Do you know that most people buy the worst air purifier for their homes?
Not knowing how to choose the right machines, these people allow the late-night infomercials to educate them on the right air cleaning machines to buy. And of course, letting those spokesmen tell you what to do is like leaving your neck on the chopping block.
I will let you know how to buy the best air cleaner for your home. It will not be based on the infomercial knowledge but based on my experience as an air cleaner salesperson. These are the things that should be in your checklist if you are shopping for one.
1. Avoid Ozone Producing Machines
This should be your first priority. Ozone producing models are hazardous for your health. If you do not believe me, please Google for “ozone + health effect” and see it for yourself.
To make sure you do not buy ozone producing machine, buy one labelled as HEPA air purifiers. These are military standard filters designed to clean the air from harmful gases. The machines are more expensive but they are safe. If the machine is labelled as “ionic” or “electrostatic” air cleaning machine, it may produce ozone.
2. Check your spaces
If you are planning to buy a machine just for your room, you do not have to spend up to a thousand dollar for a machine. Estimate the size of your room and find a machine that is suitable for the size.
A lot of machines are expensive because those are designed for big spaces – such as your living room. So, if you choose a smaller one that fits your room size, you will save a lot of money.
3. Calculate carefully
Be a savvy buyer. Calculate the long term cost of owning an air purifying machine before you say yes to the salesperson. A lot of machines may look cheap but will burden you to no end with short lived filters.
Find a machine that have long warranties. Warranties for air purifier varies from one year to a lifetime.
4. Keep your eye on the brands
Because the market is lucrative, the number of companies entering the air cleaning business is huge. The best bet is to buy machines from companies with good track records.
Machines like IQAir, BlueAir, Austin or Alen have all been proven effective either by a virus outbreak (where IQAir was used) or by independent testing by manufacturer associations.
Ignore machines that comes out of a tv infomercials. Those machines are cleverly marketed but are mostly ineffective.
5. Buy one that fits your needs
Air cleaners vary from one that is designed to clean indoor air pollution to one that controls toxic gases.
If you have no respiratory problems and live in a normal neighborhood, a simple machine like one from Alen is suitable. However for more serious pollution you can look at IQAir for better control. For those who are very sensitive to multiple substances, Allerair may be more suitable.
In short, there are variety of items tailored to the needs of certain group of people. Just pick the one that is suitable for you.
I write this guide to help those who are about to buy the right model. I have seen many people asking about this in forums and Yahoo Answers. I hope you would find it beneficial in your quest to find the right air purifier for your home