If a purifier does well on smoke, it will do even better on larger particles like dust and pollen, and—somewhat paradoxically—on smaller particles like bacteria and viruses. Once particulate matter settles on floors or other surfaces, an air purifier won’t lift it up. To clean allergens like pet hair and pollen from surfaces, you need a vacuum cleaner or a dust mop. To reduce viruses and bacteria on surfaces, it is usually sufficient to clean them with soap, detergent, or an all-purpose cleaner. All Honeywell air purifiers come with a permanent true HEPA filter, an Intelli-Check Monitoring System, and patented SurroundSeal technology. The SurroundSeal technology helps to minimize air leaks.
The machine measures actual filter usage, not simply the elapsed time since the last filter was installed, so if you don’t run your machine all the time, you’ll get more life out of them. In the long term, though, filter replacements will likely give the 311i Max slightly higher running costs. Smoke particles are right in the 0.3-micron size range—the hardest size to capture—that’s used as the HEPA test standard.
If you don’t activate the warranty in time, you won’t receive the benefits of repairs or replacement to your unit should it be defective. Honeywell designed their HEPA filter so users can vacuum it twice a year, and it will last in your air purifier for 3-5 years. However, the Honeywell pre-filter cannot be washed or reused if you expect to have continual odor removal. Unfortunately, the carbon in the pre-filter is no longer effective for removing smoke and odors after three months. However, despite the carbon no longer being effective, the polyester will continue to trap visible particles. Once the Honeywell Intelli-Check Monitoring System displays a dirty pre-filter warning, users are advised to replace the pre-filter for optimal and effective air purification.
You’d never forget that you have a purifier in the room. The Coway Airmega 240, a former pick for special cases, performs on a par with the top pick Coway Mighty and has a sleek design that our staff universally loved. But with more companies paying attention to their purifiers’ appearance, it’s no longer unique in combining form and function at a reasonable price. The Coway Airmega 250 is the larger, more powerful sibling of the Coway Airmega 150. It’s equally attractive, but it’s only slightly more powerful than our top pick, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty, yet it costs $200 more. One standout test finding was that the 211i Max is remarkably quiet, particularly for a machine of its capability.
In its 115-year history, Honeywell has risen to the top of several industries, including consumer HVAC appliances. The PowerPlus air purifier is an example of the company’s quality. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent honeywell humidifier research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). The GermGuardian AC4825 has been around for years and is, up front, cheap.
For optimal performance, vacuum, wipe down, or rinse off the prefilter (it looks like a window screen or plastic netting) every month or so. The prefilter catches larger particles, such as pet hair, and keeping it clean helps the HEPA filter work unimpeded on fine particles. Finally, because the 211i Max is likely to be used in a living room or other public space, it’s gratifying that Blueair put some real care into its appearance and upkeep.