Best Whole House Air Purifier Reviews

Updated: October 1, 2024

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With the many options out there, finding the best whole house air purifier can be stressful.

Often, when you set out on the hunt for the best whole house air purifier, you’re left with more questions than when you started.

What type of filter is most effective? How much should an air filtration system cost? Which is better —a purifier that connects to the HVAC system of your home, or a portable unit? Will a whole house purifier work as well as multiple individual room air purifiers?

We had these questions too, and this buyer’s guide was born from our research.

Below, you’ll find information on the best whole home air purifiers available, from budget-friendly options to cutting-edge systems, along with all the information you need to confidently choose the best air filtration system for your health and home.

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KEY BENEFITS

• Captures and neutralizes odors
• Medical-grade HEPA filter
• UV light kills viruses and bacteria
• Costs less than $10/month to operate

It’s not sleek or modern, but the Enviroklenz Mobile Air System packs a solid punch when it comes to whole home air purification.

This Enviroklenz unit combines a medical-grade HEPA filter with UVC technology to capture and destroy a wide range of allergens, particulates, bacteria, and viruses.  Even better, the UVC light runs constantly in the collection chamber to continuously destroy microorganisms in the air.

The technology was originally designed to decontaminate after chemical warfare, and it does pretty much everything from killing germs to breaking down VOC compounds. And if you’re dealing with lots of gasses or noxious odors, the Enviroklenz Mobile Air System will remove them quickly and powerfully.

This unit is about the size of a kitchen trash can, making it nice and portable. On the lowest setting, you can barely hear it, which means you’ll be able to sleep while it cleans the air in your room. While the Enviroklenz Mobile Air System won’t win any awards for beauty, it’s a clear contender in this whole house air purifier review.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 1,000 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HEPA
• Filtration Life: 18-24 months
• Noise Level: <63 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: 30 days/ No questions asked, 5 years/Mechanical

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KEY BENEFITS

• Incredibly quiet — <49 dB on high
• Built-in air quality sensor
• True HEPA filter

Alen’s BreatheSmart 75i air purifier crams 1,300 square feet of air purification into a small and ultra-modern unit.

While its filtration capabilities are more limited than some of the other units on this list, it effectively removes 99.99% of contaminants down to 0.1 microns. The activated carbon filter not only absorbs odors, but also traps smoke, household chemicals, volatile organic compounds, and more. If there’s a smoker in your home, this is one of the top purifiers to clear up your indoor air.

Along with its impressive air filtration capabilities, this unit is designed to look good in any space. Small and ultra-modern the BreatheSmart 751 comes in several designer finishes, including options like brushed stainless steel, weathered gray, rosewood, and espresso.

The BreatheSmart 751 also features a smart sensor that monitors particulate levels and adjusts its filtration speeds accordingly. This means you can follow the recommended 24 hour/day operation level and trust that it will run efficiently.

With a lifetime warranty and whisper-quiet operation, this streamlined model is a solid choice for those looking for a whole house air purifier.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area:  1300 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HEPA
• Filtration Life:
• Noise Level: <50 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty: Lifetime (requires active filter subscription)

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KEY BENEFITS

• Can prolong the life of your HVAC equipment
• Uses environmentally friendly washable filters
• Works with all types of forced-air HVAC systems

If you want a whole house air purifier that runs with minimal maintenance or effort on your part, this Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaner just might be it.

Once this sturdy, no-nonsense unit is connected to your HVAC equipment it’s “out of sight, out of mind.” Along with cleaning the air, this filter unit can actually protect your furnace and AC from wear and tear caused by dust particles collecting on their internal components.

While it’s certainly nice to have a air purifier that hardly requires a thing, there are a few things you should know up front: Units like this one need to be professionally connected to your HVAC system, and this is an additional cost you’ll want to take into consideration.

Also, you will need to clean the filters for your Honeywell Electronic Air Cleaner every 4-6 months, more often if you live in an area with poor air quality. 

For those looking for a solid, no-frills whole house air purifier, this is definitely one to consider.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area:  Whole House
• Filtration Media: Electronic
• Filtration Life:  Wash and replace every 6-12 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: MERV 11
• Warranty: 5 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• Silent, 24 hour/day operation
• Protects HVAC system components
• Quick and easy maintenance
• 98% effective at removing dust and pet dander

Another solid contender for best whole home air purifier is the Aprilaire 5000.

This electronic air cleaner combines a traditional air filter with electrostatic technology to remove up to 89% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns. This unit connects directly to your HVAC system,  so it also protects your heating and cooling equipment by preventing dust buildup on internal parts.

If you are a pet owner, this is a great unit to consider as it will prevent hair and pet dander from circulating throughout your ventilation system. It’s also great for allergy and asthma sufferers, as it traps mold, airborne pollen, and spores up to 120 times smaller than a human hair.

Like many other whole house purifiers the Aiprilaire 5000 requires professional installation. Various filters are available depending on your purification needs, with MERV ratings from 13-16. The unit does require occasional maintenance, but it’s simple and should take less than 20 minutes.

If you’re looking for a solid and reliable whole house air purifier for your furnace or HVAC system, the Aprilaire 5000 should definitely make your list.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area:  Whole House
• Filtration Media: Electric filtration and disposable filter
• Filtration Life:  12 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: 89% down to 0.3 microns
• Warranty:  5 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• Large coverage area
• Powerful purification capabilities
• Small unit size
• Remote controlled

While purifiers simply filter the air in your home, the GT3000 actually helps to sanitize the surfaces around it.

It’s not the most attractive filtration system for the air in your home, but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for in features. With a combination of advanced technologies, it eliminates pollen, dust, odors, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and more.

This unit combines all of this filtration capability into a very compact package. At just over 12 inches tall, this unit could fit into your average cube storage block. This small footprint is deceiving, however, as this unit has a coverage area of up to 3,000 square feet, making it a great choice for spaces large and small.

If you’re looking to buy an air filter for an elderly friend or family member, the GT3000 is a great option due to its small size and large LCD display. The unit’s portability and remote control function also make it especially handy for those with strength or  mobility issues.

You should be aware that since the GT3000 uses ionization to clean the air, it does emit low levels of ozone depending on which setting you use. While this isn’t problematic for most people, ozone can irritate the lungs of sensitive individuals.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area:  3,000 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media:  HEPA, active radiant catalysis (ARC), activated oxygen, and ionization
• Filtration Life:  Clean every 30 days, replace every 12 months
• Noise Level: n/a
• Particle Removal Rate: n/a
• Warranty:  5 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• HyperHEPA filter traps ultrafine particles
• Unit is programmable
• Especially effective for allergy and asthma sufferers

If you’re looking for exceptional levels of HEPA filtration, the IQAir HealthPro Plus should make your list.

As far as whole house HEPA air purifiers go, this unit comes highly recommended for those suffering with allergies or asthma. Its HyperHEPA technology even traps ultrafine particles smaller than .1 microns,  which have been linked to heart attacks, stroke, and cancer.

The IQAir HealthPro Plus is programmable and can be operated by remote control for ease of use. It uses color-coded lights to signal when a filter change is needed. With its 320-degree air delivery system you can enjoy fresh clean air without any annoying drafts.

This tightly-sealed unit also eliminates air leakage and the filter is 100 times more effective than traditional HEPA filters, making it a great choice for those with severe sensitivities to smoke, spores, fragrances, and other particulates.

If you’re concerned about the cost of air filters for this unit, you’ll be happy to learn that the HyperHEPA filters, while expensive, may only need to be replaced every four years. This can add up to significant savings over time.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 1,125 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HyperHEPA
• Filtration Life:  4 years and 2 months
• Noise Level: <70 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.5% down to 0.003 microns
• Warranty:  10 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• Provides medical-grade filtration
• Continuously monitors the quality of the air
• Absorbs and eliminates odors
• Clean ultra-modern design

Not every house air filter system is as pretty as the Hathaspace Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0, but don’t let its looks deceive you, it’s also truly a “smart air purifier.” With continual air quality monitoring, medical grade filtration, and 1,500 square foot coverage area, this unit is as powerful as it is sleek.

Its 5-stage filtration system includes two pre-filters to trap dust, pet hair, and debris, a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter to capture pollen, mold, dust mites, viruses, and bacteria, and activated carbon and cold catalyst filters to absorb and break down gasses, odors, and VOC’s.

The Smart True HEPA Air Purifier 2.0 is a great choice if you’re interested in real-time air quality reports. Switching to the “Auto” setting makes this air filtration system incredibly energy efficient, leaving more cash in your pocket. And powerful carbon filters make this a solid option for neutralizing odors.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 1500 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: 5-stage including HEPA, activated carbon filter with zeolite, and cold catalyst
• Filtration Life:  4 months or 3,000 hours
• Noise Level: up to 60 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99% down to 0.1 microns
• Warranty:  5 year

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KEY BENEFITS

• Continuous air quality monitoring
• Energy efficient “Auto” setting
• Affordable small-space solution

With a coverage area of 900 square feet and an affordable price point, the COLZER True Hepa Air Purifier makes our list as the best low budget option.

One of the quieter units on the market, this purifier boasts a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of 280 cubic feet per minute and five speed settings. Air quality monitoring, an auto setting, and True HEPA filter combine to give this basic model a solid edge over the other purifiers and air filtration systems.

If you live in a very small house or apartment this unit might be the only air purifier you’ll need as it will cover up to 900 sq ft. Keep in mind that depending on your air quality, you will need to replace the HEPA filter every 3-6 months. Like the unit itself, the filters are both effective and affordable.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coverage Area: 900 sq. ft.
• Filtration Media: HEPA
• Filtration Life:  6 months
• Noise Level: <54 dB
• Particle Removal Rate: 99.97% of airborne particles
• Warranty:  2 year

Whole House Air Purifier Buying Guide

4 Types of Whole House Air Purifier Filters

Flat Filters

These filters connect to your HVAC or air conditioning system and keep dust, hair, and other large airborne particles from circulating throughout your home. They’re primarily designed to protect your HVAC equipment, however higher filtration levels are available.

Flat filters can be purchased at your local home improvement store or online. To find the filtration level, look for the MERV rating on the package — the higher the number, the more efficient the filter — theoretically, at least.

Be careful and only purchase filters compatible with your HVAC system’s MERV rating. Using a filter with a MERV rating higher than your HVAC setup can cause needless wear and tear on your equipment, reduce efficiency, and could even void the warranty.

Extended Media Filters

Extended media filters are significantly more efficient than flat filters because they use many layers of filtration media in one unit. These filters also more expensive, however, and don’t usually fit into traditional HVAC systems, so you’ll likely need to hire a professional for the installation.

The upside? Extended media filters require less maintenance and only need to be replaced once a year, so they’re not much more expensive than flat filters overall. The higher efficiency means they filter out much smaller particles, which means better air quality in your home.

Electronic Filters

Electronic filters use high-voltage electrical current to charge the air, similar to static electricity. As the charged air passes through the filtration system it moves over a collector plate that works like a magnet to pull particles out of the air, reducing air pollution.

Because the collector plate attracts particles of all sizes, it’s a very effective filtration method for the smallest pollutants such as smoke, household chemicals, and microorganisms. The collector plates can be washed and reused, reducing the impact on your budget and the environment.

These high-tech units can be expensive and will need to be installed by a professional, adding to your initial investment. But with low maintenance requirements and zero filter replacement costs, this remains an affordable whole house air purification system.

Ultraviolet Filters

Ultraviolet filters are extremely powerful in their own right when it comes to removing mold, viruses, and bacteria from the air. This type of filter is frequently used as an add-on to other systems because it’s so effective at destroying unhealthy microorganisms in the air.

BONUS: Portable Ion Units

Similar to electronic filters, portable ion units use electrical charges to remove particles from the air. These units are popular because they’re affordable, portable, and filter-free. In one study, these negative ion air purifiers have even been shown to reduce depression.

That said, there are a few downsides to portable ion units. Because they release a small amount of ozone, a lung irritant, they’re not ideal for those with breathing issues. Since the pollutants removed by the portable ion units end up on the walls and floors, they are easily recirculated back into the air. If you’re utilizing an air purifier system to help out with allergens, these simply aren’t very effective.

FAQ

What is the Best Whole Home Air Purifier?

In our opinion, the Airdog X8 is the best whole house air purifier because of its efficiency, exceptional filtration capabilities, and zero-waste design. It does a great job in the most polluted of conditions, and handles air quality issues like smoke and allergens with ease. For those looking for top-of-the-line whole house filtration equipment, the Airdog X8 is clearly the best choice.

Are Whole House Air Purifiers Worth the Money?

By reducing airborne particles, allergy and asthma triggers, and environmental contaminants, whole house air purifiers provide invaluable support to our health and quality of life. With that in mind, it’s clear that whole home air purifiers are absolutely worth the cost.

Whole house air purifiers can also reduce the amount of dusting and cleaning needed. This can save both time and money. If you hire a cleaning service, they may need to come less often.

Do Air Purifiers Work for the Whole House?

Not all air purifiers work for the whole house, you need to look specifically for a whole house air purification system — make sure to check out coverage and clean air delivery rate (CADR). For a smaller home or apartment, any of the air purifiers in this guide will provide whole house air cleaning.

For very large homes, especially with multiple floors, you may wish to purchase more than one portable unit to be sure you’re getting clean air throughout your home. A whole house air purifier that attaches to your HVAC system would be another great option for more square footage.

How Do Portable Air Purifiers Compare to Whole House Air Purifiers?

Portable air purifiers are often less expensive and don’t require professional installation, and as the name suggests, can be moved around from place to place.

 In terms of filtration, it really depends on the size of your space and the level of purification needed. A portable unit can certainly serve as a whole house air purifier, especially for a smaller space.

One thing to consider is that portable units take up room in your living space, while whole house air filters connect directly to your HVAC system and typically end up in a wall or utility room. But if you’re renting or don’t want to hire a contractor, portable units are the way to go.

How Do Whole House Air Purifiers Work?

Whole house air purification systems can utilize electronic filtration, HEPA filters, UV cleaners, and other filter media like activated carbon. Often they incorporate two or more filter types.

The four types of whole house air purifiers (and how they work) have been covered in detail earlier in this guide. Purification systems have come a long way, and provide major relief to allergy sufferers, and those who live in areas with poof overall air quality.

How Often Do I Need to Change the Air Filter for My Whole House Air Purifier?

How often you need to change the air filter for your purifier depends on the type of filtration, manufacturer recommendations, and your local air quality. In areas with high levels of airborne particles, HEPA filters may need to be changed quite often.

Electronic whole house air purifiers use metal particulate collection plates instead of filters — these need to be cleaned according to manufacturer recommendations, usually with soap and water. Simple UVC air cleaners and portable ion units often don’t have filters at all, so no cleaning or changing is required.

In Closing

We compared the best whole house air filter systems available, and any of the purifier units on this list are a really great choice. But if you’re deciding between the Airdog X8 or the EnviroKlenz Mobile UV Unit and a lower-priced system, keep in mind the true value of your good health. Protecting ourselves, and the health of our family can often be priceless, especially if you have family members with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

These best whole house air purifier reviews come from looking at all of the air filtration systems and purifiers on the market. Our goal is to take the hard part out of shopping for the perfect air purifier for your home. We hope this has helped, and if you have any feedback, please let us know!