We have tested more than 50 air purifiers in the past nine years and our measurements have shown that the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty is the best of them. It is powerful enough for use in a large room, quiet enough to sleep close by, designed to last for years, and inexpensive enough to install it in multiple rooms. Levoit's Vital 200S matched the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty in performance tests, and both are very similar in terms of energy efficiency, noise emission and ability to turn off the screen while maintaining the fan configuration of your choice. However, the Vital 200S is a new version (from January 2), so we haven't had time to test it in the long term yet.
HEPA Air Purifiers for Wildfire Smoke
When it comes to filtering wildfire smoke from the air in your home, HEPA air purifiers are your best bet. We have tested many of these devices over the years, often for extended periods of time, to evaluate their performance in different environments, their durability in the face of children's noise and other sources of harm, and the positive (or annoying) aspects that are discovered over time. In conditions where air quality is poor, such as when your area is affected by a nearby wildfire, we recommend that you run air purifiers at a high temperature for one hour and then run them in a quiet environment or medium to create and maintain clean air in the home.Testing Methodology
To evaluate how well air purifiers can filter out smoke particles, we conducted an experiment using 15 wooden matches.We tested this method with the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty and the Airmega 400 for three hours, one hour at high temperature and two at medium temperature. The Honeywell InSight HPA5300B was also considered but ultimately ruled out due to its high electricity demand. Compared to our choice for large spaces, the Blueair Blue Pure 211+, the Honeywell consumes a lot of power, consuming 33, 60, 94 and 117 watts at its four speeds (from low to turbo), respectively. The Blue Pure 211+ has a maximum output of 64 watts and is a slightly more powerful machine in terms of clean air supply rate (CADR).
Zigma Air Purifier with Anti-Odor Filter
I am using a Zigma Air Purifier with an anti-odor filter. The CADR indicates how much air an air purifier can clean per minute or hour. To maximize its effectiveness, it is important to seal the entire perimeter of the filter with clear, sturdy adhesive tape (any space where unfiltered air could pass). According to studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air.Air Purifiers for Pollen Levels
When pollen levels are high or smog or wildfires make it difficult to breathe outside air, HEPA filters and carbon filters are often the most effective tools for removing contaminants and odors from indoor air and purifying it at the same time. If you don't have an air purifier but still want to improve indoor air quality, an HVAC filter taped to a box fan is better than nothing. Bryan Buckley from One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning recommends always keeping an air purifier running in one place.Air Purifiers for Allergies
If you suffer from allergies or are simply concerned about the air quality in your home, an air purifier can help.An app (available for iOS and Android) can provide real-time readings on air quality as well as other useful features such as remote control and programming. Years of testing have shown that a good air purifier creates and maintains excellent air quality when it is simply allowed to operate continuously at a moderate setting.
Conclusion
If you have allergies or are simply concerned about the air quality in your home, a HEPA air purifier can help improve indoor air quality even when smog or wildfires make it difficult to breathe outside air. Zhang recommends these devices with HEPA filters for areas affected by forest fires.With proper use and maintenance, these devices can help reduce odors and contaminants from indoor air.
