Breathe Cleaner: The Best HEPA Air Purifier of 2024 | Oransi (2024)

FAQs

Is there anything better than HEPA? ›

ULPA filters trap more and smaller particulate matter than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are 99.999% effective at removing submicron particulate matter of 0.12-micron diameter or larger, while HEPA filters are 99.97% effective for eliminating particulate matter of 0.3-micron diameter or larger.

HEPA (high efficiency particulate air [filter]) is a type of pleated mechanical air filter. This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm), which can include dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.

H13-H14 HEPA are within the highest tier of HEPA air filtration and are considered medical-grade. “A HEPA grade of H13 can remove 99.95% of all particles in the air measuring 0.2 microns in diameter, while a HEPA grade H14 removes 99.995%,” says Nagl.

What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is an industry standard that tests how much air can be cleaned and how fast clean air can be delivered. The results show that Blueair air purifiers clean air more effectively and deliver a higher volume of clean air faster than using typical HEPA filtration¹.

HEPA filters may cause air to become too dry. Finally, some HEPA filters may produce ozone, which is an unhealthy gas that can irritate the lungs. If your home or certain office areas are frequented by individuals who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, HEPA filters may prove to be of great value.

Part of the reason that HEPA filters are so rarely used in HVAC systems is that they are extremely restrictive in terms of airflow. This means that the system needs to be extremely powerful and use additional fans in order to properly draw air through the HEPA filter and circulate it throughout the room or building.

They are expected remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns in diameter, while particles smaller or larger than 0.3 microns are removed with an even higher efficiency. The recommendation for routine HEPA filter replacement is every 10 years.

Headaches, sore throat, coughing, Asthma attacks, and difficulty breathing are a few of the symptoms that can be brought on by some air purifiers. Yes, that's right. Your air purifier may actually aggravate many of the health issues you hoped it would solve.

For this reason, the equipment can stand in the living room during the day, while in the bedroom at night. Do not forget about the height of the position of the purifier. Specialists recommend placing the device on the floor, because it is near the ground that there is a higher concentration of pollutants.

Where should I put my air purifier? ›

Air purifiers work by circulating air, and they need space to do it. Air purifiers should be at least 6 inches away from walls, doors, or furniture. Running the device in tight spaces or with other items nearby reduces the amount of airflow the device can generate with its intake fan.

It is! But ULPA is technically better. ULPA stands for Ultra-Low Particulate Air. It's defined as being 99.9995% effective in removing particles smaller than 0.12 microns in diameter.

HEPA filters will also not remove VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, as they are also too small. Still, HEPA filter technology can be combined with other technologies that will remove these things from your air too.

It is an acronym for "high efficiency particulate air [filter]" (as officially defined by the U.S. Dept. of Energy). This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).

Expensive air filters often have a higher MERV rating than cheap air filters, which means that they have a larger surface area to filter and can trap smaller particles. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value,” and it's a measure of how well an air filter can remove particles from the air.

Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, while an AQI value over 300 represents hazardous air quality.

HEPA Filters

With a MERV rating nearing 16, HEPA filters provide the highest protection for your home. They're able to remove even the smallest microns or airborne particles, including tobacco and bacteria.

It is important to select a room air cleaner specific for your room size. A general rule to consider is the “2/3 rule” – find an air cleaner with a CADR that is at least 2/3 the square footage of the space.