I’ve spent years testing air purifiers – these three are the best in the US to detox the air in your home

If you live in affected parts on the US, climate change is making wildfire season more intense, adding more ozone at ground level. That means air quality is not a factor to overlook when it comes to your health at home. And beyond wildfire smoke, pollen, smoke, pet dandruff and cooking fumes are all particulates that can affect your home's hygiene.

Lots of air purifier brands promise to improve air quality , but hide their performance behind jargon. But don't worry: I've got over a decade of experience testing air purifiers, both in a home and lab setting, to help you cut through the marketing haze.

You need to look at three factors: the filter types, size and cost. For the average American home, the ideal air purifier will have:

• A pre-filter that prevents pet and human hair from prematurely clogging the main filter

• A HEPA or HEPA-like filter that removes fine particulates from the air

• A carbon medium for dealing with odors

When it comes to size, air purifiers are rated for varying square footage, ranging from your personal space to an entire floor of your home.

Finally, there's cost, but some air purifiers are worth their price – if you know what to look for.

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Three of the Filter's favorite air purifiers

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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter , the Guardian's guide to buying fewer, better things:

• What does an air purifier do and can it help with wildfire smoke

• Ignore all the smart home gimmicks. These five devices actually make life easier

• Make cleaning easier with these 13 favorites for scrubbing, cleaning and tidying

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