Good Questions: Recommendations for an Air Purifier?

Dear AT,

I'm now convinced I have 'bad air' in my apartment. Dust, mold, bad karma, not sure. What I do know is that I can't seem to keep any plants (sad since I so love plants), and tend to get sick all the time.

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

It's time for me to invest in an air purifier. Do you have any recommendations on a good, affordable air purifier? Has anyone else had a problem like this? I've also developed what seems like a permanent cough...

Thanks so much!

Kiko

Dear Kiko,

We searched through the other AT city sites to find some insight (we have never owned an air purifier, but consider it more and more). AT:NY posted this sleek looking Henry air purifier from Swizz Style, without firsthand accounts, though, (pictured above and right).

AT:LA posted this Honeywell HFD-130 (pictured left), and also linked us to a Consumer Search listing of air purifiers.

We'd love to hear more suggestions from our readers: best buys for functionality, design and longevity?

Comments (3)

Do stay away from "ozone" machines that purport to clean air. They are not good for your health. The EPA has some good consumer resources on indoor air quality. I think the quality of the air filter in an air purifier is one of the key issues. Portable options for one room or whole system purifiers/filters are both options.

posted by Claudia on October 23rd 2007 at 9:28am
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i got a whirlpool. its amazing. consumer reports rates it as one of the best and one of the safest on the market. it emits very little "ozone" and has the energy saver tag, so running it doesn't run up your eletric bill.

posted by pokerboy on October 24th 2007 at 6:11am
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we got Henry, above.
he works well... quiet at low settings a bit of a hum on the highest... has a HEPA filter, a Titanium oxide filter plus UV light to kill spores and mold and such and a compartment to add fragrance, if one wants to do so...it also has 3 timed settings 2hrs, 4hrs and 8hrs with auto shut off...
he's stylsih as well... my only peeve is the long neck; it's two pieces that fit together but don't screw in so if you bump the unit the neck falls off....
small price to pay for European style.
;0)

posted by chris_94131 on October 24th 2007 at 7:11am
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