If you own a pet then you know it can be hard to breathe around them sometimes. This is due to pet dander and other air contaminants. Luckily, with the help of science we’ve managed to create air purifiers with filters that catch the contaminant. Think of it as a mechanical plant for your home. Unfortunately, there are so many out on the market that it can be difficult to choose. This is especially true when the rating system isn’t common knowledge.
Things to Know
Since these are machines, they have to follow a certain code and get rated on reliability using a special system. As you shop around, you’ll see different CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) numbers. In general, these numbers tell you how many pollutants the purifier will remove, and typically caps off at 450. However, it’s important to remember that some purifiers are incredible at removing contaminants because of their HEPA filters, but come with low CADR ratings because of their density. So, make sure to look at all the details with a grain of salt.
You’ll also notice that some machines come with a blue Energy Star sticker. If you see this sticker then it means the machine is energy-efficient. This means that the machine will be good for your lungs, the Earth’s lungs, and your electric bill. What a deal!
The last thing to consider is how well the machine will work for your room. Smaller purifiers tend to be best for smaller rooms and might have trouble cleaning anything larger than its recommended size. Make sure to read every detail on the box to make sure you get the perfect machine.
Our Top Choices
To save you some time (and some stress) we’ve compiled this short list of what we deem to be the best air purifiers for your family. If these don’t interest you, look at some of our other suggestions.
Honeywell InSight HPA5300B HEPA Air Purifier
Coming it at number one, this air purifier comes with an amazing HEPA, an Energy Star Sticker, and a CADR score of 355. Truly a triple whammy. This machine comes with four cleaning speeds, auto setting, and an indicator that lets you know the quality of your air. It works amazingly for any size room up to 500 square feet, which is pretty large. It’s $300, but its also one of the best on the market. So don’t let the price scare you.
Mooka Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Air Filter Cleaner
If your aesthetic is a little more futuristic then look no further than the Mooka Air Purifier. This purifier comes with 3 layers worth of filter and enough power to clean the air up to 430 square feet – all in a tiny package. The purifier also comes with quite a few settings so you can set it to what works best for your and your needs. It boasts one of the quietest processing powers on our list, with a brushless motor that only emits 20db worth of noise. It also works as a night light!
Winix 5500-2 pet Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter
This is by far the heftiest machine on the list. The Winix purification system comes fully loaded with a WASHABLE carbon filter and pre-filter and an Energy Star sticker, meaning it will make your lungs and pockets feel lighter than ever. It has 5 different fan speeds to choose from and can clean up to 1800 square feet (in an hour). This bad boy has a lower CADR rating than the rest – averaging at about 240. However, the advanced PlasmaWave technology and laundry list of certifications makes up for it.