We are thrilled to announce that the Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 air purifier has been honored with the 2024 SELF Healthy Home Award. This recognition is a testament to the air purifier’s outstanding performance, innovative features, and commitment to promoting cleaner living environments. This accolade is not just a recognition of superior product quality but also an affirmation of the rigorous standards set forth by SELF in evaluating the best home health products.
The Selection Process
The journey to the SELF Healthy Home Awards is no small feat. Each contender undergoes an vetting process designed to ensure that only the best products make the cut.
First, submissions were opened to brands with entry guidelines available on self.com—you can view them here. A total of 170 products were submitted for consideration, and 87 were selected for testing by SELF staffers. Additionally, a panel of experts was consulted; some provided input on product submissions, while others contributed to our research, informing our standards and guidelines.
Expert Insight: The SELF panel consulted with top experts in the field, including William Bahnfleth, PhD, a professor of architectural engineering at Penn State University and chair of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' epidemic task force. His insights were crucial to understanding the technical efficacy and health benefits of each air purifier.
What to Consider When Choosing an Air Purifier
- HEPA Filter and Non-Ionizing Technology: A critical criterion was the inclusion of a true HEPA filter and the absence of ionizing technology, ensuring the air purifier effectively captures fine particles without generating harmful ozone.
- Coverage Area Appropriateness: An air purifier is built to function within a specific square footage; using it in a room larger than its capacity reduces its effectiveness. Testers always used air purifiers in appropriately sized areas of their homes.
- Noise Level Evaluation: Many people find the noise from an air purifier bothersome, but using it on a lower setting might reduce its effectiveness in your space. If the machine was noisy, check if it still efficiently cleaned the air on medium or low settings. To ensure effectiveness without using the highest setting, try to choose an air purifier rated for a larger room, especially if the ceilings were higher than eight feet.
- Filter Replacement Ease and Cost: Regular filter replacement is essential for an air purifier to function correctly. Check the recommended replacement schedule, the ease of removing and replacing filters, and the cost of new filters. Additionally, see if the machine has an indicator to alert you when the filters need to be replaced.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient air purifiers prevent circuit overloads in your home and can also reduce your electric bill.
- Advanced Digital Features: Does the air purifier have an LED screen that monitors real-time particle levels to confirm it's working effectively? Can it connect to your phone via Bluetooth or an app? While these features aren't essential, they can provide peace of mind by ensuring the purifier is effectively cleaning your home's air.
