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The Battle of Pet Air Purifiers: What Is The Point & Which Is Best?
There are a handful of pet air purifiers that Chip and Biskit have had the opportunity to try! And we’re here to let you know what REALLY works.
Of course, every air purifier promises that their product works best for getting rid of pet odors. But, when air purifiers range from $80 to over $700, you want to make sure you’re making a smart purchase!
In this article we will dive into what air purifiers do and how they get rid of pet odors, pricing and how to choose a home air purifier, and go through a list of ones that we have tried!
Pet air purifiers are worth the cost, but since they can be expensive, it is well worth doing your research on these products before buying!
What Do Air Purifiers Even Do?
Air purifiers play a big role in improving indoor air quality.
The main reason I chose to purchase air purifiers was to eliminate cat and overall pet odors and pet hair from my homes.
In general, air purifiers are have specialized filters and technologies that CAN help with pet odors, but as you’ll learn in this article, not every air purifier is made the same!
One of the primary functions of air purifiers is to remove airborne particles from the environment.
Pet hair, dander, and other allergens released into the air can be a source of irritation for humans. Air purifiers use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which are specifically engineered to capture tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns in size.
This includes pet hair, dander, and even microscopic allergens, so that the air you breathe is free from these potential irritants.
By trapping pet hair and dander, air purifiers can prevent them from circulating in your home, reducing allergen exposure and the allergic reactions.
How Do Air Purifiers Neutralize Pet Odors?
In addition to addressing pet hair and dander, air purifiers can “neutralize” pet odors.
The scents associated with cats can be a persistent issue, particularly in smaller or less ventilated spaces. This is particularly relatable for when it comes to litter boxes!
To tackle this challenge, many air purifiers incorporate activated carbon filters or other odor-reducing filters. These filters contain porous carbon structures that adsorb and trap odor molecules, eliminating the pet smells that can float throughout your home.
Many air purifiers often come with additional features, such as air quality sensors and multiple fan speeds, which allow you to customize their operation to suit your specific needs.
This means you can increase their performance when you expect a higher level of pet-related pollutants, such as after your cat uses the litter box!
Do Air Purifiers Actually Get Rid Of Pet Odors?
Air purifiers are devices that function on the principle of removing impurities and contaminants from the air, with the goal of improving indoor air quality.
As mentioned above, the additional filters consist of fine, fibrous material that can trap microscopic particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and even some bacteria.
As air is drawn into the purifier, the filter captures these particles, preventing them from recirculating in your living space.
In addition to the HEPA filters mentioned before, many air purifiers also incorporate activated carbon filters. These filters can adsorb gases, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The porous carbon structure in these filters attracts and traps molecules responsible for unpleasant odors and chemicals. This makes them effective at removing pet odors, cooking smells, and other airborne pollutants that can effect the air quality in your home.
Some air purifiers go a step further by with ultraviolet (UV) germicidal irradiation or photocatalytic oxidation. UV-C light can kill or inactivate microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, while photocatalytic oxidation uses a combination of UV light and a catalyst to break down VOCs and organic compounds.
That’s some complicated stuff if you are new to air purifiers!
Understandably, you may be wondering which of all of these fancy features you actually need to get rid of your home’s cat smells!
How Much Do Air Purifiers Usually Cost?
Since what we just talked about sounds a bit fancy, you may be thinking that air purifiers cost a lot of money!
And indeed, they do! Unfortunately, you have to spend a lot of money to get a good purification of your home’s air.
The cost of air purifiers can vary significantly depending on several factors, including their features, size, brand, and the specific technology and filtration methods that we talked about above.
Air purifiers generally range from around $80 to over $1,000, with a wide variety of options available in between.
Honestly, if you open up Amazon right now, you’ll get overwhelmed with hundreds of air purifiers that promise that they will get rid of the pet odors and smells in your home from your cat.
Understanding the factors that contribute to these price variations can help consumers make informed decisions when selecting an air purifier that best suits their needs. So, let’s go through a few of the important features you may want to consider when choosing an air purifier!
One of the biggest reasons you’ll see more expensive air purifiers is due to its filtration technology.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters tend to be more expensive because of the advanced filter technology they incorporate. Additionally, models that include additional filtration components, such as activated carbon filters for odor removal or UV-C sterilization for germ control, are typically priced higher than basic models.
The size and capacity of the air purifier also play a role in pricing. Larger units designed to purify the air in bigger rooms will generally cost more than compact models intended for smaller rooms.
Some air purifiers are equipped with sensors and smart features that allow them to automatically adjust their performance based on real-time air quality data, adding to their cost.
Brand reputation and build quality can also impact the price of an air purifier. Well-established brands that have a history of producing reliable, durable products often command higher price tags. These brands may also offer better customer support, warranties, and replacement parts, adding value to their products.
Another consideration is the ongoing cost of maintenance, such as filter replacement.
Air purifiers that use specialized filters or require frequent filter changes may have higher long-term operating costs, even if the initial purchase price is lower. Make sure to factor in these maintenance costs when assessing the overall expense of owning an air purifier.
Are Air Purifiers Worth It?
The decision to invest in an expensive air purifier to combat dog and cat smells depends on several factors, including your budget, the severity of the odor problem, and your overall priorities.
Here are some considerations to help you determine if a high-end air purifier is worth it to get rid of cat odors:
- Severity of Odor: If you’re dealing with strong dog or cat, a high-quality air purifier may be worth it! Expensive air purifiers often come equipped with specialized activated carbon filters and advanced odor-elimination technologies that can neutralize pet smells.
- Allergies and Health Concerns: Air purifiers designed for odor removal can also help in reducing allergens associated with pets, such as dander. If you or your family members have allergies or asthma triggered by pet allergens, investing in a high-quality air purifier can improve indoor air quality and potentially alleviate health issues.
- Long-Term Solution: While cheaper air purifiers might address odors temporarily, they may not be as effective in the long run. High-end models are typically designed for better performance and often come with more filters that require less frequent replacement. This could result in a more cost-effective solution over time.
- Additional Benefits: Expensive air purifiers often offer a range of features and technologies that can enhance the overall quality of your indoor air. These features can include allergen capture, air quality sensors, and smart functionality.
- Room Size: Consider the size of the area where you need odor control. High-quality air purifiers are often more powerful and suitable for larger rooms. Make sure the model you choose matches the square footage of the space where your pets spend most of their time.
- Budget Considerations: While expensive air purifiers can be effective at removing pet odors, it’s crucial to assess your budget. There are more affordable models that can still provide satisfactory odor removal, especially if the odor issue is relatively mild.
What Air Purifiers Do We Recommend?
Based on air purifiers I’ve used myself and ones that I’ve seen online for pet odors, here are some popular air purifiers that are effective at getting rid of pet odors, ranked from least expensive to most expensive.
(Please note that prices and product availability may have changed since then, so I recommend checking the latest reviews and pricing before making a purchase!)
- Levoit LV-H132: Levoit offers affordable air purifiers that are well-regarded for their performance. The LV-H132 is a compact model that can help with pet odors and is typically one of the more budget-friendly options. This is what I personally use in my upstairs.
See it on Amazon, here! - GermGuardian AC4825: This mid-range air purifier is known for its combination of a HEPA filter and a UV-C light that can help reduce odors, pet dander, and airborne germs. I’ve seen this one advertised specifically to address pet smells!
See it on Amazon, here! - Winix 5500-2: The Winix 5500-2 is comes with a true HEPA filter, a washable AOC (Advanced Odor Control) carbon filter, and a range of smart features. Based on reviews, it offers excellent odor control for its price point!
See it on Amazon, here! - Honeywell HPA300: The Honeywell HPA300 is a powerful air purifier equipped with a true HEPA filter and a large carbon pre-filter. It’s suitable for larger rooms and is known for its effective odor removal.
See it on Amazon, here! - Blueair Blue Pure 211+: Blueair’s Blue Pure 211+ is advertised as for pet allergies. It uses a combination of a washable pre-filter and particle/chase filters to effectively tackle pet odors and allergens.
See it on Amazon, here! - Dyson Pure Cool TP04: Dyson’s air purifiers are known for their sleek design. The Pure Cool TP04 combines HEPA and activated carbon filters to remove pet odors and allergens, while also serving as a fan. I have not tried this one, but that’s because they are quite expensive!
See it on Amazon, here! - SUNSTAR QAIS-air- 04: This air purifier is marketed for removing cat litter box smells! I personally use this above one of my cat’s litter boxes and it works so well! It has no filters, so you won’t have to worry about extra future costs.
See it on Amazon, here! - RabbitAir MinusA3: RabbitAir’s MinusA3 is a premium air purifier that offers a customizable filter for pet odor control. I personally own this one for my basement. It is quiet and completely gets rid of my cat’s litter box smells!
See it on Amazon, here!
Summary
Air purifiers can eliminate pet and cat odors, especially when wanting to get rid of cat litter box smells.
They can capture airborne particles, such as pet dander and hair, using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Understanding how air purifiers work can help you choose the best option for your home so you can remove pet-related smells or pollutants like pet dander.
While expensive air purifiers are equipped with advanced features, the decision to invest in one should consider your specific needs, budget constraints, and the severity of the odor issue.
Balancing these factors will help you determine whether an expensive air purifier is the right choice to maintain a clean, odor-free, and allergen-reduced home environment, providing both you and your pets with a healthier and more comfortable living space!