Air is an essential component in survival for all humans, and clean air is necessary to maintain a healthy life. Unfortunately, breathing the purest air is challenging when several pollutants are present indoors, such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, household chemicals, and tobacco smoke.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that indoor levels of pollutants maybe two to five times higher than outdoor levels [1].
Whether you have a weekly home cleaning plan schedule or take out your cleaning equipment when you notice dust, cleaning the air is probably never on your agenda. Well, how do you clean something you can’t see? This is where air purifiers step in and take over. An air purifier is a device that removes pollutants in the air within a room.
An efficient air purifier can clean the air by reducing dust, allergens, and protect your home from the aftermath of smoke. But, choosing the right air purifier is a significant component of ensuring that the air you breathe is clean. Not all air purifiers are created equal, so we have compiled a list containing the best air purifier for dust and other particles that contribute to unhealthy air. Many of the top 10 HEPA Air Purifiers also capture airborne bacteria and viruses.
This guide has evaluated the power, controls, specifications, and ratings of several different air purifiers to help you find the best one for your home. It includes effective products, some of which are California Air Resources Board (CARB) [2] or Energy Star [3] certified to ensure their quality.
Check out this guide to explore the ultimate air purifier options and make an informed decision about which one to add to your home.
The Top 8 Best Air Purifiers for Dust
Product Image | Product Name | Power Source | Coverage Area/Range | Approx. Weigh | View Latest Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier with UV Light Sanitizer | Corded Electric | 743 sq. ft. | 8.55 lbs | View Price | |
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier with Air Quality Monitoring | Corded Electric | 361 sq. ft. | 12. 3 lbs | View Price | |
Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier Extra-Large Room | Corded Electric | 465 fq. ft. | 17 lbs | View Price | |
Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto Small Room Air Purifier | AC | 190 sq. ft. | N/A | View Price | |
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier, Heater + Fan - HEPA Air Filter | AC | 290 sq. ft. | 19 lbs | View Price | |
Medify MA-40 Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Filter | Corded Electric | 1,600 sq | 15 lbs | View Price | |
HATHASPACE Air Purifier for Home Large Room with True HEPA Air Filter | AC | 700 sq. ft. | 12 lbs | View Price | |
Alen FLEX Air Purifier, Quiet Air Flow for Large Rooms | AC | 700 sq. ft. | 12 lbs | View Price |
Product Overview:
The Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier is a powerful product that reduces up to 99.97% of harmful germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens as small as .3 microns from the air. With over 46 000 global ratings at an average of 4.7 stars, the air purifier keeps its promise to help you live in a clean environment. It is the best air purifier for dust allergies for all the right reasons.
Due to its ability to adjust to different rooms, it can over anywhere small or large rooms efficiently. The smaller the room, the more air changes per hour, allowing you to breathe clean air at any capacity.
The device keeps its promise to eliminate all the germs possible with high Clean Air Delivery Rate & Energy (CADT) Tested numbers. With high numbers and efficiency at cleaning smoke, dust, and pollen, the Germ Guardian cleans the air at lightning speed.
Special Highlights:
The unit is equipped with a UV-C light [4] that destroys airborne germs and viruses as soon as they arise. Due to its powerful, robust performance, the light is an excellent addition to the air purifier.
Pros
- Can cover large space
- Tackles different types of air toxins
- Includes UV-C light that makes the device more powerful
Cons
- Customer complaints about an electric burning smell
Product Overview:
Coway products are well-known due to the company’s reputation for producing award-winning products. Coway won the good design award for the 15th consecutive year in 2021 [5], making it a safe choice for many households.
The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH has a four-stage filtration system: pre-filter, activated carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and ionizer. A combination of the four steps allows the device to thoroughly clean the air and improve the quality of your home.
Due to its many benefits, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH is approved by the British Allergy Foundation [6], making it the best air purifier for dust mite allergies, along with its other benefits.
Special Highlights:
The air purifier contains a pollution sensor that communicates indoor air quality in real-time. The brightly coloured LED lights indicate how clean or dirty the air is every minute of the day. Along with this feature, the timer allows the device to run for a specific time before automatically powering off.
Pros
- Effective filtration system for clean air
- Pre-filter catches large particles
- Pollution sensor allows you to know when air is dirty/clean
- The timer feature allows the device to save power
- Quiet operation
- Energy Star certified; CARB approved
Cons
- No warranty for filters
- No child/pet lock feature
Product Overview:
The Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier is one of our top choices due to its superior particle filter. As of the top-selling Honeywell air purifiers models, it fulfills its promise to help you keep your home’s air clean.
The product consists of easy controls that allow you to easily use the product to maintain your home’s air quality. It also has a carrying handle to help you move the air purifier around. However, the device might be big too heavy to carry easily.
Special Highlights:
The filter indicates when it’s time for you to change or clean the filter, allowing you to always be up to date with your home’s air needs. Consumer Reports tested the air purifier and scored a high for dust, pollen, and smoke removal [7]. This is an ideal product for houses with smokers as an air purifier for smoke is one of the best ways to clean polluted indoor air.
Use only certified Honeywell REPA replacement filters to ensure that the Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier performs best. Taking care of your air purifier will allow it to effectively protect your home from microscopic airborne allergens, particles and smoke. It is the best air purifier for dust removal due to its many features.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Great at moving dust, smoke, and pollen
- Easy to operate
- It has a programmable timer
- Easy to clean and replace the filter
- Includes carrying handle
Cons
- Relatively loud
- High filter replacement costs
Key Features:
- Third-party tested for performance by the AHAM Verified Program for a Clean Air Delivery Rate of Smoke 123, Pollen 96, Dust 107
- Removes 99% of fine particles from wildfires
- Intuitive Auto mode
- Combination filter; Carbon traps light odors; HEPA Silent technology removes 99.97% of airborne particles
- Low noise and energy
Product Overview:
The Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto Small Room Air Purifier monitors your room’s air quality and adjusts the fan speed accordingly. You can keep the device on and continue your daily activities while the air purifier ensures that you’re breathing clean air.
The aesthetically pleasing device is recommended for small rooms, such as a nursery, home office, or bedroom. It is the best air purifier for mold and dust mites as it will ensure that your home is free of any airborne particles at all times, thanks to its sensor. The combination filter traps light odours and removes 99.9% of airborne particles like pollen, dust, and viruses.
Special Highlights:
The Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto Small Room Air Purifier, among its other specialties, removes 99% of fine particles from wildfires. The National Interagency Fire Center has documented an average of approximately 70,000 wildfires per year since 1983, making it a prevalent issue in the United States [8]. Having an air purifier that removes fine particles from wildfires will ensure that your home is always safe for all its members.
Pros
- Effective at removing wildfire particles
- Automatically adjusts to real-time conditions reported by the particle sensor
- Includes a combination filter for thorough cleaning
- Low noise and energy on low speed
Cons
- Only covers small spaces
- Not the best air purifier for dust and pet hair
Product Overview:
This modernized air purifier is every tech lover’s dream. The Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier is equipped with the best functions and provides value for its price tag. Although the price is higher, it covers three essential jobs in one: air purifying, heating, and cooling via a fan. The backward airflow ensures that your home gets purified without leaving it too hot or cold.
The air multiplier technology delivers over 77 gallons per second of smooth yet powerful airflow. The 350 degree of oscillation ensures that you can direct the device to focus on the areas you need it most with ten airspeeds. It is the best air purifier for dust and pet hair, so you and your fur babies can enjoy a home with clean air.
Special Highlights:
This unique air purifier is Wi-Fi connect, and Alexa enabled. Staying connected to the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier via Wi-Fi will allow you to see accurate time reports, control your machine from a distance, and create schedules with the Dyson Link app. The voice control function with Alexa will update you on the indoor air quality.
Pros
- Multiple functions in one
- The LCD makes it easier to know the air quality
- HEPA filter tackles a wide range of allergens
- Oscillation allows for broad reach
- Technologically advanced
Cons
- Quite pricy
- Replacing filters might be costly
Product Overview:
The Medify MA-40 Air Purifier is the best air purifier for dust removal in large spaces. It cleans up to 1,600 sq ft in 30 minutes and is an ideal choice for home and commercial spaces. The HEPA H13 filtration system ensures that 99.9% of particles, including odors, smoke, pet dander, dust, is eliminated efficiently.
Due to its promising performance has been quality tested and backed by CARB, Energy Star, and ETL. In addition, the USA registered lifetime warranty provides peace of mind because you’ll receive support every step of the way. However, it would help if you used genuine replacement filters with the cleaner at all times to qualify for warranty support.
Special Highlights:
One of the best aspects of the Medify MA-40 Air Purifier is its ability to be ultra-quiet as it does its job. You can choose from three fan speeds, and the lowest setting creates almost no sound, allowing you to use it during work or other vital activities. If you prefer that the purifier remains discreet, enable sleep mode to dim the unit’s panel lights.
Pros
- Can work efficiently in large spaces
- Minimal to no noise
- Touch screen operation on the device looks nice
- Quality tested and verified by professional entities
Cons
- Not too easy to carry around
- Replacing filters could be costly
Product Overview:
Your hunt for the best air purifier for dust mite allergies might come to an end with the HATHASPACE Air Purifier. The True HEPA air purifier is ideal for homes with pets, residents with asthma, or smokers.
The HATHASPACE Air Purifier purifies the air with its 5-in-1 filter system, targeting pollen, tobacco smoke, odors, and more. Living close to a construction site may even be the best air purifier for construction dust. Even if you keep your doors and windows closed most of the time, construction dust can creep into your home, adversely impacting the air quality. So, an air purifier can reverse the damages with its powers.
Special Highlights:
This smart air purifier contains a smart air quality sensor that detects pollutants in the air, adjusting the fan in real-time. The digital display on the machine reveals your air quality level so that you’re aware of the quality of the air you’re breathing.
Pros
- Enhanced purifying system
- It also tackles odors efficiently
- It comes with a 2-year warranty
- Protection from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Cons
- The build is not high-quality
Product Overview:
The Alen FLEX Air Purifier comes in six different colors, allowing you to pick the best suits your home’s aesthetics. You can choose from three sizes, depending on the type of air particle you’re aiming to purify. Since this is one of the best air purifiers for mold and dust mites, all sizes can tackle mold or dust problems.
High amounts of crystalline silica dust can lead to upper respiratory issues in cats and humans [9]. Although cat litter is not generally toxic, inhaling the dust could pose health risks to both humans and pets. An air purifier can eliminate the toxins from the dust for clean air. Due to its Medical Grade H13 True HEPA layer may also be the best air purifier for cat litter dust.
Special Highlights:
One of the most impressive things about the Alen FLEX Air Purifier is that it cleans the air without consuming high energy levels. With its 50 Watts on turbo speed, the device ensures that the lowest setting does not contribute extensively to the electric bill.
Pros
- Cleans air very fast, so it is cost-effective
- Uses medical grade H13 True HEPA
- Recommended for a wide range of air toxins
- Features a sleep mode
Cons
- Not easy to move around due to weight
- The product is on the pricier end
Air Purifier Buying Guide
Even if you think you’ve pinned down the best air purifier for dust mites or other air particles in your home, it may still be challenging to figure out if that’s the right one for your home. A little more background information can help you make a decision you don’t regret in the future, especially if you purchase an expensive air purifier.
What Air Purifiers Can Do for You
Dust Mites
Although air purifiers are known for their ability to clean the air, one common question often arises: Do air purifiers help reduce dust? Finding the best air purifier for dust mites is straightforward when you know what to look for in the product.
High-efficiency particulate air filters, known as HEPA filters, can remove up to 99.97% of dust particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm), according to EPA [10].
Fresh Air
When air purifiers use their filtration system to clean the air, you can breathe in the fresh air. Fresh air without toxins is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Indoor Air Quality
Air purifiers improve indoor air quality by killing dust particles, dander, smoke, and other harmful components living in the air. To assess the air condition in your home, you can use an air quality monitor before and after purchasing an air purifier. Read our air quality monitor reviews to make an educated decision about your purchase.
Mold Spores
Exposure to mold spores can eventually become determinantal to health. Air purifiers with strong HEPA filters or UV radiation lights can eliminate mold spores in your home.
Pet Dander
Any bits of a pet’s skin can trigger reactions for those with allergies. According to the American Lung Association, individuals with allergies or asthma can face respiratory issues, leading to a decline in the ability of the lungs to function. A good air purifier can remove pet dander and reduce the chances of health risks for all residents in the home.
Cat litter dust is another form of particle that can affect health. Finding the best air purifier for cat litter dust will allow you to eliminate the problem.
Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. The concentration of many VOCs is up to ten times higher indoors [11]. The right air purifier can target and kill VOCs to reduce toxins in the air.
Things to Consider While Buying an Air Purifier
As the need to purchase an air purifier rises, it is critical to consider a few factors before choosing one for your home. Here are some things to consider while picking the best air purifier for dust allergies and other airborne particles.
Certifications
Many air purifiers available today are tested, verified, or certified by entities specializing in air quality. Many products are certified by EPA or Energy Star. Read the description of your shortlisted air purifiers and find out if any credible entities back them up.
You may also notice an AHAM Verifide seal on some products, which means that the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers has tested the model [12].
Another thing to consider is the clean air delivery rates (CADRs). The CADR indicates the volume of clean air that an air purifier produces on its highest speed setting, in cubic feet per minute.
HEPA Filtration
Many air purifiers contain High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration system for enhanced performance. Air purifiers following the HEPA standard and certifications can trap 99.97% of particles with 0.3 microns.
Room Size
It is essential to know the square feet of the room you want to place the air purifier. After you figure out the size, find an air purifier that covers that space. Depending on the size of the room, you can decide if you need a compact heavy air purifier. If you go for a model capable of purifying the air in a slightly larger space than your actual room size, it may be more effective.
Noise Rating
Consider the noise emission levels before selecting your air purifier. The space you place the air purifier may also play a role in how noisy the air purifier should be. For example, an air purifier for the bedroom should have a noise rating of less than 50dB to ensure your sleep isn’t disrupted.
Air Change Per Hour
The air change (ACH) rate per hour is the number of times a cleaner can clean the total volume of air in a room within an hour. Air purifiers with more than 4 ACH are generally better at removing microscopic allergens.
Technology
Think about the type of technology you want your air purifier to possess. With the array of options available today, some air purifiers possess more features than others. Some air purifiers detect the air quality in the room and automatically clean the air, while others may be Wi-Fi enabled.
If you want to purchase a device that does two jobs in one, consider an air purifier and humidifier combo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Purifiers
Are Air Purifiers Really Worth it?
It is common to doubt the abilities of an air purifier since some of them come with a hefty price tag. However, they are worth adding to your home because they can remove allergens and other pollutants from the air, improving the quality of air in your home.
To make a better decision about your purchase, read reviews online and focus on ratings from other users. You may find your best fit by looking into the vast options available.
What Are the Benefits of Air Purifiers?
Removes Harmful Chemicals
The main benefit of an air purifier is its ability to eliminate harmful chemicals from the air that could arise from mold, wildfire smoke, pet dander, and VOCs. Some indoor pollutants can even lead to more considerable health risks. Studies from the National Library of Medicine revealed that exposure to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide PM increases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease [13].
Relives Symptoms of Allergies & Asthma
Many air purifiers are known to reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma. Pollen, dust mites, and dander can trigger reactions for people with allergies. An air purifier, such as the HATHASPACE, cleans the air and improves your health. Finding the best air purifier for allergies is straightforward because we have outlined the best products for your convenience.
Reduces Risk of Airborne Diseases
Many airborne diseases, such as viruses, colds and flu, can spread through particles in the air. Although an air purifier cannot prevent a disease from occurring, the HEPA filters can capture these bacteria and viruses and reduce the risk of spreading.
Eliminates Unpleasant Odors
You may notice an odor from smoke, gasoline, paint, cooking, or other components in your home. Many of these odors can be unappealing. Fortunately, you can find a portable air purifier to carry around and use in any room that may consist of an unpleasant odor. An air purifier, such as the Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto Small Room Air Purifier, neutralizes the smell while reducing indoor pollutants causing the smell.
Controls Outdoor Particles
Sometimes, outdoor particles creep into your home and create an unpleasant living environment. One of the most common outdoor particles is construction dust if you live in an area with ongoing construction. The best air purifier for construction dust will reduce the impact of the particles and remove pollutants from the air.
What is the Best Air Purifier?
The number one air purifier on the market can vary based on your specific needs. Any HEPA air purifier with advanced functions is considered an excellent choice. The air purifiers perceived as the best air purifier in 2021 and beyond are potent products that can reduce the spread of COVID-19.
You can make an informed decision about the best air purifier for dust in 2024 by reading reviews and comparing what each device offers. Our top choice, the Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier, is available at Costco if you’re interested in purchasing the product in person. Many of the Costco air purifiers are available online on Amazon and other platforms.
Will an Air Purifier Help with COVID?
As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, many people have been on a mission to find the best air purifier for COVID. Air purifiers and HVAC filters can reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses. However, air-cleaning or filtration by itself is not enough to protect people from COVID-19 [14].
Along with other measures to maintain safety, such as social distancing and wearing masks, you can purchase an air purifier to reduce the risk of contracting germs. The Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier efficiently kills germs and bacteria.
Do Air Purifiers Work for Wildfire Smoke?
Some air purifiers can combat wildfire smoke and reduce its negative impact on health if you find the right product. HEPA filters are great at the task. Look for specific features that allow an air purifier to efficiently remove smoke from the air more efficiently.
Another factor determining the air purifier’s effectiveness is its circulation. Using an air purifier that covers the entire room efficiently is generally a safe option. The Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier, Heater + Fan does an excellent job at reducing toxins from wildfire smoke. Other air purifiers that can also offer similar benefits are the Honeywell HPA300 HEPA Air Purifier and Blueair Blue Pure 411 Auto Small Room Air Purifier.
Are Air Purifiers Bad for You?
Despite its many benefits, air purifiers are sometimes perceived as harmful. Some air purifiers can pose health risks if they emit ozone. They can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. High levels of exposure to ozone can negatively impact your respiratory system [15]. However, air purifiers with HEPA filters or activated carbon filters are generally safe and are not bad for you. Research is the trick to finding an air purifier that won’t impact your health.
Tips to Take Care of Your Air Purifier
You can get the most out of your air purifier by taking care of it. Here are some steps you can take to maximize the potential of your air purifier.
Position Your Unit Thoughtfully
Placing your air purifier in a spot where there is no airflow obstruction is a great way to ensure that it operates efficiently. If your device isn’t heavy, you can place it on a shelf or table to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Regularly Clean or Replace Filters
Using dirty filters for a prolonged time can reduce the air purifier effectiveness. Read the owner’s manual that comes with your air purifier for detailed instructions on when to clean or replace the filter.
Keep Area Around the Device Clean
If the area around the purifier is dirty or filled with dust, the air purifier will use most of its power to keep that area clean before cleaning the air. Regular dusting the table and vacuuming the floor will take the pressure off the air purifier, allowing it to focus on cleaning the air.
Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Although air purifiers are an excellent way to maintain your home’s indoor air quality, there are other things you can do for maximum cleanliness.
Clean Home Regularly
Air purifiers can remove small particles, but they cannot eliminate bigger allergens, such as pet hair. Regularly vacuum your floor and carpets and dust your furniture to reduce dirt in your home.
Let Outdoor Air In
When the temperature outside is pleasant, ventilate your home by keeping windows open. If you live in an area that doesn’t have too much pollution, you can enjoy clean outdoor air once in a while.
Use Exhaust Fans
Make it a habit to use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to ensure that the unpleasant leaves your home. It can also reduce the impact of odors as exhaust fans can take smells away.
Avoid Using Chemicals
Many cleaning products include harmful chemicals that can contribute adversely to the air quality in your home. Reduce the use of chemical-heavy products to improve the air quality.
Breathe in Quality Air with Your New Air Purifier
An air purifier can rapidly filter out the most common airborne allergens, mold, dust mites, and smoke. After picking the suitable unit for your home, observe the positive changes in the indoor air quality of your home.
You can also benefit from other improvements, such as peaceful sleep. An air purifier can help you in many ways, allowing you to live a better quality of life. Choose the product that best suits your home with help from this guide. Breathe in the fresh air every second and say goodbye to dust and other harmful toxins!
References
[1] Why Indoor Air Quality is Important to Schools (EPA)
[2] California Air Resources Board (CARB)
[3] Energy Star (Energy Star)
[4] UV Lights and Lamps: Ultraviolet-C Radiation, Disinfection, and Coronavirus (FDA)
[5] Good Design Award (DSN)
[6] Allergy UK Approved Products (AllergyUK)
[7] Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier (Consumer Reports)
[8] Climate Change Indicators: Wildfires (EPA)
[9] What Are the Most Ecofriendly Cat Litter Products on the Market? (Scientific American)
[10] What is a HEPA filter? (EPA)
[11] What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? (EPA)
[12] Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM)
[13] Air Pollution and Dementia: A Systematic Review (NIH)
[14] Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19) (EPA)
[15] Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners (EPA)