Best Air Filter Reviews - Find the Right Air Cleaning System

Air filters and purifiers have become standard appliances in many homes. Low cost air cleaning units have become affordable for most families. However, finding the best air filter reviews can be a challenge.

Take some time to check out what different filter manufacturers recommend to keep your home cleaner and healthier. Filter suppliers offer a variety of technologies as well as a range of sizes.

Beware of misleading and unsubstantiated claims that will leave you disappointed and frustrated. Below is some information that will help you in the search for the best product - check with your local dealer for their answers and understanding of the issues.

Professional HEPA filters are used in hospitals and cleanrooms but the high performance associated with these filters is not found in residential applications. In order to make home filters affordable, cost cutting measures have been used which also limit effectiveness.

The actual efficiency of a HEPA home air filter for particles as small as 0.3 microns is more like 80% than the 99.9% claimed, mainly due to leakage between the filter and the frame.

The actual amount of air that circulates through the filter will determine how much air can be cleaned. Find out what the actual flow rate is - with the filters installed - and how many air changes per hour the purifier can produce in that size room.

ULPA filters claim to be better than HEPA because they have a higher rating to get rid of even smaller particles. Although these ultra low penetration air filters have the potential to better purify the air, in actual fact, the denser filters cause a reduction in air flow so there are fewer air changes per hour.

Although activated carbon is able to remove gases and odors, many home air purifiers only use carbon filter pads with a minimal amount of activated carbon dust. This makes them ineffective - and different gases require different filtration technologies - one type does not fit all.

Long term performance is key to determining the best home filter. Pre-filtration is crucial to remove larger particles that can clog filters and compromise effectiveness. Regular maintenance and replacement filters are an important way to maintain the best air filtration.

The best designed filters will allow you to replace only the part of the filter that needs replacing. Combining several filter stages in one cartridge means more expensive replacement costs.

Multi purpose filters that claim to rid your home of many different pollutants may be less effective than units that focus on one type of contaminant. The more stages that are involved in the filtering process, the quicker the filters will clog and the slower the air flow will be.

Consider carefully what you're real requirements are and purchase the filter that will handle your family's needs the best.

Conclusion? Understand the basics of the technology and find out if it has been properly applied. Ask manufacturers to validate their claims with independent evidence.

The following are claims made by manufacturers. Consider the claims in light of the above warnings and advice.

The weather tight homes we live in trap airborne particles inside where they become progressively more concentrated. Most contaminants cannot be seen, but the result is polluted air inside the house. Pollen, cat dander, tobacco smoke, mold spores and dust all contribute to poor indoor air quality. Honeywell's Enviracaire line takes care of the problem with quiet, high speed HEPA filters.

Several different Blue air filter models deliver powerful and nearly silent air cleaning with a combination of mechanical and electrostatic filtration techniques. Get rid of irritating particles, allergy causing contaminants, gas and odors. Take advantage of their filter subscription program and have replacement filters delivered automatically for easy, regular maintenance.

Learn about Honeywell Filters and Blueair Filters.

Improve the health of your family by installing Aprilaire filters as part of the central air heating and cooling systems. Use whole house air filters to remove dust, mold, mildew, bacteria and odors.

Top quality Spacegard filters are constructed with a high efficiency filtering media.
As the heart of the filtration system, it must be properly maintained for optimum efficiency. Annual replacement keeps air ducts clean and the house dust free.

Review more about Aprilaire filter options and Spacegard air filters.

3M filters contain electrostatically charged fibers that attract and then capture contaminating particles to make air cleaner. Choose from different types in a variety of sizes to fit any HVAC system.

American Air Filter offers high quality filters and accessories that improve air quality in any home. Look for their complete line of residential filters in home centers, hardware and grocery stores throughout the country. Allergy and dust shields, HVAC replacement filters and HEPA filtration are part of their product line.

Learn more about 3M Filtrete filters and American Air Filter.

Austin is recognized as a world leader in home air cleaning. They provide true medical HEPA filters with activated carbon for exceptional filtration of particles, odors and gases. Filters are constructed to last for 5 years making them an economical choice.

Bionaire has been committed to using visionary technology in order to develop and produce home environment products. Their ultrasonic humidifiers and a line of Ultra HEPA (ULPA) filters offer the highest level of filtration available on the market.

Check out the best Austin Air Filters and Bionaire Filters.

Holmes air purifiers are Energy Star certified to ensure that they run efficiently and cost you less money. Take advantage of small models that fit up against the wall either upright or on their side. With noise a large concern for many users, these air cleaners are specially designed to be quiet. They also feature a filter change indicator and interchangeable replacement filters.

If you suffer from asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems, a Hunter air purifier can make a difference. HEPA technology for small, medium and large rooms is both effective and affordable. The popular slimline styling means the unit can be inconspicuous against a wall or in the corner.

Find more on Holmes air filters and Hunter air filters.

IQAir systems are recognized around the world as the most advanced room air purifiers ever designed. They have been in the business of developing and providing the latest in clean air technology for over 40 years – with awards to prove it.

High performance Friedrich electronic filters provide a healthier environment especially for those with sensitivities to particulates in the air. Friedrich equipment is inexpensive to operate with reusable, dishwasher safe filters. They also have high clean air delivery ratings (CADR) in independent laboratory tests.

More reviews about IQAir filters and Friedrich air cleaners.

Biological air cleaners bring the power of nature to air filtration. Rather than just trapping contaminants for later disposal they actually remove heavy metals, and destroy odors, gasses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Naturally occurring microbes and enzymes break down contaminants to non-harmful compounds.

Ecoquest brand (also known as Alpine Air) filters are designed to run continuously for only pennies a day keeping the indoor environment pollution free. They use different types of ionisation along with activated oxygen to purify indoor air.

For more information see Living Air purifiers and Ecoquest filters and Alpine filters.

Oreck brand purifiers are made with a permanent filter that never needs replacing, powerful fans that clean the room every hour and an air revitalizer that freshens stale air. An optional charcoal filter will remove stubborn odors, and fragrance cartridges introduce aromatherapy. Their 5 stage process draws in dirty air to trap large particles then charges and eliminates smaller pollutants.

Originally known for its commercial line, Precisionaire now offers residential systems that remove harmful bacteria and viruses. Specially designed filters attach to air conditioning systems to keep them running more efficiently. Pleated units produce a better, higher concentration of cleaning to deal with mold spores, pet dander, dust mite debris and ragweed pollen.

For a more thorough review: Oreck air filters and Precisionaire filters.

Trane values clean air and offers 90 years of industry-leading innovation, engineering and manufacturing excellence to back that up. They not only design and manufacturer products, they test them over and over. Their patented designs are even more effective than HEPA technology.

Treat the air you breathe with custom fit Air Sponge filters. Buy biosponge or microsponge products that work with the furnace and air conditioner to get rid of airborne allergy triggers. Other options include portable units and machines that provide filtration for the entire house.

The Trion Air Bear series of home filtration products provide a clean, controlled indoor environment. Whole house media filters are far more efficient than ordinary furnace filters. Quick and easy installation, a wide selection of sizes and outstanding performance make this a popular choice.

Check out Trane air filters, Air Sponge technology and Trion air bear filters.

For more than a summary review of the various options, follow the links. Make an informed choice.