Our pets, whether a dog, cat, bird or any other animal, give us
immeasurable joy and unconditional love. They also give us a few other things
that make our eyes itch, cause us to sneeze, and even affect our breathing at
times.
These furry and feathered friends release tiny flecks of skin called pet dander. These nearly microscopic bits cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to pet dander and other air particles. Allergy symptoms typically consist of itchy watery eyes, sneezing, and asthma attacks.
Your Pets Give Love, Affection, and Much, Much More
Not only do they release pet dander, but they shed their hair which can float and also cause air quality issues. And, if you have a feline friend who uses a litter box inside, you know all too well the interesting aromas emanating from that part of the house.
Even if you or someone in your family or household suffers from pet allergies, it can be difficult to get rid of your faithful companions who are also cherished family members. If you find yourself in this dilemma, no need to worry. You can enjoy clean, pet dander-free air without having to find a new home for Fido or Fluffy.
Air Purifiers for Homes with Pets
Today, there are numerous air purifiers available on the market which help remove any unhealthy particles from the air such as smoke, mold, and yes, pet dander. In this article, we will review ten of the best air purifiers for pets so that you can make an informed decision on ways to clean the air in your home and still enjoy your pets’ company.
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Vanaheim 3-in-1 Purifier with True HEPA Filter
This air purifier is small and lightweight with a colorful optional nightlight. All “cuteness” aside, this unit does some serious air cleaning. You will enjoy air that is 99.97% free of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores, and pet dander. Particles as small as 0.3 microns are filtered out and the unit is 100% ozone-free.
You have three settings to choose from – low, medium, and high – for quiet operation all year round. There is also a built-in timer for automatic shut off after 2 to 8 hours of use. Because of its size, this air purifier is ideal for smaller rooms or office spaces and fits perfectly on a bedside table.
Make sure that you carefully read the instructions that come with the unit since one of the internal filters is sealed in plastic. You want to remove the plastic first before inserting the filter.
The 2-Year Warranty and Lifetime Support from the manufacturer ensures top quality and service for healthy air 365 days a year.
GermGuardian AC4825 3-in-1
This air purifier is also ideal for the elimination of allergens, pet dander, mold, and pollens. It is also great for smokers in your household as it removes cigarette smoke odors from the air. In addition, outside wildfire smoke, litter box, and cooking smells are virtually non-existent with this purifier.
The optional UV-C light technology feature uses Titanium Dioxide to help clear airborne viruses, bacteria, germs, and mold spores.
This Energy Star-certified unit can purify rooms up to 167 sq. ft. and filter and circulate air over four times per hour. The filter indicator light will tell you when it’s time to replace the filter which is usually every 6 months.
While this air purifier does a good job with cleaning the air, there have been some reports of the circuits shorting out and causing a fire hazard. You do have a 3-year limited warranty with this unit, so contact the manufacturer immediately if this happens.
Winix 5500-2
This purifier also comes with a 3-stage filtration process and washable AOC carbon filter which captures large particles such as pet hair, carpet fibers, and dust. It also features PlasmaWave technology which breaks pollutants down at a molecular level without the harmful ozone.
The unit also uses a True HEPA filter for 99.97% elimination of allergens and pollutants. You can also set and forget the unit using the air quality sensor feature.
While this unit operates quietly on the lower 3 settings, setting 4 is reported to be much noisier. Additionally, the filters can be quite expensive to replace.
Despite a few drawbacks, countless people have experienced major allergy relief when using this purifier. You can enjoy fresher, cleaner air in rooms up to 360 sq. ft. in size.
Alen BreatheSmart FIT50
This is hardest-working purifier of the BreatheSmart product line, cleaning up to 900 sq. ft. of space every 30 minutes. Its proprietary HEPA-OdorCell zaps away unpleasant odors such as cat litter and puppy potty pads.
It features a laser smart sensor which identifies allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. The Indicator Light monitors the air quality in real time so you know exactly what you’re breathing in.
This air purifier also looks as good as it works. You have a choice of 14 different designer panels for any decor in your house.
You will sleep like a baby with the propriety WhisperMax technology which emits “pink” noise ideal for better night’s sleep. This makes it the best choice for master bedrooms. You will also rest easy with its lifetime warranty which is unmatched by any other purifier companies.
While the price is quite expensive, you can’t beat the lifetime guarantee. Your health is well worth the price and the difference are like night and day.
LEVOIT LV-PUR131
Another great unit with a 3-stage filtering system, this purifier does not use UV or ions which makes it 100% ozone-free. You will enjoy the fresh air that is 99.97% free of dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and other allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
This purifier utilizes a Smart Auto mode to monitor surrounding air quality and automatically recommends a fan setting to purify the air more quickly. The quiet Sleep mode let you sleep and breathe easy as it protects your respiratory system.
This energy-efficient unit can purify large rooms up 322 sq. ft. within 10 minutes’ time. It meets the strict requirements of EnergyStar, CARB, FCC, and CE so you can rest assured that you are breathing the best quality of air possible.
Although there are some reported technical complications when using the reset button, you have a 1-Year Buyer Assurance with lifetime support who will easily walk you through the steps. In addition, you have a free option to extend your buyer assurance by one year. LEVOIT stands by their quality and aims to give you the best experience possible.
Airthereal Pure Morning APH260
This is a lifesaver for people with pet allergies and asthma as well as cooking odors. This purifier includes a True HEPA Filter, Activated Carbon Filter, Nano Mineral, Cold Catalyst Filter, and Molecular Sieve. You get several modes of protection all in one unit. Airborne particles as small as 0.1 microns are eliminated from the air which includes dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smokes – you name it.
Within 10 minutes, you will enjoy pure clean air in rooms and spaces up to 355 sq. ft. It is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, restaurants, hotels, and even labs.
With the optional UV-C and Anion Function, you can breathe clean air free of molds, bacteria, and viruses without worrying about additional germs growing inside the filters. For individuals with low immunity, this is a must-have.
This purifier also features a Smart Auto mode and Sleep mode so you can be sure you are breathing the best quality air during sleeping and waking hours.
The 2-Year Warranty will be something you’ll want to hang onto since some people have reported a noisy clicking sound after a few days of use. Nevertheless, almost everyone has nothing but praise for this unit, especially when handling pets and odors.
IQAir (HealthPro Plus Air Purifier) Medical-Grade
Number 1-rated for best removal of allergens that cause allergies and asthma, this purifier’s medical-grade air filtration proves to be 100 times more efficient than traditional HEPA purifiers.
Powerful enough to purify a 1,100 sq. ft. room, this incredible unit can block particles 10 times smaller than a virus with its exclusive HyperHEPA Filter.
You will need to go well out of your budget range for this unit and the replacement filters. However, because of its proven medical-grade status and large room coverage, you are most likely getting the best air purifier for pets available on the market.
SilverOnyx Air Purifier for Home
This air purifier’s True HEPA H113 charcoal filter traps 99.97% of air pollutants, pet dander, mold, smoke, and odors 2.5 and larger while its standard True HEPA Filter captures ultra-fine dust, smoke, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
You get five levels of filtration and purification with the mesh pre-filter, HEPA H113 carbon filter, UV-C light, and ion generator for the most thorough sanitization possible in a 500 sq. ft. room. Additionally, you can enjoy a Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 sensor that automatically adjusts airflow for the cleanest and most efficient purification.
This type of process is perfect for individuals needing breathing medication since the unit wicks away any traces of excess medication particles in the air. And, of course, it’s great for allergy relief as well.
While it does deal with smoke odors, if you have a number of heavy smokers in your household, this unit may not completely eliminate the smoke and smell. In general, it is always recommended to smoke outside the house or building. Even so, for people with lung conditions, asthma, and other allergies particularly to pets, this air purifier provides significant relief.
Envion 90TP240TW01-W Therapure TPP240
With this unit, you do not have to worry about expensive filter replacements since it uses a cleanable filter. It helps get rid of smoke, germs, bacteria, viruses, chemical gases, allergens, and pet dander.
The ionization feature also traps airborne particles for cleaner air. You can use it in rooms as large as 350 sq. ft. while it purifies up to 3 times per hour.
This is a great little unit at a reasonable price. However, keep in mind that the filter is not a True HEPA Filter but a HEPA Type filter. That said, countless more consumers are very satisfied with this air purifier.
Winix WAC9500 Ultimate
With its True HEPA Air Cleaner and PlasmaWave technology, 99.99% of airborne pollutants, pet dander, and allergens 3.0 microns in size are trapped from the air. The carbon filter is designed with serious pet and cooking odors in mind and is washable for continuous re-use. You also have a washable pre-filter for extended life.
Pollutants are obliterated at a molecular level by the PlasmaWave Technology as odors, viruses, gases, and bacteria are neutralized. This makes it perfect for homes with multiple pets.
With the Smart Sensor and Auto mode, you can simply turn on the unit and forget about it while it automatically assesses your air quality.
The washable filters are very convenient but once you do need to buy any refills for this unit, they are a little challenging to find. Once you are able to relocate the needed components, you will be very happy with this industrial-strength unit and also with the improvement in you and your family’s health.
What to Consider When Purchasing an Air Purifier for Your Pet
Because there are so many different air purifiers today that address different needs, you need to keep a lot of points in mind as you shop for a purifier so that you get the best air purifier for your specific needs.
Pet Allergies
If you or a family member has pet allergies, a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifier will be the best choice since it removes pet danders, odors, and hair. Additionally, you should look for a purifier with a pre-filter to trap pet hair.
Size and Coverage of the Air Purifier
This depends on the size of the room where you are planning to use the purifier. To determine the right size purifier, you need to calculate your room’s square footage by measuring length and width, then multiply these numbers together. The larger the coverage, the larger in size your unit will usually be. Room sizes typically follow these guidelines:
- Small: 100 – 399 sq. ft.
- Medium: 400 – 799 sq. ft.
- Large: 800 – 1500 sq. ft.
Air Change Per Hour
For individuals with pet allergies, the best purifier will have the most frequent air change per hour (ACH). This is the number of times a unit can filter an entire roomful of air each hour. The ideal rate for those with allergies is at least 4 times per hour. In this way, you can ensure that your air is thoroughly clean and any allergy-causing particles are filtered out. When shopping for purifiers, look for the “Room Size for 4 ACH” specification on the product.
Air purifiers sometimes list the Cubic Feet of Air Processed per Minute (CFM) for determining the square footage needed to reach four air changes per hour.
Features
Depending on your personal preferences, you may want some special features in your purifier unit. If you want easy mobility, many units have caster wheels or handles which allow you to move the purifier from room to room. If you are looking for different fan speeds, most purifiers come with 3 to 4 fan speeds.
Additional features are available in different models and include:
- Digital controls
- Remote control
- Filter change indicator
- Timer
- Air quality sensor
With many of these features, you get easy and convenient control of your unit for the best air quality possible.
Manufacturer Warranties
Many air purifiers come with a 1- to 3-year limited warranty that replaces your unit if it malfunctions due to a product defect. Make sure you are aware of the terms and conditions regarding warranties and customer support so that you get the best use from your purifier.
Where to Place Your Purifier
If you buy a portable air purifier, this will be able to clean the air in only one room. Since people usually spend the most time in the bedroom, this is the most highly recommended area to place your unit.
For optimal air quality throughout your home, it is a good idea to invest in additional purifiers for different rooms.
Cost and Maintenance
Price is definitely another important factor to consider when choosing to the best unit and not just the initial purchase cost. Depending on the air purifier, there may different filters that need to be changed out at specific intervals and at different times. A pre-filter typically needs to be replaced every 3 months while a HEPA filter might last a year before being replaced. An activated carbon filter usually needs to be changed every 6 months. It is imperative to take these costs and their frequencies into consideration as well.
For easy maintenance, some units only require one combination filter that needs to be replaced. Others utilize heat and UV light to kill germs and allergens while cleaning the air. These types of purifiers do not need any replacements at all.
Choosing the Best Air Purifier for You and Your Pet
With a number of different purification options out there, you need to make informed comparisons and determine which air purifier is best for you. Make sure to do your homework, weigh the pros and cons, and get the best value (and air quality) for your money. This is an investment in your health as well as continued quality time with your winged and 4-legged friends.
Healthy Living with Your Pet
Indoor air pollution is among the top 5 environmental health issues today according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unfortunately, whenever you bring a pet into your home, your pet contributes to this pollution. The frequency and severity of health and pet allergy issues depend on how many pets you own and how freely they roam in your home.
It is recommended that you run an air purifier continuously in the room where the pet spends most of his or her time. This purifier should be able to capture the fine dust and floating hair in significant quantities. If odors are also an issue, use a purifier with an activated carbon filter.
If possible, make your bedroom a pet-free zone. Otherwise, run a purifier in your bedroom for 24 hours a day. In addition, regularly wash pet bedding, rugs, and other room fabrics. Bathe your pet regularly if it is required.
Different times of the year can also be a challenge when it comes to air quality in your home. During winter seasons, run a HEPA purifier 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Happily Ever After
Gone are the days when people had to give their pets away to new owners because of allergies. With the right steps to clean and safeguard your home and using the best air purifier for pets, you, your family, and your faithful companions can safely live happily ever after.
