Some air purifier comparisons might only showcase products that have been paid for promotion. We don’t follow that practice on Made in CA. The air purifiers we display are chosen based on the features and specifications described. However, keep in mind that our assessment of an air purifier is just one aspect you might want to consider when deciding if it’s the right fit for you. We may receive a commission if you purchase a featured air purifier from our reviews.

Regardless of where you live in Canada, some pollutants can sneak into your home. Especially now as wildfires rage across several different Canadian provinces in 2024. An air purifier can remove contaminants, bacteria, allergens, and other impurities from the air. Air purifiers can improve the way your home smells, improve allergy symptoms, and reduce respiratory and airborne illnesses. There is a large variety of air purifiers available on the Canadian market, and we’ve chosen our favourites to recommend to you. These are the best air purifiers in Canada based on features that Canadians value most:

  • removing dust effectively
  • eliminating smoke
  • filtering out volatile
  • organic compounds (VOCs)
  • operating with the highest energy efficiency
  • maintaining the lowest noise levels
  • offering the simplest user experience

But before we start analyzing the best air purifiers in Canada, let’s start learning more about important terms we need to understand before we can make an educated and informed decision.

Air Purifier Glossary for Canadians

ACH or Air Changes per Hour is a key metric which many miss, but essentially tells us how many times the room is filtered by the air purifier every hour. A common ACH for residential air purifiers in Canada is between 4 to 6 times.

CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rate allows us to understand the effectiveness of an air purifier against pollutants (eg. smoke, dust) by measuring the volume of air filtered by the device in cubic feet per minute or CFM. Some Canadian air purifiers also use cubic meters per hour (m3/hour) but let’s stick to CFM.

Room Size CADR Calculation

Let’s start with an example. An air purifier has a 150 CFM, this means it filters 150 cubic feet of air every minute in the room. To understand how large a room let’s work backwards and do some calculations.

Room Size (cubic feet) = (CADR x 60) ÷ ACH

Let’s use 150 CFM as the CADR and 4 as the average ACH.

So, (150 CFM x 60) ÷ 4 = 2,250 cubic feet.

To convert cubic feet to square feet, you’ll need to know the ceiling height. Assuming an average ceiling height of 8 feet:

CADR Chart for Air Purifiers

Room Size (square feet) = cubic feet ÷ ceiling height

2250 cubic feet ÷ 8 feet = 281.25 square feet

That’s a lot of calculations! So here’s a quick chart we’ve made to save you time when deciding on an air purifier for the size of your room based on an ACH of 4 and ceiling height of 8 feet:

dB or decibels is a measurement of the noise level of the air purifier, with a higher number equating to a louder air purifier. For reference, a whisper in a room is approximately 30 dB, while a normal conversation is around 60 dB.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters are utilized within the air purifier and capture tiny particles such as pollen, pet dander, mould. The efficacy is 99.7% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size to be a HEPA level filter. There are many more types of filters but this is the standard.

Activated Carbon Filters are designed to filter the aspects the HEPA filter can’t. Odours, smoke, chemicals, gasses to name a few are what the carbon filter combats.

Pre Filters in some air purifiers are filters which are designed to be the first layer before the HEPA filters to lengthen the lifespan of the main HEPA filter by capturing larger particles. For example, pet dander, dust, pollen are usually trapped in the pre-filter before it can pass through the main filter.

VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are a common source of odour within homes and can easily evaporate into the households air, leading to indoor air pollution. A few examples of this are paints, air fresheners, cleaning products. If left in a poorly ventilated environment these VOCs can create unhealthy living and working situations.

Now that we understand the terms better let’s try and figure out if we’d benefit from an air purifier in our home or workplace.

Benefits of Air Purifiers for Different Situations

  1. If you or your family have been experiencing ongoing allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing or coughing when indoors, it could be due to airborne allergens that an air purifier can help filter.
  2. If you suffer from asthma then an air purifier can help filter and reduce the triggers within the air that might cause flareups. This means pollen, dust, and pet dander would drastically become reduced within the air.
  3. If you cook and face strong odors that aren’t dissipating or stay in the room long after then an air purifier with an activated carbon filter (as mentioned before) can remove these odours.
  4. If you have a pet, say a dog or cat and face ongoing odours and pet dander throughout the house, then an air purifier will help drastically manage the pet-related allergens.
  5. If you’re seeing mould growth within your home then an air purifier with a HEPA filter will capture those mould spores.
  6. If you’re undertaking renovations or construction work within your home then an air purifier is a must. Since during construction there’s many harmful chemical particles released into the air, if this is a closed environment then they’ll stay there trapped. You need an air purifier to help clear those VOCs.
  7. If you live in a home that has been unoccupied for some time and dust has accumulated, then an air purifier will help reduce the high level of air particles in the environment.
  8. If you just desire a health living environment then an air purifier is a great product for your home. It’ll stay quiet and most importantly filter out the particles without you even knowing it. All you have to do is change the filter from time-to-time.

Now that you’ve decided that an air purifier is right for your needs, let’s take a look at different features that some air purifiers contain. And remember, some features might make more sense for others than yourself.

Understanding Air Purifier Features and Filters

You might encounter the theme of stage filter when browsing Amazon.ca for example, 3-stage filter. In a lot of cases this is a marketing gimmick but the general idea is the filtration system within the air purifier. A stage one air purifier generally has just a pre-filter, a stage two having a prefilter and activated carbon filter, and a stage three filter having the prefilter, activated carbon filter, and HEPA filter. There are also higher stages which might contain a UV-C light but most of the time it’s unnecessary. Ideally the air purifier should have all the filters in a 3-stage.

Some air purifiers have an automatic mode where it’s a sensor that detects if the air pollutants in the room increase and the unit needs to turn on. It also adjusts the fan speed based on the sensors. We found it to be finicky and pointless if you keep the unit on for most of the day. But if you want the feature to avoid the air purifier from being on throughout the day then you’ll like it.

If you’ve got kids then you’ll need a unit which has the display lock feature. It’ll temporarily turn the control panel off from anyone readjusting it. This is also great if you have pets which can jump on the air purifier and mess with the specific controls.

Made in CA’s Expert Tips for Optimizing Air Purifier Performance

Josh DonhamAfter deciding the right features your air purifier needs, let’s focus on several best practices you should follow once you’ve purchased an air purifier. We’ve decided to ask our Canadian expert on air purifiers, Josh Donham who has over 8+ years of experience testing and reviewing air purifiers in Canada’s marketplace on what he thinks you should do.

“What we see a lot of the time is air purifiers turned on for an hour or two and then turned off. The air quality in your home is constantly changing, so avoid turning it off and on at various times of the day. If you can keep it on through the day, that’s the best practice for filtering the harmful odours and particles on an ongoing basis. If you have an issue with noise, then lower the speed of the air purifier or choose a quieter unit with a lower decibel range. On average I see air purifiers with a decibel range of 30-40 which is in the whisper range, so I think you can live with it on without any issues on noise.”

“Another area I see which needs a lot of improvement within homes is placement. You can’t just place it in a corner blocked by walls or furniture. Just like how you need to breathe, the air purifier does as well. Keep it in a central, open area so the unit can effectively clean and circulate the air.”

“Leapfrogging off my last point of harmful odours, avoid keeping the windows open if you have the air purifier on. It defeats the purpose of the air purifier as you’re letting in new pollutants into the home while the air purifier is trying to clean it. If you can keep the window closed then it’ll be much more effective. The same goes with doors, don’t keep the doors open letting in a draft of air, keep it closed.”

“Finally the most important practice I recommend to air purifier buyers is the fact you need to maintain the filters. Whether that’s the prefilter or the main HEPA filter. For example, with the prefilters you need to wash or wipe it on a monthly basis so ensure the particles aren’t stuck in it. And when the prefilters or main filters are no longer in optimal condition, it might be best to schedule a filter replacement every 3 or 6 months. On Amazon.ca it’s best to schedule one of those deliveries and you won’t have any issues of replacement. Too often I see people using the same filter for years. After 3 months for example, that air purifier will be very ineffective.”

Josh Donham, Made in CA’s air purifier expert

If you’d like to learn more about air purifiers from Josh you can find him on Twitter and his Facebook where he shares his daily tips and thoughts.

The Best Air Purifiers in Canada for 2024 are:

  1. Levoit Core Mini – Canada’s Best Air Purifier (Available on Amazon.ca, BestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca)
  2. Jafanda Air Purifier – Best Air Purifier for Allergies (Available on Jafanda.com, Amazon.ca)
  3. Levoit Vital 100S – Best Air Purifier for Pets (Available on Amazon.ca, BestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca)
  4. Winix 5500-2 – Best Control Panel in Air Purifier (Available on Winixamerica.com, Wayfair.ca, Walmart.ca, Amazon.ca)
  5. Coway Airmega AP-15112HH – Best Eco Mode in Air Purifier (Available on BestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca, Amazon.ca)
  6. Blueair 311i Max – Best Simple Operation in Air Purifier (Available on Blueair.com, BestBuy.ca, Amazon.ca, Walmart.ca)
  7. IQAir Health Pro Plus – Best High Efficiency Air Purifier (Available on IQAir.com, Walmart.ca, Amazon.ca)
  8. Afloia Air Purifier – Best Timer Settings in Air Purifier (Available on Afloia.com, Amazon.ca)
  9. Dyson Hot+Cool HP07 – Best Heating in Air Purifier (Available on Dysoncanada.ca, Amazon.ca, CanadianTire.ca, BestBuy.ca)
  10. Clorox Air Purifier – Best Air Purifier for Small Spaces (Available on Cloroxhomeappliances.ca, Amazon.ca)
  11. Levoit Core 200S – Best App Integration in Air Purifier (Available on BestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca, Amazon.ca)
  12. Rabbit Air A3 –  Best Commercial Air Purifier (Available on Rabbitair.com, BestBuy.ca, Amazon.ca)

Finally, we’ve covered all our essentials before we find the right air purifier for your needs. Let’s now look at the most popular and top-rated air purifier models in Canada that we think you’ll benefit from.

They’re also all available widely in-store in Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and online on Amazon.ca. If you like one of the air purifiers on our list, read the further in-depth review.

Canada's Best Air Purifier

Levoit CoreMini Air Purifier

Levoit’s Core Mini Air Purifier is one of our favourites for Canadian homes. Though it is a smaller model, it works extremely well for offices, bedrooms, and other smaller spaces. It uses an aromatherapy feature to circulate your favourite scents, and it is so quiet that you are unlikely to hear it running. It’s also extremely simple to operate, with a single-touch button control to switch between 3 different fan speeds.

This machine is extremely efficient at removing odours, allergens, bacteria, and more. However, it lacks a lot of the smart features of Levoit’s larger models (such as the Levoit Vital 100S Air Purifier, which we’ll look at below). You won’t find a timer, auto mode, eco mode, or similar features here. Still, this compact air purifier is a great choice for those who have smaller, more intimate spaces.

Pros

  • Quiet operation
  • Ideal for bedrooms and smaller spaces
  • Simple controls
  • 3-Stage filtration for odours, smoke, and allergens

Cons

  • Lacks smart features

Read our full Levoit Core Mini review

Best Air Purifier for Allergies

Jafanda Air Purifier

Canadians with allergies can benefit from using an air purifier in their homes. None are better than the Jafanda Air Purifier. While it may be small, its 3-stage filtration system and 3 fan speed levels work together to filter out allergens like pet dander, mould spores, odours, smoke, pollen, and dust. Even Canadians with seasonal allergies will feel better when using this air purifier in their smaller rooms. It works quietly to keep your spaces fresh.

There are three fan speeds to choose from, a child lock, and a timer function. Sleep mode works to quietly purify the air when you sleep. However, the small size and reduced range of this air purifier may not make it ideal for some Canadians, especially those with larger spaces.

Pros

  • Silent operation with low power needs
  • 3 fan speeds
  • Filters 99.97% of dust, pollen, smoke, odours, mould, and more
  • Child lock and timer functions

Cons

  • Small effective area

Best Air Purifier for Pets

Levoit Vital 100S Air Purifier

If you have pets in your home, the Levoit Vital 100S Air Purifier is a must-have. This option uses a special intake vent to remove pet hair from the air, reducing dander and other allergens. This is especially important if your guests are allergic to pets, as this air purifier can make their time in your home more comfortable. It’s a quiet, compact air purifier that nevertheless works in larger spaces to reduce harmful gasses, odours, allergens, and more.

The washable pre-filter helps extend the lifespan of the filtration system, which is ideal for this unit in particular. That’s because the filters can be difficult to find. When they are available, they can be more expensive than comparable models. If filters are a concern for you, another model is probably a better buy. Otherwise, this model works extremely well in homes with pets.

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Powerful filtration
  • Washable pre-filter extends the life of the filtration system
  • Unique intake helps remove pet hair

Cons

  • Filters may be difficult to find and expensive to purchase

Read our full Levoit Vital 100S review

Best Control Panel in Air Purifier

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier

The control panel on the Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier is one of the best on our list. It features buttons for each of the settings and levels, allowing you comprehensive control over every aspect of its operation. It also features a remote control, but the remote control features a limited number of buttons and settings in comparison. Overall, this purifier works well in medium-sized spaces, though it can work in larger spaces (albeit less efficiently). The air quality indicator on the front of the unit is always working to display the level of pollution in your household air.

One of the standout features of this air purifier is the automatic sleep mode. When the room gets dark, the purifier automatically enters Sleep Mode. It works continuously and quietly on the lowest setting, dimming the indicator lights so it doesn’t disturb your rest. It also features an automatic mode, which kicks up the fan speed when it detects issues with your air.

Pros

  • Plasmawave permanent filter
  • Smart sensors adjust fan speed as needed
  • Washable carbon filter and True HEPA filter
  • Automatic Sleep Mode

Cons

  • Remote control doesn’t feature all control options

Read our full Winix 5500-2 review

Best Eco Mode in Air Purifier

Coway Airmega Air Purifier

The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Air Purifier is a medium-coverage air purifier that offers a few exciting modes. You can control the fan speed manually, which directly controls how fast the unit works. The ECO mode is a huge bonus in this option; once set, the purifier only turns on when it senses pollution. An indicator light on the top of the unit shows you how clean your air is. If you don’t want to use the indicator light, you can turn it off. This is an invaluable feature that many models don’t use.

The fan speed automatically adjusts to the level of pollution in your room while it is set to Auto Mode, taking the burden of control out of your hands. A filter indicator light shows you when the filters need to be changed. A three-stage filtration system removes 99.99% of particles down to 0.01 microns. However, the fan can be a little loud when it is running on the highest setting, drowning out televisions and quiet conversations.

Pros

  • Triple HEPA filtration
  • ECO mode
  • ETL and CARB Certified
  • Manual fad speed settings

Cons

  • May be too loud for some Canadians on higher settings

Best Air Purifier with Simple Operation

Blueair 311i Max Air Purifier

The Blueair 311i Max Air Purifier is one of the smaller options on our list, but it’s also one of Blueair’s most compact options. It uses a dual HEPASilent filter to clear the air quietly and effectively, working faster than single layer filtration systems. It can clean a 929 square foot room in about 30 minutes on the highest setting, but it works much better in smaller rooms. This purifier removes 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns, which includes pollens, mould, dust, odours, smoke, and dander.

You can control every aspect of this air purifier via the Blueair app, where you can track your filter health, air quality, and more. The indicator light on front of the machine also tracks your air quality, but the indicator light could be much larger. It’s difficult to see on the front of the machine. However, there are five different light levels to inform you about the quality of your air.

Pros

  • Dual filtration clears the air faster
  • Removes 99.7% of airborne particles, viruses, and smoke
  • App-enabled with tracking and monitoring
  • Voice controls

Cons

  • Indicator light is extremely small and difficult to see

Read our full Blueair 311i Max review

Best High Efficiency Air Purifier

IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier

Rooms large and small can benefit from the use of the IQAir Health Pro Plus Air Purifier. This large air purifier works well in larger homes, open spaces, and commercial properties. It works with a HyperHEPA filter, which is a medical-grade filter made in Switzerland. This three-stage filtration system filters out larger particles first, controls gases and odours, and finally removes bacteria and allergens. Each of the three filters has a lifespan between 18 months and 4 years, so you won’t be replacing them too often.

This high-quality filter works extremely efficiently, but it also operates three times louder than most of the other air purifiers on our list. Some Canadians will appreciate the trade-off for better performance, but others may not appreciate how loud it operates. If you need a high-powered, commercial-grade air purifier, however, we recommend this option.

Pros

  • Extremely efficient
  • Great for commercial and residential settings
  • Long-lasting medical grade filter
  • Traps pet dander, bacteria, viruses, mould, and dust

Cons

  • May be too loud for some Canadian homes

Best Timer Setting in Air Purifier

Afloia Air Purifier

The Afloia Air Purifier is a great option for those who aren’t quiet sold on an air purifier yet. This beginner-friendly option is best in smaller spaces, though it can clean larger rooms less efficiently. The default filter is a three-stage standard HEPA filter with activated charcoal and a pre-filter. However, there are also options for other types of filters, including Pet Allergy and Antibacterial replacements. You should replace the filter every 4 to 6 months to ensure that your rooms stay clean.

Thai filter uses 7 options for atmospheric lighting choices, but this lighting cannot be turned off. It will dim in sleep mode, but it must be on at all times. This may not be ideal for some Canadians. The timer setting offers three options, including 2, 4, and 8-hour options. You can set it to run for as long as you need. It offers quiet operation even outside of sleep mode.

Pros

  • Timer mode with 2, 4, and 8-hour settings
  • Multiple filter options
  • Purifies smaller spaces quickly
  • Atmospheric lighting choices

Cons

  • Lighting cannot be turned off

Read our full Afloia Kilo review

Best Air Purifier with Heater

Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Air Purifier

Dyson has built quite a name for itself when it comes to fans and cooling devices. The Dyson Air Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 builds on this reputation to deliver a unique take on the standard Canadian air purifier. This option offers heating and cooling features, with projected heat and a fan for purified air. The heating and cooling modes are optional and some may find them unnecessary. However, some Canadians will appreciate the dose of warm, clean air in their spaces.

This air purifier oscillates, allowing for better distribution of purified air around the room. It uses smart sensors to monitor the level of pollution within your spaces. It automatically chooses the best settings, but it always goes with the quietest options to avoid interfering with your life. A dual filtration system traps gasses and pollutants and keeps them trapped within the system without reintroducing pollutants to your home.

Pros

  • Two-stage filtration
  • Heating and cooling projection
  • Intelligent sensors
  • Unique design and form factor

Cons

  • Additional features may be unnecessary

Best Air Purifier for Small Spaces

Clorox Air Purifier

The Clorox Air Purifier is a compact option that works effectively in spaces up to 225 sq ft. Though it is rated for 1,00 sq ft, it works less effectively in rooms of this size. It only cleans your space once if it is this large, while it can clean rooms of up to 225 sq ft five times an hour. This means that you’ll be able to see and smell a difference in smaller rooms, while larger rooms may not feature a noticeable difference. Regardless of which size space you run it in, this air purifier is Energy Star certified to reduce electricity.

This air purifier uses a 3-Stage 360-degree filter to capture larger particles first. Dust and pet hair are captured in the pre-filter, while allergens, odours, and smoke are captured in the remaining layers. An air quality indicator shows green when your air is clean and red when it needs cleaning. In automatic mode, the air purifier will kick on instantly when it detects pollution, keeping your room cleaner without your input.

Pros

  • Easy touch controls
  • Filter lasts 6-12 months
  • 360-degree air purification
  • Automatic mode

Cons

  • Works less often in larger spaces

Best App Integration in Air Purifier

Levoit Core 200S Air Purifier

Though the Levoit Core 200S Air Purifier is compact, it works to remove up to 99.97% of contaminants in your home. It covers an area of 915 sq ft, making it ideal for larger rooms and open spaces. A three-stage filtration system removes dust, hair, and pet fur first, before filtering out pollen, dander, and finally smoke and odours. Together, this system keeps your home healthier and smelling fresher than other options.

You can control every aspect of the Levoit Core 200S Air Purifier’s operation via the VeSync app on your smartphone. There, you’ll find forecasts for pollen, wildfires, and other pollutants that may filter into your home. You can use this information to set the fan speed, timer, schedule, and more. The app even includes a filter reminder for when it’s time to replace the filter. However, the replacement air filters may be more expensive than some Canadians would like.

Pros

  • Compact design
  • Removes 99.7% of airborne contamination
  • Operates extremely quietly
  • Can be controlled and programmed via the VeSync app

Cons

  • Replacement air filters are expensive

Read our full Levoit Core 200S review

Best Commercial Air Purifier

Rabbit Air A3 Air Purifier

While the Rabbit Air A3 Air Purifier is extremely efficient, quiet, and quick, the price tag may shock you. That’s mostly because of the large floor area this air purifier can handle. Because of its size and effectiveness, it works best for businesses, offices, and other commercial properties. It can work great in your home if you have an open floor plan, too. It works in as little as 30 minutes to remove allergens, dust, pollen, bacteria, and other particles from your air. The filter works through 6 stages of purification to remove impurities. Despite its heavy-duty design, the filter can last up to a year before it needs to be replaced.

The motor offers five operation speeds. At the lowest speed, it works to silently filter through large volumes of air. It removes pet dander and pollen as well as VOCs and particles that may carry viruses. If you want additional cleaning power, you can choose a different custom filter option (including options like Pet Allergy, Odor Remover, Germ Defense, and Toxin Absorber). All of the settings, as well as the air quality monitor, can be accessed via the Rabbit Air app.

Pros

  • Great for larger homes or businesses
  • Works in as little as 30 minutes
  • Long-lasting filter
  • App-based air quality monitoring

Cons

  • Expensive choice for the average Canadian

Read our full Rabbit Air A3 review

Let's Answer Questions About Air Purifiers Canadians Frequently Ask Us

List the Best Air Purifiers in Canada

What are some of the best air purifiers in Canada? Here’s a summary for the best across several different categories.

Air Purifier NameAir Purifier FeaturesFloor AreaNoise Level
Levoit Core MiniBest for: Most Canadians337 square feet27 decibels
Jafanda Air PurifierBest for: Those with allergies450 square feet23 decibels
Levoit Vital 100SBest for: Anyone with pets1,100 square feet23 decibels
Winix 5500-2Best for: Control panel360 square feet27.8 decibels
Coway Airmega AP-15112HHBest for: Eco saving mode874 square feet53.8 decibels
Blueair 311i MaxBest for: Simple operation929 square feet23 decibels
IQAir Health Pro PlusBest for: High efficiency1,125 square feet69 decibels
Afloia Air PurifierBest for: Timer settings1,076 square feet22 decibels
Dyson Hot+Cool HP07Best for: Additional heating700 square feet53 decibels
Clorox Air PurifierBest for: Small spaces1,000 square feet35 decibels
Levoit Core 200SBest for: App integration915 square feet24 decibels
Rabbit Air A3Best for: Commercial spaces1,070 square feet20 decibels

Info corrected as of March 16, 2024.

What’s the Difference Between an Air Purifier and Humidifier?

Air Purifier vs. Humidifier and What's the Difference?
Air Purifier vs. Humidifier and What’s the Difference?

An air purifiers will clean the air by removing pollutants such as pollen, dust and smoke by trapping it in its filters. It doesn’t add anything additional to the indoor air atmosphere. Humidifiers on the other hand release moisture into the air and don’t do anything towards pollutants and particles. If you face dry air in your home and respiratory discomfort, then a humidifier might help you. But if you face allergies and indoor air discomfort, then an air purifier might benefit in cleaning the air particles in the environment.

What Is the Difference Between Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers?

Is There A Difference Between Air Purifier and Dehumidifier?
Is There A Difference Between Air Purifier and Dehumidifier?

Air purifiers and dehumidifiers serve different purposes towards improving indoor air quality. An air purifier is designed to trap contaminants and pollutants in the air through its series of internal filters (HEPA, carbon or prefilter). This process of circulating air through the filters ensure that harmful particles are trapped when they appear in the indoor air environment. Dehumidifiers on the other hand don’t filter particles, instead they remove excess moisture from the air. This also has the added benefit of removing dust mites and mould which grow in these damp environments.  But both of them have a place in your home, granted, not at the same time!

Air Purifier vs. Air Filter: What’s the Difference?

Difference between Air Purifier and Filters
Difference between Air Purifier and Filters

Air purifiers are standalone and use a variety of technologies. The technologies include filters (HEPA, carbon, prefilters), ionizers, UV lights and so much more.

Air filters on the other hand are used within HVAC, furnaces or even air purifiers. Their primary roles are to capture particles such as dust, pet dander and lint.

An air purifier usually works hand in hand with an air filter, with the air purifier circulating air to the filter.

What Does an Air Purifier Do?

An air purifier contributes in several ways for your home. It continuously cycles air through the unit and filters it for contaminants, odours, and allergens. It provides relief to those who have allergy or respiratory problems due to negative airborne particles. And also reduces and lingering odours after cooking, providing an overall healthier home environment. It does this through its several stage filters, from the prefilter, main filter (HEPA) and activated carbon filter.

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

An air purifier involves several principles of physics and chemistry, but to put it simply it all lies within the filtration system. The fan within the air purifier draws in air and passes it through several filters which exist within it. The air is first drawn through the prefilter capturing any large particles such as pet dander. Then the smaller particles, usually up to 0.3 microns pass through the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Those two filters trap 99.97% of the pollutant particles. Many filters also incorporate a carbon filter within the unit to capture any chemicals and odours.

Where Should I Place an Air Purifier?

Where You Can Place an Air Purifier in Your Home
Where You Can Place an Air Purifier in Your Home

Ideal locations to place an air purifier are the living room, bedroom, kitchen and office areas. If you have a problem with pet dander or dust then a central location in the living room is ideal. If you face allergies on a daily basis, or when sleeping then an air purifier in the bedroom would be the best place. If you cook and are facing ongoing smell even after using a range hood, then in the kitchen would be the ideal place. Finally, if you spend all day working on the desk and don’t leave that often elsewhere during the day, then a cleaner air environment near your workspace is ideal.

How to Clean an Air Purifier Filter

Prefilters can be cleaned,  while most HEPA and activated carbon filters cannot be washed. All filters will eventually need to be replaced, but if you’d like to clean the prefilter there are several ways.

First power off the air purifier. Now remove the filter and gently tap and remove any loose dust that has accumulated within the filter. You can run the filter over running water and clean using a cloth or a soft bristle like a toothbrush. Some prefilters can be washed in a washing machine under a low-setting but it’s best to to consult with the manufacturer’s care instructions to make sure it’s the correct way of cleaning the specified filter. After washing with water, you can allow the prefilter to air dry completely and then reinstall.

And remember, don’t put the prefilter back too quickly after cleaning as a wet filter can lead to mould growth!

How Often Should I Clean an Air Purifier Filter?

You can clean the prefilter of the air purifier every 30 days. Every filter is is different, but some can be cleaned either by vacuuming or washing on a gentle, low-temperature cycle. It’s best to confirm with the manufacturer’s instructions. This keeps your air purifier in circulation and doesn’t starve the air from circulating within the unit.

What is the Best Air Purifier in Canada?

The Levoit Core Mini is a top choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient air purifier. It’s our favourite as it operates at a quiet 27 dB volume and covers over 300 square feet. Its HEPA filtration system is able to capture both pollutants and allergens making it a great fit for any home. You’ll also benefit from its extra features, such as the aromatherapy pad and one-button controls.

Air Purifier of Humidifier for Allergies?

If you suffer from allergies, an air purifier will generally be more beneficial than a humidifier. Humidifiers will add moisture to the air, while air purifiers remove allergens from the air. If your allergies are aggravated by dry air you may benefit from a humidifier, but an air purifier is a better choice. Since an air purifier targets the airborne particles than can trigger allergy symptoms, you’ll benefit more from an air purifier.

Where Should I Place an Air Purifier in my Bedroom?

If you plan to place an air purifier in your bedroom avoid high humidity areas such as near a window or a bathroom. Keep it elevated and near a central location to allow more air circulation, like near your bed to reap the benefits of clean air while you sleep.

How Long Do Air Purifier Filters Last?

Air purifier filters can last anywhere between 3 to 6 months. Prefilters can last up to 6 months, activated carbon and HEPA filters can last between 6 to 12 months. This is a generalization and doesn’t take into account the usage of your air purifier and its fan speeds, but these are the average product timespans several manufacturers in Canada follow. 

What Should I Look for in an Air Purifier?

The main features to look for in an air purifier in Canada are, filtration levels, noise level, CADR in cubic feet per minute and controls. The air purifier’s filtration levels allow you to have more control over its capabilities, with a 3-stage unit containing a HEPA filter, prefilter and activated carbon filter. The noise level will allow you to determine where it can be placed within the room and how loud it’ll be during your day-to-day activities. The CADR allows you to understand how effective it will be in the room size you plan to place it in. And finally the controls, such as sleep mode, display lock and even sensors allow you to reap additional benefits from the air purifier.

How Long Should I Run an Air Purifier?

An air purifier should be run 24 hours a day. By running it continuously throughout the day it will be effective at filtering out harmful airborne particles and keep air quality high. A good strategy to implement is after 1-2 hours the air purifier has had a chance to cycle and filter the particles in the room, you can lower the speed of the air purifier so it can conserve power and remain silent.

What Size Air Purifier Do I Need?

To determine the size of air purifier you need to determine the area of the room. Measure the length, width and height of the room you plan to place the air purifier in. Then determine the ACH (air changes per hour), on average let’s use 4. To calculate the CADR in cubic feet per minute (CFM) use this formula.

(Room size in cubic feet x ACH) ÷ 60 = CADR in CFM

Once you’ve determined the CFM you need in an air purifier for your room, then try and find the best one that fits within your budget and features.

Air purifiers vs ionizers: What’s the difference?

Air purifier and ionizer’s are both beneficial for your indoor air quality, but they operate in different ways. While an air purifier typically uses filters, such as a HEPA and prefilter to trap particles up to 0.3 microns in size. An ionizer works by releasing negatively charged ions into the air which attach to airborne particles and make them heavier, which eventually land on surfaces within your room. Now don’t forget, you have to clean these surfaces manually.

Most Canadians we’ve found purchase an air purifier as it’s usually less expensive, more effective at trapping smaller particles and is known to be easier to use. 

Do Air Purifiers Make a Difference?

Air purifiers can make a difference in improving indoor air quality. It can do this by filtering out several harmful indoor particles such as smoke, pet dander and dust. You will especially benefit from this if you have allergies, but it all depends what your use case is for the air purifier. As you might also benefit from the activated carbon filter that traps odour. Try it out in a central room within your home and if you don’t find it makes a difference in the air quality, then return it.

Are Air Purifiers Worth It?

If you want a device that filters harmful VOCs, odours, smoke and pollutants within your home then an air purifier is worth it. Even if you don’t need an air purifier, your life will be made easier with cleaner air quality in your home.

Do Air Purifiers Help With Allergies?

Research has shown air purifiers with a HEPA filter can help reduce the pollutants such as pet dander, dust and other allergens within the air. The air purifier needs to have a HEPA filter to be effective as that removes 99.97% of all particles over 0.3 um.

For those who might have severe allergies you can look into purchasing a medical grade air purifier which traps even smaller particles than what is currently available in a standard HEPA filter. You just have to keep in mind you’ll be paying a much steeper price, for example the IQAir purifier which is medical grade will be over $1,000 Canadian dollars.

Will an Air Purifier Help With Mould?

Yes, an air purifier can help remove particles of indoor mould spores from the air through its HEPA filter. But it won’t be effective against mould infestations growing on surfaces. It would make more sense to purchase a dehumidifier, as that would remove moisture from the air.

Can I Use a Commercial Air Purifier in My Home?

There is no reason not to use a commercial air purifier in your home. They may cost more, but the larger and more efficient operation can keep your air fresher for longer periods. The Rabbit Air A3 Air Purifier and the IQAir Health Pro Plus Air Purifier are great examples of larger, commercial-grade purifiers that will work well in your home.

Will an Air Purifier Help With Smoke and Smell?

Yes, an air purifier can help with the removal of odours, smoke and other VOCs in a room. It does this by trapping the pollutants and odours within the activated carbon filter in the air purifier. To ensure it can effectively do this you have to determine the coverage area of the air purifier is adequate and not too large. 

Can Air Purifier Filters Be Reused?

The prefilter, carbon and HEPA  filter cannot be reused in an air purifier. The average lifespan of these filters are 3-6 months, after which they need to be replaced with a new filter. If you don’t replace the filters within an air purifier then the unit will become ineffective at eliminating pollutants and can break releasing everything it has accumulated.

Which Air Purifier Is Best for Households With Kids and Pets?

Households with kids and pets need an effective machine that removes allergens, irritants, and pet dander. The Levoit Vital 100S Air Purifier uses a special intake that removes pet hair from the environment, reducing allergies for those who struggle with pet dander.

Do Air Purifiers Offer Any Other Additional Benefits?

There are a host of features that are unique to air purifiers, including ionizers, special modes, and more. However, there are rare instances when an air purifier offers more. The Dyson Air Purifier Hot+Cool HP07 has heating and fan settings, which add a level of climate control to your air purification.

Do Air Purifiers Cost a Lot To Run?

If you are concerned about the electricity costs associated with running an air purifier, you may want to choose a purifier that includes an automatic mode or an Eco mode. These modes only run the purifier when pollution is detected, which can be as infrequently as a few times per day. One of the best options for an Eco mode is the Coway Airmega AP-15112HH Air Purifier.

How Much Can I Expect To Spend for an Air Purifier in Canada?

Air purifiers are available at most price points, ranging from $100 to $1,000 Canadian dollars and beyond. The price is determined by how effective the purifier is, the quality of the materials, and its size. Budget options include the Levoit Core Mini (which is our favourite air purifier).

Top Air Purifier Companies in Canada

We’ve listed several widely known air purifier brands in Canada along with several retailers you can purchase them from. These air purifier brands are often sold through both in-store and online platforms, but we’ve listed the website for each to make finding both easier for you. 

Air Purifier CompanyRetailerAir Purifier Model
LevoitAmazon.ca, BestBuy.ca, Walmart.caLevoit Core Mini
Levoit Vital 100S
Levoit Core 200S
JafandaJafanda.com, Amazon.caJafanda Air Purifier
WinixWinixamerica.com, Wayfair.ca, Walmart.ca, Amazon.caWinix 5500-2 Air Purifier
CowayBestBuy.ca, Walmart.ca, Amazon.caCoway Airmega AP-15112HH Air Purifier
BlueairBlueair.com, BestBuy.ca, Amazon.ca, Walmart.caBlueair 311i Max Air Purifier
IQAirIQAir.com, Walmart.ca, Amazon.caIQAir Health Pro Plus Air Purifier
AfloiaAfloia.com, Amazon.caAfloia Kilo Air Purifier
DysonDysoncanada.ca, Amazon.ca, CanadianTire.ca, BestBuy.caDyson Hot+Cool HP07 Air Purifier
CloroxCloroxhomeappliances.ca, Amazon.caClorox Air Purifier
Rabbit AirRabbitair.com, BestBuy.ca, Amazon.caLevoit Core 200S Air Purifier