Do you know you have three filters to choose from when it comes to the Mi Air Purifier? Confused on which to get? Fret not, we’re here to help. Today we will look briefly on the three available types and by the end of the article you’ll sorta of get an idea.
(The below guide is an excerpt from the Mi Air Purifier 2 review).
Filter
HEPA Definition
When you think about it, the most important component of the air purifier is the filter and you will regularly see the term ‘HEPA’ featured on it. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters. Depending on which source you’re referring to, you will find slight variations of the HEPA measurements. For this article we will refer to new European Standard EN1822.
EN1822 defines a HEPA filter to trap 99.97% of dust particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter. Below is the measurement by EN1822.
| Integral Value | Local Value | |||
| Filter Class | Collection Efficiency % | Penetration % | Collection Efficiency % | Penetration % |
| E10 | 85 | 15 | – | – |
| E11 | 95 | 5 | – | – |
| E12 | 99,5 | 0,5 | – | – |
| H13 | 99,95 | 0,05 | 99,75 | 0,25 |
| H14 | 99,995 | 0,005 | 99,975 | 0,025 |
| U15 | 999,995 | 0,0005 | 999,975 | 0,0025 |
| U16 | 9,999,995 | 0,00005 | 9,999,975 | 0,00025 |
| U17 | 99,999,995 | 0,000005 | 999,999 | 0,0001 |
The filter class description are:
EPA 10 – EPA 12: Efficiency Particulate Air Filters
HEPA 13 – HEPA 14: High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters
ULPA 15 – ULPA 17: Ultra Low Penetration Air Filters
Filter Types
Blue Colour (Economic Version)
This version is an EPA (Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that’s able to trap particles that’re 0.3 microns in size. Essentially you can consider this as the standard default filter. This is the filter that’s mostly likely included in every Mi Air Purifier.
Green Colour (Formaldehyde/Enhanced Version)
The ‘specialty’ of this filter is that its designed to target Formaldehyde. According to the CDC, ‘Formaldehyde is a common chemical that can be emitted from a number of products in the home. Smoking, pressed wood, and particle board have all been shown to be sources of formaldehyde. Higher formaldehyde levels are usually found in newer homes or homes with new construction.’ On the Xiaomi website, this filter is advertised as a H11-grade HEPA filter that filters up to 99.3% of 0.3 microns. If we go by the EN1822 standard, you will see that this filter doesn’t meet the HEPA standard today. This is because the updated EN1822 standard has now categorized H11 as E11 making this filter EPA and not HEPA. Granted, this filter was released a while back in 2015 so the HEPA definition would have stood still then.
Purple Colour (Antibacterial Version)
This filter has an antibacterial layer can trap and kill dust mites. It’s able to trap 0.3 micron particles but it doesn’t mention whether its a EPA or HEPA filter.
Which should I get
The choice is simple; it’s either a HEPA filter or a non-HEPA filter. Generally speaking, if you can get a HEPA filter, do get one. This is because a HEPA filter ranks the top when it comes to filtering minute particles. However, if you would still like to decide, do carry on below.
Non-HEPA
If you aren’t fussy about filter grading, then you have 2 options; the Economic Version (Blue Colour) and the Antibacterial Version (Purple Colour). Get the Economic Version if you want a standard filter and Antibacterial Version if you want something that targets bacteria and dust mites. Both come with an activated carbon layer.
HEPA
If you want a HEPA filter then the Formaldehyde/Enhanced Version (Green Colour) type is your choice. This filter also comes with an activated carbon layer.
Where to buy
The Mi Air Purifier filter can be purchased at Lazada here.
The best option to purchase a mi air filter is on AliExpress. There are various stores selling it. Below are two reliable sellers we have found.
[Disclosure: Jumpadevice is a participant in the AliExpress Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to aliexpress.com. Jumpadevice stands to gain commission if you decide to purchase through the link. Jumpdadevice has tested these products and recommends it. However, please do not spend money if you feel it doesn’t meet your needs and goals.]
Clean air
There you have it. Now go and get your air filters!