Why Winter Means You Need a Good Air Purifier
- Quality Remediation
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As the temperatures drop across Wisconsin and Illinois and homes become tightly sealed to keep out the cold, the indoor air you breathe becomes more important than ever. Since you’ll be running heating systems, closing windows, and reducing fresh-air exchange, pollutants like dust, pet dander, mold spores, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can accumulate quickly.
According to a recent review from HouseFresh, many air purifiers on the market under-perform or over-promise. They tested over 100 units and found serious discrepancies between marketing claims and real performance. (HouseFresh) for you this winter, the right purifier isn’t a luxury — it’s a key piece of home health and comfort.
What to Look for When Choosing an Air Purifier
Before you pick a model, running through a checklist can save you money and ensure you get one that actually works well in a colder-climate, sealed-home scenario:
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate): A higher CADR means faster cleaning of pollutants. HouseFresh reports that top models cleared their test rooms in under 30 minutes. (HouseFresh)
True HEPA or equivalent performance: Filters down to ~0.3 microns or smaller.
Activated carbon or gas filters: Important when homes are sealed and odors or chemicals may linger. HouseFresh highlighted models with significant activated-carbon content. (HouseFresh)
Auto mode / air sensors: Lets the unit adjust based on indoor air quality rather than running full speed all day.
Noise & energy usage: With windows closed, quieter operation is more noticeable. Also, heating already raises power bills — you won’t want a purifier that spikes it further.
Room size coverage: Make sure the unit is sized for the space you intend (living room, basement, bedroom, etc.).
Filter replacement / maintenance: Filters need replacing; if the cost or frequency is high, your total cost of ownership goes up.
Top Recommended Models for Winter Homes in WI & IL
Here are some strong options—each with slightly different price-points and features—so you can choose what fits your budget and space. All are backed by strong independent testing.
balanced smart mid‑price
$199.99
large‑room premium smart
$319.99
premium brand mid‑size
$229.99
budget low‑maintenance
$199.99
allergen‑focused trusted brand
$319.95
entry true‐HEPA budget
$99.99
premium large‑space smart
$139.99
budget small room
$99.99
Here’s a quick overview of each:
Levoit Vital 200S Smart Air Purifier: Very well-rounded pick. As HouseFresh found, excellent performance under $200, smart controls, and strong filtering. (HouseFresh)
Levoit Core 600S Smart Air Purifier: Great for larger open-living areas (think family room or finished basement) where you need higher throughput.
Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max Air Purifier: A reputable brand, solid build, good for those who prioritize design + function.
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier: A budget-friendly option with lower ongoing maintenance (filters last longer), ideal for tighter budgets.
Honeywell InSight HPA5300 HEPA Air Purifier: Trusted brand recommended by allergists, good for bedrooms or allergy-sensitive households.
Winix A231 True HEPA Air Purifier: Entry-level true HEPA for smaller rooms (office, nursery) or as supplemental unit.
Blueair Pure 511i Max Air Purifier: Premium large-space model – for large open floor plans or if you want best-in-class.
Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier: Smaller footprint unit, good for bedrooms or compact spaces; cost-effective without sacrificing core filtration.
How to Use Your Air Purifier for Best Results This Winter
Position it properly: Place the unit centrally in the room if possible, away from walls and furnishings that block airflow.
Run continuously on auto mode: In sealed homes, pollutants build up gradually; auto mode helps manage that without noise/spike in energy use.
Keep return vents and filters clean: With less fresh air coming in, your HVAC system will be recirculating air more—so ensure your furnace and air-handler filters are replaced on schedule.
Monitor humidity: Many homes in winter drop in humidity because windows are closed and heating runs. If humidity is too low (under ~30 %), consider a humidifier. Low humidity can cause dry air, irritation, and even more dust circulation.
Change filters as required: Even the best purifier won’t perform if its filter is clogged. Set reminders for your replacement schedule.
Vent occasionally (if possible): On milder winter days, if you can crack a window for 5-10 minutes, fresh air exchange gives your purifier less to clean.
Basements and finished lower levels: These often have higher pollutant loads (dust, mold spores, VOCs). Consider running a purifier there in addition to upstairs living spaces.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay
In Wisconsin and Illinois, when the cold really hits, many homeowners “lock down” their homes and count on their heating system to keep things comfortable. What often gets overlooked is indoor air quality. Older homes, homes with basements, or those that have had water issues in the past are particularly vulnerable to elevated pollutant levels when sealed tightly.
At Quality Remediation, we often see the downstream effects of poor indoor air: increased allergy symptoms, asthma flare‐ups, lingering musty odors, and decreased comfort. A good air purifier is a proactive, cost-effective investment in your family’s health and your home’s longer-term integrity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re getting ready to hunker down for the winter, make your indoor air quality a priority. Choose a model that fits your space and budget, position it properly, let it run, and stay on top of maintenance. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your home—and your loved ones—in a region where we spend a lot of time indoors.
If you have questions about air quality in your particular home—especially if you've had past issues with mold, water intrusion, or dust—reach out to Quality Remediation. We’re here to help you breathe easier this winter.
While air purifiers can improve indoor air quality, they won’t solve a mold problem. If you’re noticing musty odors, worsening allergies, or suspect mold in your home, reach out to Quality Remediation—we’re here to assess the issue and guide you on the next steps to protect your home and health.
Contact us:
Or call our General Hotline and speak to Veronica, a real live person who is happy to serve you and answer all of your questions! 877-680-5489
Your breathing easy, Quality Remediation team.
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