There are several important factors to consider as you compare air purifiers. The following comparisons and ratings charts include reviews of different purification methods, technologies, and brands. Typical comparison aspects include effectiveness, cost, replacement parts cost, maintenance, warranty, and money-back guarantee. |
| 0 = no effect | 1 = little effect | 2 = some effect | 3 = medium effect | 4 = strong effect | 5 = most effective |
| Contaminant | Air Purification Method | ||||||
|
Biozone |
HEPA Filters |
Electronic Filters |
Carbon Filters |
Negative Ionizers (Ionic) |
Standard UV Germicidal Light |
Corona Discharge Ozone Generators |
|
|
Airborne Bacteria |
5 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
4 | 5 |
|
Surface Bacteria |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 5 |
|
Airborne Viruses |
5 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 | 4 | 5 |
|
Surface Viruses |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 | 0 | 5 |
|
Airborne Particulates |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
3 | 0 | 1 |
|
Gases |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 | 2 | 4 |
|
Odors |
5 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 | 0 | 5 |
|
Destroys Contaminants |
5 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 | 3 | 5 |
|
Coverage Area |
5 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 | 2 | 5 |
Compare purification method, coverage area, initial cost, operating costs, and annual maintenance cost.
| MAKE AND MODEL | TYPE | MAXIMUM COVERAGE AREA (SQ. FT.) | UNIT PRICE | COST PER SQ. FT. | DAILY ELECTRIC COST | YEARLY PARTS REPLACEMENT | YEARLY COST PER SQ. FT. |
| Biozone 3000 | UV/Plasma | 3000 | $400 | $0.13 | $0.04 | $40 | $0.14 |
| Honeywell H63500 | Filter | 440 | $250 | $0.57 | $0.46 | $94 | $1.16 |
| Bionaire F150W | Filter | 360 | $120 | $0.33 | $0.17 | $21 | $0.56 |
| Sunbeam 800 | Filter | 600 | $300 | $0.50 | $0.45 | $? | $0.77 |
| Austin Air Sierra | Filter | 1500 | $395 | $0.26 | $0.25 | $30 | $0.34 |
| Holmes 290 | Filter | 156 | $130 | $0.83 | $0.11 | $80 | $1.59 |
| Teledyne AFX20 | Filter | 672 | $150 | $0.22 | $0.42 | $130 | $0.64 |
| NSA 7000 | Filter | 1500 | $575 | $0.38 | $0.41 | $138 | $0.57 |
| Equinox EQ-2000 | Filter | 400 | $595 | $1.48 | $0.25 | $370 | $2.63 |
| Enviracaire 13000 | Filter | 400 | $339 | $0.85 | $0.86 | $70 | $1.81 |
| Jenn-Aire/ Clearveil | Ion | 500 | $299 | $0.60 | $0.16 | $35 | $0.78 |
*Operating costs may vary slightly according to local utility rates. Information deemed to be very reliable although not guaranteed and subject to change.
|
Biozone PureWave™ Photo Plasma |
Corona Discharge (Older Method) |
|
Constant ozone output, |
Erratic ozone production, |
|
SafeVolt™ |
High voltage (5,000 - 10,000 volts) |
|
SafeZone™ |
Higher concentration per volume of air, potentially harmful or unsafe ozone levels according to the FDA, EPA, and OSHA. |
|
Pure ozone, free of byproducts |
Produces irritating, dangerous byproducts (nitrous oxides, nitric acid, etc.) |
|
No electrical noise |
Generates electromagnetic radiation |
|
Replaceable lamps |
Replaceable corona element |
|
Low maintenance, simple |
Higher maintenance required, more complicated, higher product failures |