Air Purifiers

Air purifier types at a glance

• Portable: plugs into the wall and cleans one room or open area (Amaircare Roomaid, Fellowes AeraMax, GeneralAire 200R and 400R)
• In-duct UV: installed in the furnace or air handler ductwork (Fresh-Aire UV, Honeywell AirBRIGHT)
• Whole-home HEPA: connects to the ductwork (Amaircare 7500 and 10,000)

Coverage at a glance

Check the coverage area in the product name. The Amaircare Roomaid is rated for up to 300 sq. ft. and the Amaircare 2500 for up to 1300 sq. ft. GeneralAire portable units are listed by airflow (200R up to 200 cfm, 400R up to 400 cfm).

Plan for filters

Note your purifier model so you can reorder the right HEPA, carbon or prefilter later.

Air Purifier FAQs

What size air purifier do I need for my room?

Choose a portable air purifier whose smoke CADR is at least two-thirds of the room's floor area in square feet, the rule of thumb Health Canada gives. A 120 sq. ft. room needs a smoke CADR of at least 80. Ratings assume 8-foot ceilings, so pick a larger unit for taller rooms. Many product names also list coverage, such as the Amaircare Roomaid at up to 300 sq. ft.

How do I choose an air purifier for my home?

Choose an air purifier by deciding where you need cleaner air, what you want removed and how big the space is. A portable unit cleans one room, while a whole-house unit works through your furnace ductwork. Look for a HEPA filter for dust, pollen and smoke particles, add activated carbon for odours, and match the rated coverage or CADR to your room.

What is the difference between an air scrubber and an air purifier?

An air scrubber is a high-airflow HEPA unit made for large or commercial spaces, often with duct collars so it can run as a negative air machine, while an air purifier is sized for everyday use in a room or home. Amaircare, for example, describes its MultiPRO, adjustable from 250 to 800 cfm with 12-inch inlet and outlet collars, as a negative air scrubber.

Can I install a whole-house air purifier myself?

A whole-house air purifier should be installed by a licensed HVAC technician, because in-duct units mount inside the ductwork and are wired to the furnace or air handler. Honeywell's AirBRIGHT instructions say the installer must be a trained, experienced service technician, and Fresh-Aire UV says only qualified technicians should install its APCO purifiers. Portable air purifiers simply plug into a wall outlet.

Is a whole-house air purifier worth it compared with a portable air purifier?

A whole-house air purifier is worth it when you want cleaner air in every room, but it only treats air while the furnace or air handler fan is running. A portable air purifier cleans a single room or area whenever it is switched on, as the EPA explains. If one bedroom or office matters most, a portable unit sized to that room is the simpler choice.

What is the difference between HEPA, carbon and UV air purifiers?

HEPA air purifiers trap fine particles such as dust, pollen, pet dander and smoke, activated carbon filters absorb odours and some gases, and UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to treat germs and mould on surfaces like the cooling coil. UV does not capture particles, so the EPA advises using it in addition to a particle filter, such as a good furnace filter.

Do air purifiers help with wildfire smoke?

Yes, a portable HEPA air purifier can reduce the fine particles in wildfire smoke indoors, and Health Canada advises choosing the highest smoke CADR you can for the room. Run it where you spend the most time, keep doors and windows closed, and use higher speeds for longer. Avoid any air cleaner that produces ozone, which Health Canada says can harm your health.