You might not know that volatile organic compounds, commonly known as VOCs, constantly enter your home through different means, in fact, released through electronic devices when heated. Hence, having the best air purifier for VOCs and formaldehyde at home has become necessary to combat them without affecting your health.
What are VOCs and Formaldehyde?
Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are substances emitted in different forms, solids, liquids, and gases, released in the air through chemicals causing long or short-term effects on health.
As per the report of the U.S. Environment Protection, VOCs are present indoors and outdoors likewise, but they are more harmful when inside, leading to adverse impacts on health. The common sources for VOCs are gasoline, fuel, paint, pesticides, strippers, finish, etc.
Formaldehyde is a common and strong-smelling chemical, which is a gas (at room temperature) that occurs naturally in the environment. These are more harmful substances that can lead to lethal cancer. Formaldehyde enters the body directly through your skin and through inhaling.
Since we all are exposed to it primarily or secondarily, an air purifier plays a vital role. Hence, a single unit that is the best air purifier for VOCs and formaldehyde would be enough to easily clean the air, removing all kinds of toxins and pollutants from the air.
This article has a list of air purifiers that remove VOCs, including,
· Smart Air Blast Mini Air Purifier
· Healthmate Plus with Austin Air Store
So, let’s get started.
What is the best air purifier for removing VOCs and Formaldehyde?
Every air purifying unit seems a good option to remove VOCs and formaldehyde; these air purifiers are specified for them.
1. IQAIR HealthPro Plus
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 15 x 16 x 28 inches
· Weight: 35 lbs.
· Power Source: Corded Electric
· Room Size: 450 to 1125 sq. ft.
· Filters: HEPA and Activate Carbon filter
· CADR: 300 cfm
· Noise Level: 25 to 69 dB
IQAir is making the best air purifier for formaldehyde for a long time, and they tested their products rigorously before marketing them. It possesses a powerful filtration system that removes particles at optimal levels. This unit is suitable for home, office, etc., and for commercial use.
IQAir uses medical grade filter, H14 HyperHEPA filters, that traps 99.995% of airborne pollutants and particles. The activated carbon works to capture the gases and odors.
Apart from removing formaldehyde, this air purifier effectively clears bacteria, dust, molds, pollens, etc. I liked the long filter life of this unit, but it will cost you at the time of replacement.
Furthermore, it is an energy-saving device with a warranty of 10 years.
Pros
· Durable filters
· Great area coverage
· Good option for small to medium-sized rooms
· Does not generate Ozone
· Offers great filter life
Cons
· Quite heavy
· Noisy when working at the highest speed
2. Smart Air Blast Mini Air Purifier
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 13 x 22.6 x 24.8 inches
· Weight: 3.70 lbs.
· Power Source: Corded Electric
· Room Size: 3075 sq. ft.
· Filters: HEPA H13 and Activate Carbon filter
· CADR: 435 cfm
· Noise Level: 36 to 49 dB
In the list of the best air purifier for VOC and formaldehyde, the Smart Blast Air Purifier might not be very popular, but it can do wonders regarding air purification. This unit effectively tackles formaldehyde and VOCs with an impressive area coverage with a cfm of 435.
It is encased in a sturdy metal body that makes it a durable device, paired with medical-grade HEPA filters to deal with air pollutants of all kinds. The thing that makes it a little behind is that it needs to be upgraded as it lacks the activated carbon filter as a standard filter.
The carbon filer is packed in a massive surface that captures the VOCs greatly.
Pros
· Easy to install and use air purifier
· Wide area coverage
· Has a high CADR rating
· Solid metallic build
Cons
· Heavy unit
3. Alen BreatheSmart 75i
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 11.5 x 18.5 x 27 inches
· Weight: 35 lbs.
· Power Source: Corded Electric
· Room Size: 1300 sq. ft.
· Filters: HEPA
· CADR: 246 cfm
· Noise Level: 49 dB
If you are a pet owner with allergies then Alen Breathe Smart is what you need. This formaldehyde air purifier is good enough to destroy odor, VOCs, and other air pollutants. It is suitable for medium to large rooms with a coverage of 1300 sq. ft. that filters in just 30 minutes.
Alen Breathesmart is not only restricted to this; it eliminates all kinds of smells, including food, kitchen, litter box, diapers, etc.
As an air purifier voc removal, this unit offers great area coverage. To remove pollutants, VOCs, and Formaldehyde, this unit uses medical-grade H13 HEPA filters with a combination of high-speed fans and other advanced technology. This is capable of capturing even the smallest microns. With solid build and design, you can run it 24/7 without any complaints.
Pros
· It is an energy-saving unit
· Allows remote operations through a smartphone app
· Minimal noise, even at the lowest speed
· Uses H13 HEPA odor filters
· Good for large rooms
Cons
· Might be a little tricky for filter replacement
4. Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 7.8 x 14.9 x 23.6 inches
· Weight: 16 lbs.
· Power Source: Corded Electric
· Room Size: 360 sq. ft.
· Filters: HEPA and Activate Carbon filter
· CADR: 246 cfm
· Noise Level: 27.8 to 57 dB
This activated carbon filter for voc removal is another best option that you can have to combat formaldehyde, too. It is known for its exceptional performance against various pollutants such as dust, chemicals, toxins, gases, etc.
Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier possesses multiple filtration systems, i.e., washable pre-filter, True HEPA, and activated carbon filter to remove gases, toxins, etc. The carbon filter is granular for removal, removing the household odors. The smart PlasmaWave is a permanent filter that breaks the odors and other allergens without releasing harmful ozone gas.
It is one of the quietest air purifiers, with 27.8 dB when working at its lowest speed. The auto-mode adjusts the fan speed, making it the best air purifier for bedroom as well. It works silently at night when the sleep mode is on. You can even place them in your kids room.
Pros
· Has an intelligent air quality indicator
· PlasmWave technology is efficient for formaldehyde and VOCs
· It has washable pre-filters
· Works seamlessly
Cons
· Noisy at high speed
5. Healthmate Plus with Austin Air Store
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 14.5 x 14.5 x 23 inches
· Weight: 47 lbs.
· Power Source: Corded Electric
· Room Size: 1500 sq. ft.
· Filters: True HEPA and Activate Carbon filter
· CADR: 250 cfm
· Noise Level: 50.8 to 66 dB
This unit by AustinAir is one trusted option for and the best carbon filter air purifier for formaldehyde and VOCs by offering ultimate coverages. It possesses high-level sorbent materials, which clears up gases and chemicals.
AustinAir has impressive coverage and changes the air 5 times in an hour with an area of 400 sq. ft.; for a wider area like 1500 sq. ft. and above, it will only change the air once. You can place it in small and medium rooms.
With the strong filtration system, HEPA, and activated carbon, they offer quality air and extended filter life, which is around three to five years.
The build is solid, made with metal, and has wheels, which makes them even more portable and easy to move. Available in a variety of colors, you have the choice to select the unit that matches your interior the most.
Pros
· 5x 1 hour air exchange rate
· Sturdy build
· Durable air filters
· Five years of pro-rated filter warranty
Cons
· It is not quiet
· Lacks filter replacement indicator feature
6. Amaircare 3000 HEPA
Product Specifications
· Dimension: 7.8 x 14.9 x 23.6 inches
· Weight: 22 lbs.
· Power Source: AC
· Room Size: 850 sq. ft.
· Filters: True HEPA and carbon
· CADR: 255 cfm
· Noise Level: 43 to 61 dB
This air purifier to remove formaldehyde is enclosed in a solid metal casing make it durable, with the high level of carbon. Ideally, this unit is good for a medium-sized room.
Amaircare, the air purifier to remove formaldehyde, is another metal-enclosed unit that works as voc removal from the air and is ideal for people with chemical sensitivities. The work is impressive; it changes air five times for an area of 400 sq. ft., possessing a powerful filtration system, pre-filter and True HEPA.
This unit is user-friendly and simple that you can operate it through its clear touchpad control panel. Since it is bulky, you don’t have to worry about it because the six durable castors make it easy to move
Pros
· Good coverage
· Metal-enclosed solid build makes it durable
· Powerful filtration system that captures formaldehyde and VOCs
· Easy to read and use touch pad control panel
Cons
· Filter changing is a real task; it takes time, as you need a screwdriver to change it.
· Louder than other listed products
How do I clear VOCs from my house?
VOCs and formaldehyde present in your home can be swept away through different methods. There is no single but many ways that you can adapt to minimize or completely remove them from your home. The best way to get rid of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds are
· Add air purifier: Use an appropriate air purifier that is according to your room size; most importantly, it must be VOCs and formaldehyde specified.
· Detect and identify the root cause: First thing first, you need to identify the source that is more likely to produce these air pollutants.
· Improve the air ventilation in your house: Open your windows and ensure the fresh air is coming inside. You can also use an exhaust or air exchange system.
· Control humidity level: The humidity level must be 30% and 50%. High humidity levels will be more likely to release VOCs in the air.
· Ensure regular cleaning: Make sure you are cleaning your home regularly. You can dust and vacuum regularly.
· Add Houseplants: Add indoor plants such as peace lilies, spider plants, etc.
· Try not to smoke indoors: Avoid smoking inside your house; this will add air pollution.
Following these methods will help you to reduce air pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions | Best air purifier for VOCs and formaldehyde
1. Which air purifier can remove formaldehyde?
An air purifier having a filter with activated carbon or activated charcoal is good for removing volatile organic compounds and pungent odors. Carbon is very effective when combating toxins and chemical gases such as chlorine and absorbs formaldehyde. Hence, an air purifier with an activated carbon filter is the best air purifier for VOCs and formaldehyde.
2. Is there an air purifier that removes VOCs?
An air purifier with a combination of filters, i.e., pre-filter, HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters, is considered the best air purifier combo. Each filter plays a vital role in purifying the air step by step. Here, I have listed a few options that provide optimal performance and air quality.
3. Do air purifiers work against formaldehyde?
Yes, there are air purifiers for formaldehyde removal available. Formaldehyde is a common air pollutant found indoors on your floor, furniture, or other building materials. Hence, you need an effective and the best air purifier formaldehyde, preferably with an activated carbon filter. However, some modern air purifying units do use modern technologies to remove pollutants and ensure their effectiveness before buying.
4. Will a HEPA filter remove VOCs?
A High Efficiency Particulate Air or a HEPA filter is designed to capture tiny air pollutants like dust, dander, pollen, bacteria, and microns. It can draw larger particles linked with VOCs, but not specifically. The reason is its structures, which are made of fibers, while VOCs are formed by gases and small molecules, which can be captured better through porous filters of activated charcoal.
In a nutshell, a HEPA filter may remove VOCs, but it is not recommended.
Conclusion | Best air purifier for VOCs and formaldehyde
Before getting an air purifier, the clever way is to detect and monitor air quality in your house using a sensor. This way, you will be able to understand what kind of air purifier you need. For instance, if you are looking for an air purifier for dust mites, you will need a powerful unit with HEPA filters and or Ozone-free UV-light air purifier.
However, when it comes to getting an air purifier for formaldehyde and VOCs, you have to ensure the filtration stages, such as an activated carbon filter for VOC removal and their technology for formaldehyde.
Hence, in this article, I have compiled a list of units considered the best air purifier for chemical fumes. I hope this will help you get what exactly you need.
