TOP 15 best air washers for home: 2021 rating and what parameters to consider when choosing + reviews from owners

Rating of the TOP 15 best air washers of 2020-2021

PlaceNamePrice
TOP 5 best air washers
1Boneco W1355AFind out the price
2Panasonic F-VXR50RFind out the price
3Sharp KC-D41RW/RBFind out the price
4Sharp KC-D51RWFind out the price
5Venta LW25 Comfort PlusFind out the price
TOP 5 best air washers with HEPA filter
1Panasonic F-VXL40Find out the price
2Boneco H680Find out the price
3Winia AWX-70Find out the price
4Panasonic F-VXK70Find out the price
5Kitfort KT-2803Find out the price
TOP 5 best air cleaners with UV lamp
1AIC XJ-297Find out the price
2Fanline VE400Find out the price
3Fanline VE400-4Find out the price
4ATMOS Maxi-550Find out the price
5AIC XJ-860Find out the price

Benefits and harms

An air washer is the quintessential humidifier and air purifier. Having collected their functions equally, she adopted their advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits

  • Minimizes the amount of dust and other particles in the air.
  • Increases indoor humidity.
  • Does not pose a danger to children.
  • Positively affects health by improving air quality.

Harm

  • Due to the accumulation of plaque, mold, fungi on the drum cover and dirty water in the tank, the risk of pathogenic organisms spreading evenly throughout the room increases. To avoid this, the sink must be cleaned regularly.
  • It does not filter microorganisms smaller than 10 microns, so they come out with the subsequent air flow.

How to choose and what to pay attention to

When choosing a particular air washer model, it is important to consider certain parameters:

  • Power . Air purifiers with a power of about 25-35 W are designed for rooms up to 50 square meters. Otherwise, you should buy a more powerful and highly functional model that can do the job efficiently.
  • Noise . Most modern air washers are not very noisy. In fact, in such a device only one element creates noise - the fan. Since it is quite weak, there will not be much noise. Data on the noise level of the air purifier are indicated in the device passport.
  • Productivity . This indicator is extremely important, since it affects the amount of liquid that evaporates within one hour. Therefore, when purchasing, it is worth considering the volume of the water tank. It should not be too small, otherwise you will have to add water often.

Advantages and disadvantages

Operation of the device allows you to create a comfortable microclimate, as well as prevent dry eyes and colds. Other benefits of air washers include:

  • removal of particles with fractions larger than 10 microns;
  • humidifies, but does not over-humidify the air;
  • high-quality room treatment due to forced ventilation;
  • avoiding injuries and burns;
  • air as fresh as after rain;
  • no deposits on equipment and furniture.

Users include the following disadvantages of the device:

  • the need for regular cleaning - once every 3-4 days;
  • long disassembly and assembly due to the complexity of the design;
  • for high-quality humidification, the sink must operate continuously;
  • regular replacement of expensive fine filters;
  • massive and inconvenient to carry.

Important! It is recommended to use the device for respiratory diseases, for residents of megacities and for families with preschool children.

The best air washers

Boneco W1355A

The Boneco W1355A air washer is designed to purify indoor air . Powerful

the fan operates effectively over an area of ​​up to 50 m² with an air exchange rate of 50 m³/hour and a humidification rate of 300 ml/hour.

Simultaneously with humidification, the air passes through a water filter . This cleaning method is considered the most natural.

A 7-liter water tank is located outside the case.

It allows you to continuously humidify the room for 23 hours, while the user sees the water level and can independently control it.

At the ionization stage, the air is saturated with active oxygen, which is especially useful for the circulatory and respiratory systems of the body.

This model has proven itself well in 2021.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 50 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 7 l;
  • power - 20 W.

pros

  • ease of control;
  • efficiency;
  • laconic design.

Minuses

  • difficulty of cleaning;
  • noise during operation.

Panasonic F-VXR50R

The Panasonic F-VXR50R climate complex is designed to provide an ideal microclimate in the home.

Deodorizing filter made of Super Nano fiber eliminates unpleasant odors, cigarette smoke, and most harmful chemical compounds.

The air purification complex allows you to minimize the amount of pollutants and allergens contained in the air.

Liquid consumption in humidification mode is 500 ml of water per hour.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 40 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 2.3 l;
  • power - 45 W.

pros

  • ease of control;
  • laconic design;
  • efficiency;
  • low noise level.

Minuses

  • small water tank.

Sharp KC-D41RW/RB

The white climate system Sharp KC-D41RW/RB effectively cleans, humidifies and enriches indoor air with ions.

The device has a floor-standing design and is equipped with special wheels for easy transportation around the house.

The complex is designed to serve premises with an area of ​​up to 26 m², the maximum air exchange rate is 216 m³/h.

The device has a carbon filter and a HEPA pre-filter. The built-in dust particle sensor functions together with sensors for determining the level of humidity and air temperature.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 26 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 2.5 l;
  • timer.

pros

  • ease of control;
  • efficiency;
  • neat design;
  • low noise level.

Minuses

  • not specified by buyers.

Sharp KC-D51RW

The Sharp KC-D51RW air purifier is designed for thorough air purification in several stages.

The air is first passed through a pre-filter and a HEPA filter. At this stage, large debris and dust particles are mechanically captured.

Then the air enters the water filter and ionizer, where it is cleaned of chemical impurities and microorganisms.

As a result, the climate complex produces clean, humidified and ionized air.

The model is equipped with a system of sensors that monitor the cleanliness of incoming and outgoing air, as well as indicators indicating the need to change filters or add water to the container.

The model does not lose its relevance in 2021.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 38 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 2.5 l;
  • timer.

pros

  • efficiency;
  • ease of control;
  • neat design.

Minuses

  • small container for water;
  • noise during operation.

Venta LW25 Comfort Plus

Venta LW25 Comfort Plus is a functional device that not only effectively humidifies the air, but also cleans it of many contaminants.

The air passing through the plate drum is exposed to water, due to which it is effectively cleaned of dust, pet hair, dust mites and other harmful microorganisms.

The main advantage of the device is its ease of maintenance, high reliability, economical power consumption and ease of use..

Such devices do not require consumable filters, are easy to clean, and provide high-quality air humidification.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 45 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 7 l;
  • power - 8 W.

pros

  • low noise level;
  • efficiency;
  • ease of control.

Minuses

  • not detected by buyers.

Customer Reviews

Boris G.

Cuchen Airwash

Quite an interesting device. Easy to disassemble, clean, very easy access to the tank and the tank itself is quite spacious. I don’t know exactly how much it purifies the air; I have big doubts in this aspect, because... it has a carbon filter at the inlet, and it’s just a mesh with pieces of something black, reminiscent of coal. How this filter can clean the air is not clear, but I am not knowledgeable about this matter. The only significant drawback is the neck of the tank and the lid, due to the fact that the neck has a thin wall, and there is a wide sealing rubber band on the lid, then when you tighten the lid too tightly, water flows out through the lid due to the displacement of the rubber band, but over time You understand the force with which to tighten the lid and tighten it normally. It humidifies well, but you need to understand that if you open a window or all the doors in a large apartment, then all the humid air will disperse throughout the entire space and eventually go outside. Overall, it’s quite an interesting thing; it sits on the floor and doesn’t interfere; it’s a pity there are no smart home elements or the ability to control it remotely.

Dmitriy

Philips AC2887

I've been using it since March. At a minimum speed it is very quiet, it seems that Philips did not skimp and installed a well-balanced engine with an impeller and good bearings, although they were made in China. It didn’t stink after unpacking, like some other fellow household workers (Tion, for example, still exudes a stink). Most likely made of medical plastic. Sensitively reacts to changes in atmosphere. If you fry in the kitchen, then Phillips standing in the corridor instantly explodes, shows a wild three-digit number of particles on the display and begins to intensively suck air. You will inevitably think about the harmfulness of frying for the lungs, and how all this affects the environment. There was some noise here, but nothing was happening in the apartment. I looked out into the common corridor and they were sweeping it, that’s it. The fact that it shows a filter error every month and then forces you to reset the error manually is even good, at least you don’t forget to clean and wash it regularly. The first filter is full of hair and dust every time, it’s clear that it’s working. Overall, it's a great item, and a cute one at that. I am writing a review for selfish reasons - so that everyone would buy them, retail chains would stock a lot of replacement filters and the price would be lower.

Ivan

Boneco W200

Beautiful, not noisy in my opinion, there are noisier devices. Perfectly humidifies an apartment of 42 sq. with open doors (comfortable humidity everywhere). There is no white coating on the furniture. There are no consumables (which is very important). Easy to clean. There is nothing superfluous here, as in other devices, such as a built-in hygrometer, which is absolutely useless. because It is necessary to measure the humidity away from the device. I turned it on in the morning and forgot until the evening, with a full tank. And he works all day. When the water runs out, the device turns off itself, and the green light changes to red.

Alfred Summer

Bort Silver Air

If there is the slightest risk of allergies, I recommend purchasing this device. We took it about six months ago and started cleaning up the dust less frequently with a rag. It works on a timer, it won’t rattle more than the set values, it turns off on its own. Quiet, practically doesn't make itself known. The air does not dry out, but makes it cleaner and fresher

Alexey P.

Philips AC2887

I really liked this air purifier. It is quite compact and does not take up much space. Quickly copes with air pollution, instantly responds to odor and pollution. Has a nice light indication. After almost a month of work, I began to feel better. My dust allergy has become almost invisible. There was much less dust in the room itself. Moreover, the device does not make noise, and at night in quiet mode it is not audible at all. And personally, I’m a little missing the remote control (too lazy)))

Anastasia

Winia AWI-40

It raises the humidity well in a room of 9 sq m, even if it is in the corridor and the door is open, the humidity remains at least 40. In the economical mode, there is enough water for a day. There is no need to change the water often. Low power. Washing is not annoying. After three days of use and adding periodically, the water is yellow. I don’t know how it cleans the air, but the dust in it collects within three days, so the room becomes cleaner, at least for what remains in it.

Anatoly M.

Xiaomi Smartmi Zhimi Air Humidifier 2 CJXJSQ02ZM

Moisturizes. Works with Yandex Station - you can turn it on, off, and find out the remaining water level. Plug for European sockets (but not always, see comment) If your humidifier is not detected in the Mi Home application, try selecting one of the regions China or USA. In my case, the humidifier worked when I selected the US region. This can be indirectly determined this way: when you put the humidifier into setup mode, a Wi-Fi network appears with a name like zhmi-humidifier-cb1 (cb1 is an indicator of the US region). I’m not sure, but it seems very likely that this applies to devices with a European plug, and with a Chinese plug, the ca1 region is needed - China. Also read: TOP 20 best toasters: 2021 rating and which model to choose for your home based on customer reviews

If the humidifier is detected in the application, but does not connect to your Wi-Fi network, and often blinks the Wi-Fi light, this means that the access point is configured incorrectly. Firstly, the humidifier only works in the 2.4 GHz network (the application itself will not allow you to select another), and secondly, in the US region only Wi-Fi channels 1-11 are available for this range (in Russia 1-13). If your Wi-Fi access point operates on channel 12 or 13, the humidifier will not be able to connect to it, although it will see it. When setting up Wi-Fi, it is recommended to either leave auto-selection or set one of the channels 1, 6 or 11 in the Wi-Fi settings (these are the channels on which you and your neighbors will least interfere with each other; you can find out more about why this is so for example here: https://habr.com/ru/post/506812/).

Maria Krapivnaya

Cuchen Airwash

Incredibly ergonomic. Consumption during our use (approximately 10-12 hours a day) per day is 2.5 liters. 6 liter tank. We bought it because the air was extremely harsh and my skin began to peel. We have been using it for the second month, the skin is moisturized and prettier. Humidity increased by an average of 1.5 times. We use it in the bedroom (12 sq.m.) The design is convenient, the control panel is at the top, there are many modes depending on your needs. And it’s just very beautiful) We use filtered water, since there is still sediment. When I first used it, I filled it with regular water and it started to smell very similar to bleach (the water in the house is bad). With filtered - freshness, the air is cool, pleasant and fresh to breathe. Sometimes we leave it overnight. It works quietly, but when the water level changes, it gurgles. You can wake up out of habit.

electric-tomcat

Boneco W200

Before that I used an ultrasonic humidifier, also from Boneco. Efficiency was noticeable but not particularly impressive. In addition, this humidifier gave me a white coating throughout my entire apartment, which was just everywhere - both outside and inside the furniture, although the water filter was changed in a timely manner. The W200 model uses a fundamentally different humidification principle, so there is no residue from it, and the amount of ordinary dust has decreased significantly, the air in the entire apartment is noticeably more humid (somewhere more, somewhere less, but much better than without a humidifier), child The allergic person began to sneeze less. Overall, I'm very pleased with the purchase.

Denis Kurbatov

Winia AWI-40

Everything seems to be made with high quality. It really humidifies the air, evenly throughout the apartment. There is no white residue like after ultrasonic evaporators. No filters that need to be replaced frequently, tap water. Fairly quiet. Convenient to wash and refill. I didn't notice any swamp smells. Before this there were 2 ultrasonic evaporators from good manufacturers. Both worked for no more than 2 years. There were problems with replacing filters, deposits inside the evaporators, and white deposits throughout the apartment. I recommend.

Erzya

Xiaomi Smartmi Zhimi Air Humidifier 2 CJXJSQ02ZM

Anatoly M. Convenient control via the application, as well as the ability to view humidity and temperature in the room. Possibility of complete disassembly of the drum for cleaning from hard water impurities. It is very convenient to add water without removing the top part of the humidifier. An excellent humidifier. On average, it evaporates about five liters of water per day, and at night it always works at first speed. The humidifier is located in a children's room with an area of ​​12.5 square meters. meter is more than enough. I also have a Venta humidifier with characteristics for 15 sq. meter, which I purchased about 8 years ago, Venta uses only about two liters of water per day. As a result, having two humidifiers (Venta and Xiaomi) in an apartment of 70 square meters. meter, air humidity is about 40-50%, depending on how low the temperature outside the window is. Once a week I wash the drum and water tank, once a month I completely disassemble the drum and wash it. You can, of course, not do this, but we have very hard water, so such a procedure will not be superfluous. In general, I definitely recommend purchasing. The device is 100% worth its money. I am very glad.

The best air washers with HEPA filter

Panasonic F-VXL40

The Panasonic F-VXL40 climate system allows you to create an optimal microclimate in the room.

It is designed to humidify and clean the air and is capable of treating a room of 30 m².

The peculiarity of the device is the presence of a HEPA filter, a water filter, and ionization technology.

The combination of these options helps remove various viruses, bacteria and allergens from the air.

In addition, the climate system can get rid of contaminants, keeping the room clean and fresh.

The device automatically monitors air purity.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 30 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 1.6 l;
  • power - 52 W.

pros

  • low noise level;
  • laconic design;
  • efficiency.

Minuses

  • not allocated by users.

Boneco H680

Climate system Boneco H680 is a device designed to create an optimal microclimate in the house.

The device quickly and gently humidifies the air in the room, effectively cleans it of harmful impurities through a pre-filter and a HYBRID filter, and fills the room with a light, unobtrusive aroma.

A variety of options and the ability to combine operating modes allows you to effectively use the device.

You can select humidification mode, air purification mode or mixed mode.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 100 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 10 l;
  • power - 30 W.

pros

  • efficiency;
  • neat design;
  • ease of control.

Minuses

  • noise during operation.

Winia AWX-70

The Winia AWX-70 air purifier is capable of not only maintaining humidity at a comfortable level of 40-60%, but also purifying the air from most contaminants.

The most common contaminants are dust, pet hair and dust mites.

This is precisely what a water filter is designed to cope with, the discs of which have an antibacterial substance applied to them..

One of the main advantages of the device is the presence of HEPA filters.

To disinfect water, a replaceable filter is used that contains silver ions.

Thanks to the active action of the plasma filter, unpleasant odors, harmful bacteria and mold spores are eliminated.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 50 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 9 l;
  • power - 24 W;
  • timer.

pros

  • efficiency;
  • low noise level;
  • ease of control.

Minuses

  • not specified by users.

Panasonic F-VXK70

The climate control system Panasonic F-VXK70 has a nice, neat design, thanks to which it will fit organically into any interior..

As a result of its operation, the room will always have clean air and a comfortable microclimate.

The complex not only cleans, but also humidifies the air, and optimal humidity has a positive effect on well-being.

The device has a power consumption of 58 W and is intended for rooms up to 52 m² . A convenient display will simplify device management.

The control of the complex is touch-based, and the control of operation is automated. An additional function in the form of ionization will improve the quality of living conditions.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • covered area - 52 sq.m;
  • power - 58 W.

pros

  • ease of control;
  • laconic design;
  • efficiency.

Minuses

  • not noted by buyers.

Kitfort KT-2803

Ultrasonic air purifier Kitfort KT-2803 humidifies the air in the room and removes fungi and bacteria, creating an optimal microclimate.

At the base of the humidifier there is an ultraviolet lamp that removes harmful microorganisms from the air.

After this, the purified air flows from the humidifier into the room.

The air intake is equipped with a foam filter and a carbon HEPA filter.

At the same time as cleaning from various contaminants, the HEPA filter retains allergens, bacteria, and also neutralizes unpleasant odors, tobacco smoke, etc.

Main functional characteristics:

  • ultrasonic;
  • covered area - 20 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 5 l;
  • power - 25 W.

pros

  • laconic design;
  • low noise level;
  • efficiency.

Minuses

  • touch buttons.

Comparison of the characteristics of the presented sinks

We propose to evaluate the previously considered climatic complexes again in the form of a comparative table.

ModelArea, m²Power, WWater tank volume, lPrice, rub
Venta LW 457571029 499
Boneco W2055A5020717 999
Neoclima NCC-86850952.412 499
Winia AWM-40 PTVC Modern Plasma2811913 499
Philips HU5930/107011423 799
Faura NFC260 Aqua5058310 999
Leberg LW-20R28 m²156.28 699

The best air washes with UV lamp

AIC XJ-297

AIC XJ-297 is a modern humidifier and air purifier designed specifically to provide optimal cleanliness and humidity in indoor air..

The device is capable of serving rooms up to 28 m2, effectively purifying the air from dust, pet hair, organic allergens, harmful bacteria and microbes, as well as various unpleasant odors.

The device has an unusual design, light weight and minimal operating noise..

This model is distinguished by simple and convenient operation, and operation will bring only benefit and pleasure.

Main functional characteristics:

  • covered area - 28 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 4.5 l;
  • power - 28 W.

pros

  • efficiency;
  • unusual design;
  • ease of control.

Minuses

  • noise during operation.

Fanline VE400

The Fanline VE400 purifier-humidifier is a highly efficient device that performs the function of air washing with special rotating discs.

The device is designed to humidify and purify indoor air by filtering it, charging dust and dirt particles with electrons and naturally evaporating water.

The number of tiny suspended particles in the air is reduced.

The wet drum discs form a wide surface from which the water quickly evaporates under the influence of the fan, evenly distributed in the air of the room.

Thanks to the normalization of humidity, the user will be able to breathe freely and feel better.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • water tank volume - 8 l;
  • power - 15 W.

pros

  • efficiency;
  • Ease of use;
  • neat design.

Minuses

  • noise during operation.

Fanline VE400-4

Fanline VE400-4 is a reliable and efficient disc humidifier . Rotating drum made of

discs that absorb water efficiently are immersed halfway in a tank of water.

Humidification through natural evaporation is the most environmentally friendly, safe and healthy method.

In comparison with ultrasonic and spray humidifiers, substances in the water do not enter the air (they remain in the tank and are removed when changing the water).

The device consumes less electricity than humidifiers with heaters.

This is one of the highest quality models for 2021.

Main functional characteristics:

  • natural hydration;
  • water tank volume - 8 l;
  • power - 20 W.

pros

  • ease of control;
  • efficiency;
  • low noise level.

Minuses

  • difficulty of cleaning.

ATMOS Maxi-550

The ATMOS Maxi-550 air purifier is a type of professional multi-level air purification and humidification device.

As a result of the operation of the inverter fan, polluted air enters the purifier housing, then passes through several levels of filtration, is cleaned, humidified and returned to the room atmosphere.

The device uses several filters: primary mesh, antibacterial, HEPA, carbon and photocatalytic filters, as well as an ultraviolet lamp and a negative oxygen ion generator.

Main functional characteristics:

  • water tank volume - 1.7 l;
  • air ionization, antibacterial lamp;
  • power - 95 W;
  • remote control, timer.

pros

  • low noise level;
  • neat design;
  • ease of control.

Minuses

  • big sizes.

AIC XJ-860

AIC XJ-860 is an innovative climate control system designed to maintain indoor air purity and humidity.

Hydrofiltration technology is based on the fact that the air entering the device passes through an air-water recovery system.

In this area, the air is purified, receives antibacterial treatment, becomes humidified, and harmful impurities are eliminated from it.

As a result, clean and humidified air comes back into the room, purified not only of small mechanical particles, but also of allergens.

Main functional characteristics:

  • covered area - 60 sq.m;
  • water tank volume - 8 l;
  • power - 25 W;
  • remote control.

pros

  • unusual design;
  • efficiency;
  • ease of control.

Minuses

  • difficulty of cleaning.

Main selection criteria

How to choose the right air washer? Experts advise you to adhere to several parameters.

Optimal working area

The parameter ranges from 18 to 50 m2. Greater power and performance mean sufficient tank capacity. For rooms of 25 m2, devices with a 3-4 liter tank are used. Water consumption is 200 g/h, full production occurs in 15-20 hours.

Technologies

The air washer, as shown by the rating of the best models according to 2021 data, works using two technologies:

  • hydrofiltration. Due to the cone in the tank, small drops of water rise upward, forming a curtain that cleans the air of impurities;
  • "cold water bath". It is implemented by rotating disks that create a film. It evaporates when the fan blades rotate.

Performance

The indicator depends on the volume of the tank. To calculate it, you need to know that a sink with a 5-7 liter tank processes up to 300-500 g of air in 1 hour.

Operating modes

The number of modes that an air washer used for home has depends on the air exchange and water flow, so which will be the most effective and best, the user must choose for himself. The device runs on the following programs:

  • normal - average speed of rotation of the drum and fan to maintain a comfortable level of humidity;
  • night — reducing the number of fan revolutions at a given time;
  • intensive - you can increase the humidity level in a dry room or remove dust after repair work. The washer operates at high speed;
  • energy saving - reducing air exchange processes and water consumption allows you not to turn off the sink while away;
  • automatic - models with a hygrostat independently determine the normal humidity level for a particular room and maintain it constantly;
  • by timer - you can set a specific time for turning on and restarting the device;
  • anti-allergic - devices operating in active air exchange mode, when the flows are cleaned faster without loss of humidity;
  • “children's mode” - special marking, which means maintaining the humidity level by 60% and increasing the intensity of air exchange;
  • supply of cold or hot steam - warming up a cold room, sterilizing air and water.

Advice! For people who are allergic to odors, dust or hay fever, anti-allergic sinks or appliances with hot steam are recommended.


Using an air cleaner at home


Air washing

Noise level

The air washer fan operates at a level of 28-50 dB, while a constant volume of 35 dB is considered comfortable for humans.

Advice! Models with a round drum are quieter than those with a conical drum.

Power

The indicator can be up to 30 W and depends on the number of disk elements and the size of the drum. The optimal throughput of the device is the full volume of the room 3 times in 60 minutes. To calculate power you can use the formula:

  1. Find out the volume of the room.
  2. Multiply this number by 3.

The result obtained will be the appropriate power parameter for your apartment.

Additional functions

If you need air washing for an apartment or a private house, then its auxiliary options will help you understand which device will be better:

  • ionization - air freshness should be controlled by ions, but in practice cheap models leave particles in the water;
  • disinfection occurs using a silver rod in water. Atoms are emitted from the surface, cleaning and disinfecting air masses;
  • aromatization - essential oil is dripped onto a special tray or a cotton pad moistened with the product is placed. The aromatic substance is also placed in a special compartment;
  • auto restart is a protective function that stops the device when the tank is empty;
  • additional filtration - photocatalytic or HEPA elements help to completely remove fine-grained contaminants from the air.


Air washer control panel

Important! Models with filtration require maintenance costs - consumables must be replaced periodically.

HEPA: filter more thoroughly

From the nuclear industry came to us a technology called HEPA.
Contrary to popular belief, HEPA is not a brand name or a specific manufacturer, but is merely an acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance. HEPA filters are made of accordion-folded material, the fibers of which are woven in a special way. Pollution is captured in three ways:

  • Inertia: particles with a diameter of more than one micron enter the filter along with the air flow and cannot go around the obstacle. As a result of inertial movement, they get stuck in the filter.
  • Diffusion: light and small particles (with a diameter less than 0.1 microns), due to their chaotic movement, settle on the filter fibers, while the rest of the air flow flows around the obstacle and cannot pick them up.
  • Engagement: Particles too large to diffuse and too small to inert fly with the main flow. However, some of them still cling to the fibers of the fabric and remain. New particles cling to those that are caught, and so on. By the way, due to “engagement”, the filter may not lose efficiency for a long time, because already “caught” particles help to catch new pollution.


Illustration from Wikipedia
The HEPA standard, in its broadest sense, has several filtration classes. The most common (and cheapest) of these is E10, and it implies a particle capture efficiency of only 85% (essentially just inertia). Then comes E11 (95% efficiency) and E12 (99.5%). In fact, it is more correct to call filters from the E10 to E12 group not HEPA, but EPA, but the standards of different countries allow manufacturers to play this trick with names. However, filters starting from E12 can already be recommended for purchase, because their effectiveness is already at a sufficient level.

The next class, H13, is already honest HEPA and assumes the capture of 99.95% of pollution. That is, almost everything is “caught.” That’s why high-quality air purifiers contain just such filters.


Air purifier Bork A501. One of the most affordable purifiers with Hepa H13 filter

A further increase in the class does not make sense in everyday conditions, because the H14 class assumes an efficiency of 99.995%, and the next ULPA group, starting with the U15 class, assumes an efficiency of 99.9995%.

conclusions

If your budget is limited, you can opt for a simple model with an electrostatic filter.
It is important to understand that such a cleaner will have low performance, but it will be quite sufficient to capture large dust. The most effective air purifiers are equipped with HEPA filters of at least H13 class. At the same time, the filters themselves are consumables and are not cheap.

If you need an air humidification system, there are combination “air washes” that work as both a purifier and a humidifier. Unfortunately, without a HEPA filter, they do not purify the air as effectively, although they are cheaper to maintain due to the lack of replaceable elements.

Photocatalytic filters seem to be the most promising development at the moment, as they capture small contaminants and do not require the purchase of consumables. However, the real effectiveness of this technology is still in question. Well, let's wait until new research results or modernized options with guaranteed effectiveness appear.

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