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What should I consider when buying an air purifier?

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The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers independently tests and certifies air purifier performance. Products certified by the AHAM display a certification seal and the Clean Air Delivery Rate on the packaging. Make sure to look for these items when shopping for an air purifier.

The Clean Air Delivery Rate measures the amount of clean air that a purifier delivers into a room. CADR takes into account filter efficiency, airflow, and room size. Air Changes per Hour, on the other hand, measures how much air a unit moves, not how effectively the air is cleaned.

Other factors to consider before buying:

Room size. Packaging lists the size of room the unit is capable of cleaning. If your room is larger than the product is made to handle, look for a larger-capacity unit, or buy two units, one for each side of the room.
Cost. Studies have shown that not all expensive units work effectively, and not all inexpensive units are ineffective. Read reviews, then choose the unit rated best in your price range. Also consider maintenance and operational costs.
Noise. Some air purifiers are so loud you can’t talk over them. Others are so quiet you hardly notice them.
Type of installation.Some purifiers are in-duct, installed in the central heating or air conditioning unit, and some are portable.
Type of pollutant to remove. What is your main goal? Search for products rated highly in meeting your specific need.
Maintenance needs. How much work will it take to maintain the unit? How often will you need to clean or replace plates or filters?

For more information on Air Purifiers and their effectiveness, visit the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at www.epa.gov.

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