5 minute read
CLEARING THE AIR
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that may lower your quality of life.
More and more people are turning to air purifiers as a way to gain some peace of mind about the airborne particles they are inhaling. These devices cleanse air in the same way filtered water pitchers do drinking water — they use a series of increasingly fine filters, devices and chemicals to remove or reduce pollutants from the air inside a household.
With consistent use and proper maintenance, air purifiers have been shown to noticeably mitigate the negative side effects related to inhaling airborne pollutants, especially in vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly. Air purifiers use a variety of mechanical, chemical and electric filtration mechanisms to remove pollutants from the air. They typically operate under the same basic principles as space heaters and air conditioners: A unit draws air in using a series of fans, conditions the air and then uses fans and blowers to recirculate the air.
There are several types of filters/air purifiers that trap larger particles. The weaved fibers within filters function like nets. The size of the particulates they can capture is determined by the density of the weave.
Electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) and ionizers both involve charged particles. With ESPs, a live wire charges the particles coming in, and an oppositely-charged electric plate collects them as they pass through the air purifier. Ionizers generate charged particles that are attracted to other charged particulates in the air; once they combine, they sink under their own weight to settle on floors, walls or other surfaces.
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation air purifiers use internal UV lamps to kill biological material like viruses, bacteria and mold.
For those also seeking to remove odors, gases and vapors, look for models that contain sorbent media filters. Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) uses a combination of UV lamps and sorbent media to create ions that oxidize the gas particulates and change their chemical composition until only carbon dioxide and water remain. Plasma air purification is similar to PCO, but it doesn’t utilize sorbent media. Some plasma air purifiers may give off ozone, which is a lung irritant.
Not all air cleaners are created equal; they vary in effectiveness, user-friendliness and aesthetics. The Winix 5500-2 is producttesting company Reviewed’s top overall pick because of its strong performance and streamlined interface. For a functional upgrade, Reviewed recommends the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Cryptomic, which targets formaldehyde. If you’re looking for a smart-homefriendly device, Reviewed recommends the LG PuriCare 360-Degree Air Purifier. PRODUCTS
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JACKSON RUCKAR
BEST UPGRADE
DYSON PURE HOT+COOL CRYPTOMIC $749.99, dyson.com PURIFICATION METHODS: HEPA filter; carbon filter; permanent cryptomic panel PROS: Multipurpose heating/cooling/air purifying appliance; provides a lot of air quality information CONS: Expensive
The inclusion of a permanent cryptomic panel helps to remove formaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen that is found in construction materials, paints, cigarette smoke and some beauty products . It’s an extremely small particle that isn’t captured by most filters.
The information panel on the machine and in the Dyson Link app (iOS/Android) provides real-time information about the temperature, humidity and air quality of your room. From the app, you can set voice commands (through Amazon Alexa or Siri) and change every setting on the unit, with the exception of the temperature (which can be changed via the remote). This air purifier can also be used without the app; its unique shape makes it easy to lift and move around.
In the at-home smell tests, it easily dispelled the odors of bacon and bleach. During our smell test in the lab, the Dyson did a pretty good job of removing the odor of cigarette smoke; only a hint of a menthol smell remained after it ran for four hours.
The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Cryptomic is expensive. But for gadget fiends, those with serious concerns about formaldehyde or those who don’t have permanent heating or cooling options in particular rooms of their home, it might be worth the investment.
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PRODUCTS
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BETSEY GOLDWASSER BETSEY GOLDWASSER
BEST OVERALL
WINIX 5500-2 $159.99, amazon.com PURIFICATION METHODS: True HEPA filter ; carbon filter; plasma PROS: Easy to move; easy to change filters; affordable CONS: None
While not the most technologically advanced model, the Winix 5500-2 has intuitive controls and thoughtful extras like a sleep mode, a timer and a light sensor that automatically adjusts the back-lighting on the control panel. It also comes with status lights for filter integrity, air quality and odor detection.
The Winix 5500-2 employs plasma as one purification method, but it is certified by the California Air Resources Board, meaning that it emits minimal, safe levels of ozone. If you have a strong ozone sensitivity, you can turn off the PlasmaWave function.
The Winix 5500-2 did well in our smell tests, which were conducted with PlasmaWave off; it was able to noticeably remove odors like cinnamon and cigarette smoke. Our testers also commented favorably on the Winix’s ability to make a basement seem less musty and to noticeably diminish cooking smells as well as the amount of allergens in the air.
The LG PuriCare 360-degree air purifier looks like a robot from the future, especially when you turn it on; the booster fan slowly rises, and the display lights up.
With the tap of a button, you can bring up the modules that display the concentrations of particulates, make the whole unit rotate, check the filter status and more. You can even track air quality on your phone through SmartThinQ technology , which is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
During testing, the LG PuriCare excelled at removing fragrance smells, but didn’t do as well with cigarette smoke. The wide range of settings and options allows you to adjust the noise level as needed. But it’s tall (nearly 4 feet) and relatively heavy (more than 40 pounds).
If you embrace the Internet of Things and want to know your air’s quality with the touch of a button, the LG PuriCare will fit in perfectly with your tech-focused lifestyle.
BEST SMART PURIFIER
LG PURICARE 360-DEGREE AIR PURIFIER $1,332.50, amazon.com PURIFICATION METHODS: Ultrafine prefilter; True HEPA filter; deodorizing filter PROS: Alexa and Google Assistant compatible CONS: Tall and heavy; expensive
Julia MacDougall writes for Reviewed, a USA TODAY content partner offering product testing and recommendations at reviewed.com.
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