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Protect Your Lungs From Sawdust With the Best Air Filtration Systems

Pop Wood Reviews Team
By Pop Wood Reviews Team
Last updated: 28 Feb 2023

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 respiratory diseases by using an air filtration system. This handy machine is typically suspended from the ceiling to suck up dust particles, keeping the air clean and fresh. Though some people make the mistake of relying on dust collectors, you should know that they aren’t as efficient as air filtration systems to remove the microdust particles that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

With so many models available, choosing the right option for your space can quickly become intimidating. That’s why we curated a list of the premium air filtration systems of 2023 to help you pick the most efficient model.

Best Overall
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Levoit Air Filtration System
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Quietest Operation
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Medify Air Filtration System
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Check On Walmart
Highest Quality
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Honeywell Air Filtration System
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Most Efficient
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WEN Air Filtration System
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Easiest to Use
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Hathaspace Air Filtration System
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Show contents
Here Is the First-Rate Air Filtration System of 2023
  • 1 Levoit Air Filtration System
  • 2 Medify Air Filtration System
  • 3 Honeywell Air Filtration System
  • 4 WEN Air Filtration System
  • 5 Hathaspace Air Filtration System

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 perfect air filtration system. 

Considerations for Purchasing a Quality Air Filtration System

Size 

You can find air filtration systems from compact models that are plugged into wall outlets to large-sized units designed to hang from the ceiling for efficient air filtration. You should decide on the size of the air purifier according to your workshop’s size and the area you want to cover. 

If you want an air filtration system that you can use in your home garage and job site, pick a compact and portable unit. It’s better to measure your space in square footage and refer to the product’s description to pick a filtration system that’s big enough to cover the available space.  

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 filtration system 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 air filtration system, 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 an air filtration system can enhance the air quality per hour by removing contaminants and allergens. The higher the ACH, the more efficient an air filtration system will be. You should aim to get a model that delivers at least four air-purifying cycles within an air.  

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 that comes with variable fan settings and works with minimum noise levels. 

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Air Filtration System

While all air 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 air filtration system at an angle where nothing obstructs the airflow
  • Pick a smart filtration system that automatically detects the air quality to keep it clean

Here Is the First-Rate Air Filtration System of 2023

1

Levoit Air Filtration System

– Best Overall
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Buy on Amazon

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 
  • Three-stage filtration for optimal results
  • Removes 99.97% of dust particles
Cons
  • Might have a chemically smell
2

Medify Air Filtration System

– Quietest Operation
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Buy on Amazon
Check On Walmart

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. 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 touch screen 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
3

Honeywell Air Filtration System

– Highest Quality
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Buy on Amazon

If you’re a DIYer or an aspiring woodworker who often works from the garage or small-sized workshop, this compact air filtration system is for you. Available in three different sizes, the Honeywell Air Filtration System is suitable for medium, large, and extra-large workshops. This model is specifically designed for extra-large rooms (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 and the Turbo Clean removes up to 99.97% of pesky particles almost five times in a single hour. 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
4

WEN Air Filtration System

– Most Efficient
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Buy on Amazon

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 perfectly clean and 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 with the help of a handy remote control. The best part is that it weighs only 31 pounds and comes with different fixtures to hang it from the ceiling.

Pros
  • Quiet operation at just 50 decibels
  • The remote control works from any angle
  • Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
  • Not ideal for larger rooms
5

Hathaspace Air Filtration System

– Easiest to Use
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Buy on Amazon

Want to purify the air without having to deal with complex settings? The Hathaspace Air Filtration System is the right choice because it’s smart and features a HEPA filter that captures 99.9% of dust particles up to 0.3 microns in size. Because this is a smart air purifier, you can control the settings efficiently with the help of an included remote control. 

What’s more, this air filtration system doesn’t only purify the air but also eliminates odors with the honeycomb carbon-activated filter. Additionally, the unique and innovative fan and motor work quietly, allowing you to focus on your project with minimal disturbance.

Pros
  • Air quality sensor for auto mode
  • The digital display shows air quality
  • Adjustable fan speed for customization
Cons
  • The air quality sensor isn’t efficient

People Also Asked

Q: How will I know which air filtration system is the most effective?

A: Multi-stage filtration systems are the most effective in purifying the air in your workshop. Invest in one that has a three-stage filtration system and features a pre-filter, HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter for optimal air quality.

Q: How can I improve the air quality of my workshop?

A: One of the most effective ways of boosting the quality of air inside your workshop is to use a high-quality air filtration system. It can filter out airborne contaminants such as dust, mold and mildew spores, and pet hair — and help neutralize unpleasant smells emitted from paints and stains.

Q: Can a HEPA filter efficiently clean my workshop’s air?

A: Absolutely! A HEPA filter is designed to remove up to 99.99% airborne contaminants and can keep your workshop’s air clean and fresh, ensuring your lungs’ health.

Pop Wood Reviews Team
By Pop Wood Reviews Team
The Pop Wood Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects. The content is created by The Pop Wood Review Team. Popular Woodworking’s editorial staff is not involved. Popular Woodworking is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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