 30 minutes on high speed
- TRUE HEPA FILTER: Includes a Medical Grade H13 True HEPA layer that captures 99.99% bacteria, aerosolized viruses, and airborne particles larger than 0.1 micron AND includes a vacuumable pre-filter to help increase filter life
- ANY ROOM SIZE: Fits perfect in any space from small to large rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, dorms, offices, bathrooms, nurseries, and kitchens
- SIMPLE TO USE: Quickly adjust settings with a touch of a button
- CERTIFIED: Energy Star Certified and Certified Ozone Safe by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
This unit is a little cheaper but still has a CADR rating for dust of 159 so less powerful than the A350 but can often be found for less than $250 so significantly cheaper. This is a low priced unit but still comes with the Alen lifetime guarantee.
The following article is our original review of the Alen A350 Air Purifier from 2010:
PRICE = $399 (Amazon.com)
Before we start to dig deep into the pros and cons of this particular purifier. It’s worth having a look at what consumers at the major retailers think of this purifier. Most large internet retailers allow consumers the ability to provide a rating for their purchase. I use this rating as an initial way to quickly gauge the performance of an air purifier.
| Review Site | Rating |
| Amazon.com | 4 Stars (30 reviews) |
| Epinions.com | 5 Stars (8 reviews) |
| Wize.com | 4.5 Stars (77 reviews) |
| Shopping.com | 4.5 Stars (8 reviews) |
| Air Purifiers America | 4.5 out of 119 (10 user reviews) |
The Alen a350 purifier has achieved favourable scores across a wide range of sites. I
Note: Air Purifiers America has business connections to Alen so we need to take their scores less seriously than the other more independent retailers.
The video below will take you through a sample of Amazon.com reviews so you can get an idea of what people like/dislike about it:
The next step we take for this air purifier review is to dig a little deeper into what the experts are saying about this purifier:
1. Air Purifier Power – Written By Ed Sherbenou – URL
Air-Purifier-Power Rating: 82, good
Benefits:
- In recent assessments by air-purifiers-america.com this A-350 eliminated 98% of the contaminants in the device and 97% of the contaminants within the room.
- The A 350 purifier is great at airborne dirt and dust and plant pollen elimination, yet is also competitively cost-effective costing under $300..
- So the projected CADR (for basic comparability to mid priced store bought models without having chemical substance blocking capability ) is 203.
- The manufacturer guarantees 95% of purchases are going to be delivered within Twenty four hours, and also features a straight forward return policy.
Problems:
- Significant gas and smell elimination is really a necessity if health benefits can be envisioned: Models with actual carbon VOC ability position higher.
- Alen A350 air purifier sound amounts will be over normal: 36 decibels(A)on low setting, 65 decibels(A)@214cfm on highest setting. 65 decibels(A) isn’t the loudest, but 214cfm is fairly weak for that amount of noise.
- The organization doesn’t sell direct, yet drop ships air cleaners marketed by merchants.
2. ConsumerSearch.com: URL
Provides some reservations that the A350 should only be used in smaller rooms.
Benefits:
- Highlights that this particular purifier can be mounted on the wall
- States that the replacement filters are relatively cheap
- Mentions that the A350 comes with a Lifetime warranty
Problems:
- Talks about how come consumers mention that the power supply causes a “humming” sound
- Indicates that this air purifier should only be used in smaller rooms
CADR Results:
Sadly the A350 has not undergone a CADR test so we can not provide this results for this test. Thankfully Ed at air-purifier-power has worked out that this purifier has a similar ranking to a CADR ranking of 203.
The Alen A350 therefore has an estimated score of: 203 CADR Ranking
Technology Used:
1.HEPA Filter
The Alen A350 uses one combined HEPA, carbon, and pre-filter in one unit. The only issue this raises is the price as the purifier requires this combined filter to be changed every six months. Currently, you can purchase the A350 filters on amazon.com for $49.99 which is not too bad but bear in mind that you will need to replace these twice each year – so it’s $100 per year. If I compare this with other purifiers that use Lifetime HEPA such as the Honeywell 50250-N, the A350 is considerably more costly to run.
2. Ionizer Function
One of the nice benefits of the Alen A350 is that it comes packaged with an inbuilt non-ozone ionizer unit. Normally I would suggest that people steer clear of ionizer only units but when combined with a strong HEPA filter it can help improve cleaning efficiency. The ionizer unit will charge the surrounding particles with a negative charge which will mean that these particles are heavier and thus picked up more easily by the HEPA filter. Negative ions have also been shown to imbue of sense of well being but this still has not been confirmed by scientific studies. If you are not sure about the ionizer then you can easily disable the function using the on-off switch at the top of the unit.
Power Consumption
The A350 has a Energy Star Rating which should reduce it’s electricity to just pennies per day.
Addressing the Sound Problem
Some reviews have mentioned that the A350 has a whining sound when running. In tests we came across no such noise and believe that this whining sound was down to broken air purifiers. On the highest setting the A350 creates a noise level of 65 dB which is relatively loud. In the video below I show the Alen a350 working at each different sound level so you can evaluate if it’s too loud for your home.
Whilst the purifier is loud at the level 5 setting, it’s unlikely that you would need to leave it at this level for much time. I am quite happy with the sound output at the lowest level and so would not find a problem sleeping with it running in my bedroom.
Conclusion
This purifier provides a significant amount of cleaning for the small price of just under $400. It can be used in medium-sized rooms (400 square feet recommended) and has the ability to successfully remove all types of particles. My only issue with this purifier relates to the cost of replacement filters ($100 each year) and the lack of VOC capabilities.
When comparing with other purifiers you should make sure that you take into account the $100 a year cost as some Lifetime HEPA filters will work out far cheaper in the long-run and may outweigh the initial extra cost.
The Alen A350 air purifier is currently the highest-rated purifier in my medium range ($200-$700) purifiers and I give it a 5 star rating.
If you want to move away from Alen for your next air purifier, then check out my latest recommendations:
Air Purifier
Best for Small Room
Best if you have the Budget
Best for Large Rooms
CADR
135 cfm
245 cfm
145 cfm
Technology
H13 HEPA
includes Smart Sensor to see how clean a room is or isn't
Ionizer and HEPA
Features
3 modes and sleep mode
Near silent 23 dBa when on lowest setting
Perfect unit for bigger rooms with a recommended 500 sq. ft.
Weight
8.83 lbs
15 lbs
Perfect unit for bigger rooms with a recommended 500 sq. ft.
Price
$99.99
$429.00
9 lbs
Best for Small Room
Air Purifier
CADR
135 cfm
Technology
H13 HEPA
Features
3 modes and sleep mode
Weight
8.83 lbs
Price
$99.99
More information
Best if you have the Budget
Air Purifier
CADR
245 cfm
Technology
includes Smart Sensor to see how clean a room is or isn't
Features
Near silent 23 dBa when on lowest setting
Weight
15 lbs
Price
$429.00
More information
Best for Large Rooms
Air Purifier
CADR
145 cfm
Technology
Ionizer and HEPA
Features
Perfect unit for bigger rooms with a recommended 500 sq. ft.
Weight
Perfect unit for bigger rooms with a recommended 500 sq. ft.
Price
9 lbs
More information
Are Air Purifiers a Waste of Money?
It might seem like a great idea to pick up a cheap air purifier whilst your doing your grocery shopping but in reality your going to waste your money.
The vast majority of air purifiers that are stocked by Walmart are under $150 and the majority sold are created by Sharper Image. The two best-selling purifiers are the ionic pro combo and ionic pro mini both by Sharper image. Since writing this post, I have saw that you can find decent air purifier and humidifier combos at Walmart which are actually well rated by customers – look for the Boneco W200 and Venta LW25.
1. Keep Well Away from Sharper Image
Now Sharper Image has had some bad press with their ionic breeze air purifiers after they were found to release ozone which actually reduced air quality. Now the new ionic pro models do not release as many excessive levels of ozone but they are still very inefficient. Read the following articles about why it’s a bad idea to invest in a sharper Image purifier:
2. Can Only Remove Large Particles
The problem with all cheap purifiers is that they can only remove a very small percentage of the particles in the air. Most of the sub $150 priced purifiers can only deal with particles that are bigger 0.3 microns. 0.3 microns is small but in the world of air based particles they only make up about 10% of pollutant particles. This means that these cheap purifiers are only able to clean 10% of the air in your room.
3. Can Only Work In Small Sealed Rooms
You will see that many of these units promise to clean rooms up to 250 feet but this is assuming that your room air does not circulate. As we all know, air will pass throughout the house and thus an air purifier will be required to clean the vast majority of air throughout the house. Most American houses will require an air purifier that can deal with at least 1000 feet and this is true even if you only want to clean the air in one room. Sealing your rooms is just not an option unless you really want to take one step closer to the grave!
If you are interested in finding the best air purifier in 2020 then be sure to check out my current recommendations:
1.Best for Most People – LEVOIT Pet Edition
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies and Pets Hair Smokers in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core P350 Grey
- Genuine Replacements: Search for "p350-rf" or "B087R7ZFPB" for levoit 3-in-1 customized pet filter with ARC Formula to ensure excellent performance
- Perfect Gift for Pet Families: Ideal for pet allergies, improve your air quality and help you and your pets relieve allergic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, sinuses and heavy breathing. Ozone-free, approved by CARB, ETL listed and CA PROP 65 certified
- High Powered: The Vortexair Technology offers an increased CADR of 141 CFM / 240 m³/h, handily covering rooms as large as 219 ft2 (20㎡) and refreshing the air 5 times per hour, perfect for bedroom, living room, dining room or pet room
- H13-Grade True HEPA Filter: Reduces up to 99.97% of harmful air pollutants, smoke, pollen, mold spores, dust mites and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns from the air. This new fine non-woven fabric pre-filter is more effective than other common pre-filters at capturing floating hair, pet fur, pet dander, dust, fibers, lint
- Sleep Mode & Timer: The QuietKEAP Technology keeps noise levels as low as 24dB. Set a timer for 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours, then turn off the display light to enjoy a perfect and undisturbed night of sleep. The pet lock button prevents your pets from tampering with any of the other buttons or settings
LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies and Pets Hair Smokers in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core P350 Grey
- Genuine Replacements: Search for "p350-rf" or "B087R7ZFPB" for levoit 3-in-1 customized pet filter with ARC Formula to ensure excellent performance
- Perfect Gift for Pet Families: Ideal for pet allergies, improve your air quality and help you and your pets relieve allergic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, sinuses and heavy breathing. Ozone-free, approved by CARB, ETL listed and CA PROP 65 certified
- High Powered: The Vortexair Technology offers an increased CADR of 141 CFM / 240 m³/h, handily covering rooms as large as 219 ft2 (20㎡) and refreshing the air 5 times per hour, perfect for bedroom, living room, dining room or pet room
- H13-Grade True HEPA Filter: Reduces up to 99.97% of harmful air pollutants, smoke, pollen, mold spores, dust mites and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns from the air. This new fine non-woven fabric pre-filter is more effective than other common pre-filters at capturing floating hair, pet fur, pet dander, dust, fibers, lint
- Sleep Mode & Timer: The QuietKEAP Technology keeps noise levels as low as 24dB. Set a timer for 2, 4, 8, or 12 hours, then turn off the display light to enjoy a perfect and undisturbed night of sleep. The pet lock button prevents your pets from tampering with any of the other buttons or settings
2. Budget-Friendly – $75ish Hamilton Beach TrueAir
Sale
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier for Home or Office with Permanent HEPA Filter for Allergies and Pets, Ultra Quiet, Black (04386A)
- High Performance Hepa Grade Filter: Captures 99% of pet dander, dust, dust mites, pollen, and mold / mildew spores as small as 3 microns from the air.
- Easy to clean: Allergen reducing air purifier has a permanent Hepa-grade filter that easily vacuums clean.
- Compact, stylish design: Allergen reducing air purifier is perfect in the office or in rooms up to 160 square feet
- Versatile air care that fits anywhere: Position the unit vertically or horizontally to best fit in your bedroom, den, nursery, hallway or living room at home or at the office.
- Quiet and powerful: Use whisper clean for extra quiet operation at night, the medium setting or the quick clean setting for more powerful air cleaning.
Sale
Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier for Home or Office with Permanent HEPA Filter for Allergies and Pets, Ultra Quiet, Black (04386A)
- High Performance Hepa Grade Filter: Captures 99% of pet dander, dust, dust mites, pollen, and mold / mildew spores as small as 3 microns from the air.
- Easy to clean: Allergen reducing air purifier has a permanent Hepa-grade filter that easily vacuums clean.
- Compact, stylish design: Allergen reducing air purifier is perfect in the office or in rooms up to 160 square feet
- Versatile air care that fits anywhere: Position the unit vertically or horizontally to best fit in your bedroom, den, nursery, hallway or living room at home or at the office.
- Quiet and powerful: Use whisper clean for extra quiet operation at night, the medium setting or the quick clean setting for more powerful air cleaning.
3. Winix 5500-2 – For those with bigger rooms
Sale
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter
- True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants; dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns
- Washable AOC Carbon Filter, made from activated carbon granulars for removal of household odors. Decibels 27.8 dB
- PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants with no harmful ozone
- Smart Sensors gauge the air and our Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed; with a sleep mode for silent night time operation
- CADR rated for 360 square feet room size. Suitable for medium and large rooms; kids bedrooms, family rooms and kitchens
Sale
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA, PlasmaWave and Odor Reducing Washable AOC Carbon Filter
- True HEPA filter captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants; dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns
- Washable AOC Carbon Filter, made from activated carbon granulars for removal of household odors. Decibels 27.8 dB
- PlasmaWave acts as a permanent filter to safely break down odor, allergens, chemical vapors and other pollutants with no harmful ozone
- Smart Sensors gauge the air and our Auto Mode adjusts the fan to filter the air as needed; with a sleep mode for silent night time operation
- CADR rated for 360 square feet room size. Suitable for medium and large rooms; kids bedrooms, family rooms and kitchens
4. Coway Airmega 400 – If you need the very best or the largest space (whole apartment/small house)
Sale
Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier with 1,560 sq. ft. Coverage
- Coway Airmega 400 room air purifier is designed to accommodate large room sizes up to 1,560 square feet and cleans the air at least two times per hour when used as recommended.
- Coway Airmega Max2 filter—combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter—captures and reduces up to 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles in the air, including pollen, pollutants and other allergens. It also reduces volatile organic compounds by more than 99% and reduces fumes such as NH3 and CH3CHO. Includes washable and permanent pre-filter to catch larger dust particles.
- Coway Airmega’s pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality testing in real-time. The brightly colored LED ring lets you know how clean or dirty your indoor air is, every minute of the day.
- Coway Airmega has five fan modes: Smart, Sleep, Low, Medium and High. Noise level is nearly silent at lower speeds. Max noise at highest setting is 43.2 dB.
- Coway Airmega is a smart, energy efficient air purifier with a three-setting smart mode to adapt to its surroundings. Fan speed automatically adjusts based on the room’s air quality and lighting conditions to improve air quality.
Sale
Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier with 1,560 sq. ft. Coverage
- Coway Airmega 400 room air purifier is designed to accommodate large room sizes up to 1,560 square feet and cleans the air at least two times per hour when used as recommended.
- Coway Airmega Max2 filter—combined activated carbon and True HEPA filter—captures and reduces up to 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles in the air, including pollen, pollutants and other allergens. It also reduces volatile organic compounds by more than 99% and reduces fumes such as NH3 and CH3CHO. Includes washable and permanent pre-filter to catch larger dust particles.
- Coway Airmega’s pollution sensor communicates indoor air quality testing in real-time. The brightly colored LED ring lets you know how clean or dirty your indoor air is, every minute of the day.
- Coway Airmega has five fan modes: Smart, Sleep, Low, Medium and High. Noise level is nearly silent at lower speeds. Max noise at highest setting is 43.2 dB.
- Coway Airmega is a smart, energy efficient air purifier with a three-setting smart mode to adapt to its surroundings. Fan speed automatically adjusts based on the room’s air quality and lighting conditions to improve air quality.
10 Examples of Dirty Window Art in 2020
Updated 2020
Scott Wade creates awesome art from the dust and dirt that most of us spend all our time to remove.
I originally put together this list back in 2010 and so recently had a chance to add more examples of this “dirty art.”
I love the impermanence that comes with this format.
Tomorrows art is quickly dashed away with the swipe of the windscreen wipers.
Scroll down to see all 10:
1. Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci, eat your heart out. Scott Wade has recreated Mona Lisa’s ambiguous smile with nothing more than a dirty car and an idle finger.
2. Girl With a Pearl Earring
“Wash Me” is so 1999. Instead, Scott Wade spends his time recreating masterpieces. In this photo, a Mazda 3 gets to host Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. In what can only be seen as poetry, the replica can only exist until the next rainfall.
3. Birth Of Venus
Venus, the God of love, was born a fully grown and arose from the sea (according to the artist Sandro Botticelli). This recreation captures that moment, a “dirty” duplicate of Birth of Venus.
4. American Gothic
Grant Wood created American Gothic in 1930. This artist recreated American Gothic on the tail end of what appears to be a Mazda Hatchback. The real centrepiece in the original is the cottage in the background, which is based on the Gothic Revival style. However, the wiper in this dust-based recreation does have a certain charm of its own.
5. Hylas & the Nymphs
From the dusty back window of this Honda Fit arises the legend of Hylas. He was once an Argonaut and a dear friend of Hercules. During the voyage for the Golden Fleece, the nymphs called out to Hylas as he filled his jug of water. They offered him a kiss… a single sensual kiss. That kiss proved to be his last as they pulled Hylas into the water’s depths.
6. Creation of Adam
This is what would happen if Michelangelo drove a dust-covered Mazda. In the original Sistine Chapel fresco (painted in 1511), Adam sits to the left and God reaches out to him from the right. The Pillsbury doughboy between their hands is unique to this dust rendition.
7. Wildflowers
8. Woman Trapped
9. Rushmore
