Mold, we have all seen it, and some have had to do extensive repairs to their homes to remove it. It is toxic and can cause a multitude of health problems, and many of these affect your lungs and breathing.
Anywhere that is damp and warm can contribute to the growth of mold, and like all other fungi, mold produces spores that can spread easily throughout your home.
Allergy and asthma sufferers are not the only ones affected by mold spores that are in the air, and even young, healthy lungs can succumb to the forces of mold spores.
The addition of the right air purifier to your home can help you combat mold spores and help everyone breathe easier while being relatively affordable.
How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for Combating Mold
Mold spores are microscopic and can exist on any porous surface as long as there is moisture, and even bleach cannot remove mold completely. You can’t fully kill off mold and must remove any from your home and keep moisture levels in check to prevent future outbreaks.
Even if you have removed the affected materials and cleansed your environment, you may still have dormant spores floating around in your indoor air, and this is where the right air purifier can help reduce the chances of these spores spreading.
You may be asking yourself well what would make one air purifier better at removing mold spores than others? We are going to supply you with the nitty-gritty details about air purifiers and help you understand what you should be looking for in an air purifier if you need it to remove mold.
Understanding the Different Types of Air Purifiers
The first thing you need to identify about an air purifier is what type of system it uses for eliminating impurities in the air.
1. Filter Air Purifiers
Although many varieties of filter combinations exist in filter type air purifiers, you will definitely want one that contains a HEPA filter.
HEPA filters can trap microscopic mold spores, and because the HEPA filter contains no moisture, the spores will die.
Including other filters like a charcoal filter can also help eliminate that musty smell that mold produces and including a UV-C light may also help to ensure that the mold spores are eliminated.
These are the bare minimum in a filter setup type of air purifier that you would want to make sure your eliminating mold spores.
2. Ionizer Air Purifiers
These may be the least effective type of air purifier to combat mold spores. An Ionizer will bind with mold spores in the air but will not kill them, and they may lay dormant on surfaces in your home.
So, as you can tell, this may not be the best choice for reducing mold spores in your home. These types of air purifiers may be helpful in improving indoor air quality if mold is not a problem for you.
3. Ozone Air Purifiers
An Ozone air purifier does kill mold spores, and even other viruses in your home; however, Ozone itself is toxic. The manufacturers of these types of air purifiers claim that the ozone levels are within safety standards, but there are still some concerns.
These types of air purifiers may also be some of the more costly in the initial purchase price and not be the best choice for those with allergies or asthma as they do produce a distinct odor.
How to Select an Air Purifier for Mold
1. All HEPA Filters are not Equal
Spending a little extra on a HEPA filter may improve the air quality substantially. There are at least three different types of HEPA filters, and you should look for an air purifier that includes a True HEPA filter.
Yes, these filters can cost a few cents more than other filters labeled as a HEPA filter, but they will do a better job of trapping the smaller microscopic mold spores than the generic HEPA’s.
You may not need a hospital-grade HEPA filter, but the better the HEPA filter, the better the mold spore elimination.
TIP: Remember, you will need to replace these filters regularly, so choose the best filter you can afford and replace it often.
2. UV-C Lights
Although there is some controversy about the safety of this type of lighting, they are useful in the elimination of mold spores. Afterall the true enemy of all mold and mold spores is sunlight, and UV-C light is the most harmful of all light on the UV spectrum.
If you are struggling to control mold spores and the spread of mold in your home, you may want to consider an air purifier that includes UV-C lighting along with a HEPA filter.
3. Air Purifier Maintenance
- Keep your air purifier clean and dry for best results.
- Change the HEPA filter often if you are trying to eliminate mold spores.
- Washable filters should be fully dried before you put them back into the purifier.
- Keep the pre-filter clean so that your air purifier can pull in the most amount of air when running.
4. A Charcoal Filter
Mold has a unique musty smell, and often this is the first thing you notice. This smell can permeate everything in your home and cause allergy sufferers’ problems.
When you are shopping for an air purifier, it might be wise to select a unit that includes a charcoal filter. A filter of this type can help eliminate that musty smell in your home, and it may help reduce any other odors you may have as well.
2019 Top 8 Best Air Purifiers for Mold
So, now that we have given you some information on the best types of air purifiers for eliminating mold let’s check out our top 8 air purifiers for mold in 2019.
Our top pick is:
Image |
Product |
Dimensions |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Best Overall |
9 x 5.5 x 21.5 in |
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HealthSpace Smart True HEPA Best for Large Room |
13.5 x 7 x 19.5 in |
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Levoit True HEPA Air Purifier Powerful and Energy Efficient |
14.5 x 7.2 x 18.5 in |
|
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Pure Enrichment Pure Zone Best Warranty |
10.8 x 7 x 12.5 in |
|
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Blue Pure 211 Swedish Filter Technology |
13 x 13 x 20.4 in |
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Blue Pure 211 Swedish Filter Technology |
13 x 13 x 20.4 in |
|
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Medify Air MA-40 For Extremely Large Rooms |
10.5 x 11 x 26 in |
|
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Koios Air Purifier Great Value |
7.5 x 6.9 x 6.9 in |
1. Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter – Best Overall
This air purifier contains a true HEPA filter within a three-stage filter system that includes a pre-filter, charcoal filter, and UV-C light in a unit that is less than 24in tall.
This air purifier is simple to use and has an indicator light that flashes red when the filters need attention, and the UV-C light can be switched off. Suited best for small to medium-sized rooms and is quiet enough on the low-speed setting for use in a bedroom.
This unit is energy-star rated, and AHAM verified for rooms up to 167sq.ft.
Pros
- This air purifier is affordable.
- It has a three-stage filter and UV-C light for eliminating mold spores.
- The UV-C light can be switched off if you prefer.
- This unit has 3-speed settings.
- Good for small to medium-sized rooms.
Cons
- The filters are not washable.
- May have circuit board issues.
- Genuine replacement filter is a bit expensive.
2. HealthSpace Smart True HEPA – Best for Large Room
An air purifier that contains a true HEPA filter amongst its five-stage filter system and is rated for rooms up to 350sq.ft. The smart air quality sensor can in real-time monitor the air in your home and adjust the fan speed accordingly
The four in one filter include an antimicrobial filter as well as the true HEPA, charcoal layer, and a pre-filter and the includes Ion technology for extra air purification.
Pros
- This unit can handle large room space.
- The easy to read color-coded air quality sensor provides air quality information.
- The replacement filters are readily available.
- This unit has an auto-on feature and remote control.
- You can switch the Ionizer off if you want.
Cons
- This unit does have an Ionizer, and there is some controversy over this type of air purifier.
- Some don’t feel the air quality sensor works as advertised.
- The replacement filter pack is a bit pricey.
3. Levoit True HEPA Air Purifier – Powerful and Energy Efficient
This Levoit true HEPA air purifier uses a centrifugal wheel design to accelerate the circulation of air through the purifier, thus increasing efficiency. Featuring a three-stage filter system and an auto mode that can automatically adjust the fan speed as needed, this air purifier is energy star certified.
The powerful motor design helps this air purifier increase efficiency by 30% over other large room air purifiers and can clean the air 4-5 times in an hour in a large room.
Pros
- Energy star and CARD certified amongst other certifications.
- This unit offers an auto mode and smart filter technology.
- It may be up to 40% more energy efficient than other models.
- The LED display can be turned off if needed for sleeping.
- This unit has no Ozone producing elements.
Cons
- The filter life may not be as good as other units.
- The motor may become noisy.
- The filters can be expensive and need changing more often than other large room units.
4. Pure Enrichment Pure Zone – Best Warranty
The easy and efficient operation of this air purifier lets you take control with an auto timer for 2,4 or 8 hours of continuous run time.
Including a UV-C light along with a three-stage filter helps make sure that mold spores and other pollutants are eliminated. A True HEPA filter captures microscopic particles and has an included pre-filter and carbon layer for reducing odors.
This unit features a whisper-quiet overnight setting that keeps the noise down and offers a better night’s sleep and sets up in seconds.
Pros
- This unit has a 5-year warranty.
- Easy to use touch button technology is simple to understand.
- The unit is easy to assemble.
- The true HEPA replacement filter is reasonably priced.
- The smaller size makes this unit portable.
Cons
- May not be powerful enough for a medium-sized room.
- Some complaints about this unit being noisy.
- It does contain the controversial UV-C light that cannot be turned off.
- Filters may not last as long as other true HEPA filters.
5. Blue Pure 211 – Swedish Filter Technology
While this air purifier doesn’t contain a true HEPA filter, it did make our top 8 because the filter technology can eliminate up to 99% of airborne pollutants, including mold spores.
The three-stage filter system does include two color-coded washable pre-filters, one carbon filter, and one advanced Swedish design main filter.
This unit is compact and powerful enough for large rooms up to 540sq.ft in size and offers a simple one-touch control button.
Pros
- It can accommodate a fairly large room space.
- This unit is whisper quiet on its low-speed setting.
- It is very energy-efficient and Energy Star ratings for low energy consumption.
- It has a unique look.
Cons
- This unit is a bit expensive.
- The particle and carbon filter replacements are expensive.
- Complaints of a chemical smell from the filters.
6. Winix 5300-2 True HEPA – Economical and Efficient
This is a medium to large room air purifier that is in itself on the larger size for an air purifier. This unit will need a bit of floor space but has a pleasing design that will blend easily with your décor and features a three-stage filter system and a true HEPA filter.
The Winix 5300-2 offers plasma wave technology that does not produce Ozone but is a permanent air purifier that breaks down air impurities.
There are four fan speeds and an additional sleep mode coupled together with an auto-sensing technology and timer for extra efficiency and energy savings.
Pros
- This unit doesn’t produce Ozone.
- This unit offers a true HEPA filter and a plasma wave technology.
- The auto mode allows for the unit to adjust as needed.
- The replacement filters are reasonably priced.
Cons
- None of the filters are washable.
- The unit emits a chime that some find annoying.
- This purifier is noisy on the higher fan speeds.
7. Medify Air MA-40 – For Extremely Large Rooms
This unit can purify the air in a 1300sq. Ft. room in under an hour, and it doesn’t get any faster than that. The Medify MA-40 also features a tempered glass touch panel that won’t scratch like others and a medical-grade H-13 HEPA filter.
Also featuring four fan speeds, a child lock, and nighttime mode and timer, this is a unit that can quickly purify the air in any room in the house.
This is a product of the USA and has a sleek modern design and is compact enough to be portable. This unit offers a three in one filter for convenience and a built-in air analyzer to automatically adjust the fan speed.
Pros
- It does contain an H-13 HEPA filter.
- This unit has a sleek modern look and is available in both black and white.
- This unit features easy to use touch screen controls.
- The included ionizer can be turned off.
Cons
- This unit is fairly expensive.
- Replacement filters are more expensive than other HEPA type filters.
- This unit may not have enough power to filter air as fast as the manufacturer claims it can.
8. Koios Air Purifier – Great Value
This unit is a true HEPA air purifier that is affordable on just about any budget, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap and doesn’t work well.
This compact unit offers a 360֯ air intake and a three-stage filter system that includes a true HEPA filter and is 100% Ozone free.
Pros
- Easy to operate one-button control.
- The unit is round and suctions air from all angles.
- This unit has a 30-return policy and a 3-year warranty.
- It is very affordable.
- No Ozone or UV-C lights.
Cons
- You cannot turn off the LED light.
- It only has 2-fan speeds.
- The replacement filters can be a bit expensive.
Conclusion
If you need an air purifier that can eliminate mold from your home, take the time to do some in-depth research. Mold is toxic and can lead to a host of health problems, so getting it out of your indoor air is of the utmost importance.
Beyond just helping you to breathe easier and reducing odors, adding an air purifier to your home may help improve your family’s overall health and even help the household sleep better.
Remember, an air purifier is only as good as the filters or other elements used for air purification, so don’t shop by price alone as you may end up with an inadequate unit for your needs.
Your health is linked to the quality and purity of the air you breathe, so examine the details and differences of all the air purifiers that have made your short-list before you purchase. You may find spending a little more initially saves you more in the long run.
