Air Purifier Buying Guide

Have you ever noticed your home feeling a little stuffy? Maybe you’re sneezing more than usual while indoors? 

Airborne particles such as dust and pollen can sneak into your home, especially during allergy season. Air purifiers are designed to filter out these fine particles and release clean air back into your home. 

Whether you're shopping for your first air purifier or optimizing one you already have, here’s what you need to know:

Know the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

Air purifiers are meant to filter air in a single room, so look for a model that is sized appropriately for the room you plan to use it in. An oversized air purifier leads to higher energy use and more frequent air filter replacements than what is necessary. 

You can find the right size by checking a model’s CADR rating. This measures the performance of the air purifier and how quickly it pumps out filtered air. The higher the CADR number, the larger the room it can maintain.

Measure out the square footage of the room where the purifier will be used most often and align it with the CADR sizing chart. This can provide a helpful estimate of what model will work best for your needs. 

If dust is a concern in your home, choose a purifier that has a high dust CADR.

Understand Air Changes per Hour (ACH)

Manufacturers sometimes list a unit’s ACH, which estimates how often the air purifier cycles the air in a room in an hour.  The EPA suggests an ACH of right around 4.8 or slightly higher for best results, meaning it will refresh the air nearly five times per hour.  Be cautious of choosing an air purifier that has a much higher ACH rating than this, as it can lead to excess energy consumption with minimal added benefits. 

Search for ENERGY-STAR Certified Models

Air purifiers that are ENERGY STAR certified save 27% more energy than standard models while filtering the air just as effectively. This means savings on your electric usage without compromising air quality. 

Run Your Unit Efficiently

Once you have chosen an air purifier, you can reduce its energy use by following these tips:

• Optimal placement: Place the air purifier in a central spot away from walls and large objects to allow for easy airflow.
• Keep the filter clean: Check and change the filter as directed in the instruction manual. A clean filter is key to optimal performance.
• Adjust fan speed: Many air purifiers offer an auto-setting to adjust fan speed based on air quality.  For manual models, consider keeping the fan speed lower for smaller rooms to minimize energy use.
• Close windows and doors: Keep doors and windows closed to prevent new airborne particles from entering your space. This will make it easier for your air purifier to effectively filter the air. 

Check Out Efficiency Smart's Rebates on Air Purifiers

Looking to save even more? Our Home Energy Rebates program offers a $20 rebate when you purchase a qualifying air purifier model. You can also find energy-efficient models through our Online Savings Store program with our discount already applied to the purchase price.  

Do you have additional questions about air purifiers or want to explore our other programs? Our team is here to help you. Contact us at 877-889-3777 or [email protected] for more information.