"Getting a breath of fresh air" isn't a mere pleasantry. The saying started as a reminder for 18th-century factory workers to take a break from their poorly ventilated facilities. That's because whole house indoor air often contains more dust, particulates, and pollutants than outdoor air that can cause allergies.
Best Air Purifier for Whole House
- Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier (Editor's Choice)
- Alen BreatheSmart Classic Customizable Air Purifier
- Aprilaire 2410 While-Home Air Cleaner
- Honeywell F100F2010 Media Air Cleaner
- Alexapure 3049 Breeze Air Purification System
- Oransi Max Large Room Air Purifier
The same applies today. Fortunately, whole house air purifiers can fix that. The portable air purifier device uses internal fans to remove harmful airborne particles and circulate clean airflow back into the home. The key is finding an air home purifier with the style, quality, and price that meets your needs.
6 Best Air Purifier for Whole House
1. Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier
The Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier is one of the sleekest-looking models on our list. The device comes with a crisp white or dark gray coating and a perforated exterior that streamlines airflow. The modern aesthetic will seamlessly match the decor of any room.
This Coway Airmega model can clean rooms or homes up to 1,560 square feet. It circulates the air through its whole house filters twice each hour, trapping 99.97 percent of particles in the process. The Coway Airmega 400 uses a True HEPA filter, which can also reduce the unpleasant smells of smoke or ammonia. Plus, this type of house air filter is washable, so you can reuse them after they capture dust mites.
Perhaps the most impressive component of this air purifier is the smart technology. For starters, this Coway Airmega appliance comes with real-time air quality trackers that actively communicate how clean the air is at home. The front-facing LED ring will glow green for excellent air quality and turn progressively redder as the air quality declines.
Furthermore, this appliance has three settings that let you customize the air purifier to your home. You can toggle the fan speed based on the air quality as well as the lighting conditions. There is even an indicator that shows when you should wash the Max2 filter.
There are an additional five fan modes, including Low, Medium, High, Smart, and Sleep modes. This feature is another way you can personalize your whole house's air purifiers. For instance, you can pre-filter indoor air more quickly on high and clean the air four times per hour instead of two.
Last but not least, the whole house air purifier system is eco-friendly. It comes with Energy Star certification and only consumes 64 watts of electricity, which is a great help in reducing electricity bills. Additionally, each unit comes with a one-year warranty on internal parts and a five-year warranty on electronic ones.
Pros:
- Slick appearance
- Traps 99.97 percent of particulates with its True HEPA filter
- Customizable settings based on your home
- Features five different fan modes that adjust automatically
- Only produces 43.2 decibels of noise
- Only consumes 64 watts of electricity
- Energy Star certification
Cons:
- One of the more expensive home air purifiers
- High cost for filter replacement
2. Alen BreatheSmart Classic Customizable Air Purifier
The Alen BreathSmart Classic Customizable Air Purifier is small but mighty, making it one of the best with good whole house air purifier reviews. At 21 pounds, it packs an impressive cleaning capacity of 1,100 square feet. The modern unit fits any living room or open area thanks to its slender design and eight color options.
The Alen BreatheSmart is compatible with HEPA products, including the Pure, Fresh, Silver, and OdorCell filters. The OdorCell is the highest caliber whole house air filter that destroys odors on a molecular level. Regardless of which version you select, the Alen BreatheSmart will remove at least 99.8 percent of particulates 2.5 microns or larger.
Note that Alen Breathesmart does not use a True HEPA filter. The company did not want to restrict the airflow for the whole house air purifier. As a result, it produces as little as 41.5 decibels when active, which is barely above a whisper.
One of the best whole house air purifier reviews is Alen BreatheSmart. It has a compact control panel. Everything you need to operate the device is in this section. That includes ionization, filter, timer, speed, and automation settings, as well as the power button.
You have the option to easily change the fan speeds to one of four speeds or automate the process entirely. There is also a SmartSensor that reports real-time information about your home's air quality. The Alen BreatheSmart has a CADR rating of 279 Dust / 256 Smoke / 300 Pollen.
There's a lot to love about the Alen BreatheSmart. Not only is it compact, practical, and powerful, but it's energy cost-efficient, too. Each unit comes with Energy Star certification as well as a lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Compatible with all HEPA filters
- Highly portable with a 26.7-inch height and 10-inch depth
- Eight different colors to match your interior decor
- Energy Star certification
- Only produces 41.5 to 56 decibels of noise
- Automates air cleaning with SmartSensor
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- One of the more expensive home air purifiers
- High cost for replacement filters
- Modest CADR rating based on coverage area
3. Aprilaire 2410 Whole-Home Air Cleaner
If you're looking to improve your home air quality without breaking the bank, the Aprilaire 2410 While-Home Air Cleaner is worth your attention. This Aprilaire model can be installed directly into your HVAC system and will remove 98 percent of dust particles and 97 percent of pollen.
Unlike some other whole-house air purifiers, the Aprilaire 2410 is the epitome of "out of sight and out of mind." After you install Aprilaire 2410, you'll only need to check the filter once every year or two. Note that this air purifier is compatible with most HVAC systems, whether the manufacturers designed them for the basement, closet, or attic.
The Aprilaire 2410 is ideal for pet owners. The filtration system of this Aprilaire model is excellent at trapping impurities, allergens, and pet dander, as long as they are 0.3 microns or larger. That said, it is not as precise as its counterparts at catching fine particulates like smoke or viruses.
While the Aprilaire 2410 may not have the top-end performance of an Alen BreatheSmart or Coway Airmega 400, it makes up for its overall value. Aprilaire 2410 is a whole house air purifier with a fraction of the price and does not make a sound or use electricity cost. If you are willing to forgo personalization when it comes to your home air purifiers, check out the Aprilaire 2410.
Pros:
- A fraction of the cost of the top home air purifiers
- Minimal maintenance is required for the air filtration system
- Attaches to the HVAC system, so it stays out of sight
- Can easily clean 2,000 square feet
- Does not produce noise
- Does not use electricity
- Ideal for pet owners
Cons:
- Does not filter as effectively as top home air purifiers
- Lacks customizable features
4. Honeywell F100F2010 Media Air Cleaner
The Honeywell F100F2010 Media Air Cleaner is the first whole-house air cleaner from Honeywell. The model compares favorably to units from Aprilaire, specifically the Aprilaire 2410, with a tad bit more innovation, but that upgrade comes with a slightly higher price tag, too.
The Honeywell F100 has a full cabinet that measures 18 inches by 26 inches. The whole house air cleaner has a steel frame for long-lasting durability and an energy-efficient door. Thanks to an improved gasket, you can reduce 37 percent of air loss through the door.
When it comes to cleaning and removing indoor air pollution, the Honeywell F100 uses a MERV-11 filter. These are similar to whole house HEPA filter models but do not have standardized values between brands. The rating system goes from 1 to 20, with higher numbers more effectively filtering the air in your home with the use MERV-11 filter.
The MERV-11 is best-suited for trapping larger particulates in your house, like dust and pollen. Also, the MERV-11 filter is 92 percent effective at trapping matter at least 3 microns in diameter. Smaller particles are more challenging to capture, though, when using a MERV-11 filter.
Overall, the Honeywell F100 with MERV-11 filter is best for pet owners or families on a budget. The unit won't ding the wallet like other indoor air pollution cleaners and makes a discernible difference in overall air quality.
Once you install it to your HVAC system, you only have to check the filter once or twice a year. You never have to worry about noise or electricity consumption either.
Pros:
- Best for pet owners or families on a budget
- One of the most affordable options for air purifiers
- Steel frame for high durability
- Does not produce noise
- Does not use electricity
- Minimal maintenance
Cons:
- Modest filtering performance
- Lacks customizable features
5. Alexapure 3049 Breeze Air Purification System
The Alexapure 3049 Breeze AirPurification System will provide a breath of fresh air for the whole house. This air purification system uses a four-step process to pre-filter and filter air before circulating it back into the indoor environment. In the meantime, the Alexapure Breeze removes up to 99.97 percent of pollutants that are 3 microns or larger.
The first step is the pre-filter. This stage traps the most significant airborne pollutants, such as dust, pet dander, and hair. Next, the air passes through an activated carbon filter to remove any volatile organic compounds, including smoke and chemicals.
The third stage involves an advanced True HEPA filter, which snags the remaining unwanted contaminants from the air. Finally, the Alexapure Breeze uses patented IonCluster technology to kill microbes in and around your room.
If you're looking for a thorough air purifier, the Alexapure Breeze is a great option. The device can cover up to 800 square feet with a single air change per hour. It also holds a CADR rating of 315 CFM.
One of the best features, though, is energy efficiency. The Alexapure Breeze only uses 0.5 kilowatts of power. Additionally, when you switch it to silent mode, the device is quieter than a whisper.
Pros:
- Features a three-stage filtration system
- Silent mode produces only 16 decibels of sound
- Patented IonCluster technology eliminates ozone production
- CADR rating of 315 CFM
- Smart air quality sensors
- Maximum power usage is only 0.5 kilowatts
Cons:
- Not suitable for spacious homes
- Filters require more maintenance than average
- Questionable durability
6. Oransi Max Large Room Air Purifier
Simple, straightforward, and compact. That is the modus operandi for the Oransi Max Large Room Air Purifier. The portable air purifier is well-equipped to handle your needs, whether you want to clean a single room or have a whole house purifier.
The Oransi Air Purifier uses a three-stage filtration system: a pre-filter, a v-HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. As air circulates through these extended media filters, different particles get stuck at different stages. For instance, the v-HEPA filter collects 98 percent of matter, while the activated carbon filter targets gases.
Many of the best whole house air purifiers have activated carbon filters. The panel uses a bed of charcoal to remove unwanted odors through filtration, which is known as a charcoal filter. The activated carbon filter cannot trap dust particles or pollen, though, which is why Oransi includes the two additional stages. Each filter will last for a year, though the company recommends cleaning them every two to three months.
This whole-house air purifier gives owners significant fresher air without the price tag of top-end models. You get the benefit of many smart features, like an air quality monitor that automatically adjusts the fan speed to ensure maximum cleanliness. There is also a replacement indicator, so you can keep your filters fresh.
Each Oransi Air Purifier comes with a 10-year warranty. Unlike some other brands, the company does not require you to purchase filters to maintain the warranty. When you do replace the filters, you will not need a manual or tools.
Best of all, the Oransi Air Purifier will fit in any room. The unit is no bigger than a trash can and weighs a feather-light19 pounds. It also produces 34 decibels on its quietest setting, which is the second-lowest noise level of any electronic model on this list.
Pros:
- Features multiple-stage furnace filtration systems
- Smart features allow for personalized use
- Energy Star certification
- 10-year warranty
- Only produces 34 to 53 decibels of noise
- Four fan speeds plus an automatic setting
- V-Seal prevents air leakage around filters
Cons:
- 600 square foot coverage is modest
- You have to buy all three filters when replacing a dirty one
- High power consumption
7. Other models we looked at include
We also looked at the following whole house air purifiers in our review rating:
MA-112 Air Purifier, Aprilaire 5000 Whole Home Air Purifier, AllerAir Whole House Air Handler, IQAir Perfect 16, Oransi Erik 650A Air Purifier, Oransi Max OVHM80 Air Purifier and Honeywell Home HPA300.
These energy-efficient air purification system removes mold spores, air pollutants, and other airborne contaminants for an entire house excellently.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Whole House Air Purifier
How Does an Air Purifier Work?
Americans spend $250 million on air purifiers (1) each year, so it's worth taking a second to cover how they work. Most models use a rudimentary air filtration system to clean the air. Some other versions use ionization, electrostatic shock, ozone generation, and UV light to have an efficient air purifier.
An air purifier with a filter circulates air around the house. When the air flows through the device, the filter traps particles that are invisible to the naked eye. Pleated air filters work best because they have a large surface area to capture unwanted matter, which is why pleated filters are one of the most common air filters used in large homes.
The best whole house air purifiers can trap particles three microns or smaller. That is the same as snagging a piece of dust one-tenth the width of a human hair. This technology is also present in your home's HVAC system but is typically not as good at capturing these small particles.
How Much Does an Air Purifier Cost?
The short answer is: it depends. The cost of an air purifier varies based on its features, size, brand, and more. For instance, an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter will likely cost more than a model without one. True HEPA filters are often a sign of a high-quality product.
Similarly, the size of your home will dictate the size of your air purifier. The more square footage you have, the more powerful the air purifier needs to clean the whole house. All things considered, you can expect to spend anywhere from $75 to $800 for a home air purifier.
What Is a HEPA Filter?
A HEPA filter can capture airborne particles as small as three microns in diameter, such as mold spores. The pleated filter uses a multi-layered netting of incredibly fine fiberglass threads.
HEPA filters capture particles large and small. The filter traps larger particles through direct impact with the fiberglass threads, while medium and small particles become stuck due to interception and diffusion.
A HEPA air filter will remove 99 percent of particles that are 2 microns or smaller. Meanwhile, a True HEPA air filter has an efficiency rating of 99.97 percent.
Benefits of a Whole House Air Purifier
Improved Air Quality
According to the EPA, indoor air quality has two to five times more pollutants than its outdoor counterparts. In some cases, indoor air quality is 100 times worse (2), which is especially concerning because we spend 90 percent of our time inside the home. Being proactive about cleaning your airflow by avoiding harmful pollutants can make a world of difference when it comes to your overall health.
Homeowners with poor ventilation and air quality levels are more prone to various health conditions and food contaminants. These include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, headaches, eye irritation, and coughing. Some people may experience severe respiratory issues that aggravate their asthma symptoms or suppress their immune system because of gaseous pollutants like indoor air pollutants.
The best whole house air purifiers will remove these potentially harmful airborne particles regularly. Whether that is dust particles, allergens, pet dander, bacteria, or contaminants, the purifier will leech them out of the air. That way, you and your loved ones can breathe easily again and avoid allergies and air pollution.
Removes Unwanted Odors
Believe it or not, the best air purifiers can make your entire house smell better, too. The air filters can remove pet odors, cooking odors, cigarette smoke, and other unpleasant smells through the use of an activated pre-filter. This feature is especially useful for people who live with smokers and want to reduce their risk of second-hand smoke inhalation.
Discreet and Portable
After you install your whole house air purifiers, you'll probably forget it's there. Many portable units of air purifiers are compact, easy to carry, and fit snugly in the corner of a room. Plus, they make less sound than your average house fan, so you shouldn't be bothered by noise pollution.
Furthermore, most models are a breeze to set up. For instance, all you have to do for the Alen BreatheSmart Classic Customizable Air Purifier is put in an air filter and turn on the unit. For other air purifiers, like the Aprilaire 2410 While-Home Air Cleaner, a contractor will connect it to the HVAC system on your behalf.
What to Look for in the Best Whole House Air Purifier
What makes one home air purifier better than the other? That's the million-dollar question. Generally speaking, the best whole house air purifier is the one that serves your needs and preferences. Here are a couple of factors to consider when buying a home air purifier.
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) invented a measurement called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR.) The figure evaluates how effectively an air purifier removes specific particles from the air to prevent allergy symptoms. A CADR rating will also tell you how quickly the air purifier cleans a room.
Each CADR rating looks at how efficiently the home air purifier removes smoke, dust, pet dander, and pollen because these pollutants come in various sizes. Smoke particles are up to 0.3 microns, dust is up to 3 microns, and pollen is up to 11 microns. Some of the best whole house air purifiers have CADR ratings of upward of 400.
Size
The larger your home, the more powerful the air purifier should be. You should also consider where the whole house air purifier will go. The room you place it in will dictate overall circulation and air cleaning quality. It is also necessary to have a return air duct to every single room you have if your home has rooms that are either too hot in hot weather or are cold in cold weather
You should also measure the total square foot coverage area in your home. The easiest way to do so is to look at your house's paperwork or floor plan. If you don't have that, you can multiply the outside length and width of the walls by the number of levels or measure the dimensions of each room and add them to get the total square foot coverage area.
The last step is to match the total square footage to the home air purifier specifications. If your house is 3,500 square feet, you want a whole-house air purifier close to or slightly above that number. If you cannot find a device in your price range, you may have to compromise.
Filter Type
A True HEPA air filter is the gold standard when it comes to removing fine particles from the air. The efficient HEPA air purifiers can filter 99.97 percent of particles with a diameter of 0.3 microns or greater. Keep in mind that there are no synonyms for a HEPA filter. Companies that use the terms "HEPA-type" or "HEPA-like" are typically using marketing to make their air purifiers appear better than they are.
As we mentioned earlier, there are other types of air purifiers besides those that use filters. Ionizers and ozone generators produce ions and ozone, which both have a charge. Because airborne particles are neutral, the ions and ozone attract them and drag them to the ground.
Electrostatic filters use a similar mechanism as ionizers and ozone generators. This type of home air purifier charges the particles in the air before trapping them in the machine, which also changes the airflow. You can later remove the filter, clean it, and reuse it.
The final type of purifier is UV light. You can install UV lights in your HVAC system as a way to kill unwanted bacteria, microbes, and even viruses. The addition is one of the best ways to ensure germ-free air flow at home.
Hidden Costs
When you buy a whole house air purifier, the upfront cost is only one portion of the payment. Depending on the make and model, there are other potential expenses. The two most notable hidden costs are maintenance and energy efficiency.
Every home purifier with a filter like HEPA and MERV filters will need a replacement. The only question is when. All else equal, a whole house HEPA filter will likely last you longer than a MERV filter. Similarly, some larger units require you to replace the whole filtration system, while others allow you to replace them incrementally.
Beware of companies that require you to buy filters like a MERV or a HEPA filter to maintain the warranty. The system can keep homeowners captive for years because not paying likely means getting a new home air purifier. Make sure to calculate the cost of maintenance, including the needed filters like MERV, before purchasing.
If you opt for an electronic whole-home air purifier, you will also want to consider energy usage. Look for units with Energy Star approval ratings and lower overall wattage. Some of the best models even have eco-friendly modes that convert to stand-by operation when the sensors no longer detect pollutants.
AHAM Mark
AHAM develops standards to ensure home care appliances are safe and effective. That includes whole-house air purifiers. The system creates an easy way for consumers to assess the quality and safety of an air purifier. While the program is voluntary, most reputable brands make sure to get the AHAM seal of approval.
The Bottom Line
With so many features to choose from, the best whole house air purifier for you depends on many factors, including the size of your home and what type of particles you're trying to filter. If you want something straightforward with little maintenance, Aprilaire models like the Aprilaire 2410 may be the best option for you. However, if you want more customization at a moderate price, the Orsani Air Purifier is an excellent choice for people like you.
For our money, the best whole house air purifier is the Coway Airmega 400. It delivers power, personalization, and portability. The fact that it also looks fantastic is a fortuitous bonus. Simply put: this purifier is the whole package.
It excels in every possible area. It's best in class at trapping airborne particles and reducing unwanted odors. It also offers an impressive array of features, such as the five fan modes and three smart settings that let you get the best performance possible.
While this Coway Airmega model is one of the pricier models, it's worth the investment. The dual filter system is as good as it gets when it comes to cleaning and having indoor air quality. It also provides a healthy and safe living environment. If you are serious about your air quality, consider the Coway Airmega with the model 400.
