The best type of air filter depends on your specific needs, balancing indoor air quality with your HVAC system's airflow capacity. For most homes, electrostatic pleated filters with a MERV 11 to 12 rating (like the Filtrete Ultra Allergen 1500 MPR) offer the best overall combination of high allergen capture and good system airflow.
HEPA filters
Usually packaged as a HEPA “system,” these filters are the best of the best. VOCs, bacteria, viruses… HEPA filters capture nearly everything.
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.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are beneficial for lung health by removing airborne irritants like dust, pet dander, mold, and smoke. They are particularly helpful for people with asthma, COPD, or allergies, as cleaner air reduces inflammation and triggers.
Consumer Reports names Blueair as its top-rated air purifier brand overall, highlighting its superior particle removal, quiet operation, and high reliability.
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.
While air purifiers are designed to help you breathe easier, certain models (especially those with ionizers) or improperly maintained units can cause negative side effects. The most common issues include throat irritation, headaches, and respiratory flare-ups caused by byproducts like ozone.
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.
The best air filter for the price depends on what you need to filter:
You may know that ULPA (Ultra-Low Particulate Air) filters are designed to remove even smaller particles than HEPA filters. ULPA filters are ultra-fine, capturing 99.999% of particles down to 0.12 microns, compared to HEPA filters, which capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
When choosing an air filter for your home, the most critical factors are size compatibility, your MERV rating, your household health needs, and your HVAC system limits.
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:
The radon in your water supply poses an inhalation risk and a small ingestion risk. Most of your risk from radon in water comes from radon released into the air when water is used for showering and other household purposes.
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.
Because different spaces require different strengths, there is no single "number one" for everyone. However, the Levoit Core 600S and Levoit Vital 200S are widely considered the best overall picks, offering the ultimate balance of heavy-duty cleaning power, smart features, and affordable replacement filters.
True "medical-grade" air purifiers must meet strict filtration standards, typically employing H13 or H14 True HEPA filters that capture ≥99.97% of particles down to 0.10.10.1 microns. Expect to spend between $350 and $1,200+ depending on your room size and specific chemical/allergen needs.