Is an $800 purifier best to clean your home’s air? We lab tested 5 top brands

The article titled “Is an $800 purifier best to clean your home’s air? We lab tested 5 top brands” delves into the effectiveness of air purifiers in cleaning indoor air, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. CBC Marketplace conducted tests on five popular brands, including Dyson, Honeywell, Blueair, Germguardian, and Levoit, with the assistance of indoor air expert Jeff Seigel. The tests were based on the clean air delivery rate (CADR), with Blueair emerging as the most effective purifier. The article emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation and filtration in maintaining clean indoor air quality and provides tips for cleaner air. It also highlights the need for consumers to understand the claims made by purifier manufacturers and their marketing tactics.

In a captivating Marketplace episode, CBC News explores the effectiveness of air purifiers in cleaning your home’s air. The article highlights the lab tests conducted on five top brands, including Dyson, Honeywell, Blueair, Germguardian, and Levoit, using the clean air delivery rate (CADR) as the key indicator. Blueair was found to be the most effective purifier, raising questions about the value of the $800 Dyson purifier. The article also emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation and filtration in maintaining clean indoor air quality, particularly during a pandemic, and provides helpful tips for cleaner air. Understanding the claims made by purifier manufacturers and comparing options on the market are essential factors to consider when shopping for an air purifier.

Background

CBC Marketplace recently conducted a comprehensive test on five popular brands of air purifiers to determine their effectiveness in cleaning indoor air. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of indoor air quality and the role of air purifiers in reducing the risk of transmission has become increasingly crucial.

The brands tested in the study were Dyson, Honeywell, Blueair, Germguardian, and Levoit. To ensure accurate and reliable results, indoor air expert and professor Jeff Seigel from the University of Toronto was enlisted as the project’s consultant.

The key indicator of effectiveness used in the test was the clean air delivery rate (CADR), which measures the volume of air purified by the device in a given time. The higher the CADR, the more effective the purifier is in removing contaminants from the air. Blueair emerged as the most effective purifier in the test, with a CADR of over 550 cubic meters per hour.

Dyson, one of the popular brands tested, did not perform as well as Blueair. Despite its high price point of $800, the Dyson purifier did not match the performance of its competitors. Honeywell, another brand tested, had a moderate performance with an average CADR of 180 cubic meters per hour. Germguardian performed slightly better than Honeywell, but its built-in UV-light feature was ineffective in killing germs.

The test also shed light on the importance of understanding the claims made by air purifier manufacturers and being aware of their marketing tactics. Not all claims can be trusted, and it is essential to consider unbiased, scientific data to assess the effectiveness of a purifier.

Importance of Clean Indoor Air

Proper ventilation and filtration play a crucial role in maintaining clean indoor air quality. Mold, bacteria, and viruses are common pollutants present in indoor air that can contribute to respiratory issues and other health problems. With the emergence of the novel coronavirus, ensuring clean air indoors has become even more important in reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Filter-based air purifiers are recommended over other types such as ion generators, plasma air cleaners, and photo catalytic oxidation, as these alternative types can emit respiratory hazards. It is important to control indoor air sources of harmful particles and regularly maintain ventilation systems to minimize the presence of pollutants.

Tips for Cleaner Air

In addition to using air purifiers, there are several other steps individuals can take to improve indoor air quality. Using a range hood fan while cooking can help remove pollutants generated during the cooking process. It is also advisable to wear masks and protective gear while vacuuming to prevent the inhalation of dust and allergens.

Opening windows while cleaning can promote better air circulation and reduce the concentration of pollutants indoors. It is important to avoid the use of essential oil diffusers, as they can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can worsen indoor air quality.

For those seeking a cost-effective alternative to commercial air purifiers, creating a DIY air purifier using a box fan and a filter can be an effective option. Comparing the performance of a DIY purifier to a Dyson purifier revealed that the DIY version can provide similar results at a lower cost.

Factors to Consider When Shopping

When shopping for an air purifier, it is essential to consider the CADR as a key indicator of effectiveness. Comparing CADR values of different options on the market can help determine which purifiers are more efficient in purifying the air.

Additionally, consumers should consider the specific features and functions of each purifier, such as the type of filter used, the size of the purifier, and the noise level. It is also advisable to read customer reviews and gather information about the manufacturer’s reputation and after-sales support.

BROAD Electrostatic Air Purifier TB400 with Super Filtration Efficiency & Oxygen Deficiency Monitoring

BROAD Electrostatic Air Purifier TB400 with Super Filtration Efficiency & Oxygen Deficiency Monitoring

check price on amazon

Humidifiers Air Purifiers for Home, Bedroom 40 M2, Quiet Air Cleaner, 51-150m3/h, Air Filter Removes 99.9% Of Odor, Dust, Pet Dander, Smoke, Pollen

Humidifiers Air Purifiers for Home, Bedroom 40 M2, Quiet Air Cleaner, 51-150m3/h, Air Filter Removes 99.9% Of Odor, Dust, Pet Dander, Smoke, Pollen

 

check price on amazon

Soleus Air Multi-Room Hospital Quality PLASMA, UV, True HEPA Air Purifier with Laser Air Quality PM 2.5 indicator. For a total of 8 filters, LED Display, Extremely Efficient, up to 1,000 Sq. Ft with WiFi

Soleus Air Multi-Room Hospital Quality PLASMA, UV, True HEPA Air Purifier with Laser Air Quality PM 2.5 indicator. For a total of 8 filters, LED Display, Extremely Efficient, up to 1,000 Sq. Ft with WiFi

check price on amazon

Conclusion

Ensuring clean indoor air is vital for maintaining a healthy and safe living environment, especially during times of pandemics such as the COVID-19 crisis. The CBC Marketplace test on popular air purifier brands provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of different purifiers and highlighted the importance of understanding manufacturers’ claims and marketing tactics.

With the information provided in this article, readers can make informed decisions when purchasing air purifiers, taking into account factors such as CADR, specific features, and customer reviews. By investing in high-quality air purifiers and implementing tips for cleaner air, individuals can improve their indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory issues and infections.

 

Read more article: What Can You Boil to Purify the Air? 5 Methods to Improve Indoor Air Quality