Air quality is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. With constant exposure to various pollutants, it’s important to take proactive measures to improve the quality of air in our homes.
It’s not just the outdoor pollutants that find their way inside, but also a multitude of indoor culprits such as dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, mould, plant spores, and chemicals emitted from various household items. This stagnant and polluted air creates a stale atmosphere, even if you clean diligently.
One of the most effective ways to improve air quality is by investing in the best air purifier available. These innovative devices are specifically designed to eliminate harmful air pollutants and create a clean and breathable atmosphere. However, with so many options to choose from, finding the right air purifier for your needs can be overwhelming.
In this blog, we will guide you through the top air purifiers on the market, providing you with a comprehensive overview of their features and benefits. Take the first step towards cleaner air and a healthier home by choosing the best air purifier that suits your requirements.
Table of Contents
What are the Benefits of Air Purifiers?
Air purifiers enhance indoor air quality by trapping a variety of harmful particles, such as pollutants, allergens, and pathogens. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory issues, as they can capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including those as small as 0.3 microns, with HEPA filters. This can alleviate allergy symptoms, reduce asthma triggers, and promote better sleep by minimizing irritants that affect breathing.
Moreover, air purifiers aid in reducing the spread of airborne diseases by filtering out bacteria and viruses. They also help preserve the cleanliness of HVAC systems, extending their lifespan by preventing the accumulation of dust and debris.
How does an air purifier work?
An air purifier operates by circulating air through a series of filters, capturing pollutants and particles. The core component is often a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which is capable of trapping 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size. Additional filters, like activated carbon, may absorb odors and gases. Once filtered, the purified air is released back into the room, steadily improving the indoor air quality by removing contaminants.
How to choose the Best Air Purifier for you
Choosing the best air purifier for your needs is a multifaceted decision that requires an understanding of various technologies, specifications, and personal requirements. To make an informed decision, consider the following points:
Understanding Air Purifiers
Before making a purchase, it is important to understand how air purifiers work. Most air purifiers use filters to trap particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Some also use technologies such as UV light or ionizers to kill germs or remove pollutants.
What are the types of air purifiers?
There are several types of air purifiers available, with HEPA filters being among the most popular. Other options include activated carbon filters, ionic purifiers, and ultraviolet light air purifiers.
HEPA Filters: High-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filters can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). True HEPA filters are the gold standard for air purification.
Activated Carbon Filters: These filters are composed of activated carbon and are highly absorbent; they excel at trapping gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, odors, and chemicals, but they are not effective against particulate matter unless used together with a HEPA filter.
Pre-Filters: Pre-filters typically capture larger particles like hair and large dust, which helps extend the life of the main filter, such as the HEPA filter, by preventing its quick saturation with large particles.
UV Filters: UV-C light in these purifiers can destroy the DNA of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and some types of mold. However, UV light purifiers do not trap particles, and they must be used in conjunction with filters that do for an effective overall purification.
Ionic Filters or Ionizers: These filters release charged ions into the air that attach to airborne pollutants, making them heavier and causing them to settle on surfaces, or be collected on electrostatic plates. These can include dust and allergens. However, they are less efficient in capturing ultrafine particles and may produce ozone as a byproduct.
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO): These filters use UV light combined with a titanium dioxide-coated filter that creates a photocatalytic effect to break down a wide range of pollutants, including VOCs, bacteria, and viruses, into harmless substances like water and carbon dioxide. However, their effectiveness on particulate matter is limited, like UV light purifiers.
Room Size and CADR Rating:
Room size is critical in selecting an air purifier; it must match the unit’s coverage capacity for efficiency. The CADR rating indicates the volume of filtered air delivered, measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). For optimal purification, the CADR should equal at least two-thirds of the room’s area in square feet. A higher CADR means faster air cleaning, vital for larger spaces or highly polluted environments.
Specific Needs:
Allergies: If you have allergies, you should look for an air purifier with a true HEPA filter.
Asthma or Chemical Sensitivities: Consider an air purifier with both a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter.
Smoke: To remove smoke, a purifier must have an activated carbon filter or a specially designed smoke filter.
Pets: Pet owners should look for purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters to handle dander and odors.
Noise Level:
Noise level is a crucial factor for air purifiers intended for continuous use, particularly in bedrooms. Noise levels, measured in decibels (dB), can range from whisper-quiet (around 20 dB) to the level of a conversation (around 60 dB). The Rabbit Air MinusA2 is known for its quiet operation.
Energy Consumption:
Energy efficiency is important for reducing operational costs. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models, which are 40% more energy-efficient than standard models.
Maintenance and Operating Costs:
Consider the cost of replacement filters and how often they need to be replaced. Some air purifiers also have washable filters, which can reduce the overall maintenance cost.
Additional Features:
Air-quality Sensor: An air-quality sensor detects pollutants in the environment, allowing the air purifier to adjust its fan speed automatically to the level of contamination detected. This feature ensures the purifier operates more effectively and efficiently, providing real-time air purification based on the room’s current air quality.
Smart Features: Some air purifiers can be controlled via smartphone apps and may include air quality monitors that adjust the purifier’s performance in real time.
Filter Change Indicators: Reminders to change or clean filters ensure the purifier operates efficiently.
Programmable Timers: These allow users to schedule operation times to save energy and extend filter life.
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The Best Air Purifiers NZ
1. TruSens Air Purifier NZ
The TruSens Air Purifier NZ boasts a SensorPod that actively monitors your air quality, providing feedback through a clear numeric and color display. This feature ensures you’re always aware of your environment’s air purity.
With PureDirect technology, the air delivery is optimised for maximum efficiency, covering a generous space of up to 1,425 sq ft. The combination of a prefilter, carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and UV purification tackles various pollutants, making it ideal for those seeking a thorough air purification system.
The purifier offers user-friendly options such as five fan speeds, an auto mode for automatic adjustments, and a night mode for quieter operation while you sleep. Timers can be set from 2 up to 12 hours for convenience, and with filter change indicators for each type, maintenance is straightforward. Despite its power, noise levels remain modest, ranging from 30 to 60 dB.
2. Therapy Air Ion
The Therapy Air Ion elevates convenience with its wall-mountable design and remote control, ensuring seamless integration into your living space and ease of use from anywhere in the room.
Nighttime brings tranquility with the Bedtime Mode, which enables the unit to function at a whisper-quiet level of 21 dB, not to exceed 46 dB, fostering a serene environment for restful sleep. Safety is paramount, as evidenced by the feature that halts all operations should the front cover be accidentally opened.
This unit is child-friendly, thanks to the Child Mode that moderates air circulation to avoid creating a chilly environment. A suite of filters—antistatic, antibacterial, HEPA, anti-allergenic, and activated carbon—work in concert to ensure the air you breathe is clean and healthy. Peace of mind is provided by an impressive 5-year warranty, underscoring the brand’s commitment to durability and customer satisfaction.
3. Sunbeam Fresh Protect Air Purifier
The Sunbeam Air Purifier is designed to cater to different air cleaning needs with its three-speed settings, ensuring personalized comfort for any room up to 49m² in size. With a CADR rating of 113, it efficiently cycles air and captures impurities.
Added convenience comes with the inclusion of a timer that can be set for 2, 4, or 8 hours, allowing you to run the purifier according to your schedule. A night light feature provides a soft glow, doubling as a comfort light in dim settings. The True HEPA Filter in the unit captures 99.97% of airborne particles, ensuring top-notch air quality.
Maintenance is simplified with a filter replacement indicator that alerts you when it’s time for a new filter, while the built-in UV light and ionizer offer additional layers of air sanitation. The Sunbeam SAP1000WH is an excellent companion for those seeking a comfortable, healthier home environment.
4. Instant: AP300 Air Purifier Large
Instant’s AP300 Air Purifier Large harnesses advanced Plasma Ion Technology and Triple Protection Filtration to purify the air, removing an impressive 99.97% of ultrafine particles and 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and mold. Its sophisticated design ensures a thorough clean of airborne impurities, contributing to a healthier living space.
User experience is enhanced with intelligent sensors that continuously monitor air quality, adjusting the fan speed as necessary to maintain optimal air conditions around the clock. The three-in-one filtration system, including a true HEPA-13 filter and carbon layer, tackles everything from dust and allergens to unpleasant odors, bolstered by an antimicrobial coating to ward off bacterial growth.
With a variety of operating modes, including an environmentally conscious Eco mode and a whisper-quiet Night mode, the Instant AP300 Air Purifier fits seamlessly into daily life. Its 360-degree airflow and air quality indicator light provide comprehensive coverage and user-friendly feedback, making it an ideal choice for larger living spaces and those seeking peace of mind through cleaner air.
5. Beurer Smarti Air Purifier
The Beurer Smarti Air Purifier combines seamless connectivity and top-notch air purification technology. Featuring both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, it’s easily managed via the Beurer FreshHome app across iOS and Android devices. The intuitive LED display ensures easy monitoring and control of your indoor air quality.
Equipped with a HEPA 13 filter, this purifier promises to filter out 99.95% of airborne particles, providing a healthier environment. The inclusion of a PM 2.5 sensor further enhances its ability to detect fine particulates, keeping your air pristine. Various modes, including a discreet Night Mode and an adjustable 1-24 hour timer, cater to your personalized comfort.
Performance-wise, the Beurer Smarti Air Purifier impresses with an airflow capacity of up to 380m.cu/h, suitable for spaces ranging from 35 to 100msq. The three-layered filter system, coupled with four-speed levels plus a Turbo function, guarantees a tailored approach to air purification, while the auto-off feature adds a layer of safety and energy efficiency.
6. Fellowes AeraMax Air Purifier
The Fellowes AeraMax DX95 Air Purifier stands out with its ultra-quiet operation, suitable for expansive spaces of 30–60m2, ensuring a tranquil yet efficient air purification process. Allergy sufferers can breathe easier thanks to the True HEPA Filtration system that captures an astounding 99.97 percent of fine particles down to 0.3 microns.
Heightened protection is available during the cold and flu seasons with the specialized Aera+ Mode that’s laboratory-proven to reduce the prevalence of the influenza A virus. A carbon air filter is incorporated to neutralize odors and trap VOCs, ensuring that your home environment is free from unpleasant smells and harmful chemical vapors.
Adaptive and intuitive, the AeraMax DX95 hosts the AeraSmart™ sensor, which diligently monitors your room’s air quality and automatically adjusts the fan speed to optimize purification. This smart feature guarantees your indoor air remains at its cleanest without the need for manual intervention, ushering in an era of hands-off healthfulness.
7. Kogan SmarterHome 5-Stage Air Purifier
The Kogan SmarterHome 5-Stage Air Purifier, with its HEPA 13 filter, is designed to provide a breath of fresh air for spaces up to 50m². Its filter boasts an impressive lifespan of 2200 hours, promising longevity and sustained performance in capturing airborne irritants.
With a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 400m3/h, this purifier swiftly circulates purified air throughout your room. Its 5-stage air purification process ensures that you’re not just removing particles, but enhancing the overall quality of your indoor air.
The Kogan SmarterHome purifier also considers your need for peace, featuring a Sleep Mode that operates below 27dB. For stronger purification demands, the High Mode reaches 56dB, providing flexibility in maintaining cleaner air while accommodating your comfort about noise levels.
8. Devanti Home Purifier
The Devanti Home Purifier, with its respectable CADR rating of 180 cubic meters per hour, is equipped to enhance air quality efficiently. Boasting an H11 grade HEPA filter paired with an active carbon filter, it tackles various airborne particles, ensuring cleaner breathing space in your home.
This purifier is geared for versatility with four distinct modes – Automatic, Normal, Efficient, and Silent – to suit any time of day and air quality needs. The convenience is further amplified with an 8-hour timer, allowing you to set and forget for continued freshness.
Ease of use is central to the Devanti experience. The built-in ioniser aids in removing pollutants, while a handy remote control and digital control panel offer effortless operation. A filter change indicator keeps maintenance simple, ensuring your air purifier runs optimally at all times.
9. Smart Ape 4-Stage Air Purifier
The Smart Ape 4-Stage Air Purifier brings advanced air filtration to your living space, utilizing a pre-filter, H13 HEPA, and activated carbon filter to meticulously cleanse the air. The activated carbon filter is particularly adept at absorbing challenging contaminants like odours, Benzene, Formaldehyde, and VOCs.
A unique feature of this purifier is its real-time AQI reader which ensures you are always aware of your indoor air quality. Accommodating your daily rhythm, it offers three adjustable speed settings including a tranquil sleep mode, an efficient auto mode, and a robust high mode for maximum purification.
Integrating seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem, this device is controllable through the free Smart Life™ app and is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice-activated convenience. The purifier’s touchscreen control panel offers contemporary flair and user-friendliness, while the built-in timer and 3-colour LED lights add a personalised touch to your air quality management.
10. Activiva Hepa Air Purifier
The Activiva Hepa Air Purifier offers a practical solution for improved air quality with a CADR of 150m3/h, suitable for spaces up to 25m2. Its triple-layer filtration system, featuring a Fine Preliminary Filter followed by a True HEPA H13 Filter and an Activated Carbon Layer, ensures comprehensive capture of particulates and odors.
Engineered for quiet operation, the device maintains a low noise level ranging from a whisper-quiet 25dB in Sleep Mode to a still-modest 40dB on the High setting. This allows for uninterrupted work or rest, with clean air as a silent companion.
User-friendliness is a priority, with straightforward button controls for various speeds and functions, including a UV-C feature that works to eliminate airborne germs. The addition of a UV-C tube light provides an extra layer of sanitation, making the Activiva Hepa Air Purifier a considerate choice for maintaining a hygienic, fresh, and serene living environment.
FAQ’s
Do air purifiers work in NZ?
Air purifiers in New Zealand work effectively to reduce indoor air pollutants, such as dust, pollen, and smoke, especially when equipped with HEPA filters which capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, beneficial for allergy sufferers and improving overall air quality.
What causes pollutants in the air?
Numerous factors contribute to air pollution, such as dust particles, plant and fungal pollen, and toxic substances from cleaning products. Inhalation of these contaminants can irritate the respiratory tract, posing risks particularly for those with weakened immune systems or allergies.
How do I maintain an air purifier?
Maintain an air purifier by regularly replacing or cleaning its filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, typically every 3-6 months for HEPA filters, and checking for and clearing any blockages to ensure optimal airflow and performance.
Does an air purifier significantly improve home air quality?
Air purifiers with true HEPA filters can significantly improve home air quality by removing up to 99.97% of airborne particles, reducing allergens, smoke, and pollutants, and contributing to healthier indoor environments.
What size of Air Purifier do you need?
The size of the air purifier needed is based on the room’s square footage. A purifier’s CADR rating should ideally be matched to the area’s size, with the CADR being at least two-thirds of the room’s square feet for optimal performance.
Can air purifiers help protect against viruses?
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, potentially trapping airborne viruses. UV-C light technology in some purifiers can also inactivate viruses, but should not replace other virus-protection measures.
Who is an air purifier suited to?
Air purifiers are suited to individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, pet owners, smokers, or anyone looking to improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutants and creating a healthier living environment.