Your basement air feels stale and unhealthy, but you’re unsure how to tackle the problem. Many people I know, as well as many of our readers, have the same problem. While getting rid of mold, radon, stagnant air, and VOCs can be challenging, there is a solution. Buying an air purifier for the basement can help you clean the air!
Table of Contents
- In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary of the Best Air Purifiers For Basement!
- Top 5 Basement Air Purifiers
- What Is Filtration Technology Used In Basement Air Purifiers?
- How Effective Were the Air Purifiers I Tested in the Basement?
- Tips On How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for a Basement
- Top Benefits of Using a Basement Air Purifier
- Tips On Using an Air Purifier in a Basement
- Do You Need an Air Purifier or Dehumidifier for Your Basement?
- FAQ on Basement Air Purifiers
- Final Thoughts
If you turned your basement into a room for your family and kids, you usually spend some time there without even noticing how stuffy or polluted the air is. Hence, you have to take care of the air you all breathe and get rid of all impurities and unpleasant odors in the air. I’ve tested various air purifiers in a similarly polluted environment (my family house basement), collecting test data and insights to create this guide and help you choose the right air purifier.
So, in this article, based on my experience and the results I got from testing the air purifiers in the basement, we’ll discuss the benefits of using an air purifier in basements in order to capture air pollutants and improve the overall air quality. I’ll suggest the top five air purifiers you can buy, as well as the best practices and ideas for placing and maintaining these devices. So, don’t let poor air quality in the basement ruin your health!
In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary of the Best Air Purifiers For Basement!
- Alen BreatheSmart Flex – The most reliable and efficient air purifier for the basement. It has outstanding performance, offers a lifetime warranty, and uses a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter as well as the pellet-based carbon filter.
- Winix 5500-2 – Excellent performance, long-lasting filters, washable carbon filter, and the best value-for-money air purifier.
- IQAir Healthpro Plus – Top-quality Swiss air purifier with years of innovation and many satisfied customers. It is ideal for larger and highly polluted basements.
- Rabbit Air MinusA2 – Stands out the most with its 6-stage filtration. Such filtration technology is highly effective, especially in basements with stagnant air.
- Coway Airmega 300 – Has a fantastic CADR and is recommended for basements of up to 459 sq. ft. It uses the Coway Airmega Max2 filter, a combination of carbon and HEPA filters, which means it quickly eliminates bad air in your basement.
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Top 5 Basement Air Purifiers
After months of dedicated research and comparing the results of different air purifiers, I have created a list of the best air purifiers for the basement.
Whether you are looking for an air purifier for a dusty, musty, or damp basement, the following air purifiers are the best ones you can get. This list is current and up to date according to our testing procedure!
Alen BreatheSmart FLEX – High-Quality Filters
Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Highlights
- Alen FLEX has a 3-stage filtration technology and is intended for rooms of up to 300 sq. ft. with 4.8 ACH.
- Uses a medical-grade H13 True HEPA filter which effectively traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- It has a pellet-based carbon filter with > 2 lb of carbon included.
- Superior air purifier offering excellent performance, quiet motor, and extraordinary craftsmanship.
- Alen offers a lifetime warranty for this model, with subscribing to a filters replacement plan.
The Alen BreatheSmart FLEX is one of the best-selling air purifiers made by the Alen company. It is designed for rooms up to 300 sq. ft. In a room of the recommended dimensions, it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour. However, the Alen FLEX performed extraordinarily in tests I did in slightly larger rooms than recommended.
This air purifier uses a three-stage filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. I like its True HEPA filter and a pellet-based carbon filter that comes with > 2 lb of carbon inside.
The filters’ quality is on the high end. I particularly like the True HEPA filter, which combats all the harmful particles in your basement air and is sure to clean it. Besides the True HEPA filter, there is a high-quality carbon filter, which is pellet-based and consists of more than 2 lb of carbon inside. This filter is very important in combating mold spores or neutralizing bad odors.
If you subscribe to replacement filters and register products on the Alen website, you are eligible for a lifetime warranty, which is also a great feature.
Overall, the Alen FLEX is my absolute recommendation and the best buying option overall for the basement.
| Filters | Pre-filter, True HEPA Filter, and Carbon Filter |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH) | 300 sq. ft. |
| Power Consumption | 50W |
| Warranty | Lifetime (with replacing filter subscription) |
Winix 5500-2 – Best Value For Money
Winix 5500-2 Highlights
- Winix 5500-2 is a medium-sized air purifier intended for rooms up to 360 sq. ft.
- It uses a 4-in-1 filtration technology consisting of a pre-filter, AOC carbon filter, True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology.
- The Winix has plenty of features, of which I like the air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and remote control the most.
- Due to the high-quality True HEPA filter and a pellet-based carbon filter, the Winix 5500-2 is ideal for the basement.
- Winix 5500-2 comes with a 2-year warranty.
The Winix 5500-2 is the cheapest product on this list and the best value-for-money air purifier you can get for the basement.
It has a four-stage filtration technology consisting of a washable pre-filter, an activated carbon filter that is also washable, a True HEPA filter, and PlasmaWave technology. Generally speaking, True HEPA and Activated Carbon filters are long-lasting, but you still need to change them every 12 months on average.
The Winix 5500-2 is ideal for smaller basements up to 360 sq. ft., but according to the performance tests I performed, it would definitely be efficient in slightly larger ones.
Furthermore, the Winix 5500-2 copes well with gasses and bad odors, and you will hardly find better alternatives for it in terms of performance, features, price, and quality. Huge recommendation for this one!
| Filters | Washable Pre-filter, Washable AOC Carbon Filter, and True HEPA Filter |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH) | 360 sq. ft. |
| Power Consumption | 70W |
| Warranty | 2-year |
IQAir HealthPro Plus – Swiss Quality
IQAir HealthPro Plus Highlights
- The IQAir HealthPro Plus air purifier is designed for rooms up to 470 sq. ft. In the recommended room sizes, it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour.
- It is a highly reliable, high-quality air purifier with three-stage filtration technology.
- The IQAir is ideal for VOCs, mold spores, and smoke, making it a great option for the basement.
- It consumes a lot of power and is a bit noisy, but it is also great for large basements!
- IQAir HealthPro Plus comes with an incredible 10-year warranty.
The IQAir HealthPro Plus is a premium air purifier with a high build quality, which has been one of the best in the class for decades. It’s a pricey air purifier, but due to the extremely efficient filtration technology is an extraordinary option for the basement.
It is best to use this air purifier in rooms with sizes of up to 470 sq. ft. which is equivalent to a large basement.
IQAir is known for its proprietary, innovative filtration technology (HyperHEPA) that filters particles 100x smaller than 0.3 microns, much smaller than a virus.
Along with its high efficiency, the IQAir is a bit heavier electricity-wise because it uses 215 watts at the highest speed.
Overall, the IQAir HealthPro Plus is a high-end air purifier, making it a not-that-affordable option, but I guarantee you will be satisfied with its performance.
| Filters | PreMax Filter and HyperHEPA Filter |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH) | 470 sq. ft. |
| Power Consumption | 215W |
| Warranty | 10-year |
Rabbit Air MinusA2 – A Powerful 6-Stage Filtration
Rabbit Air MinusA2 Highlights
- With an ACH (air changes per hour) of 4.8 in 278 sq. ft. spaces, it is ideal for small to medium size basements.
- This air purifier uses a highly efficient 6-stage filtration technology consisting of a permanent pre-filter, a medium filter, a HEPA filter, a custom filter, an activated carbon filter, and an ionizer.
- The RabbitAir MinusA2 is straightforward to place and doesn’t have a large footprint, especially considering that it can be attached to a wall.
- RabbitAir offers a 5-year warranty on this product.
The RabbitAir MinusA2 is another top-class air purifier I would suggest for your basement.
It uses an incredible six-stage filtration technology that fights many airborne pollutants and cleans the air in basements up to 278 sq. ft. with ease. The RabbitAir will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour in the recommended room size.
This air purifier’s six filtration stages include a permanent pre-filter, a medium filter, a HEPA filter, a custom filter, an activated carbon filter, and an ionizer.
It has many features, but I like the air quality sensor, air quality indicator, and auto mode the most.Overall, the RabbitAir MinusA2 air purifier is highly efficient, it has excellent performance, advanced filtration, and creative design. And, if you don’t only want fresh and clean air in your basement but also a device to fit into your unusually designed room, this air purifier is for you.
| Filters | Pre-filter, Medium Filter, BioGS HEPA Filter, Customized Filter, Activated Carbon Filter and Negative Ion Generator |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH) | 278 sq. ft. |
| Power Consumption | 61W |
| Warranty | 5-year |
Coway Airmega 300 – Double Filtration
Coway Airmega 300 Highlights
- The Coway Airmega 300 covers rooms of up to 459 sq. ft., making it the ideal solution for large basements
- It uses the HyperCaptive filtration system consisting of a pre-filter, deodorization filter, and True HEPA filter.
- The Airmega 300 has five operating modes: Smart, Sleep, Low, Medium, and High.
- Many advanced options, auto mode, and a smart sensor are just some of the extras that the AirMega 300 has.
- It comes with a very generous 5-year warranty.
The Coway Airmega 300 is a large air purifier equipped with high-quality filtration technology and plenty of advanced features.
It covers rooms of up to 459 sq. ft. In such a room, it will clean the air 4.8 times in one hour. Its HyperCapative filtration system is the most deserving of Airmega 300’s extraordinary performance.
What fascinated me about the Airmega 300 is having dual filters placed on the sides. The pre-filter is the first filtration stage, the deodorization filter is the second stage, and the True HEPA filter is the last filtration stage.
The Airmega 300 is Energy Star certified and has the power of just 56W, which stands it out compared to the outstanding performance.
All in all, the Coway Airmega 300 has my absolute recommendation as an air purifier solution for basements.
| Filters | Pre-filter and MAX2 Filter (Green True HEPA Filter and Activated Carbon Filter) |
| Coverage (4.8 ACH) | 459 sq. ft. |
| Power Consumption | 56W |
| Warranty | 5-year |
What Is Filtration Technology Used In Basement Air Purifiers?
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters, especially True HEPA filters, are capable of removing 99.97% of air pollution. It can remove almost all particles down to 0.3 microns. The True HEPA filter is an ideal choice to trap mold spores and, in such a way, prevent mold growth.
HEPA filters need to be replaced regularly for best performance. HEPA filters cannot remove gasses, bad smells, and terrible odors; for that, you will need to use a combination with a carbon filter or an ionizer.
Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are essential for basement air filtration. Carbon filters are an ideal choice to remove bad smells and odors. VOCs, gasses, and other harmful components can be removed with these filters.
Suppose you have a basement with a lousy odor. In that case, I can highly recommend picking an excellent large air purifier with an enormous carbon filter.
Ionizers
Ionizers are also an exciting choice to combat bad smells and terrible odors. They release negative ions into the air, eliminating components that create lousy air in the basement. Ionizers are fast at removing bad odors and will for sure help you keep the air fresh in a cellar.
However, you need to know that some ionizers release small amounts of ozone which is not a problem if an air purifier is certified.
Unfortunately, there are air purifiers on the market that use ionizers but are not certified, and you can not know how much ozone is released into the air. I can only suggest being careful with such uncertified air purifiers.
UV-C Light
UV light can kill germs and mold. Since a UV-C light kills mold, it is a pretty good choice to combat mold in a basement.
Many air purifiers today combine this option in the filtration system. In combination with an ionizer or True HEPA filter, mold will be gone in no time.
How Effective Were the Air Purifiers I Tested in the Basement?
Stale and not-so-good air in the basement is a bigger problem than it seems, so it may be that one solution is not always enough. I can confirm that air purifiers definitely work. They are an excellent choice to combat bad and musty air in the basement.
I have carried out tests in several different basement rooms, different uses, and different levels of air pollution. For example, during winter preparation, I switched on an air purifier in a room in the basement that quickly removed the strong smell of vegetables and neutralized the air completely.
Another basement, which is not fully finished (unfinished basement), is used as a room for old stuff. I also installed an air purifier here and achieved a fantastic result. I would not comment much here; I will just say that breathing was several times easier and that such an unfinished basement has found its purpose, after all, thanks to the air purifier.
Tips On How to Choose the Best Air Purifier for a Basement
Before I move on to the main things you need to think about before buying an air purifier, it’s worth mentioning that installing a ventilation system in the basement helps improve airflow and remove odors.
Aside from the ventilation, the air purifier will enhance air quality and eliminate impurities that cannot be expelled through built-in ventilation.
All things considered, these are the things to keep in mind when choosing the best air purifier for a basement.
- Air Contaminants. Depending on what is most prevalent in the air of your basement, for instance, things like bacteria, viruses, VOCs, mold spores, dust, and other airborne pollutants, you will need
- Room Coverage. Be sure you have an air purifier that will cover and successfully clean the air in a room of such dimensions at the proper time.
- Air Flow. Considering the CADR and how long an air purifier will filter the air in a basement.
- Filtration Technology.
- Brand Trustworthy.
- Ultraviolet Light
The most effective against the basement air is Alen BreatheSmart FLEX, which also showed excellent performances in tests I performed, so it is my absolute buying recommendation and the best choice for shopping.
Top Benefits of Using a Basement Air Purifier
If you are still not sure whether you need an air purifier and if you have asked yourself many times, “why should I use an air purifier for my basement?” then you are in the right place.
Everyone is probably wondering what benefits you can get if you buy an air purifier for the basement. All I can say is many. You can remove unpleasant odors, or you can clean the air from toxic components such as:
Radon
Radon is highly toxic, and it is highly recommended not to breathe air full of radon. This is a radioactive gas that comes to your basement from the soil.
Breathing radon may lead to lung cancer.
Mold
I have already mentioned mold several times in this article, but every basement has more or less mold. Mold is not really that dangerous, but it creates bad air, and some people may have allergic reactions to mold.
VOCs
VOCs are dangerous, and if you have these gases in your basement, you need to remove them quickly. VOCs can be put in the same category as radon. Because of no ventilation in most basements, VOC levels can be very high and, in that way, very unhealthy.
Dust
Dust is a problem in the whole house. Maybe the basement dust is not visible in the air, but I can assure you it is present. The good news is that air purifiers are best at removing dust from the air.
Musty Air
Musty air is just a symptom of the previously mentioned problems, which an air purifier can remove without a problem. If you remove dust, VOCs, radon, and mold from the air, the air will no longer be musty.
Having previously described the isolated situations where an air purifier has helped, that’s not all; people use a basement for different purposes, so different situations have different benefits when using an air purifier.
Tips On Using an Air Purifier in a Basement
Air purifiers can fix almost all air-related problems. They are simple to use and are very effective against bacteria, viruses, VOCs, mold spores, dust, and other airborne pollutants.
But before using an air purifier, it is recommended to do some things to get your basement in order. As I previously said, you can install ventilation which can help with airflow and remove bad odor.
All basements have moisture issues, and for that, it is recommended to use dehumidifiers that can keep humidity levels at optimal range. If there is high humidity, mold can grow, and you will probably have mold problems.
Existing mold needs to be removed; you can clean it yourself or hire a mold expert. If you are not sure about mold type, hire a mold expert because some mold types are hazardous if you inhale their spores.
Radon is problematic to remove, but it is also rarely an issue in a basement. To start, it is best to monitor radon levels with the test kit. In case radon levels are high, it is highly recommended to hire an expert.
Choosing the Right Size Air Purifier
The Alen BreatheSmart FLEX is my absolute recommendation and the best choice for shopping. It is designed for spaces up to 300 sq. ft. It will also suit medium basement spaces. In addition to this model, I have added some other models to the list, designed for different-sized basements, to help all potential customers to choose the suitable device for their needs as quickly as possible.
Do You Need an Air Purifier or Dehumidifier for Your Basement?
Combining an air purifier and a dehumidifier is not always the best option because it is challenging to make a perfect product for both purposes. I have tested some devices that are a combination of an air purifier and a dehumidifier and didn’t get great results. It is better to use these two types of devices separately.
A dehumidifier alone prevents mold from forming in the basement. An air purifier is a great addition to clean and freshen the air.
Air Purifier Vs. Dehumidifier for Basements
An air purifier is focused on removing airborne pollutants such as mold spores, dust, pet dander, and other contaminants.
A dehumidifier is not removing lots of airborne pollution. Dehumidifiers also have filters, but their purpose is to remove extensive pollution that may cause trouble to the dehumidifier. The primary purpose of the dehumidifier is to remove excess moisture from the basement.
Because of different purposes, it is best to use both devices in a basement and cover all bases.
FAQ on Basement Air Purifiers
Should I use an air purifier in my basement?
Yes, an air purifier is an excellent device for a basement. It can improve the air quality and remove harmful particles found in such a room.
Will an air purifier help with the basement smell?
Yes! Suppose the air purifier contains a True HEPA filter and a premium carbon filter. In that case, it will purify and freshen the air in your basement.
Where to place the purifier in the basement?
You need to check the room coverage before choosing and purchasing any of the products on the list of top 5 air purifiers that will drastically improve the air quality in your basement, but my top choice is the Alen BreatheSmart Flex air purifier.
Do air purifiers really work for mold?
Yes, an air purifier can help with reducing mold spores from the air. Although, if your basement is too moldy, it’s more likely that you will need to replace filters more often.
Does an air purifier help with a damp or musty basement?
Yes, an air purifier will help in a musty and dump basement! Air purifiers are devices that clean many airborne pollutants from the air, including mold spores, dust, mildew, and similar. In that way, they are extremely beneficial for places without windows or any kind of ventilation, such as basements.
Besides, I would suggest placing a dehumidifier in the basement, as this device helps remove excess moisture from the basement.
Final Thoughts
The air quality in a basement is generally not the best. It can significantly impact your health, especially if you are allergic to dust and mold particles that you find in the air.
Therefore, you need to prevent inhaling all the harmful particles from the air by buying an air purifier for the basement, and the best one for this purpose, that I have tested, is definitely Alen BreatheSmart FLEX.
However, if you still have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or contact me directly by email.
What air purifier would be my best choice to get a musty smell out of my basement. Should I choose one with a carbon filter over a HEPA filter.
I suggest choosing an air purifier with both a True HEPA filter and a carbon filter, which is simply any listed in the article.
Trying to determine the best air sanitizer unit for an unfinished 1000 sq foot basement with a 9 foot ceiling and some crawl space attached to two walls. Biggest issue is a musty odor. Most units do not cover a large area and or have other issues.
Have you tried any from the list I created? The Coway Airmega 300 has the biggest CADR, and it might be a good choice for you.