Air Filters 101

Home Air Filter Buying Guide

With so many air filter options on the market, it can be difficult to know what filter is right for your air purifier.

In this home air filter buying guide, we will help you understand everything you need to know about air filters, including which air filter is right for your home air purifier.



Types of air filters

While there are many different types of air filters for many different types of air purifiers, many have the same main components that make up the stages of filtration. Your air purifier filter may have one or all of the following air filter stages:

Pre-filters

Pre-filters often act as the first line of defense for your air purifier. Often made from fabric or plastic material, pre-filters capture larger particles like hair, fur, lint, and fibers to help extend the effectiveness and longevity of the rest of the filter. While some pre-filters are attached directly on the outer layer of your air purifier, others may be attached to your air filter.

HEPA filters and True HEPA filters

The main line of defense for most modern air purifiers are HEPA and True HEPA air filters. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, which means it's highly effective at trapping particles in the air. To be considered True HEPA the filter must be rigorously tested to prove it can capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Microns are a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter, and scientists use it to refer to the most common air pollutants including dust, smoke, pollen, and more.

Carbon filters

Carbon filter air purifiers do not actually remove or capture the particles in the air. Instead, carbon filter air purifiers trap odors caused by pets, cooking, smoke, and more as they pass through the purifier, leaving your air smelling fresh.



The best air filter for home use

When looking for the right air purifier filter for your home, it is important to consider your biggest clean air needs. Do you have pets? Love to cook? Maybe you suffer from allergies. Whatever your lifestyle, it is important to look for an air purifier filter AHAM Verifide with a CADR rating that fits your room size and provides enough stages of filtration to remove all of the unwanted pollutants from your air.

AHAM & CADR ratings

AHAM is the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, an independent organization whose standards and testing are recognized by the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the DoE (Department of Energy). AHAM’s standard for measuring an air cleaner’s efficacy is called the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). CADR indicates the volume of filtered air an air cleaner delivers, meaning the higher the CADR, the larger a room the air purifier can clean.


How to pick the right air filter

Air filters vary by manufacturer and purifier, so it can be difficult to know which air filter is the right size for your home air purifier. When looking for an air filter that is the right size for your room, look at the model number to find the perfect match.

Air filter replacements

Looking for an air filter replacement for your Bionaire® air purifier? Find your purifier below to find your filter match:

Bionaire True HEPA 360° UV Air Purifier (model BAP0041UVWH)

  • Filter: Bionaire True HEPA 360° Air Filter (model BAPF361)
  • Features: Find a fresher way forward with 3-stage filtration to capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Bionaire True HEPA 360° Air Purifier (model BAP360W)

  • Filter: Bionaire True HEPA 360° Air Filter (model BAP361-GB)
  • Features: Capture air from all directions with a 3-stage filtration system that removes unwanted pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, smoke, and more.

Bionaire 360° 3-Stage True HEPA Air Purifier (model BAP9921)

  • Filter: Bionaire 360° 3-Stage True HEPA Air Filter (model BAPF360)
  • Features: Create your at-home sanctuary with a 3-stage filtration system to capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Bionaire aer1 air purifiers

The aer1 line of air purifiers have universal compatibility with aer1 air filters. Find the aer1 air filter that is right for your lifestyle:

  • Filter: Bionaire aer1 Performance Plus True HEPA Air Filter (model BAPF300APD)
  • Features: Captures airborne pollutants as small as 0.3 microns to remove up to 99.99% of pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, smoke, and more.
  • Filter: Bionaire aer1 Allergen-Remover True HEPA Air Filter (model BAPF300AHD)
  • Features: Attacks airborne allergens as small as 0.3 microns to remove up to 99.97% of pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, smoke, and more.


How to change your air filter

If it is your first time changing the filter on your air purifier, it may be difficult to know exactly what to do. If you have a Bionaire True HEPA 360° UV Air Purifier, watch the video below for a step-by-step instruction on how to change your air filter. If you have another Bionaire air purifier, click here to find your instruction manual for step-by-step instructions on changing your air filter.



How often to change your air filter

Every filter has a different lifespan. Typically, filters last from 8-12 months, although some may be longer or shorter depending on what setting you use your air purifier on. To find out how often to change your air filter, check your air filter directly.



Conclusion

There are a lot of questions when it comes to air filters. Bionaire is dedicated to helping you understand everything you need to know to keep your home’s air clean. So, if you are looking for an air purifier filter that provides your home fresh clean air, come home to comfort with Bionaire. Haven’t found the right air purifier for your home? Read our Air Purifiers 101: Home Air Purifier Buying Guide for everything you need to find the perfect purifier for your lifestyle.