Air Purifiers 101: The Best Brands And Using Them Correctly

Every year, seasonal allergies mark the onset of the spring season for millions of unfortunate people. Warmer temperatures and beautiful flowers may be eagerly anticipated, but these hallmarks of spring are less enjoyable when they’re accompanied by allergic reactions.

Thankfully, a trusted solution is available: air purifiers. They remove allergens, clean the air, and boost the overall comfort of any room they’re placed in. Those who use these products regularly love them — and those who don’t could be missing out on a variety of compelling benefits.

Feeling skeptical about the true potential of modern air purifiers? Keep reading to discover the best ways to utilize these devices in the home.

While some in-home air quality devices — like humidifiers — should only be used at certain times, these restrictions don’t necessarily apply to air purifiers.

In general, 24/7 operation is less than ideal. If you’re outside the home for the majority of the day, turn the unit off to save on energy costs. Thankfully, many modern air purifiers can be programmed to turn on and off at specific times.

It may be tempting to place an air purifier in an open space in a large room — and let it handle everything else on its own. Unfortunately, the air purifying process isn’t quite that easy.

Most air purifiers are meant to be operated in smaller, closed spaces such as bedrooms. Larger spaces, like dens or living rooms, likely need multiple units to maximize the amount of clean airflow.

It’s easy to forget to perform routine maintenance in life. When products work as expected, it can be surprisingly easy to forget essential tasks such as filter replacements. With air purifiers, however, this seemingly minor update is essential. After all, the filter performs the most vital operation in the unit.

The question remains: how often should air purifier users change their filters? It depends on the device, but a common rule of thumb is to replace it every three to six months.

Not all air purifiers are created equal. Some are more reliable, with an assortment of features and settings that make operation easier. Consumers have a lot of options to choose from, with reliable devices available in nearly every price range.

The experts at Wirecutter have spent years testing dozens of different units, and they’ve discovered which units stand out:

The two brands that stand out among the rest are Coway and Levoit. While they will cost more upfront — with most units priced between $150 and $250 — the long-term benefits should make these options more enticing. Since these models tend to be more energy-efficient, consumers will see less of an increase in their energy bill.

No matter which air purifier makes it into your home, it should be protected with an extended warranty from Upsie. These devices are just as prone to failure as TVs, dishwashers, and other electronics.

Upsie offers 24/7 online claims in addition to great customer service. Just as important? Upsie extended warranty terms and conditions are easy to understand, and nothing is hidden. Add unmatched prices to the mix, and there’s no better option for gaining exceptional warranty coverage.