Top Best Air Purifiers For Mold

Mold poses a common challenge encountered by numerous homeowners. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also pose serious health risks and cause structural damage to your home. One effective way to combat mold is by using air purifiers. These devices work by removing mold spores from the air, helping to improve indoor air quality and prevent further mold growth. In this article, we will explore the dangers of mold in the home, the benefits of using air purifiers for mold removal, and the different types of air purifiers available.

The Risks of Mold in Your Home

Mold can significantly impact your health. Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and eye irritation. For individuals with allergies or asthma, mold exposure can exacerbate their symptoms and make it difficult to breathe. In some cases, prolonged exposure to mold can even lead to more serious health issues such as respiratory infections or allergic reactions.

Besides health risks, mold can also lead to structural damage to your home. Mold thrives in damp environments, so if you have a moisture problem in your home, you are at risk for mold growth. Mold can deteriorate building materials like wood and drywall, gradually weakening the structure of your home. This can lead to costly repairs and potentially even compromise the safety of your home.

How Air Purifiers Can Help Combat Mold

Air purifiers are an effective tool for removing mold spores from the air. These devices work by pulling air through a series of filters that capture and trap airborne particles, including mold spores. The filters in air purifiers are designed to capture even the smallest particles, ensuring that mold spores are effectively removed from the air.

By removing mold spores from the air, air purifiers help to improve indoor air quality and prevent further mold growth. This is especially important for individuals with allergies or asthma, as it can help to reduce their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. Air purifiers can also help to eliminate musty odors associated with mold, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

Tips for Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home

While air purifiers can help to remove mold spores from the air, it is important to address the underlying causes of mold growth in your home. Below are some extra suggestions to help prevent mold growth:

• Keep humidity levels in your home below 50%. Use dehumidifiers or air conditioners to reduce humidity levels, especially in areas prone to moisture such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
• Fix any leaks or water damage immediately. Mold thrives in damp environments, so it is important to address any sources of moisture in your home as soon as possible.
• Improve ventilation in your home. Proper ventilation can help to reduce moisture levels and prevent mold growth. Utilize exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and consider opening windows when weather conditions allow.
• Promptly clean and dry any wet or damp materials. This includes items such as carpets, upholstery, and clothing. Mold can start to grow within 24-48 hours of exposure to moisture, so it is important to act quickly.
• Regularly clean and maintain your HVAC system. Mold can grow in HVAC systems if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth.

 

Our Top Picks for the Best Air Purifiers for Mold Removal

When it comes to choosing an air purifier for mold removal, there are several excellent options available. Here are our top picks:

1. Levoit EverestAir

The Levoit EverestAir stands out as the top-performing air purifier we’ve ever tested, boasting rapid air purification and an impressive design.

During our testing, the EverestAir efficiently cleared our test room of tiny PM1 particles in just 13 minutes, surpassing the performance of previous models. Mold spores, even larger than PM1 particles, were removed even quicker, making it the ideal choice for combating mold-related pollutants.

What we really like:

EverestAir is its remarkable speed in removing particles, its large activated carbon filter for eliminating odors, and its accurate onboard sensor. Additionally, its sleek design sets it apart from competitors.

However, it’s worth noting that the EverestAir doesn’t feature a certified HEPA filter and comes with a relatively high price tag, which may deter some buyers. While its smart features are useful, they may not be the primary focus when dealing with mold.

One notable advantage of the EverestAir is its ability to operate at low fan speeds while still effectively cleaning the air, making it suitable for quieter environments.

Overall, despite its luxury price point, the Levoit EverestAir remains our top recommendation for removing mold spores from indoor air.

Specifications & Features:

• Rating: ★★★★★
• Time to clean test room: 13 minutes
• Air purifier technology: 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gases)
• Recommended room size: 558 sq. ft.
• CADR: 360CFM {612 m3/h}
• Dimensions: Size: 18.9 inches in length, 8.5 inches in width, and 23.2 inches in height (48 centimeters in length, 21.6 centimeters in width, and 58.9 centimeters in height).
• Weight: 20.7 lbs (9.38 kg)
• Noise level: 24 – 56dB
• Filter life: 12-15 months
• Warranty: 2 years
• Estimated energy consumption: $87.25 per year
• Country of manufacture: China

2. Levoit Core 600S

The Levoit Core 600S is our top budget choice for larger rooms, priced under $300 and boasting an impressive CADR of 635 sq. ft.

Recognized as the best air purifier for basements, the Levoit Core 600S is ideal for tackling mold spores in damp areas of the home. While slightly slower than our top pick in removing PM1 particles, it still achieves impressive results in just 15 minutes.

The Core 600S offers excellent value for mold removal at under $300, featuring a high-performance main filter for airborne particles, activated carbon, and smartphone app control. However, it may lack the premium design of more expensive models.

What we like:

• High-performance filtration for under $300, clearing particles in 15 minutes
• Fair energy and filter costs given its size and power
• Lightweight design at 13.7 lbs
• Responsive air quality sensor

Areas for improvement:

• Some users report fan noise at lower speeds (though not experienced by all)
• Placement of the AIRSIGHT Plus sensor on the back may require attention to avoid wall obstruction
• Previous advertising claiming HEPA standards was found to be misleading

In a space of 635 sq. ft., the Core 600S can refresh the air every hour, making it suitable for larger areas up to 1000 sq. ft. while effectively eliminating mold spores.

Specifications & Features:

• Our Rating: ★★★★★
• Time to clean test room: 15 minutes
• Air purifier technology: 3-Stage Filtration (Pre-filter for large particles, main filter for airborne particles, high-efficiency activated carbon filter for odors and gases)
• Recommended room size: 635 sq. ft.
• Clean air delivery rate (CADR): 410 CFM (697 m³/h)
• Dimensions: 12.3 x 12.3 x 23.6 inches (31.3 x 31.3 x 60 cm)
• Weight: 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg)
• Noise level: 26 – 55 dB
• Filter life: 6 months
• Manufacturer’s warranty: 2 years
• Estimated energy consumption: $51.51 per year
• Country of manufacture: China

3. Shark HP102

A remarkable and potent air purifier equipped with an exceptionally precise air quality sensor and swift air purification capabilities.

The Shark HP102 left a lasting impression during our recent testing. In our performance evaluation, it efficiently eliminated particles smaller than 1 micron in just 38 minutes, outpacing our previous favored budget choice, the Levoit Core 300, by 2 minutes.

Given its compact size, it’s important to note that this unit is best suited for spaces of 200 sq. ft. or less. In larger areas, it may struggle to purify the air thoroughly and could miss some mold spores, potentially triggering allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

What we like:

• Superior build quality compared to similarly sized units from Blueair and Levoit
• NanoSeal technology could help inhibit mold or bacteria growth on the filter
• Impressive screen displays pollutant levels clearly, visible from a distance
• Compact size ideal for smaller rooms

Areas for improvement:

• Slightly higher price compared to other compact air purifiers like the Levoit Core 300S
• Advertised coverage of 500 sq. ft. may not be accurate for most scenarios

Shark, renowned for their popular Ninja air fryer range, has developed their own version of HEPA known as NanoSeal, featuring an antimicrobial coating to combat bacteria growth on the filter. Tested to meet stringent standards similar to medical-grade H13 HEPA filters, the NanoSeal filters offer enhanced efficiency and reliability.

SPECIFICATIONS & FEATURES

Thanks to its superior filter build quality compared to other compact air purifiers, the Shark HP102 stands out as our top choice for maintaining mold-free air in smaller rooms.

• Our Rating: ★★★★★
• Time to clean test room: 38 minutes
• Air purifier technology:
• NanoSeal™ Filter incorporates a True HEPA Multi-Filter infused with Microban® antimicrobial coating.
• Recommended room size: 500 sq. ft. (effective for 200 sq. ft., achieving 1.38 ACH)
• Clean air delivery rate (CADR): 92 CFM
• Dimensions: 8.66D x 8.66W x 14.56H inches (22D x 22W x 27H cm)
• Weight: 5.85 lbs (2.7 kg)
• Noise level: 41.7 – 56.5 dB
• Filter life: 6-12 months
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
• Estimated energy consumption: $25.23 per year
• Country of manufacture: China

Final Words

Mold can pose serious health risks and cause structural damage to your home. Using air purifiers is an effective way to combat mold by removing mold spores from the air. HEPA filters are considered the gold standard for mold removal, as they are highly efficient at capturing even the smallest particles. UV-C light purifiers can also be effective at killing mold spores, while activated carbon filters can help to eliminate musty odors associated with mold.

When selecting an air purifier for mold removal, it is important to choose the right size for your home and consider factors such as the CADR rating. Additionally, it is important to address the underlying causes of mold growth in your home by controlling humidity levels and addressing any sources of moisture.

Overall, air purifiers are an essential tool for combating mold and improving indoor air quality. By using air purifiers, you can create a healthier and safer environment for you and your family.