Shopping for an Air Purifier for the Basement?
You’re in the right place!
Mold spores, musty smell, dust, smoke, bacteria, and pollen are common troubles that might be plaguing your basement.
And it is due to these very issues why cleaning and purifying the air in your house is of such prime importance, and for that, you need an effective and efficient air purifier.
Air purifiers have multiple filters like HEPA filter, activated carbon, etc. They are equipped with the technology to rid your basement of all the accumulated dust, mold, mildew, and other allergens.
Looking to get rid of smoke odor and cigarette smoke? Check out our guide on the best air purifier for cigarette smoke.
What's In This Buying Guide
Contents of This Guide
It can be confusing to select an air purifier if you don’t know what exactly to look for in it.
This buying guide solves the dilemma and takes you through all that you need to know to buy an air purifier that’s particularly great at removing mold from your basement.
We review the best basement air purifiers for mold, what to look for in one, and the pros & cons of owning an air purifier.
In the end, we answer some FAQs regarding basement air purifiers so that you make a well-informed choice.
Best Basement Air Purifiers
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
- 1Best Overall: Storebary Air Purifier for Mold
- 2Most Efficient: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
- 3Best Design:Germ Guardian Air Purifier with UV Light
- 4Best for Large Basements: HIMOX H05
- 5Best for the Money: Germ Guardian 5-in-1 Air Purifier
- 6Most Versatile: Alen 45i Air Purifier
- 7Most Convenient: Kokofit H13
- 8Best for Medium-Sized Basements: Oransi Max
- 9Most Quiet: Mooka True HEPA Air Purifier
- 10Best with Smart Controls: LEVOIT Smart
Storebary
- Best overall
Area coverage
226 sq. ft.Noise level
24.5-50.2 dBCADR
250 m³/h
InvisiClean Aura
- Most Efficient
Area coverage
319 sq. ft.Noise level
31-53 dBCADR
289 m³/h
Germ Guardian
- Best Design
Area coverage
153 sq. ft.Noise level
-CADR
118 m³/h
HIMOX H05
- Best for Large Basements
Area coverage
1500 sq. ft.Noise level
21-60 dBCADR
285 m³/h
Germ Guardian 5-in-1
- Best for the Money
Area coverage
743 sq. ft.Noise level
-CADR
116 m³/h
Alen 45i Air Purifier
- Most Versatile
Area coverage
800 sq. ft.Noise level
23-49 dBCADR
245 m³/h
Kokofit H13
- Most Convenient
Area coverage
1410 sq. ft.Noise level
26 dBCADR
320 m³/h
Oransi Max
- Best for Medium-Sized Basements
Area coverage
600 sq. ft.Noise level
Max 53 dBCADR
217 m³/h
Mooka True HEPA Air Purifier
- Most Quiet
Area coverage
323 sq. ft.Noise level
20 dBCADR
-
LEVOIT Smart
- Best with Smart Controls
Area coverage
900 sq. ft.Noise level
27 dBCADR
230 m³/h
1. Best Overall: Storebary Air Purifier for Mold
Be it its effective filtration system or features like the sleep mode and timer, the Storebary air purifier is an excellent unit. It only makes 24.5 dB of noise to ensure peaceful operation.
Pros
- Equipped with an effective 3-stage filtration system
- Filter life of 2,500-3,000 hours
- Features sleep mode, auto mode, and a timer setting
- 5 fan speeds to choose from
Cons
- Doesn’t have UV-light feature
- The design is a bit awkward when it comes to changing the filters
Our Review
The Storebary air purifier is equipped with an effective 3-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, H13 true HEPA filter, and a high-efficiency activated carbon filter.
Together, the 3 stages remove up to 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns, including dust, smoke, pollen, mold, pet dander, VOCs, allergens, etc.
The Storebary device isn’t just great for removing mold spores from your basement, but it is also a good choice for the bedroom.
The fan makes only 24.5 dB of noise in the sleep mode, which is even less than the purifier's sound on the lowest fan setting, ensuring a peaceful and comfortable night’s sleep.
And in auto mode, the air purifier adjusts the fan speeds automatically according to the indoor air quality.
You can also completely turn off the display light. You can choose between 5 fan settings depending upon preferences.
Specs
Dimensions: 7.68 in. x 7.68 in. x 12.16 in.
Weight: 5.9 pounds
Energy Star Certification: Yes
Fan Speed: Five
Timer: 2-4-6-8 hours
2. Most Efficient: InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier
The InvisiClean Aura II uses a strong DC motor, which allows it to deliver 170 cubic feet of purified air per minute, which is double the output of most counterparts. Plus, it uses up to 82% less energy.
Pros
- Uses up to 82% less energy than other air purifiers
- Features 4 different fan speeds (Low, Medium, High, and Turbo)
- Equipped with H13 True HEPA filter which captures 99.985% of airborne particles
- Germ-fighting UV light kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and mold spores
Cons
- Expensive replacement filters
- Very noisy on medium or high fan speed setting
Our Review
The InvisiClean Aura II Air Purifier has a very effective and efficient filtration system. It consists of an H13 True HEPA that captures up to 99.985% airborne particles like dust mites, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander that are as small as 0.3 microns.
The carbon pre-filter captures large particles like hair, dust, etc., and absorbs and neutralizes odors.
Before the air reenters the room, it is subjected to powerful ultraviolet light, killing harmful bacteria and germs.
The Aura II is also equipped with an ionizer that emits negative ions. These ions attract airborne particles and clump them together for easier filtration. This air purifier features 4 fan speeds (low, medium, high, and turbo) and an auto-shutoff timer mode with 2, 4, and 8-hour intervals.
Specs
Dimension: 12.34 in. x 6.25 in. x 17.75 in
Weight: 8.9 lbs.
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 4
Timer: 2, 4, 8 Hours
3. Best Design: Germ Guardian Air Purifier with UV Light
The Germ Guardian 4-in-1 air purifier consists of multiple cleaning levels to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Plus, it removes pet, cooking, musty mold odors and effectively kills harmful airborne viruses. An excellent 3-year warranty backs its efficient & customizable design.
Pros
- Offers multiple cleaning levels
- Activated charcoal filter reduces foul odors
- 3-speed settings to choose from
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Main HEPA filter is expensive to replace
- Loud even at the lowest speed setting
Our Review
The GermGuardian 4-in-1 air purifier is equipped with four cleaning stages. The main filter is a True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of dust and allergen particles like pet dander, plant pollen, mold spores, etc.
It is equipped with a charcoal filter that reduces bad odors from pets, mold, cooking and removes larger dust particles to extend the main filter’s life.
Plus, it treats the air with powerful UV-C light to kill and reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
The UV-C light works with Titanium Dioxide treatment to reduce volatile organic compounds. This Germ Guardian air purifier is highly convenient as it offers 3 different fan speeds to choose from and features a filter replacement reminder. It is also backed by a 3-year life warranty.
Specs
Dimension: 10.25 x 6.75 x 21.5 inches
Weight: 8.55 lbs.
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 3
Timer: up to 8 hours
4. Best for Large Basements: HIMOX H05
The Himox H05 is a portable device with an excellent design and several innovative features.
It effectively captures allergens and particles as small as 0.1 microns and can effectively clean the air of areas up to 1500 square feet.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Removes 99.9% of particles as small as 0.1 micron
- Suitable for up to 1500 square feet
- Features timer, sleep mode, and child lock
Cons
- Short filter lifespan
- Tends to be loud on higher settings
Our Review
The Himox H05 has a compact design and lightweight ABS plastic construction, making it highly portable.
It features an advanced 3-step cleaning system consisting of a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter that gets rid of 99.9% of particles and allergens as small as 0.1 microns, like mold spores, pollen, etc.
A pre-filter captures bigger particles like hair and enhances the main filter’s life. And then, a charcoal filter absorbs bad odors like the musty smell that mold causes.
The H05 can effectively clean a 1500 square feet space in 1 hour, making it perfect for a large basement.
It has rounded edges and handles on the sides so you can control the machine conveniently. Plus, it has a timer mode that you can use to customize the operation time for 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours, after which the machine will automatically shut off.
This Himox air purifier features high-precision smart sensor technology to monitor the air quality of your house and adjust settings accordingly.
Specs
Dimension: 14.9 x 8.2 x 20.4 inches
Weight: 6 kg
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 3
Timer: 1-2-4-8 hours
5. Best for the Money: Germ Guardian 5-in-1 Air Purifier
The Germ Guardian 5-in-1 purifier features a multi-filter cleaning system and effectively cleans up to 743 square feet in one hour.
It is one of the few units that offer great features at a low price, making it the perfect budget pick.
Pros
- Affordable
- Eliminates air-borne viruses and germs
- Features an ultra-quiet sleep mode for low noise operation
- Can filter the air in a 743 square feet area in one hour
Cons
- UV-C light releases ozone, which may aggravate asthma
- Doesn’t have a dedicated off button or timer mode
Our Review
The Germ Guardian 5-in-1 offers multiple levels of cleaning, including an H13 HEPA filter, an activated charcoal filter, powerful UV-C light action, and Titanium Dioxide treatment.
It efficiently and effectively reduces 99.9% of harmful germs, dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores present in the air.
Where the main HEPA filter effectively captures particles as small as 0.1 microns, the activated charcoal pre-filter removes odor and big particles like hair, pet dander, etc. This extends the main HEPA filter life.
An antimicrobial agent is added to the filter to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the filter after successfully removing it from the room air.
Meanwhile, the UV-C light and Titanium dioxide treatment kill harmful germs and microorganisms and reduce volatile organic compounds.
Specs
Dimension: 8.88 x 6.38 x 22 inches
Weight: 9.45 Pounds
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 3
Timer: No
6. Most Versatile: Alen 45i Air Purifier
The Alen 45i has a highly stylish design available in several colors and finishes to choose from. Plus, it is equipped with a heavy smoke filter that captures heavy smoke from cigarettes, VOC fumes, etc.
Pros
- Stylish design that is available in several colors and finishes
- Cleans 800 square feet effectively and is perfect for medium-sized rooms
- Equipped with a smart laser sensor that detects and displays air quality
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Replacement filters are expensive
- Tends to be very noisy on the higher fan settings
Our Review
The Alen 45i features a sleek and stylish design that even fits in a small space easily. It is equipped with a long-lasting H13 True HEPA filter that eliminates 99.99% of airborne contaminants as small as 0.1 microns like mold, pollen, dander, etc.
The 45i also has an activated charcoal filter that absorbs smoke, cooking odors, chemicals, and other VOCs from the air.
It is equipped with a smart laser sensor that detects airborne particles and adjusts the air quality accordingly. Five colors represent the air quality, starting with blue, which indicates excellent air quality, to purple, which signifies bad air quality.
Specs
Dimension: 15 x 11 x 28 inches
Weight: 22 lbs.
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 4
Timer: 2-4-12 hours
7. Most Convenient: Kokofit H13
The Kokofit H13 effectively removes airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. It has a simple, intuitive, and easy-to-use design. It requires minimum maintenance and is convenient to clean.
Pros
- Cleans the air in up to 1410 square feet in an hour
- Features an advanced infrared sensing system for real-time measurement of air quality
- Equipped with a multi-stage filtration system
- Also has a timer function, sleep mode, auto mode, etc.
Cons
- Only good for small spaces
- Doesn’t have hand grips
Our Review
This Kokofit air purifier is equipped with a 3-stage filtration system consisting of a fine preliminary filter, a main H13 HEPA filter, and an activated charcoal filter. It efficiently removes 99.97% of allergens and harmful particles as small as 0.3 microns like dust mites, pollen, smoke, mold, pet dander, etc.
The Kokofit H13 works well for medium to large spaces of up to 1410 square feet and can clean the area within an hour. It normally operates at lower than 50 decibels, and in sleep mode, the sound levels do not exceed 26 decibels.
In addition, the Kokofit air purifier has a long filter life of up to 3000 hrs, so you won’t have to replace the filters frequently. Plus, the replacement filters are quite affordable. This unit comes with a child safety lock mode to avoid accidental operation.
Specs
Dimension: 24.5 x 12.75 x 12.75 inches
Weight: 15.67 pounds
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 4
Timer: 1-2-4-8 hours
8. Best for Medium-Sized Basements: Oransi Max HEPA Air Purifier
The Oransi Max HEPA purifier efficiently works for up to 600 square feet, making it perfect for medium-sized spaces. It has a quiet operation, which never exceeds 53 decibels even at the highest speed.
Pros
- Easy and simple to operate
- Quiet operation at all fan settings
- 4 fan speeds to choose from
- Long filter life of up to 12 months
Cons
- Replacement filters are quite expensive
- Display doesn’t dim in sleep mode
Our Review
The Oransi Max air purifier is equipped with a preliminary filter, a HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter, which make up its multi-stage filtration system.
The air first enters the preliminary filter that removes larger particles and effectively enhances the lifespan of other filters.
The main HEPA filter effectively removes up to 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns like dust mites, pollen, mold spores, etc. And the activated charcoal filter removes bad odors and tobacco smoke odors.
The Oransi Max has an auto mode that effectively tracks air quality and adjusts the fan settings accordingly. A V-seal around the filter media prevents air leakage. And the device features an easy-to-understand electronic control panel and an indoor air quality monitor.
Specs
Dimension: 20 x 11 x 25.5 inches
Weight: 19 lbs.
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 4
Timer: up to 12 hours
9. Most Quiet: Mooka True HEPA Air Purifier
The Mooka purifier makes a noise of only 20 decibels on the low fan mode, unlike its counterparts. It has an effective multi-stage filtration system with 360° air intake so that distance and placement aren’t an issue.
Pros
- Backed by a 3-year no-hassle refund and support
- As quiet as 20 decibels in low fan mode
- 360° air intake
- Safe to use around asthma patients as it is completely ozone free
Cons
- Button setup isn’t intuitive
- Instruction manual is not too helpful
Our Review
The Mooka HEPA air purifier is equipped with a multi-stage filtration system consisting of a preliminary filter, the main HEPA filter, and an activated charcoal filter.
This filtration system effectively removes 99.97% dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other allergens and particles as small as 0.3 microns.
It is equipped with an advanced motor that makes sure the purifier works silently. In fact, at the lowest fan setting, the Mooka purifier doesn’t make more than 20 decibels of sound!
The Mooka HEPA purifier comes with a smart filter indicator reminder that timely remind you to change the filter.
Plus, the purifier allows you to customize the operation according to the air quality and preference. You can adjust the fan speeds or set the timer, which automatically shuts the device after the set time is up.
Specs
Dimension: 13.8 x 7.1 x 18.3 inches
Weight: 2.17 kg
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 3
Timer: 2-4-8 hours
10. Best with Smart Controls: LEVOIT Smart Wi-Fi Air Purifier
You can conveniently control the Levoit Smart Wi-Fi purifier via an app on your phone or via voice command through your Alexa or Google devices. Plus, it has an auto mode that adjusts the fan speed according to the air quality.
Pros
- Easy to set up and operate
- Effectively removes up to 99.97% of allergens and harmful particles
- Quiet and peaceful operation (only 27 decibels)
- Cleans a space of up to 900 square feet in one hour
Cons
- Very short filter life
- Layout of the controls needs to be improved
Our Review
The LEVOIT Smart air purifier has an excellent design and comes with several convenient features. You can operate it via the Vesync app on your phone or through voice commands via your Google or Alexa device.
The Levoit purifier is equipped with a multi-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, a honeycomb-activated carbon filter, and an H13 True HEPA filter. It efficiently removes up to 99.97% of dust, mold, particles, and allergens that are as small as 0.3 microns.
This smart purifier features cutting-edge sensor technology that detects and displays air quality in real-time. The auto mode can adjust the fan speeds according to the air quality.
Specs
Dimension: 14.6 x 7.2 x 18.5 inches
Weight: 11.24 lbs.
Energy Star: Yes
Fan speed: 3
Timer: up to 12 hours
Air Purifier for Basement: Buying Guide
Why Buy an Air Purifier for the Basement?
Basements are often dark, cold and damp spaces susceptible to breeding mold spores and accumulating dust particles, bacteria, and allergens.
People often complain of breathing troubles as soon as they enter their basements. One of the main reasons for this is because basements aren’t cleaned very often and easily accumulate dust, allergens, mold, and bacteria, primarily because most of the time, they are poorly ventilated, dark, and damp spaces.
All these factors make basements the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and dust accumulation.
This is where an air purifier comes in and solves all the trouble. Forget the musty, foul smell and the incessant coughing you experience as a result of breathing in the mold-affected dust accumulated in the basement.
The purified air coming out of an air purifier is both fresh and clean, thus making breathing easy for you.
An air purifier is equipped with multiple filters that capture particles as small as 0.3 microns and remove foul odors and smoke. This improves the air quality of the basement, making it safer to breathe in.
What to Look for When Buying an Air Purifier for the Basement
There are many air purifiers on the market, but which one should you choose?
There are a few features and factors to consider when buying an air purifier that set apart a good unit from a bad one. These include:
Filtration System
The filtration system of a unit is of utmost importance. It is always better to opt for a unit with a multi-stage filtration system instead of one with a single filter.
This is because the former is more effective and efficient. In a multi-filter system, the air goes through different cleaning levels, and the harmful pollutants present are more effectively removed.
Particle Removal Capacity
The air purifier you opt for should at least have a HEPA filter as it can remove 99.97% of particles, pollutants, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
Basement Size/Coverage Area
Before investing in an air purifier, measure your basement area to determine the area coverage of the air purifier you need. You should opt for an air purifier that is compatible with your basement size and can effectively clean it.
Modes of Operation
The air purifier you opt for should have a customizable operation. This essentially means that it should come with multiple fan speeds and timer settings to adjust the operation according to your convenience and your basement’s air quality.
Noise Level
If your air purifier is too loud, it will disturb you, especially if you intend to use the same air purifier in your bedroom for sleeping at night. It is better to opt for a unit that operates at low noise levels.
Energy Efficiency & Operating Cost
Your air purifier should work effectively and efficiently in terms of energy consumption.
Look for a unit with an Energy Star certification. This makes sure the operation cost stays low. Regularly maintaining the unit also allows it to work efficiently.
Build Quality & Aesthetics
Generally, cheap air purifiers compromise the build quality, making them more susceptible to damage if not used very carefully.
It is better to choose air purifiers with a sturdy build, like machined aluminum or good-quality plastic, to ensure durability. Air purifiers come in different colors and finish to choose from to match your home aesthetic perfectly.
Price Vs. Usage
Air purifiers are available at all prices, starting from $100 and going up to $800.
You need to select a unit that effectively removes mold from your basement alongside other pollutants and gives you the best value for money according to your usage.
Mold build-up can be harmful to your health if not diligently dealt with, which is why a good-quality air purifier is an excellent long-term investment.
Warranty
It is best to choose a unit backed by a good warranty service of at least 3 to 5 years. This makes the product more reliable. The brand’s customer service should also be good in case you need help with installation or figuring out a feature of the unit.
Pros and Cons
Still on the fence about whether an air purifier is a great investment to rid your basement of mold?
Let’s take a look at some of their pros and cons to help you decide better
Pros
- Can remove foul odors caused by mold spores
- Remove bacteria, allergens, and microorganisms
- Energy-efficient operation
- Removes pet dander and hair
- Equipped with a quiet operation mode
Cons
- Requires maintenance over time
- Can be expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose the Air Purifier Size for Your Basement?
The first step to selecting the right air purifier size is calculating your room area. Measure and multiply the length and width of the room to calculate its square footage. If you need an air purifier for multiple rooms, measure the square footage of each room and add them.
Let’s say the calculated room size is 400 square feet. In this case, you will need an air purifier with CADR capable of handling 400 square feet.
CADR stands for clean air delivery rate and is an important feature to consider in air purifiers. It indicates the filtered air that the unit provides.
The higher the CADR number, the more efficiently and effectively the air purifier delivers clean air.
What’s the Best Way to Deodorize Basements?
The most efficient and effective way of deodorizing your basement is using an air purifier. Air purifiers equipped with a carbon prefilter absorb and neutralize odors from mold, pets, etc.
Other than air purifiers, if you just want to get rid of foul odors in the basement, you can place bowls of baking soda or spray the floor or surfaces with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.
What are Some Tips for Efficiently Using Air Purifiers in Home Basements?
Here are some tips for using an air purifier in home basements:
· Consider the area coverage of the air purifier and make sure it can cater to the area you place it in
· If a foul odor is a major concern, place the air purifier near the source causing it
· To ensure that the air purifier works with maximum effectiveness, avoid placing it in corners and tight spaces
· Do not open doors and windows while the air purifier is working to let ‘fresh air’ come in, as it will bring along dust particles that the unit is trying to remove.
Final Verdict: What Is the Best Basement Air Purifier Sold Today?
Out of the many air purifiers on the market, the Storebary Air Purifier is one of the best air purifiers commercially available these days.
It has several innovative features like an auto mode, a sleep mode, a timer (2, 4, 6, and 8h), and several fan speeds for optimum user convenience.
