The best type of air filter for your home is generally a pleated media filter (MERV 8 to 11), which balances excellent allergen trapping with proper airflow to protect your HVAC system. For severe allergies, True HEPA filters used in standalone air purifiers are the gold standard.
HEPA filters
Usually packaged as a HEPA “system,” these filters are the best of the best. VOCs, bacteria, viruses… HEPA filters capture nearly everything. Technically speaking, they trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in diameter, which is ridiculously small.
Air purifiers do not dry out the air—they are designed to remove pollutants, not moisture. If you experience dryness, it's likely due to environmental factors like heating systems or low outdoor humidity.
No, HEPA filters cannot remove radon gas. Because radon is a gas, its molecules are far too small to be trapped by standard physical filtration systems.
For COPD, the best air purifier is one equipped with a True HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter, as recommended by the American Lung Association. These units remove 99.97% of microscopic irritants (dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander) that trigger flare-ups, while avoiding lung-irritating ozone or ionizer features.
Consumer Reports names Blueair as its top-rated air purifier brand overall, highlighting its superior particle removal, quiet operation, and high reliability.
Some of the main things you'll be advised to do are outlined below.
Radon levels are generally highest during the winter and colder months. This peak occurs because closed windows tightly seal homes and the "stack effect" creates a vacuum that pulls more radon-rich soil gas indoors.
A quality air purifier containing activated carbon filters can reduce your airborne exposure to radon. We recommend a good quality air filter with a large bed of activated carbon including the Austin Heathmate HM400 Air Cleaner or Airpura Air Purifier.
A definitive causal link between radon exposure and Parkinson's disease has not been scientifically established. However, some ecological studies and laboratory research suggest an association between high levels of radon exposure and an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's.
Here are five clear signs your home air is too dry—and what helps.
Air purifiers do not actively remove moisture from the air, but their fans circulate air which increases evaporation. This airflow can dry out your nasal passages and worsen sinus irritation—especially if you sit directly in the breeze or live in an already dry climate.
To remove moisture from the air, use an electric dehumidifier, which pulls damp air over cold coils to condense the water vapor into a bucket. For immediate relief, run your air conditioner, utilize bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans, or use chemical moisture absorbers like calcium chloride crystals in small, enclosed spaces.
The best air purifier depends on your room size and specific needs, but the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max is widely recommended as the best overall choice. It delivers top-tier smoke and particle filtration, operates quietly, and is highly energy-efficient, making it perfect for medium to large living spaces.
The best type of whole-house water filter depends entirely on your water source and contaminants. For treated city water, a multi-stage carbon and sediment system is ideal. For well water, specialized systems targeting iron, bacteria, or hardness are necessary.
Expensive air filters are usually worth it if you have severe allergies, pets, or asthma, but they come with important trade-offs. Mid-range pleated filters often provide the best balance of air quality, system efficiency, and affordability for average homes.
Alaska has the highest average indoor radon levels in the United States, measuring at an average of 10.7 pCi/L. South Dakota follows closely as the second-highest at 9.6 pCi/L, and Pennsylvania ranks third with 8.6 pCi/L. These levels significantly exceed the EPA's recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium and thorium. It is primarily emitted by rocks with higher-than-average concentrations of these elements, including granites, dark shales, phosphate-rich sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks (like gneiss or schist) derived from them.
The primary risk factor for elevated radon in homes is the natural decay of uranium in underlying bedrock and soil. Radon gas seeps indoors through structural openings and concentrates in lower, poorly ventilated areas. Combined with an individual's smoking history, exposure significantly elevates lung cancer risk.
Here are five signs that your home could have elevated radon levels:
Opening windows can temporarily reduce radon levels by diluting the gas with fresh air, but it is not a reliable or long-term solution. Once you close the windows, radon levels will quickly rise again because the underlying source of the gas remains unaddressed.
Radon gas comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium found in nearly all rocks and soils. It naturally migrates up through the ground and gets trapped inside homes, primarily entering through cracks and openings in the foundation.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) most frequently affects adults aged 65 and older, women, and current or former smokers. People with lower socioeconomic status, rural populations, and individuals exposed to occupational dust or chemical fumes also show higher rates of the disease.
Strengthening your lungs with COPD means making the muscles that control your breathing more efficient, as damaged lung tissue cannot be repaired. You can significantly improve your endurance and reduce breathlessness through targeted breathing techniques, regular low-impact exercise, and airway-clearing methods.
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) evaluates the functional exercise capacity of individuals with COPD. Patients walk at their own pace along a flat, indoor course to determine the maximum distance they can cover in six minutes.