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Air Cleaner Considerations

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• Follow the manufacturer's directions to be sure that the air cleaner works correctly.
• Be sure the unit is listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized independent safety testing laboratory.
• CADR is a standard developed by the independent Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) that measures the removal of dust, smoke and pollen from the air. CADR measures the amount of clean air (in cubic feet) that an air cleaner delivers to a room per minute. An air cleaner may have a high efficiency filter but may only clean a small amount of cubic space per minute. In some cases, the air pollutants may be generated faster than they can be removed.
o A CADR of 50 is suitable for a room of 80 square feet.
o A CADR of 80 is suitable for 120 square feet.
o A CADR of 100 is suitable for 144 square feet.
o A CADR of 200 is suitable for 320 square feet.

• There are some filters that advertise to be HEPA or "HEPA-type" filters, but unless you see the word “true" they may be lower-grade filters that aren’t as good at trapping as many pollutants.
• Consumer research companies found that models with fans are more effective.
• Proper maintenance is vital for air filter effectiveness. Once filters become clogged with particles, they can actually turn into air polluters, redistributing pollutants back into circulation. Some models prompt you when it is time to change the filter.
• Different models have different speed levels that contribute to the amount of noise the cleaner will produce. Be certain that the model will work as effectively on a lower speed as it does on high speed. You may not want to sleep with it on a high speed if it is very noisy.
• Ion generators, especially those that do not contain a collector, can cause soiling on your walls and other surfaces.
• Proper placement of the air cleaner is vital.
o Be certain that the intakes and outlets are not blocked by anything such as furniture.
o Make certain they are forcing the cleaned air into occupied spaces.
• Very few manufacturers state the actual overall efficiency of their device, and even fewer manufacturers guarantee and certify their air purifiers.
• Some manufacturers make the claim that their activated carbon filter eliminates all gaseous pollutants and odors, which is scientifically impossible. Activated carbon does not efficiently adsorb low molecular weight gases. Special sorbents are required to successfully deal with pollutants, such as formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia.
• Pre-filters extend the life of your HEPA filter inside an air cleaner.

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