Air Purifiers for Dust

Household dust is a problem that no one enjoys. Regularly dusting and vacuuming can be arduous but necessary if you want to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Inhaling dust can lead to all sorts of respiratory problems, and particles accumulating all over your home is obviously not appealing.

Fortunately, air purifiers can offer a promising solution to this problem. They won’t completely eliminate the need to vacuum and wipe surfaces in your home, but they can lower the frequency with which you’re required to do so by getting rid of dust in the air. This article takes a closer look at some of the best air purifiers on the market today. Examining each model’s key features, this list should hopefully set you on course to make the right selection to demolish the dust in your home.

Top 7 Air Purifiers for Dust Comparison

Product Features Price

Top Pick

1. Coway Airmega 400

  • Pre-filter + Max2 filter (activated carbon and Green True HEPA filter)
  • 1560 sq. ft. coverage area
  • Dust CADR: 350 CFM
  • Smart mode (Auto, Sleep, Eco) + three speed options
  • Air quality indicator
  • 5-year warranty
Check price on amazon

2. Levoit Compact HEPA LV-PUR131

  • Pre-filter + True HEPA filter + activated carbon
  • 322 sq. ft. coverage area
  • Dust CADR: 135 CFM
  • Smart auto mode + Sleep mode + three speed options
  • 12-hour timer
  • 2-year warranty
Check price on amazon

Budget Pick

3. Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact 04386A

  • Permanent HEPA-grade filter
  • 160 sq. ft. coverage area
  • Three speed options
  • 1-year warranty
Check price on amazon

4. Coway Mighty AP-1512HH

  • Pre-filter + True HEPA + Deodorization filter + Optional vital ionizer
  • 360 sq. ft. coverage area
  • Dust CADR: 246 CFM
  • Auto mode + Eco mode + three speed options
  • Air quality indicator
  • 3-year warranty
Check price on amazon

5. LEVOIT LV-H132 Compact HEPA

  • Pre-filter + True HEPA filter + activated carbon filter
  • 129 sq. ft. coverage area
  • Three speed options
  • 2-year warranty
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6. Alen BreatheSmart Classic for Allergies and Dust

  • HEPA-Pure filter + Ionizer
  • 1100 sq. ft. coverage
  • Dust CADR: 300 CFM
  • Auto mode + Sleep mode + four speed options
  • Air quality indicator
  • Lifetime warranty
Check price on amazon

7. Whirlpool Whispure WP1000

  • Charcoal pre-filter + True HEPA
  • 490 sq. ft. coverage area
  • Dust CADR: 343 CFM
  • Sleep mode + four speed options
  • Child lock feature
  • 5-year warranty
Check price on amazon

Dust Air Purifier Reviews

1. Coway Airmega 400

With a CADR (clean air delivery rate) for dust of 350 CFM, the Coway Airmega 400 works to remove dust and other airborne impurities from spaces as big as 1560 sq. ft. It does this using a washable pre-filter and its proprietary Max2 filter, which is a combination of True HEPA and activated carbon filters. The presence of the latter also helps it remove odors and VOCs from the air.

This air purifier is expensive, and its costly replacement filters are a setback as well. Coway aims to justify the Airmega 400’s price tag by offering different modes: Smart Auto, Smart Eco, and Smart Sleep. These are guided by the pollution and light level detected by the air quality monitor. This monitor’s findings are also communicated via an air quality indicator.

Other potential cons include a rather-loud max-speed mode and the bright LED indicator ring, which can become bothersome at night. Nevertheless, this model offers other nifty features like a timer and dedicated indicators for both pre-filter cleaning and Max2 replacement. There’s a 400S model that features Wi-Fi and Alexa functionality as well.

Pros

  • Wide-ranging coverage
  • With an air quality monitor
  • With auto, sleep, and eco modes
  • With filter replacement and air quality indicators
  • With a timer
  • Long warranty

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Loud at the highest fan speed
  • Bright LED ring
  • Costly replacement filters

2. Levoit Compact HEPA LV-PUR131

The Levoit LV-PUR131 combines a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and True HEPA to remove 99.97 percent of airborne particle pollutants—including dust—that are up to 0.3 microns small. This makes it beneficial for allergy sufferers and people with other respiratory sensitivities. The carbon filter also works as an odor and smoke neutralizer, so you can expect fresher air indoors as well.

This lineup of filters sounds promising, although you should be aware that their lifespans are quite short, which makes this air purifier quite costly to maintain. As for user-friendliness, this model is good for plug-and-play operation. Although its front panel hosts an array of controls, the LV-PUR131 has a smart auto mode that detects and displays the air quality in your room and adjusts its operational speed to suit its findings. It also has a sleep mode that brings down noise to the minimum.

If you’re looking for a dust-fighting air purifier for mid-sized rooms that are up to 322 sq. ft. in area, and if you don’t mind shelling out cash for replacement filters every now and then, we can confidently say that this Levoit machine is a well-rounded pick.

Pros

  • With auto and sleep mode
  • Air quality indicator
  • Adjustable fan speed
  • With a timer
  • Check filter indicator
  • Quiet

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Short filter lifespan
  • Costly to maintain

3. Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact 04386A

The TrueAir Compact air purifier uses a HEPA-grade filter to remove dust from the air. You have three speed options to choose from when using this compact machine, although it sadly doesn’t come with a timer.

While its 160 sq. ft. coverage area is relatively small, this capacity is actually competitive for a model at its price point. Another significant plus is that its HEPA-type filter is permanent, which means you won’t have to bother buying replacement filters. On the other hand, this also means that you’d have to clean the filter regularly to maintain optimal performance. If minimal long-term expenses and having an affordable air purifier that mimics HEPA performance are appealing, then you should consider getting the Hamilton Beach 04386A.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Permanent filter
  • Economical to maintain
  • Compact
  • Adjustable speed
  • Quiet

Cons

  • For small spaces only
  • Not a True HEPA filter
  • No timer
  • Short warranty

4. Coway Mighty AP-1512HH

The Coway AP-1512HH has a dust CADR of 246 CFM achieved by using a combination of a pre-filter, an odor filter, True HEPA, and a vital ionizer. It boasts a responsive auto mode that adjusts fan speed according to the pollution level detected in your room. The current pollution level is also communicated to the user via the air quality indicator at the front.

While this Coway machine leans more towards the pricey side (with expensive filters as well), it comes complete with extra features like a 12-hour timer and three speed levels. There’s also an Eco mode to help you save on energy costs, as well as a filter replacement indicator.

Based on buyer reviews, potential drawbacks include its bright LED ring that contributes to light pollution in the bedroom. In addition, its highest speed setting has a tendency to be too loud for noise-sensitive individuals. The Coway AP1512HH comes with beneficial features that one would expect from a highly-competitive model. It’s not perfect, but based on its features it’s definitely one of the most promising mid-sized options out there.

Pros

  • With auto and eco mode
  • With air quality indicator
  • Adjustable speed
  • With a timer
  • With filter replacement indicator

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Loud at the highest fan speed
  • Bright LED indicator
  • Costly replacement filters

5. LEVOIT LV-H132 Compact HEPA

The LEVOIT Compact HEPA air purifier removes dust primarily through a True HEPA filter, but a pre-filter and activated carbon filter also come to its aid. Together, they remove all sorts of air pollutants and help neutralize airborne bacteria.

This affordable air purifier doubles as a nightlight and features adjustable brightness settings. Its filter lifespan is respectable for a machine its size, and it comes with a filter check indicator, as well. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a timer and it’s limited to rooms smaller than 322 sq. ft. Several reviewers have also noted that it tends to get loud when operated in the highest speed setting (you can choose among three fan speeds).

In spite of these setbacks, the LV-H132 still provides a lot of value for the price that it asks. If you want an affordable air purifier that doesn’t sacrifice having a True HEPA filter, giving this model a second look might be worth a shot.

Pros

  • Doubles as a nightlight
  • Adjustable speed
  • With filter reset indicator
  • Affordable

Cons

  • For small spaces only
  • No timer
  • Loud at the highest fan speed

6. Alen BreatheSmart Classic for Allergies and Dust

Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic air purifier is known for its myriad of customization options. Among the customizable aspects of this model, aside from its front panel, is the filter that it uses. The HEPA-Pure filter variant is what we’ve included in this review. Considered as their standard filter, Alen recommends this specific variation for dust and allergen issues.

Convenience-wise, the BreatheSmart classic left no stone unturned. It has a programmable timer and four speed options, as well as an auto mode and a sleep mode. It also has smart sensors that monitor air quality and communicate their findings through an indicator. Although the unit itself and its replacement filters are on the more expensive side, the filters, at least, last long. What’s more, its lifetime warranty quells any doubts regarding its durability. All in all, if you’re looking for a model that can handle big spaces and is packed with features, this Alen air purifier might just be the model for you.

Pros

  • Customizable front panel
  • Customizable filters
  • Long filter life
  • Good coverage area
  • With an air quality monitor
  • With auto and sleep modes
  • With filter replacement and air quality indicators
  • With a timer
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Not True HEPA
  • Expensive to acquire
  • Costly replacement filters

7. Whirlpool Whispure WP1000

The Whirlpool Whispure WP1000 uses a True HEPA filter to remove dust and other particles from the air. It also features a carbon pre-filter to take care of odors, smoke, and VOCs. Boasting a highly-competitive Dust CADR rating of 343 CFM (bested only by the Coway Airmega), it’s designed to purify spaces up to 490 sq. ft.

The WP1000 doesn’t have an auto mode or smart sensors for that set-and-forget type of convenience, but it’s not an overly-basic air purifier, either. It has an 8-hour timer and four speed cleaning levels, as well as a sleep mode for nighttime use. It also seems to have child safety in mind based on the inclusion of a child lock feature on its control panel. Also, its short carbon filter lifespan of three months may be discouraging for many shoppers, but on the flip side, its True HEPA filter lasts for a full year.

In conclusion, if you’re leaning towards mid-priced air purifiers that prioritize dust removal efficiency over fancy features, then the WP1000 is definitely worth a second look.

Pros

  • Long True HEPA filter lifespan
  • With a child safety lock
  • 8-hour timer included
  • Four speed options
  • With a sleep mode
  • With a filter replacement indicator
  • Long warranty

Cons

  • Short carbon filter lifespan
  • A bit expensive

Buyer’s Guide:

Air Purifiers for Dust

The Dangers of Dust

Dust is unpleasant to see on shelves and furniture, but it also can be dangerous to your health. Indoor dust is mostly made of dead skin cells and outdoor pollutants that found their way into your space. It also includes potentially-dangerous contaminants like lead, mercury, bacteria, mold spores, fungi, pollen, and other residues. Frequently inhaling this combination of all of these pollutants can cause breathing problems and trigger allergies and asthma.

Aside from asthma and allergy attacks, dust can also cause reactions like itchy eyes and nose, coughing, and rashes. The fact that dust particles are so tiny just makes them even more hazardous, considering that they can be found everywhere in your home — from the carpets to drapes to the bedding you sleep on. Most dust particles, however, stay airborne, therefore making you more prone to inhaling particles.

Signs that You Need An Air Purifier for Dust

Dust can yield potential harmful effects to your health, but will an air purifier solve the problem? Buying an air purifier might be a wise investment if you notice any of the following signs:

  • You sneeze a lot: People who are sensitive to dust will usually experience bouts of sneezing upon exposure. Having an air purifier running in your home can minimize your exposure to these triggers.
  • The air feels stale or stuffy: When too much dust lingers in the air, it will inevitably become stuffy, making it difficult for you to breathe. Adding an air purifier in your home will freshen and clean the air by removing all sorts of airborne contaminants including dust.
  • You (or someone else in the house) suffer from asthma or allergies: One of the main triggers of asthma and allergy attacks is dust. If you or any other household member suffer from either asthma or allergies, having an air purifier can minimize attacks triggered by dust.
  • You see dust particles everywhere: This is the easiest to spot of them all. If you can clearly see dust particles accumulating on surfaces like counters or tables or on various furniture pieces and electronics, investing in an air purifier can solve this dilemma.

The Benefits of an Air Purifier

Air purifiers are capable of removing almost all dust particles from the air, depending on the type of filter and technologies that they use. Even models that don’t use a True HEPA filter can significantly bring down pollution levels in your household and can also offer:

  • Cleaner and healthier air inside your home
  • Fewer dust particles settling on the floor, shelves, and other surfaces
  • Fewer allergy triggers
  • Improved respiratory health
  • Less frequent dusting and vacuuming

How Air Purifiers Remove Airborne Dust

There are different mechanisms by which air purifiers remove airborne dust. The most common (and most effective) is through the use of True HEPA or HEPA-type filters. These filters physically trap dust from air passing through the air purifier.

Many air purifiers also come with pre-filters and carbon filters to help remove dust. Pre-filters help the process by removing a portion of the pollutants even before they reach the HEPA filter, therefore helping extend the latter’s lifespan. Although carbon filters are primarily used to neutralize odors, VOCs, and smoke, they also help catch dust particles that could’ve been missed by the HEPA filter.

Other purifiers also throw in an ionizer into the mix. Ionizers generate negatively-charged ions that attach to dust, which either weighs them down and causes them to stick to surfaces instead of staying airborne or causes them to stick to a positively-charged collector plate inside the air purifier.

Important Air Purifier Specifications

There are dozens of air purifiers in the market today and shopping for the perfect model can get confusing. If you’re planning to buy your own unit soon, consider the following factors:

  • Rated capacity

    Different air purifiers come with different room size ratings. Check if its coverage area is appropriate to the space you’re planning to treat.

  • Dust CADR

    Dust CADR is a figure that tells you how fast an air purifier delivers dust-free air. The higher the number, the faster a machine can get the job done.

  • Filters and technology

    Check that the filters and technology offered by a model is suitable to your needs. For instance, if you want effective dust and odor elimination, you’d want to look for both a HEPA and a carbon-based filter.

  • Extra features

    Air purifiers frequently come with extra features such as optional ionizers, timers, air quality and pollution monitors, and filter check indicators. Decide which features are important and which are not crucial.

  • Maintenance schedule

    How often do the filters have to be replaced and/or cleaned? Does it have other parts (such as a UV bulb) that need regular cleaning and replacing?

  • Upfront and long-term costs

    Do you think that the filters and features in the air purifier justify the cost? Also, check if the filter replacement costs seem agreeable to you.

How to Care for Your Air Purifier

After spending hours or even days looking for the perfect dust air purifier, you’ll surely want to enjoy the appliance for as long as possible. Obviously, one of the best ways to extend the life of an air purifier is by taking proper care of it. Below is a maintenance guide that we prepared to help you maximize your new machine’s lifespan.

  • Keep the Surroundings Clean

    Although these air purifiers specialize in eliminating dust, this doesn’t mean that you should let the appliance do all the work unaided. You can help prolong the air purifier’s life by picking up dust bunnies and other major particles that can easily be removed from its surroundings.

  • Keep an Eye on the Filters

    We can’t talk about air purifier maintenance without mentioning anything about filters. All purifiers come with a filter maintenance schedule that tells you the right time to get them cleaned or replaced. You should also regularly check if the filters are clogged with dust and other dirt, since clogged filtration media won’t be able to perform at their peak.

  • Check the Exterior Panels and Grills for Dust

    Once every 3-4 weeks, you should unplug the air purifier and check the exterior grills and panels to see if a significant amount of dust has gathered on them. Use a dust cloth to wipe the areas clean or vacuum them if necessary. You should, though, take note of any special instructions for performing this task in the user manual to avoid complications.

  • Find a Good Location for the Filtration System

    While you’re free to place the purifier wherever you like, it’s still best if you place it close to the center of the room to maximize air intake and production efficiency. Also, make sure that the room is sealed to prevent contaminated air from entering and making the appliance’s work more difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CADR and how is it measured?

CADR, which stands for clean air delivery rate, is a specification used to measure the performance of air purifiers. CADR tells you how fast an air purifier removes different impurities from the air. It is determined by getting the volume of air cleaned by a machine per unit of time and is expressed in terms cubic feet per minute (CFM). When looking at CADR ratings for air purifiers, it’s important to remember that this quantity is measured using a particular model’s highest possible fan speed and with brand new filters. With that said, you might experience a lower CADR at lower speed settings or when the filters have been used for quite some time.

What is Dust CADR?

Dust CADR will tell you the rate at which dust-free air is produced. Air purifiers are usually given CADR values for three pollutant types: dust, pollen, and smoke. These pollutant types represent different pollutant sizes — namely, large, medium, and small, respectively.

Do dust air purifiers also fight odors and other airborne pollutants?

Air purifiers mainly use carbon-based filters to neutralize odors. Many air purifiers sport both HEPA (whether True HEPA or HEPA-type) and carbon filters, which means they’re capable of eliminating both dust and unpleasant smells from the air. Some models, however, only come with either of the two. On the other hand, air purifiers that are made for dust are also capable of handling other airborne particles, such as pollen and pet dander.

All of the models we’ve mentioned above (save for the Hamilton Beach air purifier) come equipped with a carbon-based filter. We recommend that you check out our article on the best air purifiers for odor removal for a more comprehensive list and detailed information on household odors.

Why are True HEPA filters used in many air purifiers for dust?

True HEPA filters are considered the gold standard in dust filtration because they’re proven and tested to trap 99.97% of particle pollutants that are up to 0.3 microns small. Other physical filters, like HEPA-type ones, also do a good job, but not as effectively as True HEPA.

How long should I let the device run for optimal results?

To ensure that the air you breathe is thoroughly cleaned, you should let the air purifier run continuously. Many air purifiers these days feature multiple cleaning speeds, which allows you to choose the lowest speed setting overnight or when you’re away from home in order to reduce energy consumption.

Where should I place an air purifier in my home?

Since air purifiers are designed to clean one room at a time, we recommend that you place it in the area where you spend the majority of your time. Getting one air purifier form each major area in your home is also an option. As for the exact placement of the device in a particular room, it’s best to put it somewhere close to the middle of that space. This way, it’ll be able to function optimally regardless of the placement of the inlet and outlet vents.

Final Thoughts

The Coway Airmega 400’s outstanding coverage, high CADR rating for dust, and robust lineup of features definitely help it take the spotlight. Its only problem is its high price, which might take it out of the running for some.

The good news though is that, no matter your budget, there’s a great purifier that you can purchase. As this list reveals, these dust-fighting models come in all shapes and sizes and offer a variety of features to suit your needs. If your budget is tight, the Hamilton Beach TrueAir Compact 04386A is a great option. It’s a HEPA-type air purifier with an affordable price tag and a permanent filter that helps minimize long-term costs, as well.

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