How to choose an air purifier for an apartment: a classification of models and a review of the best manufacturers

The cost of the device and ease of care

When choosing a device, several questions should be answered.
Are device maintenance costs important to you?

How often are you going to use the device?

It would be best to keep the device in constant operation, all the time, destroying air pollutants. Breathing clean air, the tenants of the apartment will feel much better, and also rarely get infections.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YY4HRvhKV-w

Humidification device reviews:

In the springtime, allergies are aggravated. I try not to ventilate the apartment, but to save myself with a water freshener. Also, the cleaner is good at eliminating unpleasant odors.

Karina

I didn’t buy the freshener myself, as my parents gave the ozonizer after the birth of my grandson, for which I am very grateful to them. Perfectly removes unwanted odors.

Hope

We found an air purifier for ourselves and bought a household-type ozonizer. Now we carry out medical wellness procedures, as well as cleanse the house of harmful odors.

Yaroslava

What is an air purifier and how does it work

An air purifier is a device that somehow removes small particles from the air: dust, microorganisms, smoke, allergens (for example, pollen, enzymes from pets). According to the principle of operation, air purifiers are divided into several types:

• Electrostatic cleaners (ozonizers). They attract air polluting particles to the plates that have opposite electrical charges. During operation, ozone is released, similar to that which naturally appears in the air after a thunderstorm. But if the concentration of natural ozone in the air even during the thunderstorm season is safe for humans, then the ozonizer can emit this substance in increased doses. In addition, the effectiveness of such a cleaner depends on how often the plates are removed and washed.
• Ionic cleaners (ionizers). Releases negatively charged ions into the air, which "stick" to small positively charged particles of pollution, make them heavier and make them settle down - on walls, floors, ceilings and other surfaces. Thus, the benefits of such a cleaner directly depend on how often you do the cleaning. In addition, not all particles are positively charged - thus, the air is not completely cleaned.
• Ultraviolet cleaners. They oxidize and decompose microparticles in the air through a photocatalytic reaction between the filter and an ultraviolet lamp that illuminates it. Cleaners with a UV lamp are most effective against microorganisms, but not dust and pollen.
• Air washers. This is the simplest type of purifier: the air is drawn in by the fan and passed through the reservoir with water, leaving outside cleaned of heavy particles and humidified - thus, the device combines a purifier and a humidifier. Air washers are quite effective against various types of pollution, but the water, accordingly, needs to be replaced regularly.
• Filtering purifier. Air is drawn inside the device and passed through a special filter or several filters - for example, based on activated carbon. These devices are quite effective against all types of contamination, but filters need to be purchased and replaced periodically.

As a rule, combined types of purifiers are currently on the market: electrostatic with an ionizer or UV lamp, a filter with an ionizer, and so on.Air cleaning is generally a combination of a purifier and a humidifier; which is better - a sink or a cleaner, we figured out in this article:

Car wash or air purifier: what's the difference?

How to buy an air purifier and not be mistaken?

Choosing the best air purifier depends on how high your requirements are. There are several factors that will help you make your choice:

• the quality of air purification (for routine cleaning, for ionizing the air for people with hypersensitivity, prone to allergies, asthma patients);
• productivity (calculated in accordance with the dimensions of the room);
• purifier price (depends on the combination of advantages and requirements);
• dimensions of the device;
• noise during operation (for a children's room it is better to choose with a photocatalytic or HEPA filter).

Humidifiers, ionizers and air purifiers from dust and other impurities are an important component of comfort and a safe microclimate in the house.

How to choose an air purifier

When choosing an air purifier, the fundamental parameter will be the area of ​​the room in which you plan to purify the air. Most often, the purifier is located in the bedroom, because this is where we spend the most time. If you plan to move the air cleaner around the apartment, focus on the area of ​​the largest room.

When placing the air purifier, pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations: there are floor-standing, wall-mounted models, and some samples require placement at a certain height above the floor

What type of filter should you choose?

Preference should be given to an installation that combines several stages of cleaning, in this case you can fight not only the ubiquitous dust, but also unpleasant odors, microbes and viruses. True, it should be borne in mind that the price of such a device will be several times more expensive than that of a primitive air filter.

We also advise you to look at:

• Fire alarm detectors - characteristics of popular models
• Firefighting pumping station - norms and design features
• Fire water supply systems - what are they intended for?
• The principle of operation and characteristics of water thermal curtains

How to Pick a Good Purifier

To choose the right device for your home, you should familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the technique and understand the principle of its operation. An air cleaner is a fan with a filter in its design, which supplies air to the room, purifying it along the way. Due to this, it is possible to block dust, small particles of dirt, an unpleasant odor, decontaminate the incoming air, and get rid of industrial smoke that is present in large cities.

Such a dust cleaner will be useful for allergy sufferers who need to breathe clean air. Also, such an ionizer is perfect for families with small children, since there is no need to carry out wet cleaning every day.

The main characteristics of the models

When choosing a device for cleaning the house, preference should be given to samples with the function of air ozonation, otherwise the room will constantly have a "dead" microclimate, which has lost its natural net charge and is harmful to health. Before buying an ozonizer, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• device power;
• quality of air exchange;
• noise level.

The power of the air cleaner determines the performance of the device - how quickly it is able to perform the function assigned to it with high quality. When selecting equipment, be sure to take into account the area of ​​the room for which high-quality air purification is required. The choice of units for an apartment should be limited to models that provide work with an area of ​​20-40 square meters. High power ratings are typical for industrial devices.

When the room is large, you need to choose equipment with high power. When it comes to air exchange, it is extremely important to take into account the degree of contamination of the air entering from the outside. If this figure is high, the equipment will become better at performing its own functional duties. The next important selection criterion is the noise level produced by the equipment. When children or people working at night live in the room, it is more expedient to purchase an almost silent model of the unit.

Then be sure to pay attention to which modes of operation the device has in addition to the main one:

• with air ionization;
• with an ultraviolet lamp.

Decide before purchasing if you need additional devices in the form of a timer or a remote control that provides remote control. When choosing a place in the room for the intended placement of the device, be sure to evaluate its dimensions and design. Typically, household air cleaners are compact, they do not require much space for installation.

A good device that effectively cleans the air should perform the following functions:

• remove dust, pollen, unpleasant odors;
• cleanse the space from cigarette smoke, viruses and bacteria;
• trap small particles and pet hair.

An air purifier is a rather complex device, so it is important to know which filter is installed on the model and how many such filters are present.

Air purifiers with dry filters

Devices with such a device differ from their counterparts in high performance results and high power in operation. Many users choose just such models of air purifiers. In the device, air under general pressure is passed through multiple filters. An electric fan, located in front of the exhaust grille, takes in the polluted air forcibly, forcing it to pass through all kinds of filter systems.

The main groups of dry-type filters:

Filtering devices for preliminary air purification. It is presented in the form of a mesh sponge, which is easily thought out. It can freely hold dirt and dust particles, the length of which reaches 5 microns. The fine filter system is a kind of frame in which you can see a folded piece of specialized material, dotted with small microscopic holes. This unusual setting will increase the usable working contact space. In addition to all this, an electric field occurs, which independently attracts the remaining dust. Ultimately, there is a retention of dirty particles from 0.1 to 1 micron. An air purifier with a nera filter prevents the smallest particles from being in the air (most often these are the most dangerous allergic elements for human health). It would be best for this particular element to be included in the air cleaner.

You should pay special attention to this when purchasing a device.

In general, a dry device that builds up pressure (tending to a vacuum) performs its work on the example of a kind of vacuum cleaner, which the British themselves used to call a vacuum cleaner. In another way, we can say that if we put a closed chamber in front of all filters, then we will get a simple model of a vacuum cleaner.

The main advantages of dry filter air purifiers:

1. High power and quality of the device.
2. You can quickly clean the air, because there is such a mode in the device.
3. There is a wide range of products from various manufacturers.

The main disadvantages of dry-type air cleaners:

1. Such devices make a lot of noise, since there are strong and powerful fans in their structure. Only very expensive models can operate without unnecessary noise.
2. The devices consume a lot of electricity.

Types of air purifiers and their features

The design of the device is simple - there is a fan and a filtration system inside the device. It is powered by the mains. As the wings rotate, the flow is directed into the air purifier, then passes through several filters, making the oxygen cleaner. Models with ionization and humidification functions are available.

Air purifier in the interior of a modern home

What are the features of each type of device and what to be guided by when choosing.

Washers and humidifiers

Dry air is practically useless for the human body. Therefore, air purifiers are very popular, especially among city dwellers. They effectively remove dust, small particles, and potentially hazardous impurities from oxygen.

A conventional humidifier does not functionally cope with the cleaning problem. The household appliance is able to bind small dust particles, moistening them. Under the weight of moisture, they simply fall in small grains onto the surrounding surfaces. Clean air is created artificially, due to the release of the upper zone, where a person often breathes.

Air washes work on a different principle, where oxygen humidification is an additional option. The key function of climatic devices is to remove dust from the air by a contact method. Sinks consist of several parts, the main of which is a plastic tank filled with water.

Several plastic discs are dropped into the container, but not completely. Then they are blown by a fan. Wet discs attract small particles and dust, which remain in the water when the fans rotate. This is how almost all household air purifiers work, and the differences come down to technical characteristics. In modern models, there is a filtering or ionization function.

Air cleaners with dry filters

Air purifiers equipped with a dry filter system are characterized by high performance and good efficiency. It is not surprising that buyers purchase exactly this type of aggregates. The peculiarity of the device lies in the fact that air flows are passed through several filters at once.

Clean air is formed thanks to several types of filters:

• systems with preliminary cleaning - we are talking about a mesh sponge that can be blown through without any problems. Dust and small particles of dirt are effectively eliminated if their size varies from 1 to 5 microns;
• HEPA filters - perfectly remove the smallest particles, which are often allergens. When purchasing a device for air purification, you should provide for the presence of this filter;
• fine cleaning system - the structure is a frame laid with an accordion, while there are microscopic holes in it. Due to such an original design, clean air literally settles in the room. The air purifier can effectively trap particles ranging in size from 0.1 to 1 micron.

In its principle of operation, a dry air cleaner for the home has a lot in common with a vacuum cleaner, better known as a "vacuum cleaner". If the filters are protected with a separate chamber, the output will be a regular vacuum cleaner.

Devices with ionization function

An air purifier from dust for the house with ionization function is a complete climate complex, which includes several functional elements. Thanks to them, oxygen becomes cleaner, and potentially harmful impurities are removed from the air masses.

The process takes place in 7 stages:

• a powerful fan draws air masses into the device;
• large dust particles are removed with a foam filter;
• partially clean air is sent to a photocatalyst that destroys toxic and chemical compounds. Partially it is possible to get rid of unpleasant odors;
• oxygen is disinfected with an ultraviolet lamp;
• an electrostatic field is formed on the blades of the plates, effectively retaining the smallest dust particles;
• negatively charged ions are created in the oxygen stream;
• clean air enters the apartment through the plastic outlet grill.

The advantage of this unit is that the kitchen air cleaner does not accumulate dust and small particles of debris inside the case. A minimum of effort is required to service the device. Prevention is reduced to periodic washing of metal plates, cleaning the filter.

Using these air purification systems, it is necessary to regularly carry out dry and wet cleaning in the living area, since dust settles on the surface of furniture and floors.

Ozonizers

Experts know that the best air purifier is the ozonizer. It is the most efficient device for removing dust from the surrounding area, and a similar effect is achieved due to the release of the minimum amount of ozone. Since ozone is a derivative of oxygen, a high concentration of which is extremely dangerous for any living organism.

With its help, not only air masses are cleaned, but they get rid of microbes, disinfect rooms. The device works according to a simple principle - oxygen collides with an electric charge that arises artificially in the unit. Due to this, ozone is formed.

How to choose a home air purifier? - First of all, you should decide for what purpose the household appliance will be used.

The methods used to clean the air from dust have led to the widespread use of these devices in everyday life. What is special about this unit?

• not only clean air "settles" in the apartment, but pathogens and mold are destroyed;
• harmful metals and chlorine compounds are removed from the water;
• odors of rot can be quickly removed from the room;
• an air purifier for the kitchen is suitable, it cleans products from chemical elements, antibiotics present in meat, vegetables and fruits;
• ozone can be used to treat footwear, underwear and bedding.

Doctors strongly recommend using ozonizers with extreme caution, adhering to the user instructions. Some experts advise turning on kitchen air purifiers with ozonizers when there are no people in the room.

Household air purifiers with charcoal filters

Household appliances equipped with charcoal filters are classified by experts as fine cleaning units. They handle a wide variety of gases and impurities without any problems. Such air purifiers are suitable for kitchens, children's rooms and large halls.

The units are equipped with special pre-cleaning elements (the same photocatalytic and HEPA filters).

Carbon filters are not able to process oxygen fully and efficiently. There may be several sources of pollution in an apartment. Dust is effectively eliminated in the traditional way, while potentially hazardous substances are eliminated by ultraviolet radiation. This is a reliable barrier against all kinds of contaminants that are overflowing with oxygen.

What kind of cleaner is needed for rooms with high humidity? The best models are traditional units. Models with charcoal filters perfectly absorb excess moisture, but quickly lose their characteristics and cleaning qualities.

Air purification in the apartment is carried out by means of carbon filters. In some models, they are supplemented with finely dispersed activated charcoal. Professionals recommend solutions with pleated carbon filters due to the large absorption area of ​​large particles.

Device for purifying air masses

The purchase of budget Chinese air purifiers must be approached very carefully.

The main purpose of installing a purifier is to eliminate components that are unsafe for humans from the air.The purifier, passing air masses through itself, catches dust particles, hairs, sand, wool, mold spores, mites waste products. The main difference between the equipment is the installation of individual filtration. For a room where a lot of dust accumulates, a cleaner with an electrostatic filter is suitable. In the event that it is necessary to remove an unpleasant odor, devices with a carbon filtration system are used. To completely break down solid particles, it is necessary to install a purifier with a photocatalytic filter, since other systems only catch and retain harmful components.

Purifier advantages and disadvantages

The purifiers are a stationary unit with a TV-like casing, 2-5 filters and a fan. They are used in large and small rooms - they are mounted in niches, under the ceiling. Cleaners remove various types of contaminants:

• fumes from powders, detergents and cleaning agents;
• mold and spores in rooms with high humidity;
• unpleasant odors;
• tobacco smoke;
• microbes and bacteria, allergens.

The masses pass through a filtration system, in which impurities settle, and only clean air enters outside.

Types of filter purifiers

The use of various filtration systems removes up to 99.9% of dust, allergens, and specific odors from the air. Modern manufacturers equip devices with filters:

• pre-cleaning or mechanical. They represent a grid that retains particles ranging in size from 5 to 10 microns;
• ionizers. Negatively charged plates that attract positively charged dust and bacteria. They settle, and clean air enters the room;
• water, or sinks. Wet discs are used to attract impurities. The dirt enters a special sump. The filters do not change, it is enough to replace the water and pour out the accumulations from the container;
• coal. Eliminates organic particles, odors, volatile and semi-volatile chemical compounds at the molecular level. The constituent parts are absorbed by the pores of the activated carbon. The filter is replaced once every 6 months;
• HEPA. They are made of corrugated paper or synthetic material impregnated with an antibacterial compound. Retain impurities with fractions up to 0.3 microns, remove 99.9% of dirt, are recommended for allergy sufferers and asthmatics;
• photocatalytic. The filter surface attracts UV rays, which break down dust and viruses. The elements have a deodorizing function - they remove the smell of tobacco and other substances;
• plasma. Two metal plates electrostatically attract dust impurities. Filters cannot be replaced.

Types of filter purifiers Important! The type of filter affects the cost of the device

Pros and cons of operation

There are positive and negative aspects to using a cleaner.

Benefits:

• complete cleaning of the premises from dust, odors, allergens;
• filling the room with clean air;
• ease of use and maintenance;
• the possibility of installation in rooms with an area of ​​40 m2;
• good power.

Minuses:

• works too loudly;
• does not completely destroy fungal spores;
• dries up the air in winter;
• filters need to be replaced regularly.

Before purchasing an air purifier or air humidifier, it is important to consider the characteristics of both devices.

Air Purifier Filters Overview

There are different types of these devices:

1. Coal (adsorptive, deodorizing). This filter removes various gas impurities and odors. It is based on the action of activated carbon. The advantages of the device include adsorption of volatile gaseous air compounds, high odor removal efficiency.
2. Nera filter with a high degree of collection of small particles. The device is made of a porous material, which contains fiberglass. Standard filters of this type are capable of blocking up to 90% of all contaminants.Advantages - ease of installation and use, as well as availability. The disadvantages include the ability to block only mechanical mud connections. Gaseous substances do not settle in the HEPA filter. Dirt accumulates on the filters and, if not properly cleaned, acts as a source of pollution. When the filter element is removed, this must be done carefully, since it is dangerous to everyone around, because various pathogens are actively multiplying on it. A special disposal of the HEPA filter must be arranged. When a high quality filtration rate is provided, the device creates significant resistance to the air flow entering the room. HEPA filters are equipped with a small container for trapped contaminants and therefore need to be replaced frequently.
3. An electrostatic filter removes dust from the air. The principle of operation of the device is based on the attraction of charges of opposite polarity. Moving through the chamber, where ionization occurs, the dirt particles are charged positively, then settle on the plates with a negative charge. The advantages of an electrostatic filter are its high efficiency in removing liquid aerosols and solid compounds. The device does not need to change consumables and elements. Has a long period of operation. The disadvantages of this type of filter include the fact that pollution settles on the connecting plates, requires frequent servicing, ozone and nitrogen oxides penetrate into the air during the technological process, which are considered very toxic substances.
4. A mechanical filter is an ordinary fine mesh that pre-filters the air. The device removes animal hair and large dirt particles.
5. The photocatalytic filter is based on the action of photocatalysis. The main advantage of the process is the complete decomposition of toxic compounds present in the environment to oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide. Compared to other air purifiers, which simply trap large dirt in the pores, photocatalytic models destroy dust as small as 0.001 microns. Purifiers of this type effectively deal with the following air pollutants: tobacco smoke; mold; volatile chemical compounds; carbon monoxide; exhaust gases; bacteria; viruses; dust mite.
6. UV filter. The principle of its operation and design features are based on the action of UV radiation from a quartz lamp, which has a detrimental effect on pathogens. Modern air purifiers based on this device are able to resist both microorganisms and any organic contamination. Moreover, they are able to decompose organic matter into safe substances: water and carbon dioxide. Particularly attractive is the resistance of ultraviolet radiation against fungus and mold, since the spores that are in the air are destroyed. Advantages of UV cleaners: ease of use, low cost. Such devices do not have replaceable filters, therefore they do not require regular and expensive maintenance. They are lightweight and lightweight and have low power consumption.
7. Air washing is one of the types of air purifiers. These devices do not have a filter, but purify the air with water while humidifying it.

How to make a DIY air purifier

You want to buy a climatic device, but you doubt its effectiveness. In this case, you need to read the material on how to make an air purifier with your own hands and at home. For the manufacture of the device, available devices and tools that are at hand for almost every one of us are suitable.

You will need several products:

• plastic container with a lid;
• cooler from a power supply or computer;
• distilled water.

A hole is made in the lid of the same size as the cooler.The fan is fixed with self-tapping screws or screws. Mounting methods may differ, we choose the most suitable one at our own discretion. The main requirement is a secure fit.

The bottom of the tank is filled with water, but just enough so that the liquid does not reach the fan by 3 cm. As a fuse, you can use a switching relay, which will automatically work after a while. The hole on the side opposite to the fan must remain free.

The propeller automatically draws in dirty air from the room. Small particles of dust and dirt remain on the surface of the water, which helps to purify oxygen. These units are difficult to provide an acceptable level of cleaning over large areas, but they have good performance for a small room.

That's all the advice. The rest of the points are up to you. Be that as it may, but it is necessary to start from the tasks set, the volume of the room, the specifics of its use.

How to choose an air purifier ^

Prices for various types of air purifiers differ quite significantly, so first of all, you should decide on your own financial capabilities.

Electrostatic cleaners are considered optimal in terms of price-efficiency ratio. Devices with air filters are cheaper, but this advantage is offset by the need to constantly buy new filters, and they, by the way, are not cheap at all, especially HEPA filters.

Do not forget that you will have to buy an ionizer for such a cleaner (if it is not included in the kit). The fact is that healthy air must contain a certain amount of ions.

As charged gas molecules pass through the filter, they become neutral, which reduces air quality.... The consequence of this is the development of various diseases.

Having decided on the type of purifier, its performance is selected. So that the buyer does not bother calculating the necessary air exchange, manufacturers indicate the approximate area or volume of the room that the device can serve.

For small apartments, you can also purchase a car air purifier, so you will provide yourself with clean air both at home and on the road.

When choosing a device, individual circumstances should be taken into account.

For example, for people prone to allergies, it is better to purchase a cleaner with replaceable filters or a photocatalytic cleaner, since allergies are triggered by very fine particles.

A large and detailed article on how to choose an air purifier for a person suffering from allergies is here, take care of your health!

At the same time, the operation of devices with air filters in a room with a large amount of dust in the air can result in a pretty penny due to frequent filter changes.

Varieties of air purifier filters: advantages and disadvantages

Stand-alone air purifiers for home or office space are divided into several types according to the type of filter.

Air pre-filters (mechanical)

Simple filters for an air purifier, which often consist of a fine mesh, are used to pre-filter the air. Remove large dust particles, animal hair. Carbon or HEPA filters protect not only people from dust particles, but also the internal components of devices. Wear is minimized by timely membrane change.

Disadvantages: Pre-filters remove particles at least 5-10 microns in size. If you need to retain smaller particles, the filter will not cope with them. The second disadvantage of having a HEPA filter is the costly replacement.

Advantages: mesh filters are reusable, cheaper than other analogues. For cleaning it is enough to vacuum, wipe with a damp sponge.

Electrostatic (air ionizers)

The principle of operation of the air purifier-ionizer is the attraction of electric charges of different polarity. Dirty air enters the ionization chamber. Here, contaminated particles acquire a positive charge and settle on negatively charged membranes.

Advantages: easy cleaning of the plates (soapy water), well clean the air from the smallest contaminated compounds, long service life of the device, the device is equipped with electrostatic filters, is completed with HEPA or carbon filters.

Disadvantages: high price, frequent replacement of plates (depending on the manufacturer, the degree of air pollution).

Water filters

They are used in climatic complexes, which are most often called "air washing". Principle of operation: air is sucked in by the fan, ionized (according to the principle of electrostatic filters). Then it is fed to the dampening discs with the opposite charge. Dust and dirt particles are attracted to the wetted discs, settle and wash off into the sump.

Advantage: Replaceable filters are not required, there are no additional operating costs, HEPA membranes are often used in combination with a water filter. They humidify the air and neutralize the smell in the apartment.

Disadvantages: high price category, large dimensions, the need to monitor the filling of the pallet with dirty sediment.

Carbon filters

Carbon filters are capable of absorbing gas molecules, eliminating high molecular weight volatile organic compounds. The more micropores are placed in the charcoal filter, the more odors it absorbs. After the filter is full, it needs to be replaced. The increase in the efficiency of the carbon filter is due to the additional equipment in the form of mechanical membranes. The efficiency and speed of gas elimination depends on the filter surface: the larger the membrane surface, the higher the air absorption.

Disadvantages: coal cleaners are not very effective when used in a humid environment, not effective for removing gases with low molecular weight (formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide).

Advantages: compact size, relatively low price, inexpensive maintenance in operation, with timely replacement of the filter, they can last a long time.

HEPA filters

Filters of this type are most often used for ventilation systems in medical institutions, and are used in industrial and domestic air cleaners. They are able to eliminate contaminated particles with a diameter of more than 0.1 microns, trap animal hair, allergens, dust, fungal spores and pollen. The ideal solution for a child's room, as well as for people with allergies.

Advantages: it is able to clean the room in a few minutes, eliminates odor, contaminated particles, humidifies and stabilizes the air in the apartment, works very quietly, service life is more than 5 years.

Disadvantages: high price category, expensive maintenance.

Photocatalytic filters

The air purification technique consists in the oxidation of molecules on the surface of the photocatalyst. Further, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the contaminated particles are destroyed to a harmless state. Photocatalytic oxidation effectively neutralizes viruses, bacteria, gases.

Disadvantages: limited assortment, high price.

Advantages: quiet operation, high degree of cleaning, AirComfort humidification system, cleaning efficiency - 99.99%, air deodorization, splits dust particles to harmless components.

Participating cleaners

The total number of test participants that we took into account to identify the best (most efficient air purifier) ​​in 2020 is 19. These are models of the most famous brands in this segment.

Here is a complete list and key features:

* All prices are valid at the time of publication of the material.

Among the test participants there are models with different functionality and different prices. All the more interesting - you can form an opinion about how expensive purifiers are more effective than budget ones (if more effective), how additional functionality (for example, air humidification) affects the quality of air purification.

Most purifiers have a similar filtration system - mechanical air purification from contamination: coarse dust and debris are stopped by a pre-filter, fine - created using HEPA technology.

The carbon filter must deal with odors and various gaseous contaminants in the air. The marketing names of the filters may vary, but the essence remains the same.

Expert opinion:

Daniil Golovin, expert at Chudo.tech and YouTube channel about home appliances Tostr

Typically, the pre-filter in an air purifier is a standard plastic mesh that traps coarse dust. Such filters do quite well with this task. Perhaps the only exception in the Russian market is the IQAir HealthPro 250 air purifier: it has a pre-filter of class F8. This means that it traps a large volume (about 55%) of harmful fine dust, as small as 0.3 microns. This clearly serves to improve the efficiency of the purifier, plus it reduces the load on the following filters.

For Daikin Ururu MCK75JVM K and LG SIGNATURE LSA50A, the main fine dust filters are electrostatic: dirt particles acquire a positive charge and are attracted to the inner surfaces of the filters, which have a negative charge. It is possible to compare the effectiveness of different cleaning technologies.

Purifier selection principles

In order to get rid of the problem and not waste money on the purchase of an ineffective device, you need to carefully study the criteria that affect the choice of an air purifier.

1. The first and most important is the contamination that the device handles. The table below shows the degree of effectiveness of various types of purifiers in relation to major air pollutants.

Performance. One device can only work effectively in a separate room. It cannot clean the air volume of an entire apartment or house. The performance of each model is fixed and depends on the area of ​​the room.As you can see from the table, the best performance and rating are for photocatalytic, thermodynamic and HEPA filters. Maintenance complexity, filter change frequency. An air purifier without replaceable filters, although it does not require consumables, also needs systematic maintenance. The efficiency of the device largely depends on the correctness and timeliness of its maintenance:

• Electrostatic - Requires cleaning of the metal filter plates once a week.
• The photocatalytic device, ozonizer, ionizer should be vacuum cleaned once a month.
• HEPA filters are vacuum cleaned as they become dirty and completely changed every six months.
• In devices with "air washer" you need to change the water every 2-3 days, and check its level daily.
• The charcoal filters are changed every six months.

How often you plan to use the device. To ensure that the indoor air is always clean, the dust air purifier must be running continuously. If the device will be switched on periodically, you should not choose devices with the "water washer" function. Water not drained in time will become a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, in a short period of working time, such devices cannot effectively purify the air, and, accordingly, will not bring tangible benefits. Noise level during operation. With the constant operation of the device, residents should not experience discomfort and inconvenience, therefore, it is better to purchase completely silent models (these include photocatalysts and ionizers) or devices with a night operation function. Place and method of installation. Floor-standing, wall-mounted and table-top devices are offered. During installation, it is also necessary to comply with the requirements for the minimum distance from the walls to the device. Availability of options and additional functions, for example:

• air pollution sensors.
• filter change indicators.
• automatic control of humidity levels.
• sleep timer.

Air purifiers for apartments: rating

It is worth focusing on the following models:

Air purifiers with HEPA filters.

If a model is purchased with HEPA filters in the design, then there is no doubt that a reliable ozone layer will appear around, which will destroy all bacteria and dust in the air, including allergens. Caring for the device is also easy, without any difficulties. For maintenance, you need to vacuum the filter once a month and replace it frequently (once every 6–12 months). The number of filter changes per year will directly depend on the amount of dirt in the room.

Air cleaners that include an electrostatic filter.

Choosing between cleaners that are able to quickly and effectively remove excess dust in the room, you can buy a model that includes a plasma (otherwise electrostatic) filter. Dust under the influence of air pressure will independently be attracted to its grate. To clean a dirty filter, it is enough that you rinse it under a stream of clean water. The filter has a long service life and its parts do not require frequent replacement. But this filter will not be able to withstand the work with large heaps of dust. And it is unlikely to eliminate all pollutants from the air - only 9 out of 10

For small children and allergy sufferers, completely purified air is very important

Air purifiers for allergy sufferers.

It is worth noting that the cause of the allergy can be much deeper. More often than not, the matter lies not in the dust itself, but in the mites living in it. Allergies to mold and mildew may also develop. Only by getting rid of them completely can the root of all problems be overcome. To do this, it is effective to use air purifiers with the presence of ozonation of the air space, as well as air purifiers of a photocatalytic nature. At the same time, they must necessarily have the function of independently removing dust, because it is worth getting rid of it first of all.

Photocatalytic devices do their work through a symbiosis of ultraviolet radiation together with a catalyst.This is fatal to harmful microorganisms and other chemical compounds that can quickly degrade.

In air purifiers, ozonizers should be noted for their special weapon - ozone, which also quickly and efficiently fights microorganisms by means of oxidation. These devices must not be used in the presence of people around. Before turning them on, you should leave the room.

Air purifier rating

Air purifier AIC CF8005

The Italian company AIC is one of the largest manufacturers of humidifiers and air purifiers. There are a lot of its products in Russia and the CIS. One of the most popular models is the AIC CF8005. The device is designed for a room with an area of ​​21 square meters and is perfect for an apartment.

The AIC cleaner is a good example of how different types of cleaning can be combined in one device. Several filters are used here at once: pre-cleaning, HEPA filter, carbon and photocatalytic. The model also supports air ionization and speed control. If you have allergies, five steps of air purification will help you deal with it.

Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2S

Xiaomi is in its repertoire - its air purifiers have already reached the Russian market. The Mi Air Purifier 2S model has a high power (cleaning performance - up to 310 cubic meters / h) and can successfully work in rooms with an area of ​​37 square meters.

The model has two filters - pre-cleaning and carbon. The model also supports fan speed control and shows the current temperature and humidity. Air Purifier fits perfectly into the Xiaomi ecosystem - the purifier can be controlled via Wi-Fi using a smartphone by installing the Mi Home app.

Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier Pro

If you need an air purifier for a spacious room or the whole house at once, we advise you to pay attention to the Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier Pro model - it is designed for rooms up to 60 square meters. and has an even greater capacity (500 m3 / h). There are already three filters in it - pre-cleaning, a HEPA filter, a charcoal filter, - there is also a built-in humidifier

The pro model is equipped with a PM2.5 air pollution sensor, child protection system, pollution and humidity indicator. Oddly enough, but Mi Air Purifier Pro is much larger than the base model - the purifier weighs almost 10 kg and takes up a lot of space (its dimensions are 260x735x260 mm).

Climatic complex REDMOND RAW-3501

The Air Washer from Redmond has the functions of an ionization purifier and humidifier. The device perfectly filters fine dust and is suitable for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. The serviced area is 20 square meters, the capacity of the water tank is 2.2 liters. The device is able to automatically control the purity of the air, of course, there is also a manual mode - touch buttons to adjust the intensity of evaporation.

Among the useful functions are timer operation (up to 8 hours), child lock and night mode. At the same time, the device is compact and weighs just over 3 kg, which means you can easily move it between rooms.

Air purifier AIC XJ-4000

AIC Advanced Purifier uses five cleaning stages: pre-filter, HEPA filter, photocatalytic, electrostatic and carbon. Plus, the device has an ionization function. This multi-stage system will not only help improve air quality, but also get rid of excess dust and allergens. For example, if you have a cat at home, but you cannot look at him without tears, the solution is to buy a powerful air purifier.

The device is designed for a large room up to 50 sq.m. The model has electronic control - there is a display, a timer and a remote control. The purifier itself determines the degree of air pollution and turns on if it detects dust or smoke in the room. Also, the filtration rate can be adjusted manually.

Climate complex LG HW306LGE0 Mini On

An air cleaner from LG combines an air purifier and a humidifier. The compact device does not take up much space, but it can work even in a spacious room: it holds 4.5 liters of water and is suitable for rooms up to 23 square meters. At the same time, the model consumes very little energy - only 11 watts.

LG Mini On is equipped with two filters (pre-filter and water) and can ionize the air. It is especially convenient that you can pour water into the device from above without disassembling it.There is no need to replace the filter either - there are no replaceable parts in the purifier, and it is enough to wash the filter sometimes.

Climatic appliances for home:

• Choosing the best floor air conditioner: types and characteristics
• Is it warm or cold? Best home weather stations 2019

Air purifier with humidification function: features of the filtration system

Devices must be easy to use and maintain
The type of filtration system, namely the installed filter, depends on what kind of harmful particles the device will save the room. The filter can be:

• electrostatic, in which several metal plates with a static field are used. Contaminated air masses, passing between them, settle. Filters of this type remove dust from the air;
• HEPA filter, in which the room is cleaned of dust by 99.9%;
• photocatalytic, which eliminates bacteria, viruses and gases;
• coal, which allows you to eliminate volatile harmful components from the air, for example, tobacco smoke.

A humidifier can be installed in the purifiers:

• traditional, in which contaminated air masses pass through the installed wet filter;
• ultrasonic, in which air masses pass through fine spray obtained by splitting water.

If you feel a decrease in performance, dry mouth and nose, drowsiness, then you should think about installing a humidifier indoors.

For families in which children are growing up or there are people with allergies to dust or other components, you should pay attention to an air purifier. For more adventurous people today, models of combined devices are provided that allow you to simultaneously clean and humidify the air masses in the room.

Benefits of using air purifiers for allergy sufferers and asthmatics

An air purifier for allergy sufferers and asthmatics can become truly vital. Here, its main advantage is to remove from the air in the apartment the very reason for the exacerbation of these diseases - dust, carbon monoxide or pollen. But here it is worth noting that in this case it is not worth saving. Your best bet would be to purchase a more functional UV or ozonizer device.

Important information! It is very important for asthmatics to maintain a certain humidity of the inhaled air. It is for this reason that the most purchased models in such cases are humidified purifiers or air washers.

Quite a few people think that respiratory problems can be easily solved by installing a conventional air conditioner, but this is a misconception. Conventional filters of such a device are not able to trap the smallest particles that can provoke complications associated with asthma or allergies. The same applies to those who do not have health problems. You can be sure that the constant inhalation of dust or harmful emissions from cars or factories, in the end, will affect the condition of even the healthiest person. This means that an air purifier from dust for the home remains the best solution to this problem.

Washing the air with a remote control is quite expensive

How an apartment air purifier works

The device of an air purifier is quite simple. The principle of operation of a standard device is the passage of an air mass through various filter systems. The flow rate is adjusted manually or in automatic mode.

Filters can be stationary or replaceable. In stationary models, the cleaning process takes place with the passage of an air stream through wet cartridges. These are complex structures that additionally regulate the level of humidity in the room.

Various companies are currently offering innovative air purification devices. One of them is heating the air stream to a certain temperature, when all viruses and microbes die.

Air purifiers for home: top 10

The table shows the most popular models of air purifiers, according to customer reviews.

How to choose an air purifier for an apartment: basic rules

An effective solution for living in a polluted city environment is an air purifier for an apartment. Every resident of the metropolis should know which device to choose from the whole variety of existing models, especially if the ecological situation in a particular region is not at a high level.

The device additionally has a humidification function

Related article:

Which humidifier is best for kids? Such a device is simply necessary in the nursery, especially in the winter. In the dedicated overview, you will find recommendations for choosing the best model for your budget.

Considered parameters

When choosing a cleaning device, certain parameters must be taken into account.

Multifunctional device with a timer

• The performance of the device is the most important. This indicator determines how much of the room can be cleaned in a certain period of time.
• The type of filter installed is equally important. The main types have been listed above. The best air purifier for an apartment has a stepped filter system.
• Additional functions can also come in handy during operation. The devices can be equipped with various indicators, timers, ultraviolet lamps, humidifiers and other useful features.
• The level of noise generated will necessarily affect comfort. If you work too loudly, it will not be very pleasant to live in the room. In this regard, the purchased device must be silent.

Demonstrated the structure of the Mitsubishi model

Note! Before going to the store, the consumer should clearly understand which air purifier to choose for the apartment. Feedback from device owners should help when considering specific models.

Such products are supplied to the market by Hisense

Popular models of air purifiers for allergy sufferers and asthmatics

Certain brands of filtering devices have become very popular due to their quality characteristics. In this regard, it is suggested that you familiarize yourself with the independent rating of air purifiers. A special table lists popular brands with prices and other parameters.

The air purifier is produced under the AIC brand name

Table 1. Characteristics and average cost of air purifiers

Ballu products with remote control

Helpful information! The listed device models have a multi-stage cleaning system. They are able to eliminate most allergens: pollen, pet hair and dander, fungal spores, and so on.

One of the models of the manufacturer Dantex

Other devices with air purification function

Humidifiers

The norm of air humidity in a dwelling is 40-60%. A decrease in this indicator due to the action of heating radiators in winter and air conditioners in summer leads to the creation of an uncomfortable and sometimes hazardous microclimate in a residential area.The principle of their operation is quite simple - there is a reservoir with water inside the device, which gradually evaporates and in the form of steam is thrown into the room by a fan.

By design, the humidifier can be:

• Mechanical. The evaporation of water occurs under the action of the air flow forced by the fan.
• Ultrasonic. Water transforms into a vapor state when it hits a special membrane. The ultrasonic device works absolutely silently and is energy efficient.
• Steam. Water is heated to steam in the inner chamber.

Air wash

A device that is also a so-called air washer is very popular. The principle of operation of such a device is as follows:

1. the fan draws dirty and dry air into the device;
2. inside, it is driven through a system of discs moistened with water - on which the smallest dust particles settle - or through a water curtain (in this case, the dust dissolves in water);
3. purified and humidified air is led out into the room.

What is better - an air purifier or air washer? It depends on your problem. If you are struggling with dust, get a sink, and to get rid of bacteria, fungi and germs, it is better to choose a functional air purifier.

Air humidifiers

humidifying devices
We bring dirt and dust into the house along with outdoor shoes and outerwear, it penetrates to us through open windows when the apartment is ventilated or an unexpected draft occurs. Someone who is susceptible to allergies can feel very unwell - asthmatics, for example, are most likely to develop an additional attack.

At the same time, the purchase of a simple air humidifier does not completely relieve a person of this problem. After all, it is considered only a side effect: humidification of the air helps to bind and hold together dust particles. So, dust sticks together, turns gray and falls on the floor and other surfaces in the room. Leaving the air we breathe most of the time.

Air washes take place in a completely different way. Their main goal is contact air purification, and the process of humidifying it is an additional action. According to their structure, the sinks are assembled quite simply: a plastic container is filled with water. Plastic discs are lowered into this container (not completely), which are blown by the air flow coming from the fan. Dust particles adhere to wet discs, which are removed from them by rotating the device.

All types of sinks have the same design and devices differ from each other only in the power and strength of the electric fan, external influence, as well as in the size of the discs themselves. Also, the device may contain additional features: filtering, ionization.

The main advantages of sinks and humidification devices

1. Economical to use. Appliances consume only about 120 - 144 watts of electricity.
2. Quiet during operation, as the fans are not too powerful.
3. Simple in design and easy to maintain. The device should only be rinsed with plain water from time to time.

The main disadvantages of humidifiers and indoor air washes

1. Slow at work. Fast modes of operation are not provided in the device. If you need to quickly clean the air, then a car washer and humidifiers will not cope with this task.
2. It is believed that such devices lead to an increase in the number of microbes and bacteria in the room, because they like heat and moisture. But it shouldn't be taken seriously. The main thing is to follow the instructions for using the device, and everything will be fine. The device does not carry any danger to human health.

(no votes yet)