The Dangers of Mold and Why You Need an Air Purifier for Mold

It's no surprise that mold can wreak real havoc on your health. Exposure to mold spores has been linked to a myriad of respiratory issues including asthma attacks, allergic reactions, sinus congestion, coughing, sore throat, and more. Mold exposure is especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or existing respiratory conditions. Even those without sensitivities can develop problems after repeated exposure over time. So what can you do about it? And do air purifiers for mold even work?

 

The Financial Impact of Mold

In addition to health issues, mold can degrade materials in your home, like drywall, wood, and fabric. Professional mold remediation costs vary significantly based on the affected area size and location. Small-scale remediation (10-100 sq ft) typically costs $500-$1,500, while medium-scale projects (100-300 sq ft) range from $1,500-$6,000. Large-scale or whole-house remediation can cost anywhere from $15,000-$30,000.

The sooner you address your mold problem, the less damage it will cause. An air purifier is one of the most effective tools for capturing airborne mold spores before they cause issues.

The true cost of mold extends far beyond initial remediation. Here's what homeowners need to know about mold-related expenses.

 

 

Structural Repairs:

• Drywall replacement and painting: $1.50-$3.50 per square foot

• Carpet removal and replacement: $2-$8 per square foot

• Insulation replacement: $1.00-$4.50 per square foot

• Subfloor repairs: $2.20-$4.75 per square foot

 

Location-Specific Remediation:

• Bathroom remediation: $500-$2,000

• Partial basement/attic: $1,500-$6,000

• Full basement/attic: $6,000-$15,000

• HVAC system and ductwork: $2,000-$10,000

• Crawl space: $1,500-$4,000

 

Prevention vs. Remediation:

• Professional mold inspection: $300-$650

• Air quality testing: $200-$600

• Preventive measures like air purifiers: $200-$900 one-time cost

• Annual cost to replace HEPA filters: $100-$200

• Professional duct cleaning: $200-$1,000

 

Investment Protection

Investing to prevent mold growth through quality air purification can help avoid these costly remediation expenses. Consider that even small-scale mold removal starts at $500, while a quality air purifier with regular maintenance costs significantly less annually. By capturing mold spores before they can establish colonies, air purifiers help protect both your health and your wallet.

 

How Do Air Purifiers for Mold Work?

Running an air purifier 24/7 can actually provide constant protection against mold growth. Using air purifiers for mold is practical because air purifiers contain filtration systems that trap particles as air circulates through the device. Mold spores are larger than the particles that HEPA filters are designed to capture - while our HEPA filters trap particles as small as 0.01 microns, most mold spores range from 3 to 40 microns in size. This makes HEPA filtration extremely effective for mold removal.

Air purifiers capture mold and other allergens using a few key filtration stages:

• Pre-Filter: Catches larger particles like hair, dust, and dander. This extends the life of subsequent filters.

• Green True HEPA™ Filter: HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters must remove 99.97%² of particles 0.3 microns in size. This includes most mold spores. The tightly packed pleated HEPA filters trap particles as air passes through. 

• Activated Carbon Filter: Adsorbs gases, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and odors that are byproducts of mold growth.

Buying replacement filters is crucial to maintaining maximum mold removal. Coway's filters typically last from six months to a year depending on the model. 

 

Best Air Purifiers for Eliminating Mold

If you have visible mold growth or musty odors in your home, an air purifier is an essential investment for the health of you and your home. When selecting an air purifier for mold removal, you'll want to prioritize a few features.

 

Features to Consider When Choosing an Air Purifier

Green True HEPA™ filter: As we mentioned above, a Green True HEPA™ filter is non-negotiable for capturing mold spores and other allergens. Models certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) undergo rigorous testing to verify medical-grade HEPA filtration.

Room Size: Depending on the size of your space, you may want to prioritize purchasing an air purifier that is appropriately sized for larger spaces and rooms. Mold often grows in basements, bathrooms, bedrooms and larger living spaces. Check out Coway's range of air purifiers for large and extra-large spaces here.

High CADR rating: The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) measures the unit's filtration efficiency. Look for a high smoke/dust CADR, as mold spores fall into this particle range.

Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring: Sensors that detect airborne particles help you track the presence of potential mold spores and adjust filtration accordingly.

Filter Maintenance Features: Regularly ordering replacement filters and cleaning is crucial for effective mold removal. Look for models with clear replacement indicators and easy-to-clean pre-filters.

 

 

For Extra Large Spaces up to 4,253 sq ft

 

Best Overall for Extra Large Spaces

 

Airmega ProX

Quick Look

• Coverage: 4,253 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 568

  • Dust: 580

  • Pollen: 450

• Noise Level: 23-46 dB

• Filtration:Green True HEPA™

Why We Like It

The revolutionary Coway Airmega ProX is a multifunctional unit featuring a four-stage filtration system with a washable pre-filter, activated carbon filters, and Green True HEPA™ filter that captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.01 microns. The Airmega ProX is the best HEPA air purifier for extra large spaces as it has intelligent sensors that monitor air quality and automatically adjust fan speeds for efficient purification. It operates quietly, down to 23 decibels on the lowest setting, and it covers up to 4,253 sq ft in 60 mins.

With impressive CADR ratings of 568 (Smoke), 580 (Dust), and 450 (Pollen), it's ideal for large homes with multiple mold-prone areas. This air purifier is recommended by Consumer Reports and has built-in conveniences like a full remote control, lock and light sensor. The unit features built-in wheels for easy movement between spaces, making it perfect for targeting different problem areas in large homes.

Key Features

• Four-stage Filtration
  
• Four-stage filtration
• Smart sensors
• Built-in wheels
• Control lock
• Light sensor
• Consumer Reports recommended
• Filter Life: 12 months
• Size: 18.9 x 36.6 x 24.3 inches

 

Best Value for Extra Large Spaces

Airmega 400S

Quick Look

• Coverage: 3,120 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:
  Smoke: 285
  Dust: 358
  Pollen: 450

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 285

  • Dust: 358

  • Pollen: 450

• Filtration: 99.999% at 0.01 microns

This smart-enabled air purifier offers exceptional coverage up to 3,120 sq ft in 60 mins with a more accessible price point. Its advanced Max2 Filter system combines activated carbon and Green True HEPA™ filtration to capture particles down to 0.01 microns. 

With nearly the same CADR ratings as more expensive models (285 for Smoke, 358 for Dust), it delivers premium performance at a lower cost. The unit features smart connectivity for remote monitoring and control, plus real-time air quality sensing that automatically adjusts purification levels.

Key Features

• Smart connectivity

• Mobile app control

• Real-time monitoring

• Auto-adjustment

• Max2 Filter system

• Filter Life: 12 months

• Value Price Point: 40% less than ProX

• Size: 14.8 x 22.8 x 14.8 inches

 

Best Air Purifier For Large Spaces up to 2,512 sq ft

 

Best Overall for Large Spaces

 

Coway Airmega 400

Quick Look

• Coverage: 3,120 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 285

  • Dust: 358

  • Pollen: 450

• Noise Level: 22-52 dB

• Filtration: Max2 Filter (Green True HEPA™ + Activated Carbon)

Why We Like It

This HEPA air purifier is the best air purifier for large spaces as it covers spaces up to 3,120 sq ft in 60 mins. It contains a pre-filter along with a Max2 Filter that combines an Activated Carbon Filter and Green True HEPA™ Filter for optimized capturing and deactivating of smaller particles. With CADR ratings of 285 (Smoke), 358 (Dust), and 450 (Pollen), it efficiently removes mold spores and other contaminants.

The MAX2 filter incorporates activated carbon for odor control. The unit's dual-sided air intake maximizes air purification efficiency, while its real-time air quality monitoring system keeps you informed of your space's air quality through an LED indicator.

Key Features

• Dual-sided air intake

• Real-time air quality monitoring with LED indicator

• Smart modes (Auto/Sleep/Eco)

• Washable pre-filter

• Filter life indicator

• Timer function (1, 4, 8 hours)

• Filter Life: 12 months

• Size: 14.8 x 22.8 x 14.8 inches

• Power Consumption: 66W

 

Best Value for Large Spaces

 

Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty

Quick Look

• Coverage: 1,748 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 246

  • Dust: 249

  • Pollen: 277

• Noise Level: 24.4-53.8 dB

• Filtration:Green True HEPA™ (99.97%²) + Activated Carbon

Named Wirecutter's top pick for 10 consecutive years, this HEPA air purifier delivers exceptional value while covering up to 1,748 sq ft. Its proven four-stage filtration system includes a pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and Green True HEPA™ filter, effectively capturing mold spores while maintaining a more budget-friendly price point.

Features include real-time air quality monitoring, auto mode adjustment, and an energy-saving Eco mode that automatically powers off when no pollution is detected for 30 minutes.

Key Features

• Four-stage filtration system

• Real-time air quality monitoring

• Auto mode with pollution sensor

• Energy-saving Eco mode

• Ionizer function

• Filter replacement indicator

• Filter Life: 6-12 months

• Size: 16.8 x 18.3 x 9.6 inches

• Wirecutter's Top Pick (10 years running)

 

Best Air Purifier For Medium Spaces up to 1,748 sq ft

 

Best Overall for Medium Spaces

 

Coway Airmega 300

Quick Look

• Coverage: 2,512 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 296

  • Dust: 299

  • Pollen: 390

• Noise Level: 22-52 dB

• Filtration: Max2 Filter (Green True HEPA™ + Activated Carbon)

Why We Like It

With HyperCaptive® Air Filtration, this filter's capture technology traps and deactivates an unprecedented 99.999% of particles down to 0.01 microns, which is smaller than most bacteria and viruses. It is the best HEPA air purifier for medium spaces with its powerful filtration system achieving CADR ratings of 296 (Smoke), 299 (Dust), and 390 (Pollen), making it highly effective against mold spores.

It also leverages a Max2 filter for ultimate purification and can purify 2,512 square feet within 60 minutes. The unit has smart features and an energy-saving Eco mode that automatically stops the fan when no pollution is detected for 30 minutes. It earns stellar marks for reducing VOCs, smoke, dust, and odors.

Key Features

• Dual-sided air intake

• Real-time air quality monitoring

• Smart mode (Auto/Sleep/Eco)

• Washable pre-filter

• Filter life indicator

• Timer function (1, 4, 8 hours)

• Filter Life: 12 months

• Size: 13.6 x 21.2 x 13.6 inches

• Power Consumption: 57W

• 5-year warranty

 

Best Value for Medium Spaces

Airmega AP-1216L

Quick Look

• Coverage: 1,598 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 215

  • Dust: 239

  • Pollen: 267

• Noise Level: 21-52 dB

• Filtration: 4-stage (Pre-filter + Deodorization + Green True HEPA™ + Vital Ionizer)

Why We Like It:

This tower-style purifier offers impressive coverage up to 1,598 sq ft while maintaining an attractive price point. Its 4-stage filtration system includes a vital ionizer for enhanced mold spore capture, along with

Green True HEPA™ and activated carbon filters. With whisper-quiet operation starting at 21dB and comprehensive filtration that removes 99.999% of particles down to 0.01 microns, it delivers premium features at a more accessible price point.

Key Features:

• 4-stage filtration system with ionizer

• Real-time air quality monitoring

• Auto mode adjustment

• Filter replacement indicator

• Timer function (1, 4, 8 hours)

• Washable pre-filter

• Filter Life: Deodorization (6 months), Green True HEPA™ (1 year)

• Size: 7.9 x 29.5 x 9.8 inches

• Power Consumption: 49W

• Auto dim display

• Energy Star certified

• Stylish tower design

Best Air Purifier For Small Spaces up to 1,034 sq ft

Best Overall for Small Spaces:

Coway Airmega 150:

Quick Look:

• Coverage: 1,035 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 153

  • Dust: 161

  • Pollen: 220

• Noise Level: 20-48 dB

• Filtration: 3-Stage (Pre-filter + Deodorization + Green True HEPA™)

Why We Like It:

Coway's compact HEPA air purifier can purify up to 1,035 square feet in 60 minutes, making it the best air purifier for small spaces. Its powerful 3-stage filtration captures harmful bacteria, mold, dust, pollen and viruses. The intelligent auto mode adjusts speed based on air quality. Night mode provides ultra-quiet operation for bedrooms.

Its cartridge-style filter design makes filter replacement simple and mess-free, while the washable pre-filter extends the life of your main filters.

An air quality indicator ring lets you monitor performance. For maximum effectiveness against mold, the unit's Green True HEPA™ filter combines with an activated carbon filter to not only capture spores but also eliminate musty odors.

Key Features:

• 3-stage filtration system

• Real-time air quality indicator ring

• Auto mode with air quality sensor

• Night mode for quiet operation

• Cartridge-style filter design

• Easy-to-clean washable pre-filter

• Filter Life: 6-12 months

• Size: 13.4 x 18.5 x 6.5 inches

• Power Consumption: 35W

• Available in multiple colors

• Energy Star certified

Best Value for Small Spaces:

Airmega 100:

Quick Look:

• Coverage: 810 sq ft

• CADR Ratings:

  • Smoke: 108

  • Dust: 124

  • Pollen: 112

• Noise Level: 20-48 dB

• Filtration: 3-in-1 filter (Pre-filter + Green True HEPA™ + Deodorization)

This compact but powerful unit covers spaces up to 810 sq ft while offering essential features for mold control. Its 3-in-1 filter combines a vacuumable pre-filter with Green True HEPA™ and deodorization filters to effectively capture mold spores and eliminate musty odors.

The unit features a PM 2.5 particle sensor and real-time air quality monitoring through a color-changing indicator, delivering premium features at an entry-level price point. Ultra-quiet operation at 20dB makes it perfect for bedrooms and home offices with small space.

Key Features:

• PM 2.5 particle sensor

• Color-changing air quality indicator

• Auto mode functionality

• Night light feature

• 3 light settings options

• Ultra-quiet sleep mode

• Filter Life: 12 months

• Size: 8.7 x 8.7 x 15.6 inches

• Power Consumption: 25W

• Control panel lock

• Timer settings (1, 2, 4, 8 hours)

 

Special Features That Enhance Mold Removal

Some additional features help boost an air purifier's effectiveness when dealing with household mold.

 

Advanced Filtration Technology:

• Green True HEPA™ Filters: When choosing the best air filter for mold, Green True HEPA™ filtration is essential as these medical-grade filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns – well within the size range of most mold spores (3-100 microns).

• Activated Carbon Filters: These specialized filters absorb musty odors and harmful gases produced by mold while working in tandem with HEPA filters. Regular carbon filter replacements ensure consistent odor control.

 

Monitoring and Control Features:

• Particle Sensors: Indoor air quality is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment, as outdoor pollutants from sources like traffic and industry can mix with indoor contaminants from activities such as cooking, cleaning, and having pets. 

Monitoring air in real-time using an advanced air quality sensor and apps provides valuable insights into potential threats.

The Coway Airmega, equipped with the IoCare app, allows users to track indoor air quality, check filter status, receive outdoor air quality updates, and control the air purifier remotely. This proactive approach helps ensure clean air, and breathable air for oneself and loved ones.

 

Smart Home Integration:

• App/Voice Control: Getting your Coway Airmega air purifier to work with Amazon Alexa is simple. Just make sure both devices are connected to WiFi, enable the Coway Smart Home skill in the Alexa app, and log in to verify your purifier. You can even give each Airmega a unique nickname to control multiple units using Alexa voice commands. 

With simple voice controls like "Alexa, tell Airmega to turn on," you can start enjoying the convenience of using other purifiers and managing your home's air quality hands-free. Voice assistants open up exciting possibilities for controlling smart home devices like air purifiers. Remotely adjust settings and monitor air quality levels when away from home.

 

Essential Components:

• Pre-Filter: Pre-filters serve as the initial line of defense in an air purification system, capturing larger particles such as dust, pet dander, and hair. They prevent these particles from entering the main filtration system, thereby extending the lifespan and effectiveness of subsequent filters, improving air quality, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing maintenance costs in the air purification system.

• Multi-Stage Filtration: A thorough filtration system combines multiple filter types—pre-filter, activated carbon, and Green True HEPA™ —to provide maximum protection against mold. Each stage targets different aspects of air purification, from large particles to microscopic spores.

 

Efficiency and Operation:

• High Energy Efficiency Rating: Important for units to run continuously to prevent indoor mold growth. Look for Energy Star-certified models like those from Coway.

• Smart Mode Operation: Automated airflow adjustment based on a real-time air quality monitor ensures optimal performance while minimizing energy consumption. This feature is particularly valuable for maintaining consistent protection against mold while keeping operating costs low.

 

Additional Protection Features:

• Whole House Integration: For total protection, some models can be integrated with HVAC systems, providing whole house air filtration capabilities.

• Filter Maintenance Program: Subscribe to regular filter replacement services to ensure consistent protection against mold. Proper filter replacements maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your unit.

 

What Else Do These Filters Protect Against?

While these air purifiers excel at removing mold spores, their advanced filtration systems also protect against a wide range of other indoor air pollutants.

Here's what your air purifier is capturing alongside those troublesome mold spores.

 

Airborne Pathogens

• Viruses: Advanced HEPA filtration can capture particles as small as 0.01 microns, including many common viruses. The Airmega's HyperCaptive™ technology has been proven to reduce SARS-CoV-2 virus count by 99.98% in controlled testing.

• Bacteria: Green True HEPA™ filters effectively trap bacterial cells, which typically range from 0.3 to 5 microns in size.

• Other Fungal Spores: Beyond mold, these filters capture various types of airborne fungi that can cause respiratory issues.

 

Common Allergens:

• Pet Hair & Dander: Multi-stage filtration effectively removes pet hair and allergens, with pre-filters capturing larger particles and HEPA filters trapping microscopic dander.

• Pollen: Seasonal allergy sufferers benefit from the removal of various pollen types, which typically range from 10 to 100 microns in size.

• Dust Mites: Both the mites themselves and their waste products are captured, significantly reducing one of the most common indoor allergens.

 

Environmental Pollutants:

• Fine Dust Particles (PM2.5): These microscopic particles, often from outdoor pollution, are efficiently trapped by HEPA filtration.

• Smoke Particles: Whether from wildfires, cooking, or other sources, smoke particles are captured before they can settle in your home.

• VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Activated carbon filters specifically target these gaseous pollutants, which can off-gas from furniture, cleaning products, and building materials.

 

Household Contaminants:

• Cooking Odors: The activated carbon filtration system neutralizes strong cooking smells and related airborne particles.

• Cleaning Product Fumes: Chemical residues from household cleaning products are absorbed by the carbon filter layers.

• Paint Fumes: Both particles and gases from fresh paint or home improvement projects are filtered out.

 

What Makes These Filters So Effective:

The combination of multiple filtration stages ensures comprehensive protection:

• Pre-filters capture large particles

• Green True HEPA™ filters trap microscopic contaminants

• Activated carbon filters absorb gases and odors

• Real-time monitoring adjusts filtration based on current air quality

By investing in an air purifier capable of handling mold, you're also getting superior protection against this full spectrum of indoor air pollutants. This comprehensive filtration approach helps create a healthier indoor environment for everyone in your household, particularly those with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities.

 

Prevent Mold and Breathe Easier with a Coway Air Purifier

Air purifiers serve as the first line of defense when combatting household mold. Investing in a quality model sized appropriately for each problem area of your home goes a long way in protecting your family's health and improving respiratory symptoms.

Be diligent about changing filters on schedule and using moisture control settings to inhibit mold growth. With a top-rated air purifier, you can rest easy breathing clean, filtered air free of any airborne pollutants and allergens.

Browse our range of air purifiers to fit any space. Keep your loved one and your home healthy with Cowaymega.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which purifier is best for mold?

The Coway Airmega ProX is the best air purifier for mold removal, featuring a four-stage filtration system including Green True HEPA™ and activated carbon filters that capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.01 microns. For smaller spaces, the Airmega 150 provides excellent mold protection with its three-stage filtration system and real-time air health monitoring.

What pulls mold out of the air?

Green True HEPA™ filters effectively pull mold out of the air by capturing spores as small as 0.3 microns. A complete air purification system uses multiple stages to remove toxic mold from:

1. Pre-filter captures large particles

2. Green True HEPA™ filter traps mold spores

3. Activated carbon filter absorbs mold odors and gases

4. Air circulation continuously filters new spores

Which air filter for mold is best?

Green True HEPA™ filters are the best type best air purifiers for mold best air filter for mold capturing mold spores, as they're certified to remove 99.97%² of particles 0.3 microns and larger. For optimal mold protection, look for air purifiers that combine:

• H13 Green True HEPA™ filtration

• Activated carbon layer

• Washable pre-filter

• High CADR ratings

Should I get an air purifier or dehumidifier for mold?

For complete mold protection, use both an air purifier and a dehumidifier. Each serves a different purpose:

• Air purifiers: Remove existing airborne mold spores

• Dehumidifiers: Prevent new mold growth by reducing moisture While air purifiers capture mold spores, dehumidifiers address the root cause by maintaining optimal humidity levels below 50%. Using both devices provides the most effective mold prevention strategy.

Sources:

EPA - Mold and Health