If you're looking for the best way to keep your homes free from air pollutants and viruses, get an air purifier with HEPA filter. This effectively traps and refines airborne particles suspended in the air which causes allergies or respiratory illnesses. You might wonder if it does help remove the Coronavirus in the air, we will let you know in a while.
To qualify as good, a HEPA air purifier must not only clean the air that we breathe, but it must also provide some features most consumers are looking for, like remote control or sensitive dust sensors. The following article will provide valuable information on the benefits of air purifiers with HEPA filter and a section for the recommended brands to purchase online. So keep reading!
Quick List - Top HEPA Air Purifiers
Kaisa Villa
A Multi-mode Air Purifier That Enhances Indoor Air Quality With Ease
American Heritage
Effortless Purification for a Refreshing Environment
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
A HEPA filter, which stands for "high-efficiency particulate air," is a very high-level filtration type that sieves the air from the smallest to the largest particulate contaminant. It must be able to capture 99.97% of contaminants at 0.3 microns in size.
The benchmark of 0.3 microns is used to approximate the most difficult particle size that a filter could capture. Although the virus that causes COVID-19 is around 0.125 microns (125 nanometers) in diameter, it doesn't mean that a HEPA filter will not be able to capture it.
Interception - For mid-range sized particles which are not small enough to diffuse or not large enough to have inertia, direct interception works. If the particle follows the flow stream, it is collected upon contact with the fiber.
Sieving - This is the most common way a filtration system works. This catches any large particulates that cannot pass through the fiber space.
Now, back to the question: Can HEPA air purifiers capture Coronavirus? The straightforward answer is a resounding YES. A NASA study proves that HEPA filters are the most efficient since it could capture ultrafine particles even below the 0.3-micron standard -- almost 100% at 0.1 microns.
Therefore, it is safe to say that HEPA filters could capture most of the viruses, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it could completely protect us. If used properly, air purifiers will help reduce airborne pollutants in homes or confined spaces. More importantly, regular cleaning or replacement of filters is required to maintain a virus-free environment inside your homes.
Remember that the Coronavirus is contracted primarily via person-to-person, and it is still important to be mindful of what we touch or who we interact with daily. Of course, the basic preventive measures such as social distancing, wearing a face mask, face shield, frequent handwashing with soap or applying an alcohol still apply.
So how can you tell which one is the right HEPA air purifier for your home or space? Let us help you ease the confusion with this guide we've compiled below.
The first step in weeding out all the available HEPA air purifiers in the market is to figure out the space that you want to be cleaned. Matching the size versus the space is a no-brainer, wherein a desktop air purifier is not effective in large living spaces, while a heavy-duty type may be overkill when installed in a child's bedroom.
Air purifier manufacturers usually put the coverage area in their product's blueprint, but it is still important to make our own calculations to know if we are purchasing the right size for the intended room. Some brands often tend to exaggerate the capability of their devices for marketing purposes, so it doesn't hurt to be extra meticulous before making a decision.
Below is the minimum required CADR and room size, as recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in their guide to air cleaners inside a home.
Your choice of additional air filters aside from the HEPA-type is reliant on which types of air pollutants you need to eliminate.
Air pollutants are categorized into two types: particulates and gases. Disposing of pollen or pet dander is difficult if you have pets or live near a garden. Also, if you are located in a highly urbanized region, outside dust and smoke might be your major pollutant. Some manufacturers would have models that specifically target these types of particulates by using special filters.
Your newly painted room or floor covering emits residual toxic gas in the air which can be inhaled without you knowing it. Also, older building materials give off gases such as formaldehyde or benzene over time. Some other toxins may come from your kitchen, which is fairly common, if there is no ventilation and the dirty air is trapped inside the room.
Aside from having a HEPA filter, air purifiers are also equipped with different types of filters to effectively refine the air we breathe. Let's take a look at some of them and know which one is fit for the tasks at hand.
Pre-filter - This is essential for air purifiers since this the first line of defense, so to speak. It captures larger particles to prolong the life of the other filters inside the device.
Activated Carbon or Charcoal filter – This type absorbs smelly particles and gases. It removes odor from cooking, pet, smoking, and other chemicals.
Ion filter or Ionizer – This kind of filter emits negative ions that charge dust, pollen, or bacteria and collect them on a container.
UV-C Light or UV light Type C - This destroys bacteria and viruses by sterilizing them, but is harmless to humans.
These filters offer an additional layer to ensure that the air quality inside our homes is in excellent condition. But it also needs regular cleaning or replacement after a limited time. You might also want to consider the maintenance cost before you decide to choose which type is for you.
Trying to eliminate air pollution inside the room is beneficial, but if you end up replacing it with noise pollution, that is counter-intuitive.
Like most motorized appliances, an air purifier will definitely make some noise. Most manufacturers will mention the noise level of the product while operational. So finding the appropriate air purifier with an acceptable noise level is equally important.
Normally, a modern refrigerator running in standard conditions will produce 50 decibels, which unnoticeable to most people. The same concept applies when it comes to air purifiers. A noise rating of 50 decibels or below will be agreeable to any living space in general. Anything above that level needs a bit of consideration on your part.
Many modern appliance manufacturers offer various additional features apart from the standard product function. Some air purifiers will have indicator lights whenever a filter needs replacement. While others have a programmable timer to conserve energy and product lifespan.
If you intend to put the device inside the bedroom, a dimming and display shut-off would be a good feature so no lights are visible while you sleep. Also, a remote control may be the best feature to have especially when you're already in bed and ready to doze off.
Some smart homes will enjoy the capability to integrate the appliance into the system if it has smart functions compatible with a digital assistant, or an app where it can be operated wirelessly. Overall, the features that come with the air purifier will highly depend on your personal preference and needs.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CADR | Coverage Area | Filter Layers | Noise Level | Power | Dimension | |||||
1 | Lasco Wifi Smart Air Purifier | ![]() | The Ultimate Home Purifier for Healthy Air Everywhere | 350m³/h | 40-60 Sqm | 7 | 29.4dBa | 45 Watts - 80 Watts | 66.5 cm x 37cm x 19.5cm | |
2 | Kaisa Villa Air Purifier with HEPA Filter|JD-8036 | ![]() | A Multi-mode Air Purifier That Enhances Indoor Air Quality With Ease | Formaldehyde CADR: 120m³/h, Toluene CADR:100m³/h, TVOC CADR 80m³/h | 35-100 Sqm | 3 | 61db (A) | 50 Watts | 31cm x 16cm x 50cm | |
3 | Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact | ![]() | Compact, Quiet, and Powerful Air Purification | 230m³/h | 16-27Sqm | 3 | ≤ 60dB(A) | 27 Watts | 220 x 355 mm | |
4 | American Heritage Air Purifier With 4-Stage Filtration System|AHAP-6270 | ![]() | Effortless Purification for a Refreshing Environment | 130m³/h | 50sqm | 4 | Not Specified | 40 Watts | 350mm x 587mm x 210mm | |
5 | Whirlpool Air Purifier With 4 Stages Filter|AP636 W | ![]() | Powerful Ally in Maintaining Clean and Healthy Indoor Air | 306CFM | 37 m2 | 4 | 55 DB | 60 Watts | 61.5 cm x 40 cm x 24.2 cm | |
6 | Imarflex Air Purifier (Silver)|IAP-150 | ![]() | An Aroma-Infused Compact Home Air Purifier | 12 CFM | 15 Sqm | 3 | 45dB | 5 Watts | 17cm x 18cm x 25.5cm | |
7 | Firefly Yellow Shield Smart Wifi Air Purifier|FYP303 | ![]() | The Innovative Air Purifier That Offers Cutting-Edge Features | 130 CFM, 220m³/h | 30 Sqm | 5 | <= 50 dB (H) | 65 Watts | 327 mm x 176 mm x 448.6mm | |
8 | Dyson Purifier Cool™|TP07 | ![]() | A High-Tech Fan With an Advanced Filtration System to Purify Your Spaces | Not Specified | 800 square feet | Not Specified | 42.3dBA | 40 Watts | 1050mm x 120mm x 204mm | |
9 | Philips Compact Air Purifier|AC0850/20800i | ![]() | A Smart Purification for Healthy Homes | 190 CFM | 49 Sqm | 3 | 35-65 DB | 20 Watts | 14.5in x 10in x 10in | |
10 | Sharp Air Plasmacluster Air Purifier|FP-J30E | ![]() | The Ultimate Air Purifier With Plasmacluster Ion Technology | Not Specified | 23 Sqm | 2 | 44, 36, 23dB | 220-240V, 50-60Hz | 431mm x 411mm x 211mm |
CADR | 350m³/h |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 40-60 Sqm |
Filter Layers | 7 |
Noise Level | 29.4dBa |
Power | 45 Watts - 80 Watts |
Dimension | 66.5 cm x 37cm x 19.5cm |
CADR | Formaldehyde CADR: 120m³/h, Toluene CADR:100m³/h, TVOC CADR 80m³/h |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 35-100 Sqm |
Filter Layers | 3 |
Noise Level | 61db (A) |
Power | 50 Watts |
Dimension | 31cm x 16cm x 50cm |
CADR | 230m³/h |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 16-27Sqm |
Filter Layers | 3 |
Noise Level | ≤ 60dB(A) |
Power | 27 Watts |
Dimension | 220 x 355 mm |
CADR | 130m³/h |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 50sqm |
Filter Layers | 4 |
Noise Level | Not Specified |
Power | 40 Watts |
Dimension | 350mm x 587mm x 210mm |
CADR | 306CFM |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 37 m2 |
Filter Layers | 4 |
Noise Level | 55 DB |
Power | 60 Watts |
Dimension | 61.5 cm x 40 cm x 24.2 cm |
Imarflex assures a 99.97% elimination of airborne contaminants with its IAP-150 Air Purifier, making it an ideal compact and portable choice for small bedrooms up to 15 square meters. Its three-layer filtration system effectively tackles odors and particles in the air. Simply adjust the dial for variable speed control and set the desired air exchange rate per hour.
Featuring a detachable scent box, you can infuse your favorite aromatic essential oils for a tranquil sleep experience. Additionally, its built-in ionizer releases negative ions to capture airborne particulates. With its compact size, it offers cost-effective operation, consuming only five watts of power.
CADR | 12 CFM |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 15 Sqm |
Filter Layers | 3 |
Noise Level | 45dB |
Power | 5 Watts |
Dimension | 17cm x 18cm x 25.5cm |
CADR | 130 CFM, 220m³/h |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 30 Sqm |
Filter Layers | 5 |
Noise Level | <= 50 dB (H) |
Power | 65 Watts |
Dimension | 327 mm x 176 mm x 448.6mm |
This Dyson fan rids the air of 99.95% of pollutants by projecting 290 liters of smooth and powerful airflow each second. If you want a fan that has an oscillating head, this offers you more than that! It oscillates up to 350°, and with its 10-speed options, you can cool yourself to your heart's desire.
Additionally, Dyson purifiers, equipped with HEPA H13 filters, trap gases and an impressive 99.95% of tiny particles like PM0.1. Moreover, they provide cooling airflow, diffused mode, and 20% quieter operation. Plus, with features such as Dyson Link app control, adjustable oscillation, voice compatibility, and night mode, they cater to every need.
CADR | Not Specified |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 800 square feet |
Filter Layers | Not Specified |
Noise Level | 42.3dBA |
Power | 40 Watts |
Dimension | 1050mm x 120mm x 204mm |
CADR | 190 CFM |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 49 Sqm |
Filter Layers | 3 |
Noise Level | 35-65 DB |
Power | 20 Watts |
Dimension | 14.5in x 10in x 10in |
CADR | Not Specified |
---|---|
Coverage Area | 23 Sqm |
Filter Layers | 2 |
Noise Level | 44, 36, 23dB |
Power | 220-240V, 50-60Hz |
Dimension | 431mm x 411mm x 211mm |
If you're having second thoughts about purchasing a HEPA air purifier because of its high cost, other ways are available to keep the air quality inside your home in the best condition.
There are more affordable options, such as a simple air purifier, a personal air purifier while you're on the go, or a pretty air-purifying indoor plant. Check out these suggestions on the links provided below.
No. 1: Lasco|Wifi Smart Air Purifier
No. 2: Kaisa Villa|Air Purifier with HEPA Filter|JD-8036
No. 3: Xiaomi|Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact
No. 4: American Heritage|Air Purifier With 4-Stage Filtration System|AHAP-6270
No. 5: Whirlpool|Air Purifier With 4 Stages Filter|AP636 W
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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