Market guide
Compare filters, sound, sensors and ionizers
Separate the cleaning jobs and control layersParticle filters, deodorization sheets, deep sorbent media, sensors and electrical add-ons answer different questions. A strong particle score cannot be carried over to gases, odors or health outcomes.
01
Media
Record the exact filter set
Identify pre-filter, particle filter, carbon or specialty media, part number, replacement interval, price and whether any stage is washable.
- Particles
- Use particle CADR and filter evidence for airborne particles without turning the filter label into a health promise.
- Gases
- For gases and odors, compare sorbent mass, chemistry and service expectations; a thin carbon sheet is not a large gas filter.
02
Controls
Audit sensors and automatic modes
List what each sensor measures, its placement, cleaning, thresholds and which fan changes it can command.
- Limits
- A particle sensor generally does not measure carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, humidity, most gases or every particle size.
- App
- Check account, network, schedules, household sharing, history, data collection, cloud loss and transfer to a new owner.
03
Electrical
Resolve ionizer and ozone settings
Identify whether ionization or electrostatic charging is absent, integral or user-selectable and whether it can remain off after reset.
- Listing
- Treat CARB certification as an ozone-emission compliance check, not proof of cleaning performance or tolerance.
- Boundary
- No filter, sensor, auto mode, app, ionizer or certification can diagnose air quality, replace alarms or guarantee a health outcome.
Evidence used
First-party sources behind this guide
- 01Verifide air-cleaner directory and CADR guidanceAHAM · checked August 17, 2026Open source
- 02Air cleaners and air filters in the homeU.S. EPA · checked August 17, 2026Open source
- 03Certified air-cleaning devicesCalifornia Air Resources Board · checked August 17, 2026Open source
- 04Room air cleaner product criteriaENERGY STAR · checked August 17, 2026Open source