Air treatment appliances tackle a range of household air quality issues, including cleaning the air of impurities and maintaining correct humidity levels.
Purify the air in your home with an air purifier, remove excess moisture that can lead to mould and allergies with a dehumidifier, or maintain healthy levels of air moisture with a humidifier.
This buying guide will help you decide if you need an air treatment appliance and how to choose one that meets your needs. If you’re after guidance specifically regarding heating and cooling, check out our Heating and Cooling Buying Guide.
Types of air treatment
Air purifiers
Air purifiers, also known as air cleaners, are devices which improve indoor air quality by passing airborne contaminants through an air purifier filter, trapping them and releasing clean air. When turned on, air purifiers constantly intake the air around them, removing pollutants, odours, pet dander, and allergens, then pushing the filtered air back into the room. As the cycle continues, the air in your home becomes more cleaner with each pass. They are typically compact units which could be placed on a table, the floor, or practically anywhere that you need air purification.
Depending on the type of air purifier, different filtration systems might be in use, such as a true HEPA filter or activated carbon filter. Some filters become less effective over time, so it can be important to find an air purifier with an indicator to inform you when a replacement filter is needed.
For an in-depth look, head over to our Air Purifier Buying Guide.
Car air purifiers
Your car interior can also harbour unhealthy air, containing fumes, allergens, cigarette smoke, dust, along with their odours. These purifiers work in the same way as a typical home air purifier, but specifically designed to be used in your car. Depending on the model, they may fit into a cup holder, console, or other space, and are powered by your 12V outlet without the need for batteries.
Dehumidifiers
Many of our daily household tasks including running appliances, drawing baths, and cooking can all contribute to an excess amount of humidity in the home. This can result in the growth of mould, peeling paint, warped wood, and musty smells. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from your home, storing it in a tank which can be easily tipped out when full.
For an in-depth look, head over to our Dehumidifier Buying Guide.
Humidifiers
An environment too low in humidity can cause dry skin and irritation, exacerbate allergies, and be poor for respiratory health. Compact air humidifier units improve indoor air quality by maintaining sufficient levels of humidity.
What to look for
Room size
For the best results, your air treatment unit needs to be suitable for the space you intend to use it in. Most models will specify their recommended coverage area on the packaging or on the unit itself, so it’s just a matter of matching your room size with the specifications.
Multi-purpose
If you need more than one type of air treatment, some models offer more than just one benefit. For example, the Sharp KCF30JW is both a humidifier and an air purifier in one, and the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool can deliver cool or warm air while also working as an air purifier.
Air purification filter
- HEPA filters are generally considered the most popular and effective filter, capturing up to 99.95% of microscopic allergens and pollutants as small as 0.1 microns.
- Ozone filters are great at targeting lingering odours but are not as effective against allergens or chemical pollutants.
- Ionic filters use a small electrical field to grant a positive or negative charge to airborne particles, which draws particles out from the air and into the purifier. Ideal for removing small pollutants from large spaces.
- Carbon filters are ideal for clearing smoke, odours, chemicals, and any gases. However, since they do not confine allergens and bacteria, they are often paired with HEPA filters.
- Ultraviolet air filters render bacteria and microbes in the air harmless with the power of UV light. However, they are ineffective against allergens, odours, smoke, and chemical fumes.
Tank capacity
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers rely on tanks to either collect or release water. If you have a larger room, a larger tank would require less filling or re-filling. Conversely, a smaller tank may be enough to satisfy a small room.
Convenience
Most air treatment units are relatively compact. If you plan on treating multiple areas at once, you’ll be happy to know finding a portable solution is easy. Most models also feature timers so you can easily set and forget as the unit does its job.
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