Why you need an air purifier
Maybe it’s excessive allergy symptoms or an abundance of pet hair that’s grinding your gears, or maybe you’re just tired of having to spray Febreze throughout the house each time your relatives come over.
Whatever the reason, it might be time to consider getting an air purifier to help solve your little problem. [1] Not only do they work in pet-free environments by helping deal with things like mold [2] spores, but they can also help relieve allergy symptoms by limiting the amount of dander in your home.
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Air purifiers for pets reviewed
If it sounds like something that’s sorely lacking in your life, then read on, because in this article we’ll be looking at some of the top choices across a variety of price ranges to get you and your family dog breathing fresh, clean air.
GermGuardian | Air Purifier with Pet Pure Treatment
Height: 22 inches
Model: AC4300BPTCA
Our first entry is a great introductory model since it features one of the key things that we’re going to be looking for: the HEPA filter. This important piece of the air purification puzzle is finer than most filters but works similarly by trapping potentially harmful air particles.
That means dander is quickly taken in and disposed of, creating a nice little safe haven for allergy sufferers. One other handy little feature is the inclusion of the UV-C light which works to destroy any other harmful bacteria present in your home.
Pros
- Sleek design works well in modern households
- Reduces odors
- Fights germs
- Carb compliant
- Quiet
Cons
- Works well up to about 150 square feet, which limits it to smaller rooms of the house
Customer feedback
Those living in small apartments or who are just looking to tidy up one room of the house will be quite pleased with their purchase. Owners appreciate the quiet operation, variable fan speed, and long-lasting filters which helped save them some money in the long run.
The included three-year warranty is also a nice bonus for many since households with many pets that run the purifier extensively have experienced some issues with it breaking over time.
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LEVOIT | LV-H132 Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter
Height: 12.5 inches
Model: LV-H132
If you’re looking for something a little bit sleeker that can fit on a desk or night-table, then LEVOIT might have the product for you. It still maintains a very modern design with all the functionality of the GermGuardian we just looked at but is tailored more closely for bedroom use.
It’s quieter and features non-intrusive nightlights that can even be turned off if you prefer pure darkness when hitting the hay. Its smaller form factor means you’ll need to replace the filter more often, but if you keep your place relatively clean it should still last you quite a few months.
Pros
- Small and light
- Inexpensive
- Perfect for allergy season
- 100% ozone free
- Quiet
- Stylish
- 2-year warranty and lifetime support
Cons
- May need to purchase multiple to cover multiple rooms of the house since performance falls off quickly in large rooms
Customer feedback
Customers who do their research and understand the size and the limitations of this product are ultimately very pleased with the results. It’s incredibly power-efficient which helps save you money on your energy bill and has the added benefit of being portable.
This means if you and your pet are visiting a family friend or traveling through hotel rooms, you can still breathe the clean air you’ve become accustomed to. Some reviewers have expressed concern that it can begin to emit strong odors after a few days or weeks of use, but these are few and far between, so as long as you buy the product new, you should be fine.
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Hamilton Beach | Air Purifier for Allergies & Pets
Height: 16.4 inches
Model: 04384
Hamilton Beach is known for offering affordable, high-quality products, and their air purifier is no different. This model works well in even medium-sized rooms and offers some impressive performance when it comes to odor control since it features two carbon filters rather than the one that’s standard in most competing models.
Pros
- HEPA filter is very easy to clean
- Works in multiple orientations
- Most affordable option on this list
- Ultra quiet
- Dander filtration tech
Cons
- The filter is described as permanent, but actually needs to be replaced regularly
Customer feedback
Pet owners who are unsure if the world of air purification will be right for them are often drawn towards Hamilton Beach, and rightly so. The low cost of entry provides an inexpensive way to see if you’ll notice any visible improvements before committing to a larger, more expensive option.
However, while this model will save you money up front, its expensive filters that need to be replaced on a regular basis make this a rather pricey prospect over the course of a few years.
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Winix | Ultimate Pet True HEPA Air Cleaner
Height: 21.9 inches
Model: WAC9500
If you’ve already tried a few options in the past and are now looking for something on the higher end of the feature spectrum, then you’ve come to the right place.
This model is the most expensive entry on this light, but rightly so since it offers a ton of perks like washable filters and auto-adjusting settings that analyze the room to give you optimal performance, without you ever issuing a single command!
The replacement filters can be a little tricky to find, but if you’re willing to do a little legwork then it shouldn’t take you too long to find what you need.
Pros
- Works excellently for dog hair
- Energy efficient
- Smart sensors
- 5-stage air cleaning
- Advanced odor control
- LED alerts for filter change
Cons
- Filters can be tricky to find
Customer feedback
Reviewers are extremely impressed with the effectiveness and long-term durability of the Winix Air Purifier. While many models begin to experience issues after a few short months and years, many customers claim that this model has held up well past the warranty date with no signs of stopping.
They’re quiet and work extremely well for people with asthma and allergies to their pets. It is reportedly not as effective at removing pet odors as some other models though, which is something to keep in mind if that’s an important feature for you.
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SilverOnyx | 4-in-1 True HEPA Air Purifier for Pets
Height: 10.3 inches
Model: HEPA 5 Speed Black
If you’ve been paying attention, you probably notice that all the entries on our list work great for small to medium-sized rooms. What about those of you looking for a one-stop solution for your large apartments though?
Well, SilverOnyx has a product that they claim can work up to 500 square feet. It’s hard to judge just how accurate those claims are, but we can say that the results hold up quite well even in large living rooms. It packs quite a punch despite its size, making it an enticing option.
Pros
- Filter lasts an impressive 6 months
- Performs better than all other models on this list in large rooms
- Lights can be disabled for night time use
- 100% money back guarantee
- Powerful filtration
- Easy to use functionality
- Eliminates odors, allergens, pet dander, mold
Cons
- Money back guarantee only works for 30 days
Customer feedback
For customers that received a functioning unit, the SilverOnyx air purifier does exactly what it describes and more. Reviewers appreciate the white noise and lack of lights when trying to sleep, and immediately noticed an improvement in their breathing after just a few short days of use.
There are, however, quite a few reports of malfunctioning units which raise some questions as to the quality control of the manufacturing process. Considering it can’t be returned after a month, you’ll have to decide if that’s a risk you’re willing to take for a powerful, effective purifier.
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Time to air out the place!
Pet hair and dander can wreak havoc with your breathing which can severely limit the enjoyment of your day-to-day life. Instead of pointing the finger at your dogs though, consider investing in a high-quality air purifier.
We just showed you a variety of models to fit all budgets and needs, so it’s just a matter of picking out your favorite, plugging it in, and clicking the power button. Happy breathing!
Another great read: Best dog ear cleaners for your furry friend.