How to choose an effective air purifier in 2024?

On September 20, Kyiv was once again covered by smog, and the Ukrainian capital was recognized as the world’s first city in terms of air pollution. An official statement from the authorities explained that the situation was caused by fires in the ecosystems of the Kyiv region, and the low winds prevented the capital’s air from being cleared quickly. The news reports recommend closing windows, limiting time outside, drinking plenty of water, and turning on air purifiers. In this article, we will tell you how to choose an effective device and improve the climate, at least inside your home.

What is an air purifier and what types are there?

Air purifiers explain their purpose right from the name. They work thanks to a special filter (often several layers of different types of filters), which purifies the air from dust, allergens, bacteria, viruses, smoke, chemicals, and unpleasant odors. The devices are popular in homes with small children, people with allergies, or pet owners. In addition to design, air purifiers also differ in the types of filters and technologies they use:

1. Mechanical (HEPA filters). They remove the smallest dust particles, pollen, and allergens. Most HEPA filters can capture up to 99.9% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size.
2. Electrostatic. They use charged plates to attract ionized dust particles and other contaminants. However, such models can emit small amounts of ozone.
3. Cleaners with a carbon filter. Designed to absorb odors, smoke, and chemicals.
4. Photocatalytic cleaners. Thanks to the action of ultraviolet light and a catalyst, they destroy pollutants (bacteria and viruses).
5. Ozonators. They emit ozone, which oxidizes and neutralizes pollutants. It is mainly used to remove persistent odors (cigar smoke, mold, glue).

Sometimes purifiers have additional useful features, such as an air quality sensor. With it, you can program the device to automatically adjust its operation — the air quality has deteriorated, and the purifier starts working. There are hybrid models that combine the functions of cleaning and humidification, which will allow you to use only one device during the heating season. There are also cleaners on the market with an ionization function that prevents dust from settling on surfaces, as well as devices with a reduced noise level — for placement in a bedroom, we recommend paying attention to the volume level.

Choose the best option

When choosing a cleaner, you should start by defining your goal. For example, for allergy sufferers, it is better to choose models with HEPA filters that retain pollen well, while for odor control, you need a model with a carbon filter layer. The type of filter will also affect the lifespan of the device. Some filters need to be replaced, so it is advisable to find out their cost in advance, and some filters are washable.

The cleaner also depends on the room in which it will be used. The power of each model is designed for a specific room area (in the characteristics, pay attention to the parameter where the square meters are indicated). And if you want to sleep with the cleaner on, select a model with a noise level of less than 40 dB.

Although the purifier can be considered an investment in health, it is important to look at the level of energy consumption so as not to save on its operation. The best option is one that maintains good power performance but does not require a lot of energy to operate.

Popular models of air purifiers in 2024

Dyson Purifier Big + Quiet Formaldehyde BP03

Dyson Purifier Big — is a powerful air purifier from the famous Dyson brand. The model represents high-tech household appliances, as it uses innovative technology and two types of filters: carbon and HEPA-H13 (captures 99.95% of microscopic particles up to 0.1 micron in size). It is designed for large rooms (up to 100 m²) and is equipped with the function of purifying the air from formaldehyde, one of the most dangerous pollutants. The device not only cleans, but also does so almost silently, making it ideal for home or office.

The Dyson Purifier Big can capture and neutralize dust particles, allergens, bacteria, and harmful gases, including formaldehyde, from furniture and other materials. In addition, the device automatically controls the air quality in the room, ensuring constant monitoring and adaptation of its work.

This model is suitable for rooms with new furniture or flooring. It will also be an excellent choice for those who want to avoid noise during operation.

The cost of the device corresponds to the brand category: you have to pay from 39 to 50 thousand hryvnias for the cleaner.

The main advantage of the device is its multi-level purification system. The first layer is a pre-filter that protects the HEPA filter from large particles such as hair and dust. This is followed by an antibacterial layer that destroys viruses and bacteria, and an activated carbon layer that neutralizes harmful gases and odors. The HEPA filter (H11) captures the smallest allergens, pollen, and microparticles up to 0.3 microns in size.

Thanks to the «Sleep» operating mode, the device works quietly at night, so it is perfect for a bedroom. The cost of such a model is about 3000 hryvnias.

Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Elite

Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Elite is also a pleasantly designed model that hides its high power. It creates a comfortable indoor climate even in large rooms, as it is suitable for large rooms or offices of 125 m². It is equipped with HEPA H13 class filters that can effectively remove up to 99.97% of particles up to 0.3 microns in size, including dust, pollen, and allergens.

One of the key features of this purifier is an integrated control system via the Mi Home mobile app, which allows you to control the device remotely. In addition, the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Elite supports voice control via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for integration into «smart» homes. The device is also equipped with an OLED display that shows the degree of air pollution in real time in four different colors.

Such a purifier can be chosen by allergy sufferers, owners of fluffy animals and large houses. The cost of the model varies from 15,536 to 17,800 UAH.

Philips AC0850/11

A compact but powerful solution — this isPhilips AC0850/11. One-touch operation quickly cleans the air of viruses, allergens, and other harmful particles that are invisible to the eye. With an airflow of 190 m³/h, it works quickly and efficiently in rooms up to 49 m², making it ideal for any room.

The ability to clean 20 m² in just 16 minutes demonstrates its high performance, and the filtration system includes several layers: NanoProtect HEPA and carbon filters, as well as a pre-filter. They capture 99.9% of particles as small as 0.003 microns, effectively cleaning the air from dust, bacteria, pollen, and other pollutants. Allergy sufferers can be assured of the device’s effectiveness, as it is certified by the European Center for Allergy Research (ECARF).

A system of intelligent sensors analyzes air quality 1000 times per second, providing real-time data and automatically adjusting the device. Instant air quality readings are displayed on the screen in the form of digital data and a color indicator, making monitoring simple and convenient.

Price Philips AC0850/11 on the market ranges from UAH 6,500 to 9,000.

Hoco AP01

The Hoco AP01 is also a compact, cup-sized solution that is powered by USB and is suitable for use in the car. With a weight of only 340 g, the Hoco AP01 effectively removes odors, smoke or dust and fits into a cupholder.

Equipped with an ionization system, it can capture particles as small as 0.04 microns. For long journeys and daily car use, this assistant will significantly improve the experience in the cabin and will be a useful addition for those who suffer from motion sickness, as unpleasant or pungent odors can provoke kinetosis.

Such a purifier can be found at a price ranging from 1,600 to 3 thousand hryvnias.

Electrolux Pure A9 PA91-605GY

Air purifiers from the Electrolux brand are considered one of the best solutions on the market. The PA91-605GY is a large stationary device, weighing almost 9 kg. It provides continuous air filtration for a healthy indoor atmosphere and supports an adaptive cleaning system that automatically adjusts performance depending on the level of contamination. Suitable for large rooms up to 129 m², it can be used both at home and in spacious office spaces.

The 360-degree AirSurround filtration system ensures even distribution of clean air throughout the room. Integrated 5-stage filters (pre-filter, HEPA 13, carbon filter, and antibacterial) eliminate dust, allergens, odors, and other harmful particles. You can monitor your air quality using sensors and on-screen displays, as well as the mobile app.

The device is extremely quiet (from 16 dB to 32 dB), which allows you to use it even while sleeping. In addition, the design of the purifier makes it a stylish and functional addition to any interior.

The price of the model ranges from UAH 19,910 to 26,887.

Beurer LR 400

Beurer LR 400 — It is also powerful, but much smaller than the previous cleaner. Weighing only 3.7 kg, it is adapted for rooms up to 69 m². It has a stylish look and is equipped with a backlight that will fit in well with high-tech interiors. It provides multi-level cleaning to create a fresh atmosphere in the room.

Thanks to a three-filter system (HEPA H13, carbon filter, pre-filter), the device effectively removes dust, allergens, odors, and harmful particles. Additional cleaning with ultraviolet light eliminates harmful bacteria from the air.

The night mode ensures quiet operation, and a convenient timer allows you to program the cleaning time. A special indicator will notify you of the need to replace the filter, which is also provided for air quality control. Price Beurer LR 400 varies from UAH 10,816 to UAH 19,632.