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6 Best Ozone Free Air Purifier (Mechanical) in 2023

Ozone and air purifier don't gel well together. The former irritates the lungs, while the latter cleans the air from airborne pollutants. To differentiate the many types of air cleaners, this post will guide you through the best ozone free air purifier currently on sale. Every model will be thoroughly reviewed on the filtration performance, coverage, number of features, and safety level. At the end of it all, you will know which model to place your hard-earned money on.
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2023 Best Ozone Free Air Purifiers

BEST BUDGETBEST OVERALLBEST PERFORM-ANCEPERFORMANCE
Winix 5500-2 ReviewCoway Airmega 300 ReviewHoneywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover review
Winix 5500-2 Air PurifierCoway Airmega 300 Air PurifierHoneywell HPA300 Air Purifier
Recommended Room Size
360 sq. ft. (33 m2)1,256 sq. ft. (117 m2)465 sq. ft. (43 m2)
CADR
Dust 243 cfm (413 m3/h)
Pollen 246 cfm (418 m3/h)
Smoke 232 cfm (394 m3/h)
Dust 260 cfm (442 m3/h)
Pollen 260 cfm (442 m3/h)
Smoke 260 cfm (442 m3/h)
Dust 320 cfm (544 m3/h)
Pollen 300 cfm (510 m3/h)
Smoke 300 cfm (510 m3/h)
Filtration
4-stage3-stage3-stage
Ratings
4.5out of 54.5out of 54.2out of 5
Amazon Price
$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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** MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)/ RSP (Retail selling price) is accurate at the time of posting.
^ Annual filter cost is calculated based on filter price and 12 hours of usage. Pricing could vary depending on air quality, usage frequency, and speed.
` The indicated online price guides as follows: $ = under $50, $$ = $50-100, $$$ = $101-200, $$$$ = 201-300, $$$$$ = $301-400, $$$$$$ = 401-500, $$$$$$$ = over $500.

How Do We Measure?

When choosing the best ozone-free air purifier, there are many things to consider. Some models are particularly good at removing certain pollutants in the air but at the cost of ozone emission. To help differentiate every model's pros and cons, the buying guide below will list down the things you need to look into. This will ultimately protect you from mistakenly purchasing an ozone generator that does more harm than good.

  • Certification - Check out the product's spec sheet and look for keywords like CARB compliant and ozone-free. It is a selling feature, and manufacturers will always highlight it if the model does not emit ozone. Other certifications like AHAM and Energy Star would also come in handy.
  • Mechanical filtration (HEPA + Carbon) - To achieve ozone free purification, you will need a permanent pre-filter, HEPA filter for microscopic pollutants, and an adsorbent carbon filter for smoke particles. That is the gold standard, and there is no substitute for it. Any addon filtration, like an ionizer or UV-light should be included as optional.
  • Room size - Find out the room size you intend to use for the air purifier and compare that with the manufacturer's recommended room size. Always go with a model that delivers a higher or equal capacity to your room size. You can also calculate the air purifier capacity based on its CADR.
  • Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) - The official metric by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers on the air purifier's volume of air that can be filtered. CADR will be measured in 3 categories: dust, smoke, and pollen. Focus on the one you are most concerned with or anything above 200 cfm. The higher the CADR, the faster an air purifier can cycle clean air.
  • Noise level - Test the low/ high speeds of an air purifier and see if you are comfortable living with it day in, day out. When given the option, go with a model that outputs 50 decibels or less similar to a normal conversation. The less noisy is an air purifier, the more likely you will use it.
  • Features - The more features an air purifier has, the more runtime it will likely have. Prioritize convenient features such as auto mode, sleep mode, timer, and air quality indicator. Addon features e.g. nightlight, child lock, remote control, and Wi-Fi support with smartphone integration could come in handy as well.
  • Pricing - Set a budget and never go beyond a price you are not comfortable paying. Pay attention to the filter cost, as you will have to bear the recurring cost on a yearly basis.
  • Maintenance - Pick a model that requires less maintenance and care, especially if you stay in a bad indoor air quality environment. Some air purifiers require frequent filter changes every 3 to 6 months, while others only need an annual filter change.

Winix 5500-2 is a reliable, ozone-free air purifier with a little bit of a caveat (more on this later). It only costs a fraction of some models on this list, with all the desirable features you need. The sleek black body is not overly bulky, so you may have difficulty finding a placement. Movability is good as you can effortlessly grab onto the back handle for multi-location purifying. Overall, a very well-built machine with no signs of poor alignment or off-gassing.

Modern yet highly functional. Winix 5500-2 is packed with useful features starting with the front air quality indicator. The light indicator color will change to blue when the air is clean, yellow when moderate, and red when air quality is bad. The top controls are straightforward to use with standard 4 fan speeds, auto, and sleep mode. Timer helps manage the runtime before you leave for work or out of town. The filter replacement indicator alert you to change the filter accordingly. The remote control is the final piece of the puzzle that enhances Winix's easy operation.

Winix 5500-2 is a CARB compliant air purifier. When air is drawn in from the sides, the pre-filter blocks dust, debris, and other larger contaminants from passing through. The True HEPA filter will trap 99.97% of microscopic particles in the air as small as 0.3 microns, such as mold, pollen, pet dander, germs, and bacteria. The Advanced Granular Carbon filter adsorbs smoke fumes and odors from common culprits e.g. cigarettes, cooking, pet, VOCs, asbestos, and radon. The optional PlasmaWave produces Hydroxyls to help break down stubborn allergens. It will emit ozone but at a very low level, under 0.01 ppm. For context, the safety emission level of ozone should be under 0.05 ppm. You can disable the PlasmaWave if you are not comfortable using it.

Winix 5500-2 Ozone-free air purifier review

Classic sides air inlet and back air outlet setup. Winix 5500-2 delivers a decent 360 square footage covering a bedroom, living room, storeroom, kitchen, basement, garage, and playroom. The airflow delivery rate is rated at 226 cfm output which tallies with the CADR at 243 cfm (dust), 246 cfm (pollen), and 232 cfm (smoke). For those with severe allergies, particularly during hay fever season, run it in turbo mode for at least a couple of hours. Otherwise, leave it in auto mode, and Winix 5500-2 will only run at a higher speed when it detects a drop in nearby air quality.

Noise level is quiet at only 26.6 decibels when running at the lowest speed and audible noise at 60+ decibels at turbo speed. For night use, sleep mode will activate automatically when the room is pitch black, thanks to the built-in light sensor. As an Energy Star model, power consumption is fairly consistent between 5 to 90 watts per hour. You will not be hit by a high electricity bill even on daily use.

So what's the catch with Winix 5500-2 air purifier? Nothing much other than the built-in sensor that reacts slowly to air changes. The 80 dollars filter replacement cost is also slightly high for its segment. If you want to be picky, the 2 years warranty period could be longer like some of Winix newer released models. We would still wholeheartedly recommend this to people that need air cleaning at a more reasonable access point.

In short: A highly accessible HEPA air purifier packed with all the premium features you ever needed. Arguably the best ozone-free air purifier for the masses.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.5

OUT OF 5

Winix 5500-2 online price **
±249.99 $$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±80)

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Allergic to dust, mites, or anything in between? Coway Airmega 300 air purifier will come to the rescue. A 100% mechanical filtration setup that produces no ozone during purification. Safeguarding the operation is a heat-resistant case that will not release toxic byproducts due to the increased room temperature. The 5 years warranty further solidifies its build quality that guarantees trouble-free ownership.

Featuring a modern metallic-like exterior that looks premium at every angle, Airmega 300 comes with a front circle indicator that changes color according to the room's air quality. The top controls allow you to quickly adjust the 3 fan speeds, activate the smart mode, or set 1, 4, or 8 hours for the air purifier to shut down. A separate Pre-filter and HEPA filter indicator will alert you when the filter needs to be clean or replaced. Last but not least, a dedicated light button that enables/disables the front indicator light.

Airmega 300 has an outstanding 1256 square feet of room space at 2 air changes per hour. For asthmatic persons with sensitive lungs, you can increase the air changes to 4 or every 15 minutes at the cost of smaller 628 square footage. CADR reflects well on the strong airflow with a high output of 260 cfm. Great for large room sizes like office, bedroom, basement, living room, or an entire floor of a single apartment with doors wide open. Auto mode automatically adjusts the fan speed to high when a high concentration level of pollutants is detected. Otherwise, it will maintain the fan speed at low.

Coway Airmega 300 Ozone Free Air Purifier Review

Airmega 300 air purifier has a slightly different setup than the rest. It uses 2 washable pre-filter to trap contaminants that are coming in from each side of the air inlet. The pre-filter will also protect the dense but fragile HEPA fiber from being damaged by large particles. The Max2 HEPA filter traps 99.97% of airborne contaminants down to 0.3 microns, like mold, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, germs, and bacteria. For smoke particles, you have an activated carbon filter to absorb chemical fumes like paint, food, tobacco smoke, and outdoor pollution. The entire air filtration is done mechanically. Therefore, you will not find a single trace of ozone emission.

A certified Energy-star model, Coway Airmega 300 power consumption varies from 6 to 57 watts depending on the fan speed. The stronger the airflow output, the more energy it will consume. Continue on. The 22-decibel noise level is subtle when running at the lowest speed. Suitable for night use as it will run quietly while you sleep. Once you move up the speed, it will generate white noise that can be loud for some people. To save you all the trouble, leave it in sleep mode when you're trying to get some shut eyes.

While Coway Airmega 300 is an awesome mechanical air purifier with strong filtration performance, its 500+ price tag is not. There are cheaper ozone-safe air purifiers out there that could do a similar job. The high filter cost is another recurring theme you will have to bear annually. Lastly, you can top up a little more for the Wi-Fi S variant that adds auto sleep mode and a real-time filter change indicator. The choice is yours.

In short: A proven, highly functional mechanical HEPA air purifier with super-wide air-purifying coverage. You do have to pay top dollar for it though.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.5

OUT OF 5

Coway Airmega 300 online price **
±649.00 $$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±100)

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With so many raving reviews, there is no denying that Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA allergen remover is one of the best ozone-free air purifiers on the market. The iconic black housing body not only looks good in the living room, it doesn't take out a lot of space like some of the bigger units here. You can effortlessly carry it to a different room when needed by grabbing the handle. Overall, the build quality is tight, with no signs of toxic off-gassing detected. The long 5 years is a good testimonial to that.

Honeywell HPA300 top controls are easy to use even though there is not much option to tinker with. You have the standard power button and the option to choose different cleaning modes such as Allergen, General Clean, Germ, and Turbo mode. For the majority of people, just stick it with general clean mode for normal use and Germ mode during allergy season. The useful but limited timer can be preset to shut down the air purifier, and the dimmer button allows brightness adjustment. There are also 2 LED electronic filter change reminders; one for the True HEPA and the other for the carbon pre-filter. A well, underappreciated feature.

Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA allergen remover is 100 percent ozone-free with its classic 3-stage filtration. The multi-function carbon pre-filter traps dust, hair, smoke, and odors that pass through. Next, the True HEPA filter capture 99.97% of the airborne particulates, including pet dander, mold, mildew, pollen, and germs. At turbo speed, Honeywell HPA300 air cleaner can cover a wide 465 square footage. Ideal for large spaces like living room, bedroom basement, tandem garage, playroom, and single-room office. CADR reflects well too, with a high output of 320 cfm for dust, 300 cfm for pollen, and 300 cfm for smoke. The multi-cleaning mode is highly suited for a person suffering from a cold, cough, and breathing difficulty due to bad air.

Honeywell HPA300 Ozone Free Air Purifier Review

Honeywell HPA300 abundance of airflow output does generate a fair bit of noise. However, you can always keep it down by running at the lowest speed (germ mode). Energy usage is good despite the lack of Auto mode. Just pick a mode you want, and the air purifier will operate efficiently throughout the day.

A good mechanical machine but lacks practical features to enhance its usability. You will not find auto mode, sleep mode, digital display, or air quality indicator. We are not the biggest fan of the carbon pre-filter, which uses a thinner carbon sheet. You would be better off with a dedicated carbon filter dealing smoke particles. Those are the few minor tradeoffs that come with HPA300. Still perfectly liveable for everyday use.

In short: A well-loved HEPA air purifier powered by 100% mechanical filtration. Go with this if you don't mind skipping out on the ionizer.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

Star Ratings
4.2

OUT OF 5

Honeywell HPA300 online price **
±249.99 $$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±108)

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An ozone-free, medical-grade air purifier that we can vouch for. Medify MA-15 HEPA air purifier is the entry-level variant that comes at a small 9.7 inches in diameter and only 15.5 inches in height. The 6.6 pounds weight, including 6 filters, does not hinder its portability. You can carry it around for room to room purifying or just stick to one spot with the worst air quality condition.

Available in white, silver, and black, the bottom-to-top air circulation setup works very well in a small air purifier. The same goes for usability, where the entire operation is very easy to use. You have the 3 adjustable fan speeds, timer, and filter change indicator after 2,500 hours of run time or every 3 to 4 months. There is also a child lock feature that locks the control from any adjustment until you disable it. The final highlight of Medify MA-15 is the lifetime warranty that covers all key component parts as long as the filter is replaced on time.

Double effort, double result. Medify Air MA-15 air purifier uses a Medical-grade mechanical filtration that produces zero ozone. Air drawn in you first be filtered by the dual pre-filter. With dust and other large particles blocked from passing through, the dual H13 true HEPA filter can focus on removing 99.9% of allergens as small as 0.1 microns, including mold, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. Finally, the dual carbon filter with carbon pellets absorbs smoke and smelly odors coming from household products, pets, cooking, and cigarette.

Medify MA-15 ozone free air purifier review

Living healthy with constant clean air. Despite its low selling price, Medify MA-15 has a strong output of 330 square feet at 2 air changes per hour or every 30 minutes. Suitable for an allergenic person. The official clean air delivery rate is equally impressive at 150 cfm for dust, pollen, and smoke. Given its smaller body framework, Medify MA-15 will fit well in a studio, dorm, small office, kitchen, bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, or any place with limited space.

Noise level favor Medify MA-15 air purifier at only 35 dB during low speed all the way up to 51 dBA. It will run silently in the background while you sleep soundly at night. Power consumption is 18 wattages per hour but could vary depending on the fan speed Medify is running. It will not be a big hit on the utility bill, even in a worst-case scenario.

Medify MA-15 HEPA air purifiers might excel in most areas, but the high filter replacement cost could counter it all. You will have to pay around 70-140 dollars yearly depending on how bad is the indoor air quality. The lack of autonomous mode is also a big missed, but that's the reality of air purifiers at this price range. If you want guaranteed safe, clean air at a compact form factor, you can't go wrong with this model.

In short: An affordable, compact, and safe medical-grade HEPA air purifier for everyday use. The golden ratio for size and performance.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

3.9

OUT OF 5

Medify Air MA-15 online price **
±119.00 $$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±70-140)

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Some air purifiers emit byproducts like ozone; IQAir HealthPro Plus does the opposite by removing harmful ozone in the air. It is certified by the International Association of Air Cleaner Manufacturers (IAACM). This iconic, Swiss-made air purifier stands out from the crowd with its gigantic ABS plastic housing body. While there is no denying its weightiness, you can still move it around with the help of the 4 durable casters. Build quality is at another level where everything feels premium on touch. The long warranty is the perfect assurance of its reliability even in the harshest condition.

IQAir HealthPro Plus works straight out of the box. The top controls are well-defined, with a built-in digital display and an advanced programmable timer. You can set a specific day and speed to run or shut down the air purifier. There is also an Intelligent Filter Life Monitor that will accurately reflect the filter usage life. You only need to replace the filter when it is completely worn out. Remote control is included that lets you access most functions at a comfortable distance.

An absolute knockout from IQAir. HealthPro Plus has a highly adjustable 6 fan speed that outputs between 41 to 300 cfm of airflow. With its 3D UltraSeal triple-seal technology, it can reach up to 1098 square feet of space. Ideal for large room sizes like living room, kitchen, basement, and garage. It is also highly suited for a nursery home, office, studio, whole house, and apartment.

IQAir HealthPro Plus Ozone Free Air Purifier Review

IQAir HealthPro Plus's outstanding airflow is well complemented by the world's best filtration. The outer PreMax Filter traps large particles to protect the inner filter from getting clogged. The V5-Cell Granular activated Carbon filter with Pelletized chemisorption absorbs smoke and odors from cooking, pets, cigarette, VOCs, CO, formaldehyde, asbestos, and radon. In fact, it can even remove about 95 percent of the ozone in the air. The last stage HyperHEPA filter captures biological pollutants as small as 0.003 microns, e.g. mold, bacteria, and viruses, before releasing the clean air back out. A normal HEPA filter simply does not have the caliber to do so.

Depending on the fan speed, the noise level can be subtle, between 25 to 59 dB. This is partly contributed by the backward curved fan-in-center centrifugal and double-walled housing. There are also a sound deflector, an EvenFlow Diffuser, and a rubber suspension pad to reduce the motor vibration noise. Power output is reasonable at around 27 to 215 watts based on the usage volume. Again, the scheduler/ timer can help manage energy consumption.

The biggest drawback with IQAir HealthPro is the cost. At around 899 dollars, it is 3 times more expensive than a standard HEPA air purifier. Filter replacement cost is also on the high side despite the long 2 years for V5-Cell and 4 years lifespan for HyperHEPA Filter. The lack of auto mode is disappointing at this price point, but you always have the advanced scheduler to balance things out. IQAir is the best option available if you can give it to the size and price.

In short: An expensive but powerful air purifier that can remove airborne particles 100 times smaller than a HEPA filter could. All this is achieved purely on mechanical filtration.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

4.8

OUT OF 5

IQAir HealthPro Plus online price **
±899.00 $$$$$$$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±152)

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An affordable, ozone-free air purifier with an H13 HEPA filter. Levoit Core 300 ticks all the right boxes and only costs you less than 100 dollars. This award-winning, South California designed air purifier has the right balance between modern exterior and portability. Available in black or white, the 8.7 x 14.2 x 8.7 inches dimension will blend into your home decor instantaneously. You can place it by the bedside, work desk, TV cabinet, or shelf without being obstructive. The light 8.8 lb weight makes it the ideal travel companion or room to room purifying option.

Operating Levoit Core 300 air purifier could not be any easier. You have the simple 3 fan speed control plus sleep mode for night use. Supporting that are the 3 preset timers and filter change indicator that reminds you to replace the filter after an interval. Another hidden but well-appreciated feature is the child lock feature. Simply hold on to the button, and the controls will be locked from children meddling with the setting. On the whole, build quality is up there with the best despite its low price range. You can safely leave it running 24x7 without a care in the world.

LEVOIT Core 300 filtration could not be any simpler. The initial pre-filter will trap large impurities in the air like dust, lint, hair and protect the inner HEPA filter. The shielded H13 True HEPA filter removes 99.97% of fine particles as small as 0.3 micrometers. The last-stage granular activated carbon filter neutralizes smoke, chemical, and odors. For even better filtration, upgrade to the optional Pet Allergy Filter that is effective against pet odors and diapers. Otherwise, choose the Toxin Absorber Filter that targets air pollution like wildfire smoke, vehicle exhaust, and VOCs. For biological pollutants, choose MB Filter that neutralizes mold, bacteria and halts their growth.

Levoit Core 300 Ozone Free Air Purifier Review

Levoit Core 300 is a 100% ozone-free, CA PROP 65 complaint model without using an ionizer and UV technology. The VortexAir cyclonic airflow system delivers a swift 12 minutes of air circulation. It can reach a room space of 219 square footage at 5 air changes per hour. Highly suited for a hypersensitive or asthmatic person. Works best in the bedroom, nursery home, kitchen, and small apartment. The clean air delivery rate (CADR) is rated at 140 cfm for dust, 145 cfm for pollen, and 141 cfm for smoke. Not the greatest, but for close-range use, it will be fine.

An Energy Star certified air purifier powered by QuietKEAP technology with an internal shock pad. It helps absorbs noise, increases abrasion resistance, and extends the motor usage life. At low speed, Levoit Core 300 only outputs a whispering 24 dB noise that will not disturb your sleep. Even running at high speed with a max 54 dB noise is still reasonable for everyday use. Power consumption averages 45 watts, depending on the operational hours. Suitable for all-day operations without the high cost incurred.

At such a low price, something has to give in, and thankfully is not the build quality. The entry-level Levoit Core 300 omitted convenience features such as auto mode, sensor, and air quality indicator. The relatively small filters will have to be replaced every 6 to 8 months. Filtration-wise, it is on the lower tier but not to the extent that it is unusable. Simply put, the price more than justifies the performance you will get out of it.

In short: The best affordable air purifier under 100 with an H13 HEPA filter. A good starter machine to kickstart your air cleaning journey.

Build Quality

Features

Coverage

Particle Filtration

Smoke Filtration

Price

Filter Cost

4.3

OUT OF 5

LEVOIT Core 300 online price **
±99.99 $$/ 7 Sales Tag

(annual filter cost ±20-40)

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Max Fernandez

A loving father and a dedicated reviewer for airfuji.com with more than 1000 air purifiers under his belt. Max Fernandez is also one of the million patients currently suffering from asthma. Feel free to nudge him if you have any questions.

 

Why Ozone Free Air Purifier?

An ozone-free air purifier cleans the air with 100% mechanical filtration like a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and activated carbon filter. It will improve indoor air quality and our health. without releasing harmful ozone gases.

Ironically, some air purifiers in the market do the opposite by deliberately or unintentionally emitting traces of ozone. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), short-term exposure to ozone can cause breathing problems, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, blurry vision, memory loss, and aggravating asthma symptoms. Ozone stays in your body for approximately 10 minutes to promote glutathione production and create reactive oxygen species like alkenes, alkynes, super oxygen ions, and peroxides. Most people will recover from elevated ozone exposure varying from a few hours to more than 48 hours. In the long run, ozone can inflame the lining of the respiratory system and permanently damage lung cells, resulting in lung capacity deterioration.

Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive gas formed of three oxygen atoms. It is created naturally in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) to shield us from harmful UV rays. However, ozone can also be artificially made through devices, notoriously ozone generators. Ground-level ozone is dangerous to living organisms in the earth's lower atmosphere (troposphere). There is scientific evidence that ozone does not remove particles from the air and is ineffective against odor. It also reacts with airborne chemicals like formaldehyde to form additional toxic pollutants. Ozone will chemically react with other smog pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicle emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in many industrial products. It can damage and break down rubber into dust powder. Ozone is known to deaden one’s sense of smell, which can be dangerous as it decreases a person’s ability to detect toxic vapor. Many health organizations, including EPA and WHO, categorized ozone as an air pollutant. American Lung Association recommends not to buy ozone generators that add ozone into the air. In October 2010, the State of California banned the sale of ozone air cleaners. If you have pets, babies, or children at home or are susceptible to respiratory diseases like asthma, you will need an ozone-free air purifier.

How Do I Know If My Air Purifier Is Ozone-free?

Most people can detect approximately 0.01 mol of pungent ozone odor in the air. It is not ozone-free if an air purifier emits a distinctive antiseptic, burning wire, or chlorine smell. You can look at an air purifier spec sheet to confirm what technologies are involved in air cleaning. Manufacturers will likely include the ozone emission level in their manuals, box sets, or official websites. Alternatively, visit California Air Resources Board (CARB) website to find out if your air purifier produces ozone.

How Do You Test For Ozone In Your Home?

You can detect ozone levels in the air using ozone test strips or a UV absorption analyzer. The ozone test strips work by reacting with the potassium iodide in water; if it turns blue or purple, there is ozone in the air. UV detectors are the more reliable and accurate method to measure ozone in the ppb range. To get rid of ozone in your home, keep windows shut tight, especially on a warm/ sunny day with no wind. Run a mechanical, ozone-free air purifier with a carbon filter at high speed all-day or until the ozone smell is completely gone.

Which Air Purifiers Produce Ozone And Which Do Not?

How To Pick An Air Purifier That Does Not Produce Ozone?

Unlike an ionizing air purifier that emits ozone from the electric charge, there's no ozone emission from air purifiers that use only mechanical filtration like a HEPA filter. If you are looking for a 100% ozone-free air cleaner, it should consist of HEPA filtration as such:

  • Pre-filter - A washable filter that traps visible, large particles like dust, debris, lint, and fiber. It will protect the HEPA and carbon filter from being damaged or clogged with large particulates.
  • HEPA filter - Remove 99.97% of microscopic particles as small as 0.3 microns like dust mite, pet dander, mold, pollen, bacteria, and viruses without producing any ozone. A must-have filtration, even though it is not effective against smoke and odors.
  • Activated carbon filter - Neutralize odor and gaseous pollutants from cooking, pets, cigarette, VOCs, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and formaldehyde. The perfect ozone-less partner to complement a HEPA filter.

There is also advanced PECO technology made famous by the Molekule air purifier. An improved version of PCO in terms of efficiency and safety. PECO uses UV-A light rather than UV-C, producing less to nil ozone during purification. Some studies show that the Photo Electrochemical Oxidation process can convert ozone into oxygen molecules. However, it is a reasonably new technology compared with the many decades-old HEPA filters. Take it as a pinch of salt.

Which Air Purifiers Emit Ozone?

Not all air purifier produce ozone. Some brands ike Blueair, Alen, and Winix will produce ozone at a safe level that does not exceed ozone emission limits. These big-brand air purifiers are all independently tested, and CARB certified to ensure they do not release harmful ozone levels. Check out the table below to find out how ozone-safe is an air purifier.

BrandProduce Ozone?It There Ozone Generators In The Lineup?Is It Safe For Home Use?
Honeywell Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Blueair PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Austin Air PurifiersNO (100% OZONE-FREE)NOYES
Alen Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Medify Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
NuWave Oxypure Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Winix Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Levoit Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Bionaire Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
GermGuardian Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Hamilton Beach Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Shark Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Shark Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Sharper Image Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Oreck Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Holmes Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Dyson Air PurifiersNO (100% OZONE-FREE)NOYES
IQAir Air PurifiersNO (100% OZONE-FREE)NOYES
Rabbit Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
Reme Halo Air PurifiersINSIGNIFICANTNOYES
New Comfort OzonatorsYESYESNO
Airthereal OzonatorsYESYESNO
Enerzen OzonatorsYESYESNO
OdorStop OzonatorsYESYESNO

Types Of Air Purifiers With Ozone Output

There are many types of air purifiers on the market with different air cleaning technologies. Some do produce ozone even though it is at a neglectable level. Only mechanical air purifiers are completely ozone-less and safe for everyone without compromising efficiency. If you are aiming for an ozone-free model, below are a few air cleaners you need to watch out for.

  • Ozonator/ Ozone generator - While technically not an air purifier, Ozonator is often masked as one because it is more approachable and sellable. In actual fact, it releases a high concentration of harmful ozone that brings no benefit to your health. Most home ozone generators emit dangerous levels of ozone higher than the State's outdoor 1-hr 90 ppb and 8-hr 70 ppb health standards. Commercial ozone generators emit higher than 5,000 mg of ozone hourly. No government agency has the authority to regulate these devices extensively. Stay away from one.
  • Ionizer/ Negative ion generator - A popular technology commonly found as a standalone or part of a multi-level filtration. An ionizer uses a corona discharge to release charge ions and attach them to other particles in the air. The merged particles will fall on the sofa, bed, wall, cabinet, curtain, or any surface area as the added weight makes it impossible to remain suspended in the air. It is safe for home use as the outputted ozone is within the CARB emission limit.
  • Electrostatic Precipitation - A dedicated device that works like an ionizer with an additional charged plate/ rod to attract the fallen particles in the air. Its effectiveness is somewhat restricted as there is just so much the charged plated can pull in before cleaning. Some byproducts will also be produced, where oxygen molecules will be broken apart and converted into ozone momentarily.
  • UVGI/ UV air purifier - Uses UV-C light radiation to kill microorganisms like mold, bacteria, and viruses pulled inside the chamber. While there is not much of a risk of radiation exposure, oxygens molecules will break apart and form ozone at a very low concentration level. As ultraviolet light can be primary or part of a multi-filtration, its effectiveness is highly dependent on the UV light intensity and the duration of the exposure. It should not be the direct replacement of mechanical, filter-based filtration.
  • PCO air purifier - Through Photocatalytic oxidation, the combination of chemical catalyst coated filter and UV lamp produces hydroxyl radicals that break down chemicals into CO2/ water. While the effectiveness is debatable, compounds like formaldehyde, radon, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone byproducts might react differently or combine with other compounds to form new toxic gas. This should not be on your consideration list if there is any ozone concern.
Ozone Generators

What To Do If You Have An Air Purifier That Produces Ozone

Please don't fret, as it might not be as bad as it seems. Here are a few things you could do to ensure the air purifier is still workable.

  • Make sure it is not an ozone generator - Many Ozonators are often labeled as air cleaners or ionizers to trick users into getting one. Do a quick google search to check on the specification and certification. It is CARB approved to be ozone-safe; double confirm it on the California Air Resources Board website.
  • Turn off the optional ionization or UV-light - This step only applies to a HEPA air purifier with multi-stage filtration. While the ozone emission level is at a very low concentration level, you can switch it off at any point during the purification. The primary mechanical filtration will still be functional to capture airborne pollutants in the air.
  • Do not use it in a tiny, enclosed area - If your air purifiers produce ozone byproducts, it is best to use them in a bigger room so the byproducts will spread out rather than concentrating in one place. As such, placing the air purifier in the living room would be preferable to a small bedroom. Remember to keep all windows closed to prevent clean air from escaping.
  • Use it when nobody is around - If you are worried about the ozone byproducts created from an air ionizer, try running it at max speed with a timer when no one is in the room. The ozone gas will disperse quickly before anyone steps foot in the room.

Ozone Generators VS Ionizers (Not The Same)

An air ionizer, AKA Ionic air purifier, is not the same as an ozone generator. An ionizer diffuses negative ions to clean the air; however, the electric charge produces insignificant ozone byproducts. Most ionic air purifiers in the market are CARB and EPA compliant with standard ozone output not more than 0.070 ppm (parts per billion). On the other hand, ozone generator deliberately produces ozone to "clean" the air. According to The Nizkorodov study funded by the National Science Foundation, ozone is ineffective in destroying biological pollutants and large particles like dust. You will need an unsafe concentration level of ozone to even make any difference. CARB also does not recommends using an ozone generator except for approved industrial purposes with no risk of harmful ozone exposure. The ozone emission can quickly build up matching outdoor pollution smog levels, especially in enclosed areas like bathrooms. Worse still, the ozone will take days to dissipate or air them out. It is dangerous and can do more harm than good to our health.

All ozone generators exceeded California's defined ozone emission limit and are banned from sale. Unfortunately, most ozone generators are not regulated in other states and can still be purchased by the public.

Some home appliances produce minimal ozone byproducts that are still safe for use. The printer is a prime example that can be found in most households. You do not have to stop using it, as the amount of ozone created is insignificant and will not cause an alarm.

Do All Ionizers Produce Ozone? Is Breathing Ionized Air Safe?

Yes, they all do. Ionizers create negative charged ions and will emit minimal ozone byproducts of the molecular reaction. Inhaling or exposure to negative ions is safe for humans. It is similar to naturally occurring sunlight, thunderstorm, and waterfalls. It is the ozone that poses a risk to human health.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Ozone-free Air Purifiers?

Is hard to find any negatives about an ozone-free air purifier, while there are plenty of advantages to getting one. If you still need some convincing, here are the top perks why an ozone-less air purifier should be under your next consideration.

Pros

  • Better indoor air quality - Everyone knows that indoor air quality is up to 5 times worst than outdoor air. Having an air purifier at home can give you an endless circle of clean air, rain or shine.
  • Effectively stop airborne pollutants - An ozone-free air purifier uses only mechanical filtration to capture all types of airborne particles, smoke, and odors without producing more harmful ozone.
  • A healthy lifestyle - It's not all about exercising and eating healthy. Having an air purifier by your side can help restore your health physically and mentally. You will be less likely to go through mood stress and illnesses caused by bad air.
  • Silent and efficient - A ozone-free air purifier powered by multi-stage filtration will run virtually silent at the lowest speed. It also consumes very little energy, equivalent to a light bulb. You can leave it running all day without feeling a pinch.
  • Improved sleep quality - Ozone-free air purifier is safe for night use as it cleans the air without producing harmful byproducts. It is vital to our health as that is the time our body heals and restores after a long day.
  • Easy to use - Ozone free air purifier uses decade old but reliable technology that works straight out of the box. It is essentially a net that captures airborne particles that pass through the filter. There are no advanced controls and rules to tinker around with.

Cons

  • Additional cost - The only downside with an ozone-free air purifier is the cost. Because it relies heavily on filters, you will need to replace it quarterly or annually to get the best out of it. Without quality filters, an air purifier simply will not work.
 Ozone-free Air Purifier Safe And Effective?

Is Ozone-free Air Purifier Safe?

Ozone-free air purifiers are 100% safe for home use as it does not produce harmful byproducts. It is officially UL listed, AHAM and CARB certified to be safe as they do not exceed ozone emission limits.

How Much Energy Does A Ozone-free Air Purifier Use?

Most ozone-free air purifiers are energy-efficient and use only 15-45 watts of electricity at max. It should be within the $7 region on your monthly utility statement. In any case, you will not see significant spikes in your electricity bill even with the device running daily, 24x7.

How Long Do Ozone-free Air Purifiers Last?

Ozone-free air purifiers will last 5-10 years or more when they are well-maintained. As for the air filter, a permanent pre-filter will last forever, while disposable HEPA and carbon air filters will last 6-12 months, depending on the filter size.

How To Use A Ozone-free Air Purifier Effectively?

Choosing an ozone-free air purifier is the first right step, and using it properly is the next vital step to take. If you own or intend to purchase one in the future, here's how you can use your air purifier effectively and remain ozone-free.

  • Leave the ozone-free air purifier on 24x7 - It will not break down as some would believe. Since there is no ozone emission to worry about, it will prevent airborne pollutants from building up. Your indoor air remains as clean as ever.
  • Replace the filters - HEPA filter and carbon filter are disposable and need replacing after 6-12 months. Check the manual on the filter's life or have them change once the filter indicator light is on.
  • Leave 2-4 feet of gaps - An air purifier needs breathing space to perform. The unobstructed air inlet will draw in particles consistently. For the best result, place an air purifier next to a doorway.
  • Close all windows/ doors - A basic rule of using an ozone-free air purifier. It stops outside ozone from coming in and clean air from escaping.

Is It OK To Leave An Ozone-free Air Purifier On All Night?

Yes, it is. Not only should you leave an ozone-free air purifier on all night, but it is also highly recommended to run it 24x7. The air purifier will continuously remove airborne pollutants and clean the air so it is safe to breathe. Air impurities will fail to build up and contaminate indoor air when the device is off. Do make sure the filters' condition is good and replace them when necessary to support the heavy usage.

Compare Best Ozone Free Air Purifiers

NoImageAir PurifierOnline Price (Amazon)ScoreFiltrationCoverageFan
Speed
DimensionWeightDust CADRPollen CADRSmoke CADRPre-filterHEPA filterCarbon filterIonizerUV lightOther filterAll-in-one filterNoise levelPower outputTimer/ SchedulerSensorsWarrantyAuto modeRemote controlChild lockENERGY STARWi-Fi/ BTBluetoothAQIFilter indicator
1Winix 5500-2 ReviewWinix 5500-2 Air Purifier

$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.54-stage360 sq. ft. (33 m2)4
15 x 23.6 x 8.2 in
(38.1 x 59.9 x 20.8 cm)
15.4 lb (7 kg)243 cfm (413 m3/h)246 cfm (418 m3/h)232 cfm (394 m3/h)
Pre-filter
Permanent
True HEPA filter
1 year
AOC Advanced Granular Carbon Filter
1 year
PlasmaWave Technology
-
-
Filter H 116130
1 year
+- 79.99
26.6-60+ dB5-90 W1, 4, 8 hoursVOC sensors (Air quality)2 years
2Coway Airmega 300 ReviewCoway Airmega 300 Air Purifier

$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.53-stage1,256 sq. ft. (117 m2)3
13.6 x 21.2 x 13.6 in
(34.5 x 53.8 x 34.5 cm)
21.4 lb (9.7 kg)260 cfm (442 m3/h)260 cfm (442 m3/h)260 cfm (442 m3/h)
Pre-filter (2 pack)
Permanent
+- 25
Max2 (Green True HEPA filter)
1 year
Max2 (Activated carbon filter)
1 year
-
-
Max2 Filter
1 year
+- 99.99
22-52 dB6 -57 W1, 4, 8 hoursPollution sensor5 years
3Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover reviewHoneywell HPA300 Air Purifier

$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.23-stage465 sq. ft. (43 m2)4
20.8 x 22.4 x 10.8 in
(52.8 x 56.9 x 27.4 cm)
17 lb (7.7 kg)320 cfm (544 m3/h)300 cfm (510 m3/h)300 cfm (510 m3/h)
HRF-AP1 Filter A Universal Carbon Pre-filter (1 pack)
3 months
+- 11.95
HRF-R3 Honeywell Filter R True HEPA (3 pack)
1 year
+- 59.95
-
-
-
-
max 63 dB2, 4, 8 hours5 years
4Medify Air MA-15 Air Purifier ReviewMedify Air MA-15 Air Purifier

$$$

CHECK PRICE
3.94-stage330 sq. ft. (31 m2)3
9.7 x 15.5 x 9.7 in
(24.6 x 39.4 x 24.6 cm)
6.6 lb (3 kg)88 cfm (150 m3/h)88 cfm (150 m3/h)88 cfm (150 m3/h)
2x Pre-Filters
3 - 4 months
2x HEPA H13 filters
3 - 4 months
2x Activated Carbon Filters
3 - 4 months
Anion generator
-
-
MA-15 Replacement Filter Set
3 - 4 months
+- 39.99
35-51 dBA18 W0-8 hoursLifetime
5IQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier ReviewIQAir HealthPro Plus Air Purifier

$$$$$$$

CHECK PRICE
4.84-stage1,098 sq. ft. (102 m2)6
15 x 28 x 16 in
(38.1 x 71.1 x 40.6 cm)
35.3 lb (16 kg)N/AN/AN/A
PreMax Filter F8 (S)
18 months
+- 79
HyperHEPA Filter H12/13 (L)
4 years
+- 199
V5-Cell Gas & Odor Filter MG
2 years
+- 100
-
-
-
25 - 59 dB27-135 WSchedule (Time x Day x Speed)3 years
6Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier ReviewLEVOIT Core 300 Air Purifier

$$

CHECK PRICE
4.33-stage219 sq. ft. (20 m2)3
8.7 x 14.2 x 8.7 in
(22.1 x 36.1 x 22.1 cm)
8.8 lb (4 kg)140 cfm (238 m3/h)145 cfm (246 m3/h)141 cfm (240 m3/h)
Pre-Filter
Washable
H13 True HEPA filter
6 - 8 months
High-Efficiency Activated Carbon Filter
6 - 8 months
-
-
LEVOIT Core 300-RF 3-in-1 Replacement Filter
6-8 months
+- 19.99
24–50 dB45 W2/ 4/ 6/ 8 hours2 years
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