Portable room air cleaners represent the quickest, most accessible option for improving indoor air quality in homes, classrooms, and offices. They work by filtering out harmful particles from the air like dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, and more. By removing these pollutants, air cleaners can significantly improve indoor air quality.
But with so many models to choose from, it can be challenging to decide what you need from an air cleaner. That’s why we’re breaking down the buying process.
When selecting an air cleaner, consider the following factors:
- Room size: Ensuring the air cleaner is capable of effectively covering the size of the room is the most important feature to look for. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended room size.
- Type of Filter: Learn what type of filter the air cleaner uses, including its capabilities and required maintenance.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): CADR, which is AHAM’s rating system for an air cleaner’s efficacy, provides a way to choose an air cleaner based on your specific air cleaning needs. CADR is a measurement of how fast an air cleaner filters three commonly sized particulates: dust, pollen and tobacco smoke. Follow the “two-thirds” rule and choose an air cleaner with a smoke CADR rating that is two-thirds the size of the room’s area. That means a room that is 200 square feet would require an air cleaner with a smoke CADR of at least 132. If you live in an area with a high pollen count, consider air cleaners with higher ratings for filtering pollen. If dust is an issue, pay closer attention to the unit’s rating for dust. And if you have smokers in the home, look for higher ratings for smoke. The higher the CADR number for each pollutant, the faster the unit filters the air. AHAM considers CADR the most important metric for comparing air cleaner performance.
- Noise level: This is related to room size. Choosing an air cleaner properly sized for the space is the best way to ensure that the noise level is appropriate.
- Look for the AHAM Verifide seal: The mark can typically be found on product packaging and means the manufacturer’s claims have been independently verified through rigorous testing. (learn more about AHAM Verifide below).
ABOUT AHAM VERIFIDE
Not all portable room air cleaners are the same. When you’re ready to purchase an air cleaner, always look for the AHAM Verifide® mark. Room air cleaners certified through the AHAM Verifide program have been rigorously tested by an independent laboratory to ensure the product will perform to the manufacturer’s product claims for the suggested room size. The AHAM Verifide mark can be found on product packaging.
To find AHAM Verifide® room air cleaners, use AHAM’s online searchable directory to locate the model that’s right for you.
Find a Certified Room Air Cleaner Here
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