home advice | A Fresher Home

Do I Need An Air Purifier In Every Room? An Informational Guide For Everyone

September 21, 2020January 29, 2019

So you’re considering buying an air purifier. But perhaps you want to breathe better, cleaner air in more than just 1 room.

If you’re thinking about buying more than one you may be asking yourself, “Do I need an air purifier in every room?”

In this post, I’ll go into more detail and cover the facts you need to know before spending money. I’d like you to get the most benefit from your buying options and to get the best benefit per dollar spent.

Contents

Do I need an air purifier in every room? The basic answer

Before I go into more detail, here’s the short answer.

Air purifier room facts

The simplest answer is that you don’t need an air purifier in every room. There are more things to consider, too, before buying & using air purifiers in multiple rooms:

The number of rooms which you regularly occupy and need an air cleaner for
Air quality problems you need relief for
Room size (in square feet) for matching with the correct model of purifier

However, you need to buy the right kind (or a combination of different kinds) for your needs. Additionally, you need to buy air purifiers with enough coverage for your particular home & needs.

You’ll also need enough of them to handle the air space volume (room size coverage, in other words) where you have air quality problems.

What to know before buying air purifiers

If you want the air inside your house to fresh and free of irritants, it only makes sense to place air purifiers in all rooms… right?

Well, not necessarily!

Before making a decision, you need to consider several factors that affect the “hows” and “whys”:

Budget
Air cleaning needs
Rooms needing coverage
Air purifier room size

1. Budget

To be frank, placing an air purifier in every room would be pricey. From the very beginning, you really need to think about your expectations and air cleaning needs vs. the amount of money you can afford to spend.

While this may vary from home to home, the average house has about five rooms. How much are you able to spend to get air purifier coverage for your home and in multiple rooms?

Give this some thought before you go shopping online. Some people might be inclined to buy cheap ones so that they can place air purifiers in all the rooms. This is actually a mistake that might not seem obvious at first glance.

Cheap, low-spec air purifiers can actually be worse than having no air purifiers at all.

There are lots of reasons why, but it’s mainly because they do a poor job at cleaning the air and ultimately you’ll be unhappy with the results. In some cases, some products sold as “air purifiers” do little besides blow air and some produce by-products that can irritate the throat and respiratory system.

If you have to spend extra money later to buy better ones, that means you’re actually losing money – not saving it!

Cheap ones will only circulate dirty, unfiltered air through your house to the point that you would probably be better off without one. A single air purifier of good quality is worth more than several low-grade ones that work poorly.

Remember this: Quality over quantity. Every time.

What you can expect to spend

That being said, for a decent budget air purifier you can expect to spend about a bit under $100 for each.

Higher quality models that are best sellers and have amazing buyer satisfaction are only a bit more and sell for around $140-$200 depending on room size coverage, features, and performance.

More advanced models offer a lot more convenience and can even run in automatic mode or include a remote control.

Don’t worry! You don’t have to be rich or spend a ton of money to keep the air clean in your home. There are some great options that are affordable – you just have to be careful when buying. I’ll cover that more in detail below.

2. Your air cleaning needs

A wide variety of contaminants – or combinations of those – need a “real” air purifier that will permanently remove them from your air. Some problems, like dust mites, require a HEPA filter. Odors and airborne chemical substances need an activated carbon filter to cleanse the air successfully. Think about what you specifically need relief from.

Not everyone has the same air quality needs. For example, if you have pets you’ll have slightly different requirements than someone who is dealing with dust.

A person with allergies or asthma problems, for example, will need different features as well.

Pet owners can sometimes find certain models with special filter versions available for their product.

Want to learn more? I’ve written a great post called “What Kind Of Air Purifier Do I Need?” here which goes more into detail.

Ultimately, it if involves removing odors, you need one that features an activated carbon filter. For general applications, at a minimum, you need a High-Efficiency Particulate Air filter (HEPA) model with sufficient room coverage.

Special features

If you have particular health issues or are susceptible to colds or other sicknesses, you might consider a model with a germ-killing feature. Some do this with an ionizer or ozone generator.

I don’t recommend these for people with respiratory problems, although ionizers are proven to greatly reduce airborne germs that cause sickness.

A few offer germ-killing features such as ultraviolet light (UV) light to reduce the chances of you contracting an illness.

Others offer advanced convenience features like self-off timers, a quiet mode, and so on. Some even offer smartphone control and air quality reports while you’re away!

3. Rooms needing coverage

Do you spend a considerable amount of time inside your house? Which rooms do you stay in the longest? Which rooms do you seldom use?

An average person spends the longest time in their bedrooms, followed by the living room. Most likely the time you spend in other rooms would pale in comparison. Air purifiers placed in rarely used rooms are useless so they would be a poor use of your money.

What’s the use of purifying the air in an area you don’t use? Don’t be concerned about rooms that are rarely entered. Much as you seldom enter them, so the same is true for air contaminants.

Unless some of the areas of your home have exposure to the outdoors (and particles brought inside) or other sources of poor air quality, it really shouldn’t be much of a concern.

Thinking about purifier placement

Concentrate mainly on adding air purifiers to the main areas – and areas in between – that you spend the most time in.

The areas where you, your pets, or others predominantly reside are the rooms that need air purifier coverage. Placing them in between means that other areas will have their air cleaned as well.

Although they’re rated for certain size rooms, air purifiers will still circulate air from other parts of your home. It does take some time, but additional rooms will have their air purified as well if air can circulate sufficiently.

4. Air purifier room size – how to find the square feet measurement

Most air purifiers sold specify the recommended room size they can clean in terms of the size of the room. This is usually stated in square feet (sq. feet, or “ft^2”).

Others may optionally state the room air coverage in cubic feet, which is very similar to room size except that it also takes into account the ceiling height of a room. Unfortunately, some may not specify this coverage ability clearly.

If a purifier doesn’t specify room size, assume it is generally good for a small room.

Before shopping, you need to estimate these rough numbers using some easy math. Don’t worry, as even if math isn’t your strong point, it’s not hard at all.

Estimating the air purifier coverage you need for a room - examples

1. Estimating the air purifier coverage size in square feet for a bedroom:

Room width x room length = 10 feet x 15 feet room size = 150 sq. feet (150 ft^2)

2. Estimating the air purifier coverage size for a bedroom in cubic feet (air space volume):

Room width x room length x ceiling height = 10 ft x 15 feet x 15 feet = 2,250 cubic feet (ft^3).

After estimating the room size coverage you need, write it down in your notes. That way you’ll be ready before shopping when evaluating choices and you can verify it’s close to your room size.

Air purifier coverage specs are estimates

The room size listed by different manufacturers are estimates. Just like any other kind of estimate, it’s impossible to get the exact number – but the great news is that you don’t need to. The idea is to buy an air purifier based on the room size coverage it states it can provide that is close to the room or rooms you want to use it in.

Don’t worry about getting it perfectly right. All brands take time to circulate and clean all the air in a room, so even if the listed coverage is a bit below what the product you buy is rated at, it will clean it eventually.

Just remember it doesn’t need to be perfectly matched. Your goal is to buy a purifier with close to or greater than a coverage rating of the room you want to use it in.

Air purifier CADR ratings explained

What is a CADR rating?

A purifier’s Clean Air Delivery Rate is a measured, numerical way to express how effectively a purifier can filter a room’s air. Introduced by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the CADR rating is an industry standard for measuring the airflow of filtered air.

The main benefit of a manufacturer-provided CADR rating is that you know the purifier has been tested in a certified test lab by following industry guidelines.

In other words, the CADR rating is a figure of measurement that is the volume of filtered air delivered by an air cleaner. The higher the numbers (listed for smoke, dust, and pollen) the more effective it is at filtering.

Why it’s helpful to know

Generally speaking the higher the numbers or numbers, the better.

Shown: An example CADR rating from a purifier. Not all manufacturers provide them or only provide them for certain models (typically higher-quality models include them).

Products sold with a CADR rating benefit you because you know they have a proven amount of square footage air filtering coverage. There’s no guessing and it is a good indicator of a quality product with demonstrated filtering ability.

Higher ratings for the tobacco smoke, dust, and pollen numbers are a sign that the unit will more quickly purify the air than a similar unit with lower ratings.

If the ratings between are the same between two products then the filtering performance is the same.

Air purifier types: portable vs. whole house vs. wall-mounted

Examples of two popular portable (floor use) air purifiers. Floor purifiers are the most common and are often the best choice for most people.

“Whole house, portable, or wall-mount air purifiers…which one should I use?”

You’ll likely be faced with this question as you set out to buy an air purifier. It’s actually pretty simple, but it’s something you may need to think about in advance.

Portable models (used on the floor or a shelf) can be moved around as needed while whole-house systems cover the full interior of your home. Wall-mounted units are attached to walls and can be placed out of the way.

Here’s a general overview of their respective advantages and disadvantages:

Pros and cons lists for the general placement types of air purifiers

Portable (floor or shelf) air purifiers

PROS:

You can move them from room to room
Ideal for those on a budget (You can buy one and bring it along as you switch rooms, even take it to work!)

CONS:

If you buy a model with low space coverage it may not work well in other rooms
You could decide it’s a hassle to drag one along every time you switch rooms

Whole house air purifiers

PROS:

Covers the airflow system of your entire house – especially larger interior spaces
Works as one whole system (It isn’t necessary to purchase several units)

CONS:

Heavily reliant on the HVAC system
Expensive

Wall mounted air purifiers

PROS:

User-friendly (Commonly controlled using a remote control)
Works as one whole system (Not necessary to purchase several units)

CONS:

Requires an installation process
Fixed in place (If not installed optimally, it could be less efficient)
Not flexible in use

What type of purifier should you buy?

The best air purifiers use a true High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter along with a pre-filter and odor absorption feature. These types are very effective at removing airborne particulates of nearly all kinds. Avoid ionizers and ozone generators sold as “purifiers” as many are ineffective and can even cause health problems!

It basically comes down to personal preference. However, generally speaking, most people buy a moderately priced portable model. Many of those available today provide great coverage and air cleaning ability. You can also expect good reliability and fairly low maintenance costs.

You’ll also want to buy a model with a true HEPA filter for the best air cleaning performance.

When getting ready to buy a floor model or HVAC/whole-house purifier product, buy one that works using HEPA filters.

Avoid ionizers and ozone generators as at the minimum they’re not very effective. In the worst case, they’re potentially harmful to your comfort and health. I’ve had several readers report they’ve had very bad discomfort, coughing, and irritation from HVAC products sold as “air cleaners.”

These were ionizers or ozone generators sold with fancy marketing terms, rather than good, quality design and performance.

A standard filter-based purifier can’t cause these kinds of problems, and are nearly always a much better buy, too!

Portable air purifiers are best for those:

With a smaller budget
Living alone
Who are new to purifiers or don’t want to deal with installation hassle & secondary expenses
Are renters or may sell their home later
Who want additional special features like Wi-Fi control and others

Whole house purifiers are best for those:

With a large budget
Living in a house with a pre-existing HVAC system
Willing to pay secondary costs for installation and maintenance
Who wants the most air cleaning that money can buy

Wall mount purifiers are best for those:

With a large budget
Living with multiple housemates or a family
With specific filter & technology needs
With no need for extra features and air purifier placement flexibility

Where should I put my air purifier?

Since most people reading this will opt for a standard portable air purifier, I’ll cover the main things to know about those after buying one and getting ready to use it.

Generally speaking, bedrooms and the living room are the best locations to place them.

Definitely place them in rooms that have the most traffic coming in from outdoors or which are periodically exposed to sources of external contaminants like outdoor pollution.

If your pets mainly stay in one room most of the time but do move about (like to your bedroom) you might consider putting one in between rooms.

If you find yourself having allergy symptoms in a particular room, that’s a tremendous clue that allergens are airborne there and you need a purifier in that area.

Air circulation

Don’t place a purifier where air cannot circulate throughout the room well.

For example, don’t place them in areas that are closed-off from airflow or obstruct the flow of air through them. Purifiers work by drawing in dirty air, filtering it, and blowing out the newly freshened air so it’s critical to make sure they have easy access and enough space.

Many models recommend 15″ to 24″ space between them and walls or furniture, for example.

Noise levels & light brightness in other sleeping & study areas

If you’re sensitive to light and sound when sleeping or concentrating like I am, definitely consider buying a model that has minimal noise production. Several very good products today have the benefit of allowing you to use them in your bedroom overnight without being disturbed. Otherwise, consider moving it slightly outside of your room.

If you stay in a certain room for sleep or need to concentrate for work or studying, consider placing the device just around the edge of the open doorway or slightly out of the way.

While many sold today have a special low-noise “sleep” mode or other low-speed settings with minimal noise produced while in use it can still be an issue for some of us. This includes me!

I recommend therefore ideally buying a model you know won't produce distracting noise or simply move it into a slightly different area.

Additional air purifier placement tips

Always read the owner’s manual before deciding where to use it!

Don’t forget that reputable brands are well-tested and the manufacturer sometimes recommends the best locations for optimal air cleaning.

Here are a few other things to think about:

Don’t put air purifiers in the corner unless otherwise specified as acceptable
Try to avoid leaving windows open for very long
Make sure your purifier has 1-2 feet clearance (minimal) for best efficiency
Keep it a distance of 6-10 feet from the head of your bed
Point the output side of the purifier in your direction
Make sure the room size coverage of the one you buy is fairly close to, or larger than, your room size

In summary: Do I need an air purifier in every room?

No, you don’t. You only need enough to cover the size of the rooms you’ll mainly be staying in or have air quality problems in
Estimate your room size and buy products with room coverage close to the size you found
Buy quality models and place them in the right locations, positioned properly
Most people are fine with a portable model that’s moderately priced. Consider buying one with a germ killer if you are susceptible to sickness or other health problems
A good rule of thumb is to start with 1 rated for med. size rooms (living room) and use a smaller model for each bedroom

For the average person, I recommend choosing a model that’s a well-rounded combination of price, features, and performance. The new Levoit Core 300 medium room purifier was a great model I recently reviewed.

Find out here why it's one of the best new air purifiers you'll find at Amazon.

Additional reading

As I mentioned earlier, don’t stress if you’re on a budget. I’ve written a helpful guide here with 5 of the top air purifiers under $100.

Be sure to check out my other helpful guides like this one if you have pets or this post if you have a dust mite problem.

Does An Air Purifier Remove Smells? Dealing With Common Odor Problems

September 21, 2020January 23, 2019

Does an air purifier remove smells featured image

Sure – you can prevent some smells from getting into your home. But many are just a fact of life. Even without some of the most common problems (like pets, smoke, and cooking odors) smells just seem to find a way in.

Dealing with them can be a hassle, and air fresheners often only mask the problem. Additionally, some causes in particular (like smoke) come with even more side effects.

Does an air purifier remove smells? Should you buy one for your home? Read on to find out the answer.

Contents

Understanding smells

Odors are everywhere! Unlike the outdoors, indoor odor sources don’t have much air circulation and can be even more noticeable. The addition of a well-designed, properly chosen air purifier can help relieve a variety of odor symptoms everywhere from rooms with pets to your kitchen.

In order to better understand what we’re dealing with and how air purifiers may help, it’s important to understand the problem.

What exactly is an odor or “smell”?

Odors are actually caused by volatile chemical compounds which basically means they’re the molecular composition of materials or chemicals that present in the air. When this occurs your nose’s olfactory nerves detect them as scents and you have a related reaction (good or bad, depending on the type).

Not only that, but the sense of smell varies from person to person. So while some odors may not bother you greatly, for others the effects can be much more unpleasant or even trigger problems.

Likewise, some smells don’t bother me as much as others – but some really get on my nerves!

Common types of odors

I’ve made a brief list here, along with added details, of some of the most common odor sources you may be dealing with. After that, I’ll show you how a purifier can help.

Cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke is one of the most bothersome odor sources anywhere. Not only do the by-products of smoke find their way into the air, but they also cling to surfaces like your clothes and hair. A purifier is highly recommended when smokers are present.

This one has always bothered me a lot! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left my local sports bar while wearing nice clothes, that smelled absolutely terrible afterward. Even my hair smelled bad!

Even if you don’t smoke, you might live with a family member or roommate who does. Either way, tobacco smoke is capable of moving between rooms and distributing small particles that can irritate people with allergies, or even cause cancer as you may already know.

Smoke particles contain elements that are incredibly tiny in size – down to a fraction of other airborne contaminants like pet dander and dust, for example. That’s one of many reasons it’s harder to deal with.

Additionally, burning tobacco and paper releases gases into the air as well. You’ll need an effective solution to successfully get rid of those (and not just cover them up).

Pet odors

Pet odors are caused by organic substances from microorganisms present on and released by animals. A great example is the “wet dog smell” everyone knows. Pets also produce a number of other odors that can stink up your home.

I love pets just as much as you do. But it seems like no matter how much we wash or bathe them, they always smell a bit. And pets always like to get into trouble, so they often end up bringing something smelly into the house.

We’ve all smelled the infamous “wet dog smell” I’m sure!

As much as pet hair and dander is a problem also, it’s the other sources of smells from them that need to be captured and removed from the air: organic sources like bacteria and their bodily functions in addition to the oils naturally secreted by their skin.

One more benefit of using a purifier is being able to capture allergy-causing dander as well as some of the hair they leave behind.

Food and cooking

Cooking is especially notorious for releasing odors into the air. As a matter of fact, some dishes release substances that can cling to your kitchen’s interior and build up over time. Using an air purifier to remove airborne food-related substances is a great idea.

Some of the most common dishes like burgers or fried fish can leave a strong, lingering scent behind. Foods with spices and similar ingredients are especially bad at releasing organic compounds that cause very strong odors.

Sometimes it’s not just you that feels the effects, but your neighbors to, since odors can rise and permeate rooms and buildings.

Cooking appliances and food release particulate matter into the air when you cook which can spread throughout your home, leaving your entire house smelling like what you ate for dinner for a long time afterward.

To make matters worse, some foods, when cooked, distribute minute food particles in the air which can build up over time on your interior surfaces.

Garbage

I’m certainly not perfect. Every once in a while I forget to take out the garbage. The problem is that leaving meat or old vegetables in the garbage can make the house smell even after I take out the trash.

Garbage has a variety of materials that tend to begin to decompose in a short amount of time, creating gases in the air which surface as very strong odors.

When bacteria begin to increase in numbers and start breaking down organic substances like old food or waste items it can become a big problem.

While the only true remedy is to remove the garbage from indoors, a purifier can help to reduce the problem while it’s in your home.

Household chemicals and construction materials

Other common substances like paint, cleaning chemicals, and even renovated rooms in a home emit harmful substances into the air by a process called “outgassing.”

Outgassing is a process in which everything from new carpet to household chemicals, paint, or building materials release molecules into the air as chemical vapor odors.

Some actually are harmful, like chemicals with vapors which can affect the central nervous system and internal tissues if inhaled.

That’s a definite source for headaches but potentially other health problems, too. You’re much safer with a means of capturing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and removing them from your breathing air.

How does an air purifier help with smells?

There 2 main ways in which a purifier can help relieve odors:

Removing some airborne particles that carry odor-causing elements
Absorbing and trapping odors substances from the air

Of these 2 factors, the most significant one is the ability to trap odors and remove them from the air. However, you’ll have to pick the right kind of product to do so.

Not to worry, though – I’ll cover that below as well.

How does an air purifier work?

Air purifiers reduce odors by continuously cycling the air in a room and filtering out both solid and gaseous substances like odors and chemical vapors. There are 2 main filters (with 3 functions, often called a “3-in-1” purifier) that do so: a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter section and a pre-filter section with activated carbon inside or specialized chemical treatment. A good quality air purifier like the popular GermGuardian AC4825 will move a good amount of air quickly and will reduce odors in your home.

Air purifiers work by using a fan to cycle the air in a room and filter out unwanted particulates and odors too.

In order to do so, you’ll need to buy one that’s capable of moving a sufficient amount of air in the room it’s used in. Ratings like the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) or air flow rate specifications such as the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) describe the effectiveness of a purifier.

However, I realize that can be a bit confusing and may feel a bit like a hassle to have to figure out. The good news is that the major purifier manufacturers specify the recommended room size in square feet.

For example, a 10 foot by 15 foot room has a size of 10 x 15 = 150 sq ft (square feet). Using the recommended room size you should be fine when buying.

How air purifiers remove odors

Air purifiers (specifically, filter-based products) use activated carbon (charcoal) to absorb and trap odors. Carbon is an industry-standard element used in many types of filters including for water. Once it’s used up the filter should be replaced.

Activated carbon is the essential element required for removing odors and terrible smells with an air purifier. I bring that up because in fact not all purifiers include this type of filter!

However, most high-quality and best-selling models do.

Activated carbon (which is a form of charcoal) is a granular, tiny element used as an ingredient in a special section of the air purifier’s 2 or 3 filters. The carbon is a porous and absorbent element that has the ability to trap odors and airborne chemicals present.

When the purifier’s internal fan draws air through the carbon filter, substances can be absorbed and removed from the air, removing odors and harmful chemical vapors.

The HEPA filter’s role

HEPA filters are a standardized filter section made of extremely dense fiber which can trap microscopic particle down to 0.3 microns in size (a micro is an amazing 1/1,000,000 of a meter!). They’re designed to capture solid particulate in the air, and not gases or vapors.

While that’s true, they can trap some nasty particles like hair and debris that can carry a bit of odor-causing molecules. Generally speaking, however, the carbon filter section is the most essential.

Carbon filters are typically separately replaceable from the HEPA filter section and tend to have a life of around 6 months or so, though this varies with use.

Air purifier types

Shown: (Left) Emitting air purifiers create a by-product that’s released into the air around you. (Right) Filter-based, or non-emitting purifiers, do not. The simply remove air contaminants as they pass through filters.

There are several different types of air purifiers sold today and it can definitely be confusing and in some cases – even misleading! And that’s a shame – unsuspecting buyers can get tricked into buying a poor-quality product that will do little, if anything, to improve their air quality.

Just to keep it simple, I’ll break down the most common types you’ll likely run across when shopping:

HEPA (filter-based) purifiers
Ionizers
Ozone generators

Purifiers to avoid

Products like the Oion B-1000 ionic air purifier (left) and ozone generator (right) should be avoided. Ionic air purifiers do work to a degree, but they’re very weak and typically have extremely low airflow rates compared to HEPA-type purifiers. Ozone generators, however, are ineffective at safe ozone levels. At ozone production levels at which they become effective, they’re unsafe to be around. Most sold as “air purifiers” are a waste of your hard-earned money.

When shopping avoid the following two kinds which are often hyped-up with clever marketing and many technical phrases. They’re sold using misleading promises and a lack of actual performance data:

Ionizers (ionic purifiers)
Ozone generators

Ionizers do actually work, but in my experience, they’re extremely poor performers and simply are a terrible use of your money. For example, my GermGuardian AC4100 purifier is about the same price as the Oion B-1000 yet can run circles around it!

Good purifiers to buy for odor relief

To effectively combat odors, I recommend a quality air purifier with good airflow rate. This means it can cycle and clean the air in the room relatively quickly. Note: it’s critical to buy the appropriately sized purifier for your room size! While there are other very popular products available, one of the best I’ve owned and tested is the top-rated Winix 5500-2 model with a real carbon pellet odor capturing filter.

Whichever product you decide to try, be sure to buy one with the following criteria:

A quality purifier with proven buyer reviews
An activated carbon filter section
Adequate airflow rate / recommended room size meets your room

While the things I’ve mentioned here are of great importance, remember the following: no purifier can prevent odors 100%. You should treat the problem at its source.

In other words, don’t expect any purifier to work miracles. They’re very helpful and can definitely reduce odors, but they’re a way of dealing with the symptoms of the odor source.

Bad smells often require treating the source, depending upon the type of problem.

The most effective type of prefilter

Closeup of the activated carbon filter from a Winix 5500-2 air purifier, containing real pellets (rather than the standard coating most use). This is a more effective odor control option.

If possible, for the best odor control pick an air filter with a prefilter that uses real carbon pellets. They’re more powerful for odor control than the standard coating type used by most on the market.

They also have a greater life expectancy and use capacity as well, as they contain much more activated carbon.

Additionally, some can be rinsed off (like those in the Winix 5500-2) for maintenance.

Summary – Does an air purifier remove smells?

So does an air purifier remove smells? Let’s break it down.

In short, yes! A good-quality air purifier with an activated carbon filter can reduce odors and airborne chemical vapors
Not all HEPA purifiers include this type of filter – be careful and shop wisely
Ionizers and ozone generators may give the impression of fresh air, but they’re generally either 1) very weak and ineffective, or 2) can produce irritating or harmful ozone. They should be avoided.

Now that I’ve cleared that up, perhaps you’re wondering what kind I’d recommend?

I’m a proud owner of one of the most popular purifiers sold today, the GermGuardian AC4825. It’s one of the most popular & highest-reviewed products of all time at Amazon.

You can find a great buyer’s guide to help with some of the best purifiers for odors here.

Do Air Purifiers Reduce Dust? A Comprehensive Guide

September 21, 2020January 5, 2019

Do air purifiers reduce dust featured image

Dust is an everyday problem for many of us. I used to suffer terribly from coughing because of dust blown into my work area from the ventilation system in my old job.

As I learned later, dust contains a variety of debris, pollutants, and allergens that are bad to breathe in. One of the best things I’ve ever done is to invest in a high-quality air purifier.

But what if you’re not convinced yet. Do air purifiers reduce dust? That’s a great question I’m going to answer for you.

Contents

Infographic – Air purifier and dust facts

Do air purifiers reduce dust?

Air purifier dust facts

The short answer is yes, air purifiers reduce dust and help eliminate the problem.

The critical reason is that they eliminate dust particles – both visible and microscopic – from the air. Airborne particulates pass through them and are caught permanently in filters. Larger dust elements like hair and fabric fibers get trapped in a front section called the pre-filter.

It’s important to note that I’m referring to filter-based purifiers, not ionizers or ozone generators. The reason is that while those have a purpose under certain conditions, they’re not nearly as effective as a traditional (filter-based) purifier.

Note that air purifiers aren’t a 100% solution – it’s impossible for them to remove all air contaminants, like dust that has settled on surfaces. I’ll cover the other steps you should take for the most benefit as we go along.

What is in dust?

A microscopic image of common household dust. It’s not made of any one element. However different dust sources may generate higher levels of some particles than others. These microscopic particulates are not just a cleanliness issue but can aggravate your respiratory system, cause allergies and sickness, and even cause cancer. Without a good way to trap and remove dust, you’ll constantly breathe in more and more.

It’s helpful to understand exactly the problem you’re dealing with. Why? Because common household dust isn’t often made of large, visible elements that are easily vacuumed or swept away permanently.

Many dust particles are actually microscopic in size which means ordinary cleaning and vacuuming won’t capture them.

Additionally, different dust sources can bring toxicity and other potentially harmful effects due to chemical elements and organic threats.

Sources of dust

As you might have already guessed, there are a lot of ways dust gets into your home:

Dust mite by-products (dust mite feces and body parts)
Pet dander & human shed tissue/skin
Home construction materials
Carpet dust fibers
Fabric & clothing fibers
Plant materials
Central heating and cooling system air ducts
Outdoor elements
Hair fibers

…and the list goes on and on. There are just too many to list!

The problem can come from nearly anything that breaks down into small enough particles that can be carried by wind and air.

A surprisingly large amount of dust actually comes from the outdoors. Tracked-in dirt from outside is a great example of how you bring these types of particles into your home without knowing it.

Toxicity and health dangers

Respiratory and other health problems increase a lot when you inhale dust. Microscopic dust particles are more easily brought into our respiratory passageway. Coughing, allergies, nose problems, and much more are some of the symptoms caused by it. People with asthma are especially vulnerable to it too.

Because most Americans spend up to 90 percent or more of their day indoors, it’s easy to see why dust could potentially bring health risks over time.

Dirty, trapped air increases in dust content over time and you’re constantly breathing it in.

As dust settles, it’s less of a risk but once disturbed it’s airborne again and you’ll be inhaling more of it yet again. People suffering from asthma, emphysema, and other health issues can struggle with even a small increase in dust levels.

Many materials, many dust sources

Man-made materials like fabric, home materials, and carpet distribute particles that break off and enter your air. Many are potentially toxic and contain chemicals like formaldehyde.

In fact, a 2016 study found that it can contain up to 10 household chemicals!

Some are known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), meaning you’re at risk for even more health problems down the road!

Dust cleanliness problems

The more you let your dust problem go unchecked, the more you’ll need to clean! I hate dusting so I use my air purifier nearly 24 hours a day for best results.

I really hate having to dust every so often! It’s a boring chore and just feels like I could be spending the time elsewhere.

I’m sure nearly everyone knows how that feels – walking in and seeing cabinets, tabletops, and shelves coated with that same old dust we hate.

The thing is, if left untreated you’ll have the same problem, day after day, week after week – more cleaning. That goes for nearly anywhere you live: If not dealt with effectively, you’ll never escape the headache of dust problems.

I finally had enough of the dust particles that were constantly building up from fabrics and my bathroom towels. Vacuuming helps, but it definitely isn’t the easiest or most efficient way.

So I decided to try an air purifier and I’ll share my experiences below.

How air purifiers reduce dust

Diagram showing how an air purifier circulates air and removes dust in a room. Shown here is the AC4825 air purifier, a great example of an effective product. I’m an owner and have had great success with it keeping dust levels down where I live!

As I mentioned above, a good purifier is a great choice for reducing dust.

They work by using internal electric fans to continuously circulate air in a room and filter the air as it moves through them. Dusty and dirty air is pulled in and forced through the filters, trapping dusty permanently.

Clean air leaves the exhaust side of the purifier and the cycle continues. In most cases, it takes a few hours with an appropriately sized purifier to circulate & clean the air in a room.

The time it takes depends on the model, the size of the room, and the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) rating of the purifier (if provided).

HEPA and pre-filter sections

A pre-filter section contains a thin mesh material that first traps larger elements like household dust and pet air before they reach the HEPA filter. This is especially helpful because when dealing with air quality problems like this the pre-filter will likely become dirty relatively soon.

In that case, the pre-filter will prevent the HEPA filter section from becoming dirty too rapidly and will extend its life. Many purifiers sold today allow the pre-filter to be replaced separately instead of having to replace both, saving money.

You may be able to vacuum the dust trapped in the pre-filter section as I’ve done before.

The High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) section is made of very dense fibrous material. The HEPA standard ensures it can trap 99.7% of the unwanted particles entering it, down to 0.3 microns in size. (A micron is 1/1,000,000 of a meter).

Working together they form a highly effective way to capture dust both large and microscopic in size.

My experiences with an air purifier and dust

My air purifier’s dust cleaning ability (top photo) after only a week or 2. I was amazed at how much dust it trapped! Truly wonderful, and it helps a lot to keep my place cleaner and the air healthier. Bottom photo: after it became nearly used I vacuumed the pre-filter to get more life out of it.

I bought the highly recommended GermGuardian AC4825 to try out in my own home – the results where excellent! The amount of dust it captured was crazy!

After about 2 weeks or so I opened the rear filter cover to check it out for curiosity’s sake. I was almost shocked by how much dust was on the pre-filter. How much dust had I been breathing in all this time?

Now I normally leave mine running for at least 8-9 hours a day and even longer if I’m inside working all day or while I’m out.

My problem with needing to clean so often has been reduced and I’m much happier. I was so pleased with mine that I wrote an extensive review of the AC4825 purifier here.

Additional steps to take

Ultimately, while an air purifier is the most practical and simplest remedy it can’t work magic. Once the dust settles a purifier can’t remove it. Purifiers treat airborne particles and odors.

There are several more steps I recommend to minimize dust levels in your home:

Use a high-quality, dense filter for your central heating & cooling system
Clean surfaces using a vacuum cleaner with a good bag
Clean your ventilation system or air vents occasionally
Avoid bringing dirt and materials from indoors
Remove older and deteriorating materials when possible

It’s crucial to buy a quality product with sufficient room size coverage in order to most effectively reduce the dust where you stay.

I’ve got several great recommendations here although I can personally vouch for the GermGuardian AC4825. See my detailed review here to learn more.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to reach out or leave a comment below.

5 Of The Best Tower Fans To Cool A Room – Be Comfy With The Best!

September 21, 2020July 22, 2018

Best tower fans for cooling a room featured image

Maybe your budget won’t allow you to buy an air conditioner. Or perhaps it’s not a practical to install or use where you’re at. Whatever the reason, using a tower fan to cool the room is a great option.

When browsing for the best tower fans to cool a room there are an overwhelming amount of models to choose from. The good news is a few stand out and offer a bit more for the money. You’ll love using them, too!

Don’t waste time searching! Below you’ll find 5 of the best tower fans you can buy.

In addition, there’s a helpful buying guide section with a ton of great information about fans.

Contents

Tower fan basics to know

How do tower fans work?

In contrast to traditional box and other blade fan designs, tower fans have a unique and tall vertical shape. A cylindrical fan assembly rotates and blows air horizontally. While traditional fans work well in most cases, tower fans can distribute air more evenly and in some cases with less noise, too.

Tower fans are a unique design in that they’re cylindrical. That is, they have a tall and essentially round design much like a cylinder you may recall from your old geometry classes.

They’re while traditional fans like ceiling fans, box fans, and tabletop fans are very popular, tower fans offer some benefits that the others cannot.

Tower fans work by using a tall vertical fan assembly driven by a motor to blow air horizontally. Unlike traditional designs, they don’t use standard fan blades to cut through the air and create air pressure to cool your room.

Their blades are more of a curved design which appear as a circular pattern when viewed from a top-down perspective.

Tower fans vs box fans and ceiling fans

While both can cool a room, tower fans are actually easier to use than traditional products and offer several benefits over them:

A smaller base means they’re easier to find room for
Many models have more quiet operation than traditional designs
Easily portable
Can be placed near you for better cooling more easily
Many offer features like timers or remote control operation

Think of tower fans as more advanced fans that allow more benefits and features than the average fan does. Ultimately the biggest advantage of buying a tower fan is that they can cool a room better than other fans due to their better air coverage.

How do tower fans cool a room?

Tower fans use forced convection to remove heat from objects in a room, including you. Convection the scientific term for the movement of fluids (including gases like air) which transfer heat…including removing it, thereby cooling you.

As I mentioned earlier, tower fans work using a cylindrical and vertical blower design. The result is a vertical stream of air blowing throughout a room that passes by objects including you.

Basically a fan moves air rapidly across your body and removes heat, causing you to feel cooler.

Fans cool a room using the principle of forced convection. That is, fans force air across people or objects and transfer heat away from them using the principle of convection. Convection is simply using liquids (including gases like air) to transfer heat.

For example, your computer’s CPU relies on a cooling fan which removes heat by drawing cooler air over it. This process draws cooler air over it and pushes out heat it drew away from the processor.

With enough fan speed and when using a well-designed product, tower fans circulate air in the room and help keep air moving for more comfort.

How tower fans help save money

Using a tower fan has another great benefit – they’re much more energy-efficient than using an air conditioner unit.

Most air conditioners use quiet a bit of energy as they must power not only an electric fan but also an energy-hogging compressor used to circulate refrigerant and cool the air. Tower fans, however, can operate up to a whopping 60% more efficiently!

You can also combine the two for energy and money savings: by using a tower fan in a room where an air conditioner is already in use, you can turn up the air conditioner, reducing it usage. The fan will help distribute cool air in the room and will also aid in cooling by itself.

In other words, adding a tower fan can boost an air conditioner’s effectiveness while reducing power costs.

Features to look for when shopping

Many models offer some excellent features like a handy remote control. You won’t even have to get out of bed or leave your chair to change settings! For the money, tower fans offer some of the best features of any air product if you shop wisely.

Many products are available, but it’s wise to know a bit more about what to expect before shopping (and definitely check out my recommended product list!).

Some of the top features I’ve found are:

Remote control operation
Different colors & styling to better suit your room or home
Carrying handle
Auto-off timer
Electronic controls
Low-noise operation
Oscillation for enhanced room cooling
Air cleaning features

Additionally, you’ll want to be sure to buy those with good buyer feedback, as in my experience poorly designed air products are noisier and won’t come close to better-designed products. It’s simply not worth it to save just a few dollars, in my opinion.

Some of the best brands offer very quiet operation and are great for those who want to use the fan when sleeping.

Air cleaning features are generally those like an ionizer that uses electrical components to charge and trap some airborne particles in the air passing through it. Note, however, that they’re not a substitute for a good air purifier.

If you’d prefer an air cleaner that can also act as a fan, check out my review of the Honeywell AirGenius 5 here.

An auto-off timer is a feature that allow the device to turn itself after a pre-determined amount of time you choose. An oscillation feature means the fan will turn side to side slowly, blowing air through a very wide area in the room.

★ 5 of the best tower fans to cool a room ★

Our top picks at a glance

Product	Details
★ OUR #1 PICK! ★Lasko Wind Curve	A great value and best seller! Features quiet operation & 3 spd. oscillating mode Built-in ionizer for cleaner air. Electronic controls + auto-off timer Remote control w/ storage compartment	Check on Amazon
Honeywell Quietset 8 Speed	8 selectable speeds. Electronic controls & level display Oscillating fan with ultra-quiet sleep mode Remote control included. Easy to assemble!	Check on Amazon
Compact sizeLasko Air Stick Tabletop	Fits any table or night stand. Great for small spaces Backlit buttons, easy operation Built-in safety fused plug	Check on Amazon
Holmes 32" Tower Fan	Simple to use with clearly labeled buttons Includes remote control Nearly 180 deg. oscillating feature. 2 colors available	Check on Amazon
Pelonis 36" 3 Speed	Automatic display dimmer is great for night Powerful 3-level oscillating fan w/ night Sleep low-noise mode Remote control included. Front-facing display is easy to see	Check on Amazon

Product reviews and details

1. Lasko Wind Curve – Affordable and stylish cooling performance. A winner!

I’m not at all surprised it’s one of the top-selling tower fans of all time. The Lasko Wind Curve with fresh air ionizer has nearly anything you could ask for in a fan and looks great, too!

The company produces a range of some of the best-selling air products on the market.

Measuring a tall 42.5″ (108 cm) it’s available in three beautiful color & style options:

Black with wood grain inset
Matte silver and gray
Gray with wood grain inset

It features great airflow performance when placed about 4 feet (1.2 m) from nearby walls and furniture. Use the optional oscillation feature to get great cooling coverage as it widely moves to fill the room with comforting air.

The Wind Curve features an easy-to-use control panel and LED indicator lights for operational modes and timer status. Controls are both simple and reliable. Just touch the fan button to change speeds or use the timer to set it and walk away. Don’t forget the oscillation button for great room cooling!

You’ll also get quiet operation that’s suitable for sleep time if used in your bedroom or nursery. 3 speeds are selectable using the simple electronic push button controls.

Want to set it and forget it? No problem! It even includes an auto-off timer you can use to select 1/2, 1, 2, or 4 hours of operation.

The optional ionizer feature helps reduce airborne contaminants in the room within circulating air.

The included remote control makes operation super easy and it stores conveniently on the back of the fan. Very nice!

PROS:

Great color and style options
Good performance and airflow
Quiet 3-speed operation
Remote control (includes batteries)
Remote stores on rear of unit
Oscillation feature
Good cooling performance
Reliable
Extremely popular and great buyer reviews
1 year warranty

CONS:

Could use more fan speed options
Air ionizer feature can’t replace an air purifier
May be a bit too tall for some buyers (need 42″ inches)
Needs about 4 feet space from walls/furniture for optimal use

While I wish a few features were better (more selectable fan speeds and more timer settings would be nice) overall it’s fantastic choice. I recommend it to anyone wanting a reliable and affordable tower fan that can cool a room well.

It gets our Editor’s Choice award being one of the best all-around values. Having the convenience of a wonderful remote control is icing on the cake on an otherwise already excellent fan.

Take my advice and find out why it's a super popular choice with thousands of buyers at Amazon.

2. Honeywell QuietSet whole room tower fan – Advanced features and quiet cooling power you can afford

I’m no stranger to Honeywell’s wonderful line of air cleaning products as I’ve reviewed many of their products. In testing, I found them to be some of the best. Likewise, the QuietSet 8-speed whole room tower fan doesn’t disappoint, either!

In it I’ve found many of the same great features that stand out from competitors and that you’ll absolutely love. The fan stands a tall 40″ (101.6 cm) in height and looks great in any room or office.

A simple-to-use remote control is included for amazing convenience. You no longer have to walk across the room to touch the fan! Just click and you’re done. It stores conveniently in the rear when not in use.

A handy remote control is included as well. Although it doesn’t allow more advanced operation like a Lasko Wind Curve model, it’s a great way to use the fan hassle-free. No need to get up!

You can turn it on, off, switch oscillation on/off, or change fan speeds from across the room.

Controls are some of the best I’ve seen any product – especially a fan. Check out the image below. A sharp-looking and advanced display shows the selected fan speed/sound level. A dimming feature provides not one but 5 night-time lighting selections.

Additionally, the 1-8 hour selectable automatic shut-off timer option lets the fan run unattended then turn off later when you’re asleep or at work.

Easy-touch controls add a real touch of class to a surprisingly affordable fan – well below the cost of many competing products.

Need to move it around the room for better cooling? It’s a snap as there’s a built-in carrying handle on the rear, too.

The QuietSet tower fan works great at night when you’re resting comfortably. Thanks to the multi-level dimmer option and extremely low operational noise, you will be assured of cool and peaceful sleep at night. It’s time to consider getting a fan that will really help you sleep better!

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value anywhere that works so well to cool a room with minimal noise levels.

While it could use more controls on the included remote, it’s one of the best tower fans I’ve come across anywhere and I’m sure you’ll love it. If you’re concerned about assembly, don’t be.

There are only a few pieces to assemble and directions are clear and easy to follow.

PROS:

Available in black and white colors
Touch button controls
Sound/speed level display
Dimmer control with 5 levels (inc. off)
Very quiet operation
Oscillation feature
1-8 hour auto-off timer
Remote control w/ storage on rear
Good cooling ability and airflow
Great for bedrooms and night time
8 fan speed levels
Simple assembly
Great buyer reviews

CONS:

Remote control is limited to 3 functions
No half-hour choice on timer (1, 2, 4, 8 only)
No wood grain trim like Lasko Wind Curve offers

All in all, the Honeywell QuietSet is one of the best tower fans you’ll find anywhere for below $75. I’m impressed with how well it works and how quiet it sounds.

Don’t put up with an uncomfortable room any longer! Head over to see the amazing reviews and current price at Amazon now.

3. Lasko Air Stik Ultra Slim Tabletop – A lower-priced tabletop tower fan that’s simple and works well.

On a tighter budget and limited on space but still want to feel cooler and more comfortable? The great news is that I’ve got the perfect fan just for you. The Lasko Air Stik Ultra Slim may be exactly what you need.

As the Lasko brand name is responsible for many of today’s best-selling fan products, you’ll find it just as well-made reliable. Measuring 14″ (35.6 cm) in height, it’s a great choice for places where space is limited.

Being priced well below $50, you might think it’s short on quality…but it isn’t at all.

The Air Stick Ultra Slim tabletop fan is available in 3 great colors:

Black
Silver
White

It’s a great match for any home or office.

The Air Stick features backlit electronic controls which means it’s easy to use during the day or night. Select from 2 quiet and refreshing fan speeds perfect for any cubicle, office, or small room. Keep it right on your desk if you like!

Use it nearly anywhere! It’s right home in your bedroom, dorm room, cubicle, or even right on your desk! Simplicity and compact size make it a great buy.

The sleek and compact design makes it blend in well in nearly any environment.

And guess what…there’s an oscillation feature built-in as well, just like larger and more expensive models. Providing a nice 60 degrees or so of fan coverage, it efficiently distributes the cooling air flow much more effectively than fixed fans can.

A patented “blue safety plug” includes internal fusing in case of an electrical overload and will shut off electricity to prevent unsafe conditions.

It’s not perfect (there’s no auto-off timer or remote control available for example) but one of the best buys in its class.

PROS:

Low price
Easy to use – simple controls
Backlit buttons
Electronic controls
2 fan speeds
Quiet operation
Well-made and good quality
3 colors available
Compact size (14″ tall)
Oscillation feature
Fused safety plug
Good buyer reviews

CONS:

No remote available
No auto-off timer
Not as quiet as more expensive models
No ionizer/air cleaning feature

When it comes to small fans you can use nearly anywhere, there are lots of choices. However, the Lasko Air Stik is simply a better performer and better-built than many out there.

I recommend you check it out. Find out today why it has thousands of happy owners and see the current low price at Amazon.

4. Holmes 32″ oscillating tower fan – Great quality, simple operation, and remote control operation for a good price.

Are you familiar with Holmes home air products? If not, you’re definitely missing out. I’ve tested several Holmes product and so far I’ve been happy with them. They’re well-known for producing a number of great air quality products that help keep your costs down.

This great-looking, affordable HT38R-U tower fan is no different and is definitely one of the best choices you’ll find under $65 or so.

It’s a great compromise between price, features, and performance. Not only that, but it’s one of the easiest-to-use tower fans I’ve seen anywhere. Standing at about 32″ (82.3 cm) it’s honestly one of the best-looking fans I’ve tested yet.

The base measures 11″ (23 cm) wide and adds a stable, supportive way to keep it upright when in use.

The Holmes HT38R-U features a simple control panel with clearly marked buttons. Simply push a button to rotate through the 3 available fan speeds, the oscillation feature, auto-off timer, and power. Illuminated indicators show the current mode at a glance, too. It’s a great-looking design I’m very fond of. Very sharp-looking!

Even better, you’ll get some of the same great features found on more expensive models from some competitors. The auto-off timer allows you to simply push the timer setting button and start an hourly countdown for auto shutoff while you’re sleeping or away.

Choose from 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours delay time before the fan turns off by itself.

The oscillation feature provides nearly 180 degrees of wide room cooling. Turn it on and the unit will slowly (and quietly) move side to side, providing quiet and gentle air that cools your room immediately.

While it’s a very affordable model, the Holmes HT38R-U also includes an extremely convenient remote control. With it you can use nearly all the major functions including fan speed, oscillation, and power controls.

You’ll also get a great little remote control to operate your fan from the comfort of your favorite chair or while in bed – no need to have to get up at night to change settings!

A nice little carry handle is built into the body as well for making placement a breeze.

PROS:

3-speed fan operation
Black and white colors available
Electronic button controls
Mode indicator lights
Oscillation feature
Remote control included
Remote operates most functions
Quiet operation
Reliable
Good price
Carry handle
Simple operation
Good buyer reviews
8 hour (max) auto shutoff timer

CONS:

Limited to 1, 2, 4, and 8 hour shutoff settings
More fan speeds would be better (like the Lasko Wind Curve)
No ionizer/air cleaning feature
No dimmer functionality

You don’t have to break your budget to get good air cooling and features. The Holmes HT38R-U is a wonderful choice for cooling a room on a budget while still getting some of the best features.

Buyer reviews back up my own opinions – it’s one of the best sellers out there and with thousands of happy owners, you can’t go wrong.

Don’t sit in a hot room any longer! Head over to Amazon to find out why it's one of the best on the market today.

5. Pelonis 36″ FZ10-17JR – An elegant and easy to use way to cool your room for below $75.

As many may not have heard of the company, the Pelonis FZ10-17JR oscillating tower fan is a hidden gem among tower fans. It’s also backed by many great buyer reviews and has received a best-seller status, too.

The Pelonis has a very sleek and classy-looking satin black design. It’s really a very attractive looking unit. Front-facing indicators show the current operation and dim automatically after 30 seconds to avoid distracting you at night.

3 speeds/modes of operation are available to meet your needs:

Normal
Natural
Sleep (minimal noise mode)

The Pelonis tower fan includes a simple – but handy – remote that allows you to control most functions from across the room.

The included remote control (sorry – battery not included!) is a basic but easy-to-use to way to run most functions at your leisure without having to walk across the room. Perfect for night time or when you’re relaxing!

The electronic push button controls are very user-friendly and some of the best I’ve seen. They also have a very pleasant “feel” to them – they don’t feel cheap or poorly made like others I’ve tried.

The fan also has an optional oscillation function for 60 degrees of cooling coverage. Combined with the 36″ (91 cm) of height, you’ll get great room cooling that won’t disturb you.

Fan operation is very quiet (one of the more pleasant ones I’ve tested) and works well.

Additionally, a 7 hour programmable timer allows you to set the fan and have it turn off automatically when you like. A great feature to have at bed time or when you’ll be busy doing other tasks.

Assembly is one of the easiest I’ve found – no screws needed! You’ll be up and running, enjoying a cooler room in only minutes.

PROS:

User-friendly controls
3-speed fan settings / modes
Auto-dimming indicator lights
Sleep (quiet) mode
Low-noise operation
Good cooling ability
Remote control included
Auto-off timer
Oscillation feature
Carrying handle
Good buyer reviews
Great looking appearance
Easy assembly (no screws)

CONS:

Remote works well but not as nice as others
Auto timer is limited to 7 hours max
Remote battery not included
Documentation could be better
Lacks other fan speeds
No digital level like Honeywell QuietSet fan

While I have a few minor complaints (no battery for the remote, limited fan speeds, and no digital level readout) it’s still a great one, and I really like it. For the money, it’s a good value.

For an affordable, easy-to-use tower fan that looks great and cools a room very well, the Pelonis FZ10-17JR really is a nice buy.

Have a look at the great reviews and comments from many happy buyers.

Summary – The best tower fan to cool a room

The Lasko Wind Curve is one of the best tower fans you can buy. It’s so good I awarded it the Editor’s Choice Smart Buy label.

Hands-down, I’d recommend the Lasko Wind Curve for nearly any room-cooling needs in which you want a quality, value-priced, and feature-filled tower fan. It’s also a great-looking unit and I love the 3 color choices available. At well below $100, I think it’s within the budget of most buyers.

The Lasko name is one I see nearly everywhere I go, and it’s no coincidence that this one is one of the best-selling tower fans of all time and one of the best I’ve ever tested.

After comparing and testing many models, I’m confident in saying you’ll love it. It’s also great for light sleepers like me thanks to its quiet operation.

Feel free to head over pick one up for yourself today at Amazon today. You’ll be glad you did!

More top products to improve your home air comfort

Want to cool a room, but also need an air cleaning ability? Check out the Honeywell AirGenius 5 I tested and reviewed here. It’s a unique, well-designed option for reducing allergies and other air problems.

You can also learn more about air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and more at my Information page.