HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) purifiers are perfect for capturing mold spores and other microscopic contaminants from the air while providing enormous relief to allergy sufferers. Here we will review the best HEPA air purifiers, list their benefits, and show you how to maximize their efficiency.
Topics Covered
- The benefits of using a HEPA air purifier
- Things to consider when choosing a HEPA air purifier
- The best HEPA air purifiers for small spaces
- BISSELL MYair 2780A
- LEVOIT Core 300
- GermGuardian AC5000E
- The best HEPA air purifiers for medium spaces
- Alen T500 True HEPA Tower
- Winix 5500-2
- GermGuardian AC5900WCA
- The best HEPA air purifiers for large spaces
- Alen BreatheSmart Classic
- Alen BreatheSmart 75i
- Rabbit Air MinusA2
- How to maximize your air purifier’s efficiency
The benefits of using a HEPA air purifier
People spend most of their time indoors, and studies have shown that indoor environments can be up to 5x more polluted than the outdoors. To make matters worse, there are a wide variety of indoor contaminants – many of which can worsen symptoms in those with cardiovascular or respiratory problems.
HEPA air purifiers greatly reduce the concentrations of contaminants while also providing other benefits as you will see below.
Reliefs allergies
Pollen, dust, pet dander, and even mold spores can trigger allergies when in high concentrations. A HEPA air purifier is beneficial in these situations because they use pleated mechanical air filters that can capture these microscopic contaminants and particles from the air.
Greatly reduces the risk of mold
Mold spores are microscopic seeds 10 to 100 microns in size that mold releases into the air to colonize other areas. If you recently had or currently have a mold problem, then the number of these spores floating around inside your home is well above average. These spores can trigger anything from mild to severe allergies and restart a whole new infestation.
HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.1 to 0.3 microns and can thus easily get rid of these spores.
Removes odors
If odors are of particular concern, make sure you choose an air purifier with an activated carbon filter because they remove everything from cooking, paint, and pet odors to cigarette smoke.
Removes and kills airborne viruses/bacteria
Airborne viruses and bacteria are a real threat – fortunately, air purifiers reduce this risk. But for best results, pick one that uses medical-grade H13 HEPA filters, such as those from the Alen BreatheSmart Series, because they catch particles as small as 0.1 microns.
Models fitted with UV-C filters are beneficial too. They emit a UV light with a 254-nanometer wavelength that instantly kills viruses and bacteria before reaching the HEPA filter.
Improves the quality of sleep
Some air purifying units emit pink noise when in sleep mode. This feature is worth considering if you sometimes have difficulty falling asleep.
Things to consider when choosing an air purifier
Not all air purifiers are created equally, which is why choosing the right one for your needs is essential to avoid disappointment.
The right size
To choose the right size air purifier, first determine the square footage of the room/s you want to use it in. The last thing you want is a unit that can only handle a 250 square foot space in a 1,500 square foot room because it will take longer to purify the air. Also, having an air purifier capable of purifying a 1,500 square foot space in a 200 square foot area is not good either. Yes, it will clean the air faster, but it will also use up more energy.
Types of filters
At the very least, the air purifier you choose should have a True HEPA filter – especially if you have a mold or allergy problem because they are the only filters that can remove mold spores, pet dander, pollen, bacteria, and other microscopic contaminants from your indoor environment.
In addition, some high-end air purifiers have other types of filters which work in conjunction with the HEPA filter.
Pre-filters: Pre-filters will save you money in the long run because they capture the slightly larger particles before they can reach the HEPA filter – thus extending its lifespan.
UV-C filter: A UV (Ultra-Violet) filter provides an extra layer of protection by killing mold spores, bacteria, and viruses with a 254-nanometer wavelength just before they reach the HEPA filter. This is a feature worth considering because spores and bacteria are living organisms that will continue living in the HEPA filter if it doesn’t first pass through a UV-C light.
Carbon filter: Carbon filters remove odors from mold and pets, as well as tobacco smoke from your home.
Noise output
Noise output is not something to be too concerned about because modern air purifiers, for the most part, are impressively quiet. Most good units put out an average of 30db on a low-speed setting. Just keep in mind that a whisper is around 20dB and a normal conversation is 60dB. So be sure to check the decibel output in the specs before buying one.
Warranty
Things can and sometimes do go wrong – even with the best air purifiers from the most well-known and trusted brands. Therefore, always read the warranty before making a purchase.
The best HEPA air purifiers for small spaces (up to 200 square feet)
Here we review the BISSELL MYair 2780A, LEVOIT Core 300, and the GermGuardian AC5000E.
BISSELL MYair 2780A
The BISSEL MYair 2780A is small with its 8.27″ x 8.27″ x 12.2″ dimensions but also powerful.
It’s incredibly quiet at 30 decibels and features a triple filtration process which consists of a pre-filter, a HEPA filter for capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, and a carbon filter that kills odors. In addition, a change filter light lets you know as soon as its time to replace a filter.
Suitable for: Ideal for 100 square feet but is also well suited for areas up to 250 square feet.
- Brand/model: BISSELL MYair 2780A
- Coverage area: 100 Square feet
- Filtration: Pre-filter, HEPA, Activated Charcoal
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 30 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 8.27 x 8.27 x 12.2 Inches
- Weight: 4.6 Pounds
- Warranty: 1 Year limited warranty
LEVOIT Core 300
The LEVOIT Core 300 cleans the air in a 220 square foot space 5x per hour while being incredibly quiet at an impressive 24 decibels on its lowest fan speed.
It has a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and a carbon filter. Also, an indicator light lets you know as soon as it’s time to replace a filter.
Suitable for: Ideal for 220 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 100 and 320 square feet.
- Brand/model: LEVOIT Core 300
- Coverage area: 220 Square feet
- Filtration: Pre-filter, HEPA, Activated Charcoal
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 24 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.7 x 16.25 Inches
- Weight: 8.8 Pounds
- Warranty: 1 Year limited warranty
GermGuardian AC5000E
The GermGuardian AC5000E captures mold spores, pet dander, pollen, germs, and dust as small as 0.3 microns in size, while the built-in UV-C light kills spores and germs. There is also a carbon filter for neutralizing odors and a pre-filter that extends the lifespan of the HEPA filter by capturing the slightly larger particles.
Also, indicator lights let you know as soon as it’s time to replace filters or the UV-C bulb. It puts out a respectable 40 decibels of sound and even creates white noise to help you sleep at night.
Suitable for: Ideal for 200 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 100 and 350 square feet.
- Brand/model: GermGuardian AC5000E
- Coverage area: 200 Square feet
- Filtration: UV-C, HEPA, Activated Charcoal
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 40 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 11 x 6.75 x 27.25 Inches
- Weight: 11 Pounds
- Warranty: 5 Year limited warranty
The best HEPA air purifiers for medium spaces (200 to 500 square feet)
Here we review the Alen T500 True HEPA Tower, the Winix 5500-2, and the GermGuardian AC5900WCA.
Alen T500 True HEPA Tower
The Alen T500 HEPA Tower uses medical grade H13 HEPA filters to remove allergens as small as 0.1 microns from your indoor environment, while the carbon filter does a great job at removing bad odors.
Also, the filters are easy to replace and last 9 months with 24-hour use.
It’s quiet and can clean a 500 square foot area every 30 minutes. Better yet, the Alen T500 includes a lifetime warranty.
Suitable for: Ideal for 500 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 300 and 700 square feet.
- Brand/model: Alen T500 True HEPA Tower
- Coverage area: 500 Square feet
- Filtration: HEPA, Activated Charcoal (Optional)
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 42 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 22 x 6 x 10 Inches
- Weight: 9 Pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime with product registration and active filter subscription.
Winix 5500-2
The slick-looking Winix 5500-2 air purifier removes 99.97% of all airborne pollutants from 0.3 microns and up, while the carbon filter eliminates all odors.
The pre-filter and carbon filter are washable and reusable, so there’s no need to purchase new filters often. There are 4-speed settings and the unit can be controlled via the included remote.
Light indicators notify you whenever carbon or HEPA filters need washing or replacing while the air quality sensor monitors the air quality in real-time.
The Winix 5500-2 uses PlasmaWave Technology – a process by which the air purifier neutralizes the contaminated air it takes in and expels it without creating any dangerous ozone pollutants.
It also has a light sensor that automatically puts the unit into a quieter sleep mode as soon as the lights are dimmed and switches back when it detects light.
Suitable for: Ideal for 360 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 200 and 500 square feet.
- Brand/model: Winix 5500-2
- Coverage area: 360 Square feet
- Filtration: Pre-filter, HEPA, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, PlasmaWave
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 27.8 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 15 x 8.2 x 23.6 Inches
- Weight: 15.4 Pounds
- Warranty: 2 Year limited warranty
The GermGuardian AC5900WCA
The GermGuardian AC5900WCA captures 99.97% of all allergens, removes bad odors, and kills bacteria/viruses with UV-C light.
It has a beautiful modern design and is quiet, especially on the lowest fan speed setting.
Also, it uses a combination filter that should be replaced every 6 months or when the filter has turned from white to a dark color – so, unfortunately, no indicator lights.
Suitable for: Ideal for 365 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 200 and 500 square feet.
- Brand/model: GermGuardian AC5900WCA
- Coverage area: 365 Square feet
- Filtration: Pre-filter, HEPA, Carbon Filter, UV-C
- Change filter lights: No
- Noise: 40 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 9.65 x 15.95 x 20.87 Inches
- Weight: 13 Pounds
- Warranty: 3 Year limited warranty
The best HEPA air purifiers for large spaces (500 to 1,500 square feet)
Here we review the Alen BreatheSmart Classic, the Alen BreatheSmart 75i, and the Rabbit Air MinusA2.
Alen BreatheSmart Classic
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic removes 99.99% of all indoor contaminants as small as 0.1 microns in size with its medical-grade H13 HEPA filter. Also, the filter lasts for an entire year when running the air purifier 24/7, so no need to change filters as often.
It makes pink noise at night, which improves sleep quality, auto-adjusts the fan speed depending on the number of impurities in the air, and lets you know when it finds harmful particles.
Suitable for: Ideal for 1,100 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 800 and 1,400 square feet.
- Brand/model: Alen BreatheSmart Classic
- Coverage area: 1,100 Square feet
- Filtration: HEPA, Activated Charcoal (Optional)
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 42 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 26.75 x 17.75 x 10 Inches
- Weight: 21 Pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime with product registration and active filter subscription.
Alen BreatheSmart 75i
The Alen BreatheSmart 75i is a larger and improved version of the previously mentioned Alen BreatheSmart Classic.
It uses medical grade H13 HEPA filters that remove 99.99% of all contaminants as small as 0.1 microns in areas as large as 1,300 square feet.
Bright LED indicators on the control face keep you updated on the air quality in the room and lets you know when harmful contaminants are detected.
Then there’s the auto-mode which automatically adjusts the fan speed as needed.
Also, it’s whisper quiet and emits pink noise to help you sleep better.
Suitable for: Ideal for 1,300 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 1,000 and 1,600 square feet.
- Brand/model: Alen BreatheSmart 75i
- Coverage area: 1,300 Square feet
- Filtration: HEPA, Activated Charcoal
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 25 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 Inches
- Weight: 27 Pounds
- Warranty: Lifetime with product registration and active filter subscription.
Rabbit Air MinusA2
The Rabbit Air MinusA2 with its stylish design can be used as a stand-alone unit or can be mounted onto a wall so that its display screen can show spectrums of bright colors for visual appeal.
It uses a highly effective filtration process that removes everything from odors, pet allergens, and bacteria to mold spores while also reducing the build-up and growth of bacteria and viruses on the filters.
Also, the filters have an impressive lifespan – 2 years if you run it for 12 hours a day and 1 year if you run it permanently.
As for noise levels, it’s as quiet as a whisper with its 20-decibel output, so you will hardly notice that it’s on. And for added convenience, it has a built-in light sensor that automatically puts the unit into sleep mode when it detects the light dimming.
Suitable for: Ideal for 800 square feet but is also well suited for areas between 600 and 1,000 square feet.
Included: The MinusA2 Air purifier, a remote control (batteries included), a full set of additional filters, a wall mount kit, and a user manual.
- Brand/model: Rabbit Air MinusA2
- Coverage area: 815 Square feet
- Filtration: Pre-filter, HEPA, Activated Charcoal
- Change filter lights: Yes
- Noise: 20.8 Decibels (lowest fan speed)
- Dimensions: 24.1 x 23 x 9.8 Inches
- Weight: 19.4 Pounds
- Warranty: 5 Year warranty
How to maximize your air purifier’s efficiency
Follow the next couple of tips to make sure that your air purifier performs at its best.
Change filters on time
All filters should be changed on time because if you leave them for too long they become clogged – and that causes your indoor air quality to worsen.
Some air purifiers have an indicator light that automatically lets you know as soon as it’s time to change filters. Alternatively, follow the recommendations outlined in your model’s user manual.
But in most cases, expect to clean pre-filters once every 2 to 4 weeks and replace HEPA and activated carbon filters every 8 to 12 months.
Keep your windows closed
Having your windows open to let fresh air into your home is essential in improving your indoor air quality. However, an air purifier cannot clean the air if new outdoor air keeps entering the room.
Ideally, keep it off when the windows are open and on when the windows are closed.
Give it space
Putting your unit somewhere in a cluttered corner may not be the best choice. For optimal performance, keep at least 12 inches of space between the air purifier and walls or furniture, and 4 inches from other objects. Also, keep it 6 to 7 feet away from other electrical appliances to prevent interferences that can cause damage.
However, each model is different, so always check the user manual.
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