Photo: Winix
You might be wondering why you need an air purifier for your basement. This is because the unit traps dust, odor, mold spores, and other airborne particles before they spread out into the house.
This is especially important if your basement has no ventilation system because most airborne particles are found in damp environments.
That said, we have reviewed the best air purifiers for basements so that you can have an easier time picking the best one that suits your needs. Let’s get started.
In this post:
- 8 Best Air Purifiers for Basements – Review
- 1. RabbitAir SPA-700A – Best Overall Air Purifier for Basements
- 2. SilverOnyx 8541832765 – Best Budget Air Purifier for Basements
- 3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic – Best Air Purifier for Large Basements
- 4. Fellowes 9286201 – Best Basement Air Purifier for Flu Seasons
- 5. Honeywell HPA300 – Best Air Circulating Purifier for Basements
- 6. Coway AP-1512HH – Energy-Efficient Basement Air Purifier
- 7. Winix 5500-2 – Basement Air Purifier with PlasmaWave
- 8. Hathaspace HSP001 – Basement Air Purifier with an Ionizer
- How to Buy the Best Air Purifiers for Basement
- Conclusion
8 Best Air Purifiers for Basements – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. RabbitAir SPA-700A (Best Overall) |
| |
 | 2. SilverOnyx 8541832765 (Best Budget) |
| |
 | 3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic (Best for Large Basements) |
| |
 | 4. Fellowes 9286201 (Best for Flu Seasons) |
| |
 | 5. Honeywell HPA300 (Best Air Circulating) |
| |
 | 6. Coway AP-1512HH (Energy-Efficient) |
| |
 | 7. Winix 5500-2 (With PlasmaWave) |
| |
 | 8. Hathaspace HSP001 (With Ionizer) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. RabbitAir SPA-700A (Best Overall)
|
2. SilverOnyx 8541832765 (Best Budget)
|
3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic (Best for Large Basements)
|
4. Fellowes 9286201 (Best for Flu Seasons)
|
5. Honeywell HPA300 (Best Air Circulating)
|
6. Coway AP-1512HH (Energy-Efficient)
|
7. Winix 5500-2 (With PlasmaWave)
|
8. Hathaspace HSP001 (With Ionizer)
|
1. RabbitAir SPA-700A – Best Overall Air Purifier for Basements
Photo: RabbitAir
- Coverage Area: 700 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 6
- Filter Technology: BioGS HEPA
- Fan Speed: 5
The ultimate goal of an air purifier is to remove as many airborne contaminants as possible and RabbitAir’s SPA-700A is designed to do just that. It is fitted with 6 very effective filtration stages.
A permanent, washable pre-filter is the first line of defense, which traps large-sized particles. Next, a medium filter traps particles that are larger than 1 micron in size, which includes mold and pollen.
The main filtration stage is composed of a BioGS HEPA filter and this traps allergens that are large than 0.3 microns in size at 99.97% efficiency. This is followed by a custom filter, in which you can choose between germ defense, pet allergy, toxin absorber, and order remover filters.
After this, an activated carbon filter traps chemicals and odors while a negative ion generator finishes off the process by fortifying the air with beneficial negative ions.
Other than that, the unit has a large 700 sq. ft. coverage, which is ideal for large rooms, and it delivers up to 2 air changes per hour in this space.
You also get a light sensor that switches the purifier to a quieter sleep mode when you switch off the lights, then resumes active mode when you switch them on. The unit is run by a very quiet brushless DC motor, which only produces 20.8dB in sleep mode.
The only problem is that this purifier is quite expensive. However, it is very economical to run because the filters can last up to two years on a 12-hr/day operation time.
Pros:
- Effective 6-stage filtration process
- Large 700 sq. ft. coverage
- Light sensor for automatic switching
- Quiet brushless DC motor
- Durable filters
Cons:
- Quite expensive
2. SilverOnyx 8541832765 – Best Budget Air Purifier for Basements
Photo: SilverOnyx
- Coverage Area: 500 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 5
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speed: 5
Basement air purifiers don’t have to be expensive. You can get an affordable high-quality unit such as the SilverOnyx 8541832765. The model has a coverage of 500 sq. ft., which is quite large, and it utilizes a 5-stage filtration system to get the job done.
These stages are a mesh prefilter for trapping large particles, a true H13 HEPA filter for small particles, an activated carbon filter for neutralizing odors, a negative ion generator, and a UV light sanitizer for killing molds and germs.
The purifier places all these stages in a circular shape and this allows air to be sucked in from all sides. This increases the surface by up to 60% as compared to flat filters, making it more efficient.
A particulate matter sensor is built in to detect the air quality then adjust the airflow automatically in auto mode. This ensures you get the highest air quality at all times.
You also get an easy-to-use push-button control panel at the top, but this model has no remote-control option.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Effective 5-stage filtration system
- Circular shape with a large filtration surface area
- Particulate matter sensor for automatic control
- Easy-to-use push-button control panel
Cons:
- No remote control
3. Alen BreatheSmart Classic – Best Air Purifier for Large Basements
Photo: Alen
- Coverage Area: 1100 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 4
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speed: 4
With an 1100 sq. ft. coverage, Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic is designed for whole-house use and therefore, it is the perfect fit if you have a large basement.
The unit incorporates the use of 4 filtration stages and it has 4 fans speeds plus a turbo setting for circulating air through these stages.
While you can adjust the settings to your preference, there is an auto mode that controls the fan speed automatically depending on the air quality. This is made possible by a passive air quality sensor, which detects pollen, dander, dust, and bad odor.
This sensor communicates the result to you via a ring light, which turns red if the air is filled with dirty pollutants. The light turns orange if the pollutants are at a moderate level while a blue light means the air is clean.
Other features include a built-in timer with 3 settings, a filter-life indicator, and an easy-lift handle at the rear for easy transportation. On the downside, the purifier is very expensive.
Pros:
- Large 1100 sq. ft. coverage
- Auto-mode for automatic filtration
- Air quality indicator lights
- Filter-life indicator
- Built-in easy-lift handle
Cons:
- Expensive
4. Fellowes 9286201 – Best Basement Air Purifier for Flu Seasons
Photo: Fellowes
- Coverage Area: 600 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 4
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speed: 4
Fellowes’ 9286201 is the ideal air purifier to use during the cold and flu seasons because it has a special high-performance AirPlus mode. This increases the air turnover rate per hour so that more allergens, germs, and viruses are removed from your air.
That said, purification is done using a 4-stage filtration system that has a carbon filter, a true HEPA filter, AreaSafe antimicrobial treatment, and Plasmatrue technology. Combined, these remove odors and up to 99.9% of airborne particles.
Controls are done via a touch panel and this allows you to set the fan speed to 4 different levels or set the purifier to auto mode, which adjusts the speed automatically. This mode uses an AeraSmart sensor to detect the air quality then adjust the fan speed automatically.
There is also an air quality indicator that lights up in red to show poor air quality, amber for moderate quality, and blue to show good quality, as well as HEPA and carbon filter life indicators. However, you don’t get the convenience of a remote-control option.
Pros:
- Airplus mode for increased turnover
- Auto-mode with an AeraSmart sensor for auto adjustment
- Air quality indicator
- Filter life indicators
Cons:
- No remote control
5. Honeywell HPA300 – Best Air Circulating Purifier for Basements
Photo: Honeywell
- Coverage Area: 465 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 2
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speed: 4
With a coverage of 465 sq. ft., Honeywell’s HPA300 is capable of circulating air up to 5 times/hr. in this room size, which is quite a high rate. As a result, you get cleaner air with fewer allergens in your basement, which means cleaner air for your house.
The unit is equipped with 3 fan speeds plus a turbo setting, which operates at the fastest speed for quick circulation. An easy-to-use touch control panel is used to make all these adjustments and it also has a dimmer button for night time use, filter check reminders, and an auto-off timer.
Filtration is done in 2 stages, which include a pre-filter for capturing odors, VOCs and large particles, and a HEPA filter for capturing small 0.3-micron particles. On the downside, you don’t get auto mode plus an air quality sensor for automatic control.
Pros:
- Fast 5X/hr. air circulation
- Easy-to-use touch control panel
- Dimmer function for night-time use
- Filter check reminders
- Auto-off timer
Cons:
- No auto mode
6. Coway AP-1512HH – Energy-Efficient Basement Air Purifier
Photo: Coway
- Coverage Area: 361 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 4
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speed: 3
Coway’s AP-1512HH features an eco mode that automatically turns off the fan after 30 minutes if no pollution is detected. This makes it very energy efficient. To achieve this, the purifier is fitted with a pollution sensor that checks the air quality in real-time.
This sensor is also used in auto mode to adjust the motor speed automatically depending on the air quality level.
An air quality indicator light is built in to help you monitor the process, and it lights up in 3 distinct colors. Blue means the air quality is good, purple means it is medium polluted and red means it is very polluted.
You also get a timer with 3 settings that allows you to run the purifier for 1, 4, or 8 hrs. before powering off automatically, filter replacement indicators for the pre and HEPA filters, and a bipolar ionizer (4’th filtration stage) that reduces particles in the air.
However, no remote control is included for convenient adjustment in the comfort of your seat.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient Eco mode
- Air quality indicator light
- Built-in timer with 3 settings
- Filter replacement indicators
- Bipolar ionizer
Cons:
- No remote control
7. Winix 5500-2 – Basement Air Purifier with PlasmaWave
Photo: Winix
- Coverage Area: 360 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 3
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
- Fan Speed: 4
As the 3’rd stage in its filtration system, Winix’s 5500-2 has PlasmaWave technology, which breaks down allergens, odors, chemical vapors, etc. at a molecular. It does this without emitting ozone or any harmful byproduct, which makes it very safe to use.
The first 2 stages are a washable AOC (Advanced Odor Control) carbon filter and a true HEPA filter.
A push-button control panel is used to make the adjustments and it includes 4 fan speed settings, an air quality indicator light, and a filter replacement indicator, just to name a few. Remote control is also included for convenience.
You can set the purifier to auto mode and this will utilize the built-in smart sensors to detect the air quality then adjust the fan speed automatically.
On the other hand, sleep mode uses the built-in light sensor to detect the ambient light, then adjust the indicator lights and fan speed accordingly. The only problem is the unit’s coverage area of 360 sq. ft., which is quite small.
Pros:
- PlasmaWave technology
- Remote control available
- Auto-mode for automatic adjustment
- Sleep mode for quiet running
Cons:
- Small coverage area
8. Hathaspace HSP001 – Basement Air Purifier with an Ionizer
Photo: Hathaspace
- Coverage Area: 300 sq. ft.
- Cleaning Stages: 5
- Filter Technology: True HEPA
Rounding up the list is Hathaspace’s HSP001 and this one is equipped with an ozone-safe ionizer as the 5’th stage in the filtration process. This component charges the air with negative ions, which eliminate any remaining dust, pet hair, smoke, and odor.
The purifier is equipped with a smart air quality sensor, which is used in auto mode to automatically adjust the fan speed. This sensor is also used to indicate the air quality level, which is shown as red to indicate poor quality, yellow for medium quality, and green for good quality.
It has a sleep mode, in which a light sensor detects the ambient light then switches to the quietest level and turns off all the lights if it senses low lighting. If you switch on the lights, it automatically goes back to active mode.
A remote-control option is also included but the HSP001 has a relatively small coverage area of 300 sq. ft.
Pros:
- Ozone-safe ionizer
- Smart air quality sensor for auto mode
- Light sensor for sleep mode
- Remote control option
Cons:
- Small coverage area
How to Buy the Best Air Purifiers for Basement
Photo: Hathaspace
1. Filtration System
At the heart of an air purifier is the filtration system and this usually has several stages. Each stage has its unique function, which is to trap or neutralize a certain contaminant.
As such, the more the stages, the better because this means more airborne contaminants will be filtered out from the air. That said, RabbitAir’s SPA-700A stands out due to its effective 6-stage filtration system.
2. Coverage Area
Measured in square feet, the coverage area determines the room size that the purifier is rated to effectively turnover and clean the air. The ones with a large coverage area are recommended for large basements and the vice versa is true.
That said, large coverage units are generally recommended because their speed can be lowered for use in smaller basements. However, you can measure the size of your basement if you want to get an exact fit for that room size.
Read More: How to Choose the Right Size for an Air Purifier
3. Speed Settings
You should check the speed settings because these give you more control over the purification process. For instance, if the air is too dirty, you can switch up to the highest speed or play around with the medium settings if the quality is not too bad.
In addition to this manual adjustment, it is important to get a purifier with auto mode because this optimally adjusts the filtration speed to effectively filter out airborne contaminants at all times.
4. Extra Features
Additional features are always a plus and, in this case, you should look for a sleep mode for automatic dimming and slow speed adjustment when you switch off the lights. However, this is only ideal if you also plan to use the purifier in your living area or bedroom.
There’s also remote control, which is for convenience. These features can be found in Winix’s 5500-2. There are many more extra features that you can get and the more they are, the better.
5. Maintenance
Maintenance has mostly got to do with filter replacements, which should be easy and economical.
Using RabbitAir’s SPA-700A as an example, its filters can last up to 2 years, which is very economical. We highly recommend this because it also simplifies the maintenance process (once in 2 years).
6. Noise Level
Lastly, there is the noise level and frankly, this is not a big issue when it comes to basement air purifiers. However, if you also want to use the unit inside the house, you should get one that operates silently to not disturb your peace.
For this, check the decibel level, which should be in the range of 20-25dB in the lowest setting.
Conclusion
To conclude, the most important factor in an air purifier is its filtration system and this is why RabbitAir’s SPA-700A takes the overall best air purifier for basements slot. It has a highly effective 6-stage filtration system.
However, if your basement is large, coverage should be your number one priority. Alen’s BreatheSmart Classic has an 1100 sq. ft. coverage, which should be enough. If you are on a tight budget though, be sure to check out SilverOnyx’s 8541832765.