Best Air Purifier For 2009 - Consumer Report

Consumer Report Rates The Top 5 Air PurifiersReplacement HEPA Filters; About $30
For 2009. Includes New technology ReviewsWhat we liked best - includes the nanotech virus
Over the last 2 months we tested 35 of thegrids, and the 3 new pollen sensors in a 9-stage
top-selling air purifiers. Of those 29 only use 1-3unit at an affordable price.
technologies including the top-selling infomercialBuying Hint: Look for sales at their online
brand Oreck XL. A select few use 3-5 (includingwarehouse (
and one uses all 9 known air purifier technologies.#2: IQAire
8 used HEPA filters - Most experts agree that aPROS: 3-stage, including a good-sized HEPA
HEPA filters are the most efficient for removingTechnologies: HEPA, pre-filter
pollen and dust. However HEPA tends to be thePrice: $799
most expensive. Next is UV light - which can killRoom Coverage: 800 Sq. ft.
bacteria and viruses that can contribute to allergyReplacement HEPA Filters; About $189
reactions.#3: Bluair
The New technologies we saw included:PROS: 3-stage Air Purifier
1) Japanese pollen, Odor and dust sensors - thisTechnologies: HEPA, electrostatic
allows the air purifier to adjust to the airPrice: $529
conditions minute-by-minute. The benefit - savesRoom Coverage: 385 Sq. ft.
electricity and guessworkReplacement HEPA Filters; About $119
2) Japanese Nanotechnology Virus Grids - these#4 Austin Air
new grids kill viruses and bacteria. developed toPROS: 4-stage air purifier
combat SARS and otehr airborne problems.Technologies: HEPA, Zeolite, 2 pre-filters, carbon
Here are the top 5 beginning with the BestPrice: $449
#1: AliveAir Machine.Room Coverage: 800 Sq. ft.
PROS: The only 9-stage air purifierReplacement HEPA Filters; About $99
Technologies: HEPA, UV, tio2, Pre-filter, Negative#5: PlasmaWave
ion, Auto sensors (detects Pollen, Odor, Dust)PROS: 4-stage
Active carbon, Catalytic grid,Technologies: Washable pre-filter, true HEPA filter,
Price: $350and washable nano-silver mesh/carbon filter.
Room Coverage: 800 Sq. ft.