Air Filter Reviews

These are probably the best known kind of air filter. They do an excellent job of particle filtration. They can remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger from the air. It's a media filter usually made from spun glass. Particles are trapped as they are forced through the filter.

A HEPA filter will last from between 6 months and 3 years. The lifetime varies depending on the material used to make the filter, the construction methods, and how dirty the air is.

These filters remove particles from the air. It can remove most all dust, pollen, dander, and other allergens.

1. Permanently traps particles so they can't get back into the air.
2. Produce no by products.

1. Have to replace the filter regularly.
2. Uses a fan so it can be noisy.

This filter is filled with activated carbon. It uses carbon that has been activated. This makes the carbon very porous (full of tiny holes) increasing the surface area. A chemical reaction occurs when pollutants come into contact with carbon. The reaction bonds the pollutants to the carbon removing them from the air.

A carbon filter will last until the holes are filled with pollutants. The amount of carbon in the filter determines when they have to be replaced. The more carbon in the filter the longer it will last. Typically it ranges from 3 months to 2 years. Some will last even longer.

These filters remove odors, chemicals, VOCs, and smoke from the air. They do not remove particles like dust and pollen.

1. Most absorbent filter available
2. Permanently traps pollutants

1. Have to replace the filter regularly.
2. Not good for particles or micro organisms

They use electricity to create negative ions. The ions are released into the surrounding air. They stick to the particles in the air and cause them to stick to other surfaces like walls and floors.

They will last until the motor breaks. There are no parts to replace.

These filters remove particles from the air. It can remove dust, pollen, dander, and other allergens.

1. No filters to replace.
2. Doesn't need a powerful fan, so they are quiet.

1. Can't permanently remove particles.
2. Causes black spots on walls near the unit.
3. Can produce ozone.

These are similar to negative ion generators. They charge particles before they pass through a media filter. They are often combined with HEPA filters. The filter might have a charge or not. The charged particles are attracted to the media filter. This helps the media filter to remove more particles.

An Ionizer will last as long as the machine does. There are no parts to replace. If there is a media filter, it has to be regularly replaced.

This removes particles like dust, pollen, and dander.

1. Removes more particles than just a media filter.
2. Not as likely to leave a black spot on the walls.

1. Can't remove chemicals and odors.
2. May produce ozone.

These operate on the same principle as ionizers. The air is exposed to electricity. This creates ions, charging the air. Next, the air passes over metal collector plates. The charged particles stick to the plates.

These filters can last a long time as long as they are regularly cleaned. There is nothing to replace.

These remove particles and smoke.

1. No filters to replace.
2. Removes tiny particles.

1. Must clean them frequently (weekly).
2. They lose efficiency rapidly as particles build up on the collector plates.

Shortwave UV light changes the DNA of microorganisms basically killing them.

UV light bulbs usually last about 1 year.

These filters kill mold, bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms.

1. Kills germs.
2. Prevents spread of disease.

1. No particle filtration.
2. Doesn't work if the air passes through the light to quickly.

These machines produce ozone. Ozone does remove odors from the air. It is what gives air the fresh smell after a thunder storm. However, ozone is harmful if it is inhaled. It causes several health problems. If you do use one, never use it in an occupied room.

There are no filters that wear out. It will last a long time.

Odors

1. No filters to change.
2. Fresh air smell.

1. Produces ozone.
2. Doesn't remove pollutants from the air.