Air Purifier Buying Guide: Why you Need One and Comparing: IQ Air, Austin Air, Air Doctor, AllerAir and AirPura

(if you want to skip to the air purifier buying guide scroll down to the section labelled “buying guide”)

Let's talk about the air your family is breathing

Take a deep breathe.  It is not very often that we stop to think about what we are breathing in, yet we do it over 20,000 times every day.  The reality is that the air we breathe is not always as pure as we would like to think it is.  Usually, the air is full of pollution, fragrances, cleaning products, paints, allergens, dust, pollen, mold spores,  and a long list of other stuff that can actually affect our health and our young children's health in both the short term or long term.

There are various reasons someone might consider buying a portable air purifier at home.

1. If you live in an area where air quality/pollution is an issue.

2. If you or someone in your home frequently works with certain art materials (paints, glazes etc) which give off dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOC's)

3. if you live near an agricultural area where pesticides are often sprayed

4. if you are remodeling or are moving into a recently built home

5. mold problems

6. Allergy sufferers (seasonal, pets, cigarette smoke etc)

*  I also have to say that we all sleep so much better when the air filter is on over night.   

Let's talk about just how serious each reason can be (or scroll down to my air purifier buying guide)....

1.  AIR POLLUTION

A  study published in September 2015 had a scary statistic: globally, air pollution is responsible for about 3.3 million premature deaths every year, more than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Things havent gotten much better.

HOW SERIOUS A PROBLEM IS AIR POLLUTION? 

Although in general the areas and populations most affected are in India and China, the United States made it on the list of the 'Top Ranked Countries of premature mortality linked to outdoor air pollution (2010)' , ranking #7 worldwide. In fact this last week carious US cities on the west coast help the top spots for worse air quality in the world due to recent forest fires.

According to the National Resource Council, approximately 64,000 people in the United States die prematurely from heart and lung disease every year due to particulate air pollution - more people than die each year in car accidents.  

As is the case with all toxic chemicals, children are often more affected due to their small size and developing organs.  Children see a higher incidents of  acute respiratory illness, increased incidence of respiratory symptoms and infections, episodes of longer duration, and lowered lung function resulting from prolonged exposure to air pollutants. (for more information son how unhealthy air quality affects children and pregnant women read this blog post “ Mitigating the Health Effects of Bad Air Quality on Children and Pregnant Women”

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR QUALITY WHERE I LIVE?

The World Air Quality Index, offers a new interactive map 

that broadcasts air-quality measurements from around the globe in real time.  This is a great tool that helping us see where in the world air quality is an issue. 

The map color-codes the data according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index scale (green = good; maroon = hazardous) and refreshes every 15 minutes to relay the latest breathing conditions. 

WHAT CAN I DO IT I LIVE IN A CITY WITH NOT THE BEST AIR QUALITY

If the air quality in your city reaches level orange or higher (or even yellow if you have young  children with respiratory issues) it might be a good idea to purchase an in home air filter (air filters might also be a good idea for allergy sufferers!) .  

More on that at the end of this post below!

2.  CONSTANT EXPOSURE TO VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC's) 

1. If you use cleaning, painting or hobby supplies you are probably exposing yourself to some toxic fumes and VOC's which would be affecting the air quality you breathes.

2.  If you are remodeling or are moving into a recently built home - even when  using Greenguard certified building materials, chances are some of the construction materials will be giving off VOC's like formaldehyde.   Kitchen cabinets, new closets, paint, caulking, hard flooring, carpets, composite wood products all give off VOCs

3. mold problems - 

4.  New furniture:  composite wood furniture and even solid wood furniture that uses conventional lacquer or paint can give off VOCs.

WHAT ARE VOC's?

Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, adhesives, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. They often are compounds of fuels, solvents, hydraulic fluids, paint thinners, and dry-cleaning agents commonly used in urban settings.

Products that containing VOCs release the chemicals into the air when they are used and when they are stored. Most often, you would notice an odor when using these products. Most of these products recommend that they should be used in well ventilated areas

WHAT PRODUCTS CONTAIN VOC's?

Many products contain VOC's- even nail polish and conventional cleaners!

Among products that can release higher levels of VOC's into the air you are breathing are: Fuel containers or devices using gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil and products with petroleum distillates: paint thinner, oil-based stains and paint, aerosol or liquid insect pest products, mineral spirits, furniture polishes, PVC cement and primer, various adhesives, contact cement, model cement, Paint stripper, adhesive (glue) removers, Aerosol spray products for some paints, cosmetics, automotive products, leather treatments, pesticides, Upholstered furniture, carpets, plywood, pressed wood productsThe National Institute of Health has a longer list of items that contain VOC's

HOW CAN VOC's AFFECT ME?

Short-term exposure to high levels of some VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, nausea, and eye and respiratory irritation. These effects usually go away after the exposure stops. In laboratory animals, long term exposure to high levels of some VOCs has caused cancer and affected the liver, kidney and nervous system.

As always, keep children away from any of these chemicals if they must be used.

HOW CAN I AVOID VOC's?

• open windows and allow ventilation of the room you are in. Do this DAILY

• switch from conventional cleaners to natural or home made ones

• consider buying an air filter if you must work constantly with these products (read more below)

3. ALLERGY SUFFERERS

My husband is a seasonal allergy sufferer, so I understand how desperate one can be to find help - any relief- when you suffer from allergies. Some people and company's claim that air purifiers help them with allergies (they do, after all, clean the air of allergens) however I did not find any real studies that showed scientific proof.

However many allergists do recommend air purifiers to their patients, as part of a multi step solution to combating allergens.

People who are allergic to pets, but can't bear to get rid of them, or who have neighbors or roommates that smoke might also be interested in air purifiers

AIR PURIFIER BUYING GUIDE

If you have decided that an air purifier can help your family, it is important to understand that not all air purifier are created equally. Even some well known brands don't live up to their claims. Air purifiers are not considered medical devices and thus they are not regulated.

It is helpful to understand why you want an air filter: is it for allergens? Is it to filter out VOCs and chemicals inside your home? Is it because you live with a smoker ? Do you have a hobby that uses products that emit chemicals? Do you live in an area with poor air quality due to trafffic? Are you affected by wildfire smoke? Once you know WHY it will be easier to determine WHICH TYPE is best to buy.

Yes these are often investments- but one that will last years- even decades (I have one I use daily that is over 12 years old)

 We have four top of the line air filters - all purchased with different reasons in mind:

• The first, a Blueair, for a new baby over 10 years ago while living in a polluted city (Mexico City) and in a newly built apartment (we wanted to reduce allergens and contaminants)

• In 2018 we purchased our second one, an Austin Air, after moving into our remodeled house.  Even though we chose many green construction options some things  escaped my picky eyes and the off gassing from our window frames, moldings and custom bathroom cabinetry led us to purchase a second air filter specifically to filter out VOCs.

• Then, after living in California 6 years and realizing that “fire season” brings terrible air quality every single year and having a highly allergic child we decided to invest in the third air filter - an IQ Air- to cover our downstairs living areas (the other two are in the bedrooms)

• Finally, just this summer, we moved into a newly constructed home that we did not build… so it was filled with high formaldehyde and VOC levels. WE needed the best filter for VOC and formaldehyde filtration for the bedrooms and so we purchased a 4th filter.

 For this guide in addition to new research- I mainly focused on the 5 filters that I have personally used - either at home or for more than a months time.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

There are two types of filters that are important in a quality air filter: 

• HEPA filter: HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate absorption, and to meet the government standard for this label, the filter must remove 99.97 percent of particles in the air that are 0.3 micrometers or larger. HEPA filters are best for removing most bacteria and allergens (such as dust, pollen, and mold). It cannot clean the air of odors, smoke, fumes, or chemicals. Specifically for PM 2.5 : HEPA filters have been found to filter roughly 55% of these fine particle matter contaminants

• Charcoal/CARBON filters: designed to filter out odors, smoke, fumes and chemicals (including VOCs and formaldehyde) . The heavier the carbon filter the better the filter will be at trapping and removing chemicals. Most well known air filters today contain HEPA filters, but not all contain carbon filters (or they contain very small amounts). If you are chemically sensitive or need to remove odors, smoke, fumes or VOCs you should make sure your filter of choice contains a substantial carbon filter.

ALSO CONSIDER….

Some air filters have a low upfront cost but a high ownership cost. What I mean by this is that you might pay less upfront to buy the unit but the cost of replacement filters can add up substantially. Below under each unit I reviewed I included the cost of filters over 5 years- as you can appreciate the cost of air filter replacements can be significant for some units.

For example (note: these are all approximations ultimately it will depend how often you use these. The IQ air is based on 10 hours of use a day) :

IQ Air Multigas (12 lbs carbon) : Cost of filters for 5 years is: $1168 , purchase price: $1299, total cost of ownership, 5 years: $2467

IQ Air HealthPro plus (5 lbs carbon) : Cost of filters for 5 years: $730 ,

Austin Air HEalthmate Plus (15 lbs carbon) : Cost of filters for 5 years $430, purchase price: $855 total cost of ownership, 5 years: $1285

Austin Air Bedroom Machine (15 lbs carbon) : Cost of filters for 5 years is: $570, purchase price: $994, total cost of ownership, 5 years: $1564

Air Doctor3000: (2.2 libs carbon) Cost of filters for 5 years is: $900

Air Doctor 5000 (3.3 lbs carbon) : Cost of filters for 5 years: $2774, purchase price: $999, total cost of ownership, 5 years: $2774

AirMedic Pro 5 HDS (22 lbs of carbon) : Cost of filters for 5 years: $3253, purchase price: $850, total cost of ownership, 5 years: $4103

• these are all TOP filters - particularly (due to the amount of carbon they contain except the Air Doctor) for wildfire, VOC and formaldehyde emission.

A NOTE ON CADR

Clean Air Delivery Rate, or CADR, is a measurement of an air purifier’s rate of airflow multiplied by the unit’s filtration efficiency. Many companies mention they have a high CADR however this number can be misleading…

An air purifier that circulates the air in a room at a higher rate, yet does so without efficiently removing contaminants, may earn a higher CADR than another air purifier that cleans air well but circulates the air at a more gradual rate. A higher level of filtration may require a slower rate of airflow. This allows for air purifiers with a low filtration efficiency but more rapid circulation to score a higher CADR. Additionally CADR does not take into consideration if a unit’s performance remains stable as time passes or if it decreases with time (this is often the case with some inexpensive units)

Airflow rate is important but a higher rate of filtration is what cleans your air….

1.BLUEAIR 

Blueair Classic 403 HEPASilent Air Purification System, Allergy, Smoke and Dust Reducer, Medium to Large Rooms 365 sq. ft., White

 This is first filter we purchased over 10 years ago. Back then it was amazing and one of the top filters available. This model is no longer available. Blue air has other models. While we love and conitnue to use our Blue Air 10 years later - there are some ‘better’ options available today . However BlueAir does have a small model (411) which is highly affordable (replacement filter cost is low too) and could be a good alternative for a nursery or bedroom or office if you are looking to mainly filter out allergens and not necessarily VOCs (it does have a thin carbon layer which helps with cooking and pet smells)

• $: Blueair not has 4 filter models that start at $119 and the most expensive is $439

PURE 411

cost: $119

room size: ideal for bedroom or office (161 sq. feet)

filter type: HEPASilent™ filtration with a particle filter layer helps to minimize the airborne particles that can trigger allergy symptoms, including pollen, dust, mold spores, pet dander, viruses, bacteria, and fine smoke particles and a layer of activated coconut carbon absorbs light gases, including (very light) volatile organic compounds (VOC), smog, chemicals, and annoying household odors from pets, smoke, and cooking.

Filter replacement :every 6 months cost: $21

HEPA filtration system: HEPASilent® technology captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns

Pros

• super quiet operation at low setting

• extreme energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR qualified

• one of the highest Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) on the market, which means it will move air more quickly as it cleans.

• considered 'stylish': Winner of Excellent Swedish Design award and a permanent spot in Stockholm's National Design Museum

Cons:

• have to switch filters every 3-6 months

• Pure 411 is affordable but will not filter out VOCs . It has a thin carbon filter which will filter out some odors

Blue Air Blue Pure 211+

Cost: $299.99

room size: Up to 540 square feet

Types of filters: comes standard with a Combination Particle + Carbon filter for light household odors - with the option to upgrade to the Extra Protection Filter with activated coconut carbon pellets to absorb heavy gases, odors, and chemicals from your home environment.. Upgraded version has 2-4 lbs of activated carbon

Filter replacement cost (5 years) : $600 for filters

2.  IQ AIR

I first tried the IQ air during a water filtration problem we had in our new house that resulted in mold.  It was lent to me and we used it before, during and after the mold was dealt with and during the work on the wall.  I loved it- but it is huge and expensive (they offer 0% financing options) .  It is hands down one - if not the top- air filter on the market and so I recommend for people who have serious allergy problems, chemical sensitivities, respiratory issues, live in cities with very unhealthy air quality or live in fire prone areas.

I purchased one last week for my home.

PROS:

• - IQAir's revolutionary HyperHEPA filtration system is proven to capture particles 100 times smaller, down to 0.003 microns; the smallest particle that exists.

• - V-5 Cell™ chemical & odor filter contains 5 lbs of coal-based activated carbon and potassium permanganate impregnated alumina

• - HyperHEPA® filter exceeds HEPA standard - passes the world’s most stringent HEPA filter test EN1822, 99.95% efficient at 0.22 microns, 99.5% efficient at 0.16 microns

• - 6 fan speeds

• - High powered yet quiet fan motor can cover large or small areas effectively. Swiss quality - built to exacting specifications in Switzerland.

• - only replace the filter that needs replacing, saving you money in replacement costs over the life of the product.

• - Integrated filter life monitor takes all the guesswork out of filter replacement.

• - Very low energy consumption.

CONS

• - Size (it's large)

• - Initial cost (the long-term ownership costs are relatively low though, due to the modular filter design, long lasting filters, and top quality components use

• - quite loud in the highest setting

  IQ AIR GC MultiGas (this is the model I purchased)

• cost: $1299.00

• USes: Top of the line for : wildfire and smoke, traffic VOC and formaldehyde filtration (or other gaseous organic and inorganic chemicals)

• Filter type: 12 lbs. (5.4 kg.) of premium activated carbon from high-quality bituminous coal provides the maximum number of micropores. Alumina pellets impregnated with potassium permanganate remove formaldehyde from the air, and post filters wrap each cylinder to further filter the air. HyperHEPA filtration of particles of all sizes.

• Room size: Up to 1240 sq. ft.

• Filter Replacement: $1168 for 5 years of filters. Total investment cost for 5 years is: $2467

  IQ AIR HealthPro Compact

• cost: $799.00

• USes: ideal for allergy sufferers including pollen, pet dander, and mold spores

• Filter type: V5-Cell Granular Activated Carbon Adsorption & Pelletized Chemisorption: eliminates volatile organic compounds (the cause of odors) and other harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. HyperHEPA Filtration: Eliminates fine and ultrafine particles like bacteria, viruses, and combustion particles.

• Room size: Up to 1240 sq. ft.

• Filter Replacement: 3 years 9 months ($69 + $199 = $268). Cost for 5 years: $354 Total investment cost for 5 years is: $1153

3. AUSTIN AIR

The Austin Air HealthMate has continuously tested number one for VOC elimination in various independent tests.   It contains both a HEPA and carbon filter.

I would recommend for chemically sensitive and people who have a need to remove smoke, fumes, VOCs.  This is the filter we purchased after moving into our new, remodeled, home.

PROs

• - massive 15-pound activated-carbon filter bested all other air purifiers by a wide margine

• - FEMA and the Red Cross chose Austin Air units for deployment at Ground Zero and the surrounding areas in the aftermath of 9/11

• - cleans areas up to 700 sq feet (the 'normal' not junior model cleans larger areas)

• -This can help to remove sub-micron particles and other forms of chemicals and noxious gases: including pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, chemical gases and other harmful substances from the air

CONS 

• - a bit loud on the highest setting but not too loud in medium or low setting.

• - $$$

Austin Air Healthmate PLus ( I have their Healthmate Jr model in my kids room and Healthmate Plus in my room)

• CostL $855

• Uses: Those looking for protection against contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, Individuals with indoor air quality concerns (formaldehyde and VOC) , chemicals and gases including smoke and traffic exhaust.

• Filter Type: a blend of activated carbon and zeolite capable of absorbing chemicals, odors and gases as well as true medical grade HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance). The HEPA in this filter traps 99.97% of all particles down to 0.3 microns in size. Contains 15 lbs of activated carbon

• filter replacement: change every 5 years ($430) Total investment cost for 5 years is $1285

• Room size: HealthMate Plus: 1500 sq. ft. HealthMate Plus Jr.: 375 sq. ft.

Austin Air Bedroom Machine

• Cost: $994

• Uses: For Those looking for protection against contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, Those who have difficulty sleeping or have poor quality sleep, Individuals that suffer from COPD, allergy and asthma attacks at night

• Filter Type: Medical Grade HEPA effectively removes 95% of airborne viruses that are 0.1 microns and larger. Contains a 5th stage of HEGA ((High Efficiency Gas Arrestance) )filtration, for the removal of viruses, bacteria, chemicals and gases. 15 lbs Carbon blend that filters gases, odors and VOCs

• filter replacement: every 5 years ($485) Total investment cost for 5 years is

• Room size: 1500 square feet

4. AIR DOCTOR 3000 & 5000

This air filter is very popular on social media. It has a good filtration level, a small amount of carbon filtration and has great prices and sales. I used one all summer and noticed it did not feel as effective as my Austin air, Blueair nor experience with IQ air. This does not mean it is a bad filter…. it is a good one to consider - especially considering their sales pricing and if you are looking for dust/ allergen filtration- . I would not recommend as a top option for VOC/ formaldehyde/ wildfire filtration (although it does have a small carbon filter that can definitely filter out some of these) but think it is a good alternative for allergens.

One thing to note, although the up front cost is low, the cost of filters adds up over time. They have 2 newer models the Air Doctor 5000 (larger) and the Air doctor 1000 (smaller)

PROS

• pricing and special discounts

• can filter our both allergens and a small amount of VOCs (they have a carbon filter but much lighter/smaller that what the Austin Air and IQ air have)

• quiet even its highest setting is not too loud

CONS

• while they do have a carbon filter for VOC filtration, which many mainstream filters do not have, it is 2.2 lbs of carbon (vs Austin’s 15 lbs and IQ’s 12 lbs. The larger 5000 model has 3.3 lbs of carbon)

• cost of ownership adds up when you factor in filtration replacement costs

SPECS

• Cost: $629 (although if you find someone on Instagram who is an affiliate you can get $200-$300 off)

• Filter type: UltraHEPA™ captures particle down to 0.003 Microns and 2.2 lbs carbon filter

• Filter replacement: 6 months for the Gas Trap VOC filter ($60) and 12 months for the UltraHEPA™ filter ($60). Cost of filters in 5 years is $900.

• Total investment cost for 5 years is : $1521 (for the Air Doctor 5000 total ownership cost after 5 years is: $2774)

• Room size: The company claims “ 900 sq. ft. room three times every hour and a 450 sq. ft. room six times every hour.” Based on my experience I would say the smaller size the better … I did not feel it was very effective in larger rooms.

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The following filters I have also researched and seem like good alternatives if they fit your needs… I do not have personal experience with any of these.

Airpura f600 air purifier

• Cost: $850

• Uses: What sets this air filter apart is both the amount of activated carbon its filter has (18 lbs.) It also has a HEPA filter- it is sold and designed specifically for formaldehyde removal

• Filter Type: 3 filters: Pre-filter: (Outer pre-filter traps large particles you can easily see such as dust, hair, lint, and pet dander.) Carbon Filter:
  ( contains 18 lbs of 2" deep carbon which has been specially treated to adsorb formaldehyde) True HEPA Filter: (40 sq ft of certified medical-grade True HEPA filter media)

• Total investment cost for 5 years is $1930

• Room size: 1125 square feet
  

  Airpura V600

• Cost: $800

• Uses: This filter is designed specifically to filter out toxins from wildfires, places with poor outdoor air quality (high traffic areas) and locations in proximity to agricultural industries.

• Filter Type: 3 filters: Pre-filter: (Outer pre-filter traps large particles you can easily see such as dust, hair, lint, and pet dander.) Carbon Filter:
  ( contains 18 lbs of 2" deep carbon upgrades to up to 22 lbs of carbon are available) True HEPA Filter: (40 sq ft of certified medical-grade True HEPA filter media)

• Total investment cost for 5 years is $1805

• Room size: 2000 square feet
  

Allerair AirMedic Pro 5 Ultra S (400 CFM)

• Cost: $ 1050

• Uses: high performance smoke air purifier made to handle cigarette smoke, wood burning smoke, wildfires, marijuana smoke plus chemicals, VOC, and other odors.It’s specially designed for the wide range of air quality issues caused by smoke.

• Filter Type: 28-30 lbs of activated carbon filtration, super HEPA & a Tar barrier prefilter

• Total investment cost for 5 years is $2077 (if you replace carbon filter every 5 years if you replace every 2 years its$2477

• Room size: 1500 square feet

Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier, White (and black)

This air filter received top marks from various reviewers and testers online.   IT seems to be the best value for your dollar - an ideal choice for those looking for an air filter to help with allergies (pollen, dust ect).

PROS

• - compact size, light and easy to move around

• - modern design

• -quiet

• - energy efficient

• - Services rooms up to 361 square feet

• - good price

CONS

• does not filter chemical pollutants like pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, chemical gases and other harmful substances from the air

  SPECS

• Cost: $299.99

• Room size: 361 square feet

• Filter Type: four-stage filtration air purifier combines a pre-filter, an odorization filter, a true HEPA filter, and a bipolar device reduce contaminants in the air. NO carbon filter