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How to Buy a Smart Air Purifier

How to · Tech

How to Buy a Smart Air Purifier

Get clean bedroom air without overpaying by timing your purchase right and spreading out the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $300 before anything else
Across the 0% window $16.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $300 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A good smart air purifier is there to keep your bedroom air clean all night and last for years, so you only want to buy one once. Look for a model with a real HEPA filter and cheap replacement filters, because the upfront cost is only half the battle.

Tech companies refresh these lineups every year, which means you should wait for allergy season or prime shopping days to grab last year's model at a steep discount while it still has full software support.

That 18 months is a hard deadline, not free money, so make sure the balance is gone before the clock runs out or deferred interest will hit you hard.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your model

    Find a smart air purifier sized right for your bedroom square footage with a real HEPA filter. Check the cost of replacement filters now so you aren't surprised in six months.

  2. 02

    Wait for the right sale

    Hold off until allergy season or major retail holidays like Prime Day to buy. Last year's model usually drops in price right when the newest version hits the shelves.

  3. 03

    Map out the math

    If you are spending about $300 on the unit, break that total down so you know what it costs per month. Spreading $300 across the 18-month window comes out to $16.67 per month.

  4. 04

    Use your card window

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, which gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening to spread out the payments without paying extra interest.

  5. 05

    Set up your filters

    Order a spare filter at the same time so you have it ready when the machine tells you to swap it out. Put a reminder in your phone for filter changes so the unit actually works right.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I really need a smart air purifier?

Only if you want phone alerts when filters need changing or want to schedule cleanings while you are away at work. A basic model with a manual dial does the exact same cleaning job for less money.

How often do I need to change the filter?

Most manufacturers suggest every six to twelve months depending on your local air quality and pet situation. If you run it constantly in a dusty bedroom, expect to change it closer to the six-month mark.

Will this run up my electric bill?

Most modern bedroom air purifiers use very little power on medium or low settings, usually comparable to a standard light bulb. Running it 24/7 adds very little to your monthly utility bill.

What size purifier do I need for a bedroom?

Check the CADR rating and square footage coverage listed on the box to make sure it matches your room size. Always size up slightly if you have pets or high ceilings to keep the air moving properly.