College dorms aren’t exactly the most hygienic places, and because of their enclosed structure, the air can get stuffy. If you’re off to college this fall, packing an air purifier is a great way to keep your dorm’s air quality fresh and clean.
Dorm hygiene can be an afterthought in college, but an air purifier is an excellent option to maintain clean air quality even when you’re not around. The best part is it does all the work for you.
Top reasons college students should get an air purifier
Reduce pollutants
An air purifier’s primary function is to reduce pollutants. Although you might not be able to tell, your college dorm is primed for a buildup of concentrated contaminants that can originate from smoke, cooking, dust, pet dander, residue from cleaning products and mold. An air purifier can absorb up to 50% of airborne particles and ventilates a room with clean air.
Help prevent health conditions
If the air quality in your dorm is poor, you may get sick with a cough or cold more often than you’d like. Polluted air can also aggravate existing health conditions, such as asthma, and cause bronchitis and other lung conditions if left unchecked. Breathing in harmful dust particles and other contaminants is often unnoticeable since they’re too small to see, but doing so for even a few hours can take a toll on your health.
Cold climate and ventilation
Naturally, the best way to improve the ventilation in your dorm is to open a window. However, if you’re going away to college in a place where the winters are cold and snowy, it can be impractical. Instead of freezing up your room and potentially letting rain or snow get in, you can use an air purifier to maintain good air quality and ventilation.
FAQ
Q. Are air purifiers safe?
A. Most air purifiers are safe as long as they’re functioning correctly. But steer clear of ozone-generating air purifiers, as it’s a purifying gas that can be harmful to yourself and other living organisms, including pets and plants.
Q. Are air purifiers effective at reducing the spread of colds and other viruses, such as COVID-19?
A. Having well-ventilated areas with proper air circulation can help reduce the spread of germs and viruses. However, since most dorms have poor air circulation, air purifiers can help because most absorb airborne droplets and contaminants.
Q. Can I leave my air purifier on 24 hours a day?
A. Generally, it’s safe to keep your air purifier running at all times, as most are designed to do so since it’s the best way to ensure the highest air quality possible. Additionally, most have a sleep mode function for quiet nighttime operation.
Best air purifiers for college students
Top air purifiers for $90-$120
Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier
This ozone-free purifier works fast and uses VortexAir technology to capture 99.97% of pollutants in spaces up to 560 square feet. It supports multiple filter replacements, and sleep mode lets it operate at 24 decibels so you can rest peacefully.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Crane True HEPA Air Purifier
This air purifier filters 99.97% of airborne particles and has a sleek design, making it ideal for small- or medium-sized rooms. It uses germicidal ultraviolet light to kill germs, bacteria and mold and has multiple timers and fan speed settings.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Bissell MYair Personal Air Purifier
This air purifier has a three-in-one filter that absorbs up to 99.7% of dander, smoke, dust and other allergens. It has three fan speed settings and covers 85 square feet, making it ideal for small dorm rooms.
Where to buy: Sold by Kohl’s
GermGuardian Four-In-One True HEPA Air Purifier
This air purifier ventilates dust, smoke and pollen. It helps reduce odors and has a sleek design, weighing just 8.55 pounds. It has three-speed settings, the filter lasts 6 to 8 months and an indicator alerts you when you need to change it.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Top portable and compact air purifiers for under $70
Honeywell HEPA-Type Tabletop Air Purifier
If you’re looking for something lightweight to rest on a table, countertop or dresser, this affordable air purifier is among the best. It has an Energy Star certification, has three cleaning levels and circulates room air up to 4.8 times per hour.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier
This portable, inexpensive air purifier has a versatile design and a two-stage cleaning system to help keep your dorm’s air quality in optimal condition for up to 12 hours. It has a rechargeable battery and a two-in-one filter, and it covers up to 54 square feet.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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