The best air cleaner

[jbischke]

Hey all. My bedroom air cleaner conked out a few months ago and it's time to buy a replacement (I live in Los Angeles where these things are pretty important ). I did a lot of research on these back five or six years ago and I ended up going with the Austin Air Healthmate, in part because you didn't have to change the filter all that often which is one of the more annoying things about air cleaners. However, I'm sure some new devices have come on the market in the last few years and so I'd love to hear any recommendations. Ideally I'd like to keep the price under $300 and I'm only looking to clean the air in a fairly small bedroom so I don't need anything all that powerful.

[jbischke]

Nobody here uses an air cleaner?

[ReallyGoodIdeas]

not me!
Joy to you
Hazel

[Boldylocks]

Until I know better, I'm using an Ionic room air freshner. I keep it on at night-- it is based on one of those Sharper Image Ionic Breeze's (floor model) but it cost alot less. I like how I don't have to buy air filters-- just wash the metal ionic blades when they get dirty.

Even though I live in the Country-- and all, you would be surprised how dirty those blades get! Especially during the Fall /Winter season when all windows are kept shut, and the air gets so stale inside.


There is debate as to wether Ionic air cleaners are safe, but I have been able to breathe alot better when sleeping with it on. When I don't have it on, I can tell a difference.

[Lucinda]

Plants clean the air. Some do more effectively than others... I know that Aloe Vera plants are very good air cleaners.

[jbischke]

Interesting...it hadn't occurred to me to put plants in my bedroom.

For what it is worth, I'm between two different models right now: The Austin Air Healthmate and the BlueAir 402. The Austin Air is cheaper by about $100 and you don't have to replace the filter nearly as often. But the BlueAir seems like it might be slightly better and includes a built-in ionizer.

If I lived in a different part of the country I think I'd just through the windows open but given that we live in an area that has some of the worst air quality in the country I think this is a good investment.

[gberardi]

Originally Posted by Lucinda

Plants clean the air. Some do more effectively than others... I know that Aloe Vera plants are very good air cleaners.

Originally Posted by jbischke

Interesting...it hadn't occurred to me to put plants in my bedroom.

Me, neither! Now I have one more thing to research. I was planning on getting some plants anyway, but it didn't even occur to me that they would be a source of air filtration!

[gberardi]

Ok, after doing some research, I found that most of the top air-cleaning plants are poisonous to cats.

I did, however, find that the following are safe:

Sword ferns
Baby Rubber Plant

Both seem to have low-maintenance requirements and don't need much light. Since they are also safe for my two cats, I am looking into purchasing a few for the home. Does anyone else have any cat-safe, low-maintenance, air-cleaning, indoor plant suggestions? B-)


My sources:
Clean Indoor Air: Use Plants
Top Ten Houseplants for Cleaner Air
CFA: Plants and Your Cat
Plants and Your Cat