Types of Air Purifiers

October 10, 2017

Types of Air Purifiers

Air purifier producers offer whole-house systems and room units. With whole-house purifiers, a professional installer will arrive and attach the unit to the home's furnace and air conditioning ductwork.

Once the unit's connection is complete, the purifier will clean the air in every room of the home. Whole-house purifiers are the most expensive option, and consumers should plan their finances carefully when selecting this type of unit.


If the budget for an air purifier is tight, then shoppers may select a portable unit, which they can place in a desired room or location. Portable units weigh from 10 to 20 pounds and include handles and rollers for easy relocation. When consumers choose a room air purifier, they'll place the device on the floor or a designated table in their home.


Room air purifiers also feature a contaminant-capturing filter, which homeowners must replace periodically. Consumers may select an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA, filter. With a HEPA filter, homeowners will have a unit that will trap miniscule air particles. When bringing home an air purifier with a HEPA filter, homeowners will need to replace the device annually and should budget the additional cost.


Several modern air purifiers include a washable HEPA filter, which is environmentally friendly and is a more cost-effective product. During the filter cleaning process, homeowners may rinse the device with water or vacuum the unit. After the filter is clean, homeowners must permit the device to dry completely before placing it back into the purifier.


Consumers should avoid ozone-producing air purifiers as they release a chemical that is bad for the earth's atmosphere. Ozone may also aggravate breathing problems for the home's residents. The chemical is especially dangerous for small children and the elderly.