The 7 Top Commercial Air Purifiers for Professional Water Damage Restoration 

Water damage is extremely common. It affects as many as 14,000 homes in the US every single day. Many people need professional cleaning companies to restore their homes after a flood. 

Water damage can result from broken pipes or heavy rains. In both cases, tools like commercial air purifiers are necessary. These remove contaminants in the air. They handle mold or dust stirred up during cleaning. In short, purifiers ensure a thorough cleaning. 

Professional cleaning companies need heavy-duty air purifiers in their equipment arsenals. However, many different factors must be considered when purchasing these machines. 

In this article, we will look at the importance of commercial air purifiers. We’ll also explore key features and considerations to help with buying choices. We will then share the results of our research into the commercial air purifier market. You’ll get a list of the best options currently on the market. 

The article will end with tips to help you start your air purifier search. 

Finding the Right Commercial Air Purifier: Why It Matters 

Unwanted substances can linger after water damage cleanup. An air purifier can remove these so residents don’t inhale them. It can also improve the work environment for your cleaning team. 

Here are the reasons a commercial air purifier is necessary for this job type: 

• Removes mold spores: These can irritate the lungs. Also, they can lead to severe breathing problems for people with allergies and asthma. 
• Captures harmful bacteria: Microscopic bacteria can thrive in wet conditions. They can cause illnesses if inhaled or ingested. 
• Takes dust out of the air: Dust can settle on surfaces and cause breathing difficulties. 
• Wards off bad smells: Musty odors are common after water damage. Air purifiers circulate air, which helps dry and remove smells. 
• Reduces chemical scents: The purifier can remove chemicals from the air. You may need to use it to clean harmful bacteria and molds thoroughly. 

A commercial air purifier can clean the air in a large area. You can carry powerful and portable models with you to job sites. They ensure a more thorough cleaning, which improves client satisfaction. And they remove unwanted substances from the air, so you do not have to re-clean surfaces. 

Commercial air purifiers come in several varieties: 

• HEPA purifiers use filters to capture small particles. They are ideal for homes with allergy or asthma sufferers. 
• Carbon purifiers use charcoal-like filters. These are adept at removing chemicals and reducing odors. 
• Electrostatic purifiers use static electricity to capture unwanted particles. They are good for attracting and removing dust. 
• UV air purifiers rely on ultraviolet light to clean the air. They can kill bacteria and mold spores. However, they only remove particles from the air if combined with other filter types. 
• Ion purifiers release electrical ions that attach to particles. The ions increase the density, causing the dust or spores to fall to the ground. Cleaners can easily remove them.  

Some purifiers have several stages with different filters. 

Key Considerations for Commercial Air Purifiers 

Several factors must be considered when purchasing a commercial air purifier. Understanding these details can help you choose the right product for your work. 

Here are five essential considerations for choosing the best commercial air purifier: 

1. Power and capacity: Homes come in all sizes. Consider the square footage of your typical client’s house. You must choose an air purifier with a clean air delivery rate (CADR) to handle these spaces. CADR measures the amount of air passing through the machine each minute. Then, it looks at how effectively the unit treats this air. We will look closely at this metric in the next section. 

2. Durability and build quality: Commercial equipment needs to be durable. You need to choose a purifier with a strong construction. It should withstand the bumps of transport and the strain of daily use. You may consider metal housing for added protection. 

3. Ease of maintenance: Replaceable filters are essential for long-term performance. Look for purifiers with available and affordable filters. Ideally, the filters should be easy to access and replace. Replacement should be possible without needing extensive disassembly of the unit. 

4. Mobility: Portability is key for home service companies. You typically want a light unit with wheels or casters. It can move between rooms and across job sites. Compact size is also a plus for easy storage in your service vehicle. 

5. Noise level: A loud air purifier can disrupt work and irritate homeowners. Look for units with adjustable fan speeds. This lets you balance cleaning power with noise. Also, the machine should have a quiet mode for low-disturbance operation. 

You also want to consider practical factors like cost. Several inexpensive smaller units can help you cover an entire home. These may be more cost-effective than a more expensive and larger air purifier. 

Essential Features to Seek in Commercial Air Purifiers 

Some variables, such as size, will depend on your preferences. Other features and considerations are essential regardless of your needs. You should look for the following factors when shopping for your air purifiers: 

1. Sufficient CADR: CADR is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). It indicates how much clean air a purifier delivers. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) standardized the measurement. According to AHAM, a sufficient CADR rating is two-thirds of the size of the standard room where you work. 

2. HEPA filtration: HEPA filters capture tiny 0.3-micron particles. HEPA filters are especially important for water damage cleanup. They are the most effective option for removing mold spores. 

3. Activated carbon filter: HEPA filters tackle particles. But odors and chemicals often linger after water damage. You can look for purifiers with an integrated activated carbon filter. This filter will neutralize these unwanted odors. Many purifiers allow you to “stack” carbon and HEPA filters. 

4. Noise rating: A loud air purifier can disrupt work and annoy homeowners. Opt for units with a decibel (dB) rating between 40 and 55 for quiet operation. Ideally, the purifier should have a “sleep mode.” This lowers the decibel during non-work hours. 

5. Warranties: A strong standard warranty is a good sign of quality. It shows a manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Typical air purifier warranties range from one to three years. Some high-end models have five-year warranties.  

A good purifier will offer all these features. Others—such as wheels, handles, or ionizers—may be essential to you. You should always consider your own needs and preferences before making a buying decision. 

The Best 7 Commercial Air Purifiers Recommended 

We researched commercial air purifiers to find the best models for home services providers. 

Our ratings focused on several factors, including: 

• Brand reputation 
• Reliability 
• Durability 
• Performance 
• Inclusion of essential features 
• Ease of maintenance 
• Portability 
• Availability of replacement filters 
• Overall value 

Here are the seven models that are best for working on water damage cleanup projects: 

XPower AP-2000 Portable HEPA Air Filtration System 

This powerful air purifier is ideal for large spaces. It is a good option for water damage cleanup after basement floods. 

The AP-2000 has two pre-filters to remove large particles. It also boasts a thick HEPA filter to handle mold spores and allergens. 

The unit has two speed settings. A high-powered 2,000 CFM setting can treat the air in large rooms. A lower 1,000 CFM mode provides a less high-powered option. 

The filters are easily accessible. Also, the unit has a change warning light to tell you when you need a replacement filter. 

Pros 

• The polyethylene housing provides good durability. 
• The unit has a low (8.5 amp) power draw. This limits the amount of electricity it uses. 
• Carrying handles and wheels increase portability. 

Cons 

• The purifier is heavy. It weighs in at 112 lb. 
• Even the 1,000 CFM setting might be too powerful for small home projects. 

This XPower model has a one-year warranty. 

Airpura UV600 

This multi-filter unit purifies air in four different stages. It includes carbon and HEPA filters. You also get a UV system. This feature is important for water damage cleaning because it kills mold spores and airborne bacteria. 

The unit’s circular design effectively treats air regardless of placement location. It can treat up to 2,000 square feet in 30 minutes and boasts a speed of 560 CFM. 

Pros 

• The multi-stage treatment process deals with all contaminants you encounter during water damage recovery. 
• The unit is highly efficient. The running cost is approximately $0.27 per day. 
• The filters are long-lasting. They can go for 12 to 36 months without replacement. 

Cons 

• The UV600 is more expensive than many other filters on the market. 
• Portability may be challenging. The unit has wheels, but the circular design can make carrying challenging. 

Airpura offers replacement bundles with filters and UV lamp bulbs. 

EnviroKlenz Air System Plus 

This multi-stage purifier is a cost-effective option for home cleaning companies. It uses a proprietary earth mineral cartridge to reduce odors and chemical compounds. 

The unit then sends air through a medical-grade HEPA filter. Finally, UV bulbs remove any remaining bacteria or spores. 

The unit is highly portable. It weighs 40lb and comes with wheels. It also features four different speeds. 

Pros 

• The Air System Plus is very quiet. Depending on the speed, it emits between 54 and 62 db. 
• It is very compact. It stands less than 2 feet tall, and its footprint is only 15 inches. 
• Tests show that the proprietary filters are more effective than carbon. 

Cons 

• This purifier isn’t suitable for jobs requiring speed or large coverage areas. The unit’s speeds are between 85 and 250 CFM. 
• The design is more consumer-oriented. Some businesses might have durability concerns. 

EnviroKlenz offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can effectively test the product before you fully commit to it. 

Honeywell Bluetooth Smart Air Genius 6 

This air purifier is from one of the most well-known appliance brands. Honeywell is famous for consumer equipment. And this particular model has one trait commercial users will find attractive: a washable filter. 

The Smart Air Genius 6 has two filters. The first is the washable particle filter, which you can remove and wash as needed. 

The second is a replaceable filter that eliminates chemicals and odors. The tower shape makes it especially useful for small rooms or tight spaces. 

Pros 

• Honeywell offers five-year warranties—one of the most extended guarantees you’ll find in the industry. 
• The machine is lightweight at only 13 lb. 
• The purifier has built-in air sensors. These can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other dangerous airborne toxins. Alerts are displayed on a small visual display. 

Cons 

• The Smart Air Genius 6 is not for large projects. It can only cover 260 square feet. 
• There is no HEPA filter. This purifier won’t work well if mold is present. 

Your cleaners can control this purifier via Bluetooth. This can be useful if the machine is tucked into a tight corner. 

XPOWER Olympus Programmable Sanitizing System (PSS) 

This portable unit offers both carbon and HEPA filtration. The HEPA stage removes bacteria and mold spores. Then, the active carbon filter covers odors and chemical compounds. 

The Olympus has a remote digital timer. You can use it to set speed and operation times. This feature allows you to set purification overnight, streamlining the cleanup. 

The 600 CFM system is sufficient for large rooms in a home. 

Pros 

• The combination of carbon and HEPA filters handles both mold and musty odors. 
• At 32 lb, this is a highly portable unit. 
• Even at its size, it can cover 3,000 square feet. 

Cons 

• It is more costly than other small purifiers. 
• It does not come with wheels. 

The Olympus is certified by Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL), which requires extensive safety testing. 

IQAir HealthPro 

This medical-grade air purifier provides you with an extra layer of health protection. It has four different filters, each with a specific purpose. A micro-particle filter captures mold spores and dust. Pellet and granule carbon filters catch VOCs and bad smells. Finally, a medical-grade HEPA filter removes all remaining substances, such as bacteria. 

IQAir, a Swiss company, is known for its quality. The company offers 10-year warranties on its purifiers. 

Pros 

• The machine is lightweight and portable. It weighs less than 30 lb. 
• The HealthPro has six different motor speeds. 
• All the filters last for more than one year with regular use. The HEPA filter lasts for three years and nine months. 

Cons 

• The HealthPro does not have wheels. This can cause challenges with transport and positioning. 
• The machine requires an additional upgrade to handle certain gases and VOCs. 

The HealthPro can treat air in rooms up to 1,240 square feet. 

Hunter HP980 AirMax Whole Home Industrial Strength Air Purifier 

The HP980 AirMax has a range of features and a reasonable price tag. It boasts three filters, including a pre-filter that catches bacteria and VOCs. 

The HEPA and coconut carbon filters catch anything that makes it past this first barrier. 

A built-in air quality meter alerts you about dangerous substances in the air. 

The AirMax has a reasonable coverage area. It can treat up to 640 square feet. 

Pros 

• This machine comes with a five-year limited warranty. This is excellent coverage, considering the low price. 
• The motor has four speeds. There is also a sleep mode that turns the fans to low at night. 
• You can change settings via a user-friendly digital display. You can also use the remote control included. 

Cons 

• The HEPA air filters only last for six months. This is less than many competitors. 
• Some reviewers complain of noise at the highest fan speeds. 

This purifier was designed for commercial applications like workshops, restaurants, and job sites.