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Protect Your Lungs From Sawdust With the Best Air Filtration Systems
While some woodworkers enjoy the woody smell in the air just after shaving off the workpiece, too much of it can damage your lungs. Even though you can’t help but create small dust particles when sanding and shaving wood, you can keep the mess to a minimum and prevent negative health effects by using an air filtration system. With so many models available, choosing the right option for your space can quickly become intimidating. Don't worry! After performing rigorous research on the market, we curated this list of top picks to help you find the best air filtration system for 2024. We’ll start with our favorite from LEVOIT , which uses VortexAir technology to clean the air in areas up to 547 square feet within 30 minutes.
View all ContentsThe Best Air Filtration Systems of 2024
Best Overall
The Levoit Air Filtration System is designed with upgraded technology to clean the air without emitting harmful chemicals or pollutants, making it a safe and eco-friendly option. Featuring core 300 true high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, this air purifier works with VortexAir technology to clean the air 360 degrees in an area of up to 547 square feet within only 30 minutes. You
can use different air filters for a variety of needs, including a toxin absorber filter that efficiently captures smog, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxins or a pet allergy filter that efficiently absorbs bad odors and collects pet dander. With its quiet operation, powerful motor, and high efficiency, this air filtration system is the best on the list.Pros
- Filter lifetime indicator for your convenience
- Removes 99.97% of dust particles
- Compact design and powerful performance
Cons
- Has an initial chemical smell
Most Energy Efficient
Pure Enrichment’s PureZone Air Filtration System is the ideal solution for effectively cleansing the air. It is engineered with a four-stage filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, carbon filter, H13 HEPA filter, and UV-C light. This potent combination eradicates bacteria, allergens, germs, pet dander, and more, fostering a healthy and breathable living environment in your home or office space. It is highly energy efficient and comes equipped with three timer settings as well as an indicator that alerts you when it’s time to change the filter. This air filtration system is compatible with spaces up to 300 ft, offering plenty of room for high-quality air purification. Moreover, this air filtration system prioritizes silent operation. It quietly runs its fans, with three different speeds to choose from, adding convenience and ease of use.
Pros
- Effectively removes allergens and bacteria
- Quiet operation with multiple settings
- Easy to use and efficient
Cons
- Replacement filters can be costly
Also Consider
The PuroAir HEPA 14 Air Filtration System can transform any indoor environment. Covering an extensive area of 1,115 square feet, this air filtration system prioritizes your respiratory health by flushing out up to 99.99% of common allergens. From pet dander and dust to mold spores and more, this air purifier doesn’t only filter the air. It also annihilates any trace of smoke or cooking odors, leaving the air in your home as crisp and fresh as can be. Its sleek black finish blends with any environment, whether it be the garage, workshop, or living room.
Pros
- Efficiently removes allergens and dust
- Auto mode adjusts speed to air quality
- Reduces household odors effectively
Cons
- Requires frequent filter replacements
Quietest Operation
Equipped with high-quality HEPA filters, the Medify Air Filtration System efficiently cleans the air within a range of up to 1,600 square feet in just 30 minutes. Despite its strong performance, the system runs at the noise level of a quiet refrigerator. With this air filtration system, you don’t have to worry about inhaling dust particles because it removes up to 99.9% of harmful particles, leaving the air clean.
What’s more, you can choose from three different fan speed settings, the lowest of which operates at a noise level of only 46 decibels. Plus, you can turn on sleep mode to dim the lights to save energy. With its sleek touchscreen panel, you can operate it conveniently without disturbing your workflow.
Pros
- Quality-tested and backed by a lifetime warranty
- A replacement filter lasts up to six months
- Three layers to trap airborne particles
Cons
- No air quality sensor
Most Portable
If you’re a fan of woodworking in the workshop or garage, the Honeywell air filtration system is for you. Unlike standard models, this one boasts built-in handles that make it easy to move from one spot to another. Available in three different sizes, it is suitable for medium, large, and extra-large workshops. This particular model is for extra-large rooms up to 465 square feet and is equipped with HEPA filtration to capture micro airborne particles. You can set this air purifier on four different cleaning levels, with the Turbo Clean setting removing up to 99.97% of pesky particles almost five times in a single hour. Moreover, with this air filtration system, you don’t have to worry about energy consumption because it’s certified to meet the energy efficiency guidelines of the U.S. EPA.
Pros
- Auto-off timer for your convenience
- Easy-to-use control panel
- HEPA filter lasts 12 months
Cons
- Efficiency reduced with other filters
Best for Industrial Settings
This small yet mighty air filtration system by WEN works efficiently, going toe-to-toe with high-end brands. Featuring a dual filtration system — an outer filter of five microns and an inner filter of one micron — this air purifier removes up to 99% of airborne particles within an area of 400 square feet. Plus, the air filter is extremely easy to remove and efficiently absorbs fumes from paints and stains to keep the air safe to breathe. Depending on the intensity of your project, you can change the filtration setting from 300 cubic feet per minute (CPM) to 400 CPM. The unit is incredibly durable and comes with a handy remote that works from 26 feet away, making it ideal for industrial settings. It comes with different fixtures to hang it from the ceiling, simplifying installation.
Pros
- Includes fixtures for mounting on ceiling
- Remote control works 26 feet away
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Not portable
Most User-Friendly
With a straightforward touchscreen panel, the Hathaspace Air Filtration System is incredibly user-friendly. It boasts smart technology and lets you control the settings efficiently with the help of an included remote control. Its incredible performance is due to its HEPA filter that captures 99.9% of dust particles in rooms up to 700 square feet. What’s more, this air filtration system doesn’t only purify the air but also eliminates odors with the honeycomb carbon-activated filter. Plus, the unique and innovative fan and motor work quietly, allowing you to focus on your project with minimal disturbance.
Pros
- The digital display shows air quality
- Adjustable fan speed for customization
- Captures 99.9% of dust particles
Cons
- Noticeable sound on medium
Buying Guide: Air Filtration System
Because of the recent concerns related to airborne diseases, the air filtration market is flooded with dozens of models. We put together this handy buying guide to help you choose the best air filtration system.
Features to Consider
Room size
When selecting an air filtration system, room size is a critical factor to consider. Air purifiers are rated based on the area they can effectively cover, typically measured in square feet or square meters. Choose an air purifier rated for the size of your space so that it can create a cleaner, safer environment. For instance, a purifier rated for 500 square feet will be ideal for a medium-sized workshop, providing efficient filtration of sawdust and other fine particles.
Filtration system
If you’re often cutting and shaving wood and find it hard to breathe in the workshop, you need an air purifier with a multi-stage filtration system that can remove different types of pollutants. We suggest getting a powerful air purifier that consists of a pre-filter, carbon filter, and HEPA filter for thorough cleaning.
The pre-filter is used to remove the bigger contaminants, while the HEPA filter traps smaller, finer dust particles. The carbon filter efficiently removes gaseous particles that can cause bad odors in the workshop. If
you have allergies, you need advanced air filtration to target the pollens and other pesky particles for your maximum safety and comfort.Filter size
If you want to measure the strength of the wood dust air purifier, you should consider the filter size. Most systems come with external filters that can remove even the smallest particles of five microns to ensure up to 99% air filtration. The correct size of the filter depends on the size of your workshop and the scale of your project.
Air change per hour (ACH)
ACH refers to the number of times a workshop air filtration system can enhance the air quality per hour by removing contaminants and allergens. The higher the ACH, the more efficient the filtration system will be. You should aim to get a model that delivers at least four air-purifying cycles within an air.
Portability
Portability plays a vital role for woodworkers who need to move their air filtration units around the workshop or to different job sites. In that case, look for lightweight materials, carrying handles, or caster wheels. Moving the purifier as needed helps maintain a consistently clean workspace, enhancing both safety and comfort while you work. However, some woodworkers with larger, dedicated workshops might prefer a heavy-duty air purifier that stays in one place.
Noise level
While noise level might not be an issue for some woodworkers, others might not want to add to the ruckus of an already noisy workshop. Look for a model with variable fan settings that works with noise levels under 60 dB.
Tips for Best Performance
While all saw dust filtration systems are made to work effectively, you can boost the filtration process by following these important tips:
- Clean and replace the filter to keep it working efficiently and effectively
- Ideally, place the unit in the middle of the workshop or where your woodwork most
- Place or hang the unit at an angle where nothing obstructs the airflow
- Pick a smart filtration system that automatically detects the air quality to keep it clean
Air Filtration Systems FAQ
What is a HEPA filter?
A HEPA filter is a super-efficient air filter that catches almost all tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. It's used to make indoor air cleaner and healthier by trapping these airborne pollutants.
How do I know if the workshop air purifier is working?
You can tell if your air purifier is working by noticing fresher air with less dust and fewer allergy symptoms. Some units have indicator lights for monitoring their performance.
Can I wash and reuse air purifier filters?
Certain electrostatic and washable mechanical filters can be cleaned and reused. HEPA filters, however, are generally not washable and should be replaced as recommended.
