Flipping through the December/ January 2007 issue of Dwell Magazine the other day we stumbled across a review of five stylish and effective air purifiers. We have never put much thought into getting one of these for our own home but as the Dwell article states "the EPA lists indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health." Maybe we should reconsider.
Prices on the different filters range from $129 up to $649 with capabilities ranging from 200 to 900 square feet. Pictures and links after the jump...
It appears that Dwell picked the neatest looking units but some of the lower performers on the Consumer Reports ratings list. Not one of these is in the top five of their recommendations. One similar model Blueair makes the top ten. I am a subscriber to Dwell but do not look to them for tech recommendations. Their reviews on digital cameras was almost comical as the oozed over one camera that is being pulled off the market do to re-occuring problems. Look at this way - I wouldn't look for a buy recommendation on a prefab home from a Camera review magazine or an HVAC trade journal....
I bought the Hoover Silent air based on that article (and the fact that the Japanese put them on their trains). It is pretty silent. There was a low buzzing sound that kind of annoyed me for a few days, but I've gotten used to the sound. I don't know if there's really that much of a difference, but at least I got it from Overstock for a good price. The filter does collect some dirt, so at least that's a start.
We have the IQaire compact. It is the best, bar none. Expensive but worth it.