Cold weather can trap indoor pollutants, allergens, pet dander and odors inside the home, making an air purifier especially useful during winter. WIRED-tested models currently on sale include compact bedroom purifiers, a heater-and-purifier combination, a sunrise alarm clock with air-cleaning functions, and larger units for open-plan spaces. The featured devices use HEPA filtration or multistage filtration to help capture airborne particles, while some also offer activated carbon, connected apps, heating, cooling or air-quality indicators.
When windows stay closed and older heating systems circulate air, dust mites, pet allergens and other microscopic particles can remain indoors. Fireplaces, furnaces and heaters may also contribute soot, dust and odors. A portable purifier can be moved between rooms or kept in a bedroom, offering a lower-cost alternative to installing a whole-home system.
These products are not a substitute for ventilation, source control or medical treatment, but continuous air filtration may help reduce airborne particles and ease some allergy, asthma and nasal-congestion triggers. Models with HEPA filtration can capture very small particles, including some airborne respiratory droplets, viruses and bacteria.
Air purifiers with heating and cooling functions
Blueair ComfortPure 3-in-1 Air Purifier
The Blueair ComfortPure 3-in-1 Air Purifier combines air cleaning with a heater and cooling fan. It covers up to 175 square feet, making it suitable for bedrooms, and stands less than 2 feet tall. Its HEPA filtration and electrostatic technology are designed to capture pollutants, while an air-quality indicator provides a quick visual update. The purifier also connects to an easy-to-use app.
The unit is listed at $500, with an Amazon price of $223—55 percent off—and a $350 price at Shop when customers sign in at checkout, representing a $150 discount. Its advantages include year-round heating and cooling, app control and indicator lights that correspond to the US air quality index. WIRED noted that the panel does not consistently illuminate when pressed and that the device is louder than expected.
Bedroom air purifier for pet allergies
Levoit Core 300-P Air Purifier
The Levoit Core 300-P is designed for rooms of about 219 square feet or less—approximately 15 by 14 feet—where it can deliver the recommended 4.8 air changes per hour. The purifier is listed at $100 and is currently $85 at Amazon and Levoit.
The unit uses three filtration stages, including a nylon pre-filter mesh that catches larger pet hair and fur before it reaches the main HEPA filter. Its enhanced activated carbon filter is intended to absorb pet odors more efficiently. Pet-specific replacement filters cost $35.
Air purifier that doubles as a sunrise alarm clock
Blueair Mini Restful Air Purifier Sunrise Clock
The Blueair Mini Restful Air Purifier Sunrise Clock is intended for small bedrooms. At the recommended 4.8 air exchanges per hour, it can clean the air in a 140-square-foot room in 13 minutes, according to the source. It also functions as a sunrise alarm clock, gradually waking users with adjustable light, and includes a night-light and clock function.
The purifier is listed at $150 and is available for $113 at Amazon. Its compact design and dual-purpose functions may appeal to people with limited space. WIRED noted that the highest setting is too loud for sleep and that the device lacks an automatic mode and an air-quality sensor.
Other discounted air purifiers
Brondell O2+ Horizon 5-Stage Air Purifier with HEPA
The Brondell O2+ Horizon is a compact purifier recommended for bedrooms and other small rooms. It has a slim design, five-stage filtration and a HEPA filter. The purifier is listed at $180 and is currently available from Brondell for $80, a $100 discount.
The source describes the model as a strong value with filters that perform well for its size. It does not include an internal air sensor, app or automatic mode, and it is very loud at its highest setting.
View the Brondell O2+ Horizon 5-Stage Air Purifier with HEPA
AirDoctor Smart 5500i
The AirDoctor Smart 5500i is intended for large rooms and open-plan spaces. It can clean up to 1,043 square feet at the recommended 4.5 air changes per hour. Despite its tower design, it is described as quiet, and its casters make it easier to move. The purifier also connects to the AirDoctor app for remote control.
The model is listed at $999 and is currently $649 from AirDoctor. Amazon lists it at $1,049. The source notes that its one-year warranty is limited for a purifier at this price, and that the shipping box is unwieldy.
View the AirDoctor Smart 5500i
What to consider before buying
Choose a purifier according to the size of the room, the pollutants you want to address and the cost of replacement filters. A small bedroom purifier may be more practical than a large tower model, while open-plan spaces require a unit rated for substantially greater coverage. HEPA filtration can help capture airborne particles, activated carbon can help with odors, and app controls or air-quality sensors may make monitoring easier. Prices and discounts can change, so check the retailer’s listing before purchasing.
Source: www.wired.com