Air Filter Home Particle Test

With wildfires and moldy buildings making air quality a challenge, finding the right air filter is crucial. Hey there, I’m Dr. Jill Crista, author of Break the Mold, and I’m excited to share my favorite air filter for mold, wildfire smoke, and particle removal. Using my own particle counter, I’ve tested filters to ensure you get the best. Ready to breathe easier and conquer mold? Let’s dive into my air filter home particle test!

Why Air Filters Matter for Mold and Smoke

Poor air quality hits mold-sick folks hard. With the wildfire smoke becoming more of a problem, the last thing mold sick people need is more particulate in the air. Here’s why air filters are a game-changer:

Rising Health Issues: Soaring rates of allergic rhinitis, asthma, and breathing problems are linked to moldy buildings and smoke.
Mold and Smoke Particles: Mold spores (1–30 microns) and ultrafine smoke particles (as small as 0.1 microns) can linger in the air, worsening symptoms.
Filter Role: A good air filter traps these particles, preventing them from settling in your lungs or home.

Want to learn more about mold recovery? Check out my 9 Things to Know Course.

Testing the Best: My Particle Counter Results

I don’t just trust company claims; I test air filters myself. Here’s what my home test revealed:

Setup: Using a particle counter, I measured small particles (1 micron) and larger ones (5 microns) in my office, even after vacuuming the carpet.
Carpet Test: Rubbing the carpet kicked up ~4,000 small particles—yep, carpets can hide a lot!
Intellipure Results: When I placed the counter near the Intellipure Compact’s output, particle counts dropped to ZERO for both small and large particles.
Proof It Works: Unlike some brands, Intellipure delivers clean air.

Why Intellipure Wins for Mold

My top pick is Intellipure (also known as Healthway), and it’s not just because of my test results. I love it for mold-specific reasons:

Biostasis Technology: This one zaps the filter, so the filter itself can’t become a petri dish to mold spores. Intellipure’s DFS (Disinfecting Filtration System) creates a “biostasis” zone, preventing mold growth on the filter, even if humidity exceeds 50%.
Ultrafine Particle Capture: It removes particles down to 0.007 microns—40 times more efficient than standard HEPA—grabbing mold spores, fragments, and mycotoxins.
Whole-House or Room Options: I use the Intellipure SuperV for my whole house and the Compact for my carpeted office. The Compact is the right size for single rooms.

Other brands like IQ Air are solid, but only a couple match Intellipure’s mold protection. Avoid filters that don’t pass HEPA standards—they won’t cut it. Learn more mold-fighting tips if you’re stuck in mold in my 9 Things to Know Course.

Tips for Choosing the Right Air Filter

Beyond picking a brand, here’s how to choose and use an air filter for mold and smoke:

Size Matters: Match the filter to your room’s cubic footage. A little Compact is not going to do it for a whole house.
Maintenance Costs: Check filter replacement costs and ease of maintenance. Intellipure needs only annual filter changes.
Avoid Ozone: Skip purifiers with ionizers or UV-C lights that emit ozone, which can worsen respiratory issues.
Add a Dehumidifier: I pair a dehumidifier near my air handler to keep humidity low, preventing mold growth. Any condensation gets dehumidified.
Run 24/7: Keep your purifier running constantly for best results, especially during wildfire season.
Explore Nasal Washes: Air filters clean the air, but nasal sprays and washes clear mycotoxins from your nasal passages. Visit my store to find nasal sprays.

Dive deeper into mold recovery with the 9 Things to Know Course.

You’re Ready to Breathe Cleaner Air!

With Intellipure’s biostasis technology and my particle test proof, you’ve got the tools to tackle mold, wildfire smoke, and particles. Pair it with a dehumidifier and explore my store for nasal washes for full mold recovery. Now go break the mold and breathe easier! Save this guide and share it with someone fighting mold or smoke.

Join my newsletter and check out my 9 Things to Know Course for more mold-busting tips.

Disclaimer This content is health information and not intended as personal medical advice. Viewing will not establish a doctor-patient relationship. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information discussed is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Reliance on information provided by Dr. Jill Crista, employees, or others appearing at the invitation of Dr. Crista is solely at your own risk.