Air Filter Reviews



Read our air filter reviews to find the best filter for your air purifier. There are many different kinds of filters and they each do a specific job. Find the best one for you.

Below you will find a chart for each kind of air filter. The chart will tell a little bit about how the filter works, what it will remove from the air, its strengths, and its weaknesses. This page is a summary of each type of filter.

We realize that not everyone is interested in reading an indepth explanation of each filter. That is why we created this page. However, there are some of you that would like to read more about each filter. For those of you, we included a link at the bottom of each chart. It will take you a page with a longer explanation.

On this page we have these air filter reviews:

What is it?

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.

Lifespan of 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.

Pollutants Removed

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

Strengths
  1. Permanently traps particles so they can't get back into the air.
  2. Produce no by products.
Weaknesses
  1. Have to replace the filter regularly.
  2. Uses a fan so it can be noisy.

For more information about HEPA filters read the article "What is a HEPA filter?"

What is it?

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.

Lifespan of Filter

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.

Pollutants Removed

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

Strengths
  1. Most absorbent filter available
  2. Permanently traps pollutants
Weaknesses
  1. Have to replace the filter regularly.
  2. Not good for particles or micro organisms

For more air filter reviews focusing on activated carbon filters, read "Activated Charcoal Filters."

What is it?

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.

Lifespan of Filter

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

Pollutants Removed

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

Strengths
  1. No filters to replace.
  2. Doesn't need a powerful fan, so they are quiet.
Weaknesses
  1. Can't permanently remove particles.
  2. Causes black spots on walls near the unit.
  3. Can produce ozone.

Read more about these air filters at Negative Ion generators.

What is it?

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.

Lifespan of Filter

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.

Pollutants Removed

This removes particles like dust, pollen, and dander.

Strengths
  1. Removes more particles than just a media filter.
  2. Not as likely to leave a black spot on the walls.
Weaknesses
  1. Can't remove chemicals and odors.
  2. May produce ozone.

You can read more air filter reviews here at Ion Air Purifiers.

What is it?

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.

Lifespan of Filter

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

Pollutants Removed

These remove particles and smoke.

Strengths
  1. No filters to replace.
  2. Removes tiny particles.
Weaknesses
  1. Must clean them frequently (weekly).
  2. They lose efficiency rapidly as particles build up on the collector plates.

You can read more in depth air filter reviews here at Electrostatic Air Cleaners."

What is it?

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

Lifespan of Filter

UV light bulbs usually last about 1 year.

Pollutants Removed

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

Strengths
  1. Kills germs.
  2. Prevents spread of disease.
Weaknesses
  1. No particle filtration.
  2. Doesn't work if the air passes through the light to quickly.

Find out more about these at UV Light Air Purifiers."

Ozone Generator

What is it?

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.

Lifespan of Filter

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

Pollutants Removed

Odors

Strengths
  1. No filters to change.
  2. Fresh air smell.
Weaknesses
  1. Produces ozone.
  2. Doesn't remove pollutants from the air.

We hope these air filter reviews have helped you to decide which type of filter you need.

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