An air purifier can filter dust, pollen and even viruses from the air in the room. The device is particularly popular with allergy sufferers, but it can also be useful for everyone else. We explain the advantages and show which devices are worthwhile.
An air purifier should improve the quality of the room air and ensure a good climate. You can choose from a whole range of different air filters with different functions and various extras. Unfortunately, not all models are recommended. We bring light into the darkness for you and explain what you should consider when buying and which models are recommended.
What is an air purifier?
An air purifier cleans the air in a room by filtering dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses and odors out of the air. The longer the device runs, the more air is filtered and the cleaner the room air is. It can basically three types of air purifiers distinguish, which filter the air in the room in the following way:
- The air purifier with filter pulls the room air through one (or more) filters, in which the pollutants get caught. Various filters are available: the activated carbon filter, the photocatalyst filter or the particularly fine HEPA filter.
- air washer rely on water as a filter to bind dirt particles. In addition to cleaning, the air in the room is also humidified by the air washer, which can be useful if the room climate is dry. However, they should not be used in rooms susceptible to mould.
- ionizers clean the air in the room by forming ions. These bind pollutants in the air, which are then attracted by the ionizer. Danger: That The Federal Environment Agency advises against ionizers, as these produce ozone as a by-product. This can react with other substances in the air and form harmful gases. We therefore do not recommend ionizers.
Which filter is the best?
A so-called HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is a particularly fine filter and, depending on the filter class, eliminates up to 99.9% of all particles in the sizes 0.1 to 0.3 microns. The HEPA filter fights animal hair, house dust, pollen, mold spores, fine dust and sometimes tobacco smoke and is the right choice for allergy sufferers in particular.
A activated carbon filter primarily filters odor-intensive particles such as kitchen fumes, traffic fumes, cleaning fumes and smoke particles. Some air purifiers combine different filters and, for example, have both an activated carbon filter and a HEPA filter installed.
Room sizes and air circulation
The so-called air circulation is an important parameter. It tells you how often the room air is cleaned per hour. The more cubic meters the device can circulate per hour, the cleaner the room air becomes. Basically, the air purifier should be able to Filter all air in the room at least twice an hour. Accordingly, an air purifier with an air circulation capacity of at least 40 m³ per hour is required for a room with, for example, 20 m³.
What should you pay attention to when buying?
Do you want to eliminate viruses, pollen or odors? Do you want to additionally humidify the room air? How big is the room whose air you want to filter? There’s a number Criteria to look out forto find the best device for your needs. We used the following criteria to compare the air purifiers:
- filter: Does the air purifier have a fine HEPA filter, which is particularly recommended for allergy sufferers? Or an activated carbon filter that works against odors and gases? Above we give you information about the different filters. Think in advance which filter makes sense for you.
- air circulation: What size room is the air purifier suitable for? A suitable air purifier should be able to filter the room air twice an hour.
- volume: Most devices have a noise level of 30 to 60 decibels (depending on the power level set). Some devices have a particularly quiet sleep mode.
- power consumption: If your air purifier is used for many hours a day, you should opt for a device with moderate power consumption, otherwise it will quickly become expensive. Most air purifiers have a power consumption of 20 to 60 watts. If the performance is higher, the power consumption is to be classified as rather high.
- timer: A timer is useful to control the power consumption.
- extras: Some air purifiers can be controlled by remote control or app.
Air purifier comparison: Our top 3
Philips AC2887/10 air purifier
Twice as thorough: The AC2887/10 air purifier from Philips cleans the air with both activated carbon and HEPA filters. Even large rooms can be kept free of pollen and viruses thanks to the strong air circulation of 333 cubic meters per hour. At 60 watts, the air filter consumes no more electricity than an ordinary light bulb. The model also records air quality and displays it in real time.
filter: activated carbon filter, NanoProtect S3 HEPA filter
air circulation: Up to 333 cubic meters per hour
volume: 19 to 55 decibels (5 power levels)
perfomance: 60 watts
timer: No
extras: sleep mode, night light, touch control
Levoit VeSync Core 300S air purifier
Of the Levoit VeSync Core 300S even cleans the air three times: with a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter and an H13 HEPA filter. The device cleans up to 195 cubic meters per hour and, thanks to its 25 watts, uses very little electricity. This convinces many customers: Amazon gave it 4.5 out of 5 possible stars. The smart device also has app control, sleep mode, timer and touch control.
filter: Nylon pre-filter, activated carbon filter, H13 HEPA filter
air circulation: Up to 195 cubic meters per hour
volume: 25 to 46 decibels (3 power levels)
perfomance: 25 watts
timer: Yes
extras: App control, sleep mode, touch control
Rowenta Pure Air Genius PU3080 air purifier
In addition to pre-filter, activated carbon filter and HEPA filter includes Rowenta Pure Air Genius also a NanoCapture filter that filters formaldehyde from the air (this can be contained in paints, varnish, cleaning agents or cosmetics, for example, and can cause headaches). With 350 cubic meters per hour, the filter manages to clean a lot of air in a short time and is therefore also well suited for larger rooms. In addition, the smart device automatically detects harmful contaminants and adjusts the filter speed accordingly.
filter: Pre-Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, HEPA Filter, NanoCaptur Filter
air circulation: Up to 350 cubic meters per hour
volume: 31 to 55 decibels (4 power levels)
perfomance: 67 watts
timer: Yes
extras: App control, sleep mode, touch control
Do air purifiers help against corona viruses?
Effective air purifiers (air purifiers with HEPA filters are recommended) can greatly reduce the concentration of viruses in the air and minimize the risk of infection. Noisy Stiftung Warentest the number of viruses in a room remains permanently low if you use the Combine the use of an air filter with regular ventilation. Also note that the effectiveness of the filters decreases over time. You should therefore replace the filters regularly.
Where should you place the air purifier?
You should position the air purifier in a place where air circulates well. A place near the door or near the window is particularly good. In winter you can also place the air purifier near a heater. It also makes sense not to place the device on the floor but in an elevated position so that the freshly filtered air reaches the respiratory tract quickly.
How often does the filter need to be changed?
The filter should be changed regularly to keep the air purifier working efficiently. How often you should replace the filter depends on the device. You can find information from the respective manufacturer. Some air purifiers also have an indicator that lights up as soon as they need to be changed. With an air washer, you should fill the tank with fresh water every day.
Is an air purifier useful?
An air purifier can A sensible purchase, especially for allergy sufferers because it filters house dust and pollen out of the air. Even if you discover mold in your apartment or live on a street polluted with fine dust, an air purifier makes sense, as it minimizes the pollution and can prevent the development of respiratory diseases. Purchasing an air purifier can also contribute to the quality of life for everyone else, as breathing in fine dust is noisy Federal Environment Agency negatively affects health.