With all the activities that take place in your dorm room, it’s easy for the air quality to take a hit. From dust and allergens to unpleasant odors, the air can become stuffy and uncomfortable to breathe. That’s where an air purifier comes in.
Investing in the best type for your dorm room can help improve the air quality and create a healthier environment for you to thrive in.
But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect air purifier for your needs can be overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision and help you find the best air purifier for your dorm room.
Why is an air purifier important for dorm rooms?
Dorm rooms can be breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles. With several students living in close proximity, the air can become contaminated quickly, leading to respiratory issues and allergies.
An air purifier can help remove these contaminants, providing you with cleaner, fresher air to breathe.
Apart from reducing the risk of respiratory issues, air purifiers can also help with unpleasant odors.
Dorm rooms can quickly become smelly due to various activities such as cooking, smoking, and even body odor. Air purifiers can help eliminate these odors, leaving your room smelling fresh and clean.
Factors to consider when choosing an air purifier for your dorm room
With several options available on the market, choosing the best air purifier for your dorm room can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider before making your purchase.
Room size
The size of your dorm room is an important factor to consider when choosing an air purifier.
Air purifiers are designed to cover specific room sizes, and selecting one that is too small will not be effective in cleaning the air.
On the other hand, selecting an air purifier that is too big for your room can be a waste of money. Ensure you measure your room before making your purchase and choose one that is designed to cover your room size.
Filtration system
Air purifiers come with different filtration systems, each designed to remove specific particles from the air.
Some air purifiers come with HEPA filters, which are designed to remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Other air purifiers come with activated carbon filters, which help eliminate odors. Consider the type of particles you want to remove from your dorm room and choose an air purifier with the appropriate filtration system.
Noise level
Since you’ll be spending a significant amount of time in your dorm room, it’s important to choose an air purifier with a low noise level.
Some air purifiers can be noisy, making it difficult to sleep or study. Look for air purifiers with a noise level of 50 decibels or lower.
Types of air purifiers for dorm rooms
There are different types of air purifiers available on the market. Here are some of the most common types.
HEPA air purifiers
HEPA air purifiers are designed to remove particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air. They are effective in removing dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air. HEPA air purifiers are a great option for students with allergies or respiratory issues.
Activated carbon air purifiers
Activated carbon air purifiers are designed to remove odors from the air. They are effective in eliminating cigarette smoke and cooking odors. If you’re looking to get rid of unpleasant smells in your dorm room, an activated carbon air purifier is a great option.
UV air purifiers
UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill viruses and bacteria in the air. They are effective in reducing the risk of airborne illnesses.
Ionic air purifiers
Ionic air purifiers release negatively charged ions into the air, which attach themselves to positively charged particles such as dust and allergens, making them too heavy to remain airborne.
Ionic air purifiers are a great option for students with allergies.
The best air purifiers for dorm rooms under $100
If you’re on a tight budget, there are several air purifiers available for under $100. Here are some of the best options.
Levoit H13 True HEPA Air Purifier
The Levoit H13 True HEPA Air Purifier is a great option for students on a budget. It comes with a three-stage filtration system, including a HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and pre-filter.
It’s designed to cover rooms up to 161 square feet and has a noise level of 25 decibels.
GermGuardian AC4825
The GermGuardian AC4825 is another great option for students on a budget. It comes with a true HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and UV-C light.
It’s designed to cover rooms up to 167 square feet and has a noise level of 55 decibels.
Pure Enrichment PureZone Halo
The Pure Enrichment PureZone Halo is a compact air purifier designed to cover rooms up to 80 square feet. It comes with a true HEPA filter and activated carbon filter.
It has a noise level of 30 decibels and is a great option for students who need a quiet air purifier.
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The best air purifiers for dorm rooms under $200
If you have a bit more to spend, there are several air purifiers available for under $200. Here are some of the best options.
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is a great option for students who want high-quality without breaking the bank.
It comes with a four-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, true HEPA filter, and ionizer. It’s designed to cover rooms up to 361 square feet and has a noise level of 24.4 decibels.
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
The Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier is another great option for students with a bit more to spend. It comes with a true HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and PlasmaWave technology, which helps remove pollutants without producing harmful ozone.
It’s designed to cover rooms up to 360 square feet and has a noise level of 27.8 decibels.
Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier
The Honeywell HPA300 Air Purifier is a powerful air purifier designed to cover rooms up to 465 square feet.
It comes with a true HEPA filter and activated carbon filter. It has a noise level of 63 decibels, which is a bit higher than some of the other options on this list, but it’s still a great option for larger dorm rooms.
Maintenance and care for your air purifier
To ensure your air purifier continues to function properly, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and care. Here are some tips to keep your air purifier in good condition.
Change the filters
Most air purifiers come with replaceable filters. It’s important to change these filters regularly to ensure it continues to function effectively.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how often to change the filters.
Clean the air purifier
Over time, dust and debris can build up on your air purifier, reducing its effectiveness. It’s important to clean yours regularly to remove any build-up. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on how to clean it properly.
Keep it away from walls
Air purifiers need space to circulate air. Keep your yours at least a foot away from walls or other objects to ensure proper air circulation.
Conclusion and final thoughts
Investing in the best air purifier for your dorm room can help improve the air quality and create a healthier environment for you to thrive in.
When choosing one, consider factors such as room size, filtration system, and noise level.
There are several types of air purifiers available, including HEPA air purifiers, activated carbon air purifiers, UV air purifiers, and ionic air purifiers.
If you’re on a budget, there are several great options available for under $100. If you have a bit more to spend, there are several high-quality air purifiers available for under $200.
Be sure to check our latest lifestyle section for more helpful guides to college life.
