Best Air Filter for Your Home

An air filter can make a huge difference in your home by removing impurities, allergens and unpleasant smells. When shopping for an air purifier, you will be faced with many choices. Should you select a HEPA filter or an ionic filter? Do you want germ-fighting UV technology? Consider these air filters to choose the best purifier for your family.

Top Air Filters:

1. HEPA filters: HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air." HEPA-style filters trap small pollutants and particles in a fibrous filter. HEPA air filters are frequently used by individuals who have seasonal and pet allergies, as well as asthma sufferers. Some HEPA filters require regular filter replacements, while others have filters that can be vacuumed or rinsed clean.

2. Ionic filters: Ionic air filters work by sending out positively charged ions. The ions stick to particles in the air, causing them to be pulled into the air filter or fall to the ground. Ionic purifiers use filters comprised of metal bars; particles stick to the electrically charged bars, so no filter replacements are required. The metal filter can be wiped cleaned as needed. Ionic filters pull dust, allergens, particles and odors out of the air.

3. Combination filters: Some air filters use both HEPA and ionic technology to clean the air. Combination filters can clear the air more thoroughly than some other filters, but they do require more maintenance because they feature two different filter types.

4. Filters with built-in UV lamps: If airborne germs are a concern in your household, then consider an air filter with UV technology. A UV lamp sanitizes the air as it passes through the air purifier, killing germs while filtering out bacteria and allergens.

5. Tower filters: Tower purifiers are ideal for many homes. Tower filters sit on the floor and are more discreet than tabletop filters. Tower air-filters are also often larger than tabletop filters, which means that they can clean the air in larger areas.

6. Tabletop filters: Tabletop air-filters are ideal in homes with small children or pets because they are out of reach and aren't easily knocked over. Use a compact tabletop purifier in your child's nursery or in a high-traffic powder room.

7. Selecting a size: All kinds of air filters have room-size limits. Some compact air filters are meant only to clean the air around your desk or in a 100-square-foot room. Oversized air filters can clean the air in a 3,500-square-foot home. Most average-sized air filters are meant to clean the air in an average-sized 200- to 400-square-foot room.