After Testing 20 Air Purifiers, We Found 1 That Does Something the Rest Can’t

With its medical-grade HEPA 13 filter, activated carbon layer, and UV-C sanitizing light, the Sans Whole Home Air Purifier promises comprehensive air purification. Since it’s made to cover up to 1,854 square feet, I wanted to see how effectively it could clean the air in the top two levels of our 2,200-square-foot home, which houses three people (one with allergies who suffers from frequent sinus infections), two dogs, and one cat. 

After personally testing nearly 20 of the best air purifiers available today, I’m ready to share my candid thoughts on performance, ease of use, and overall value in this Sans air purifier review.

At a Glance: 4.6/5

Sans Whole-Home Air Purifier

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What We Like

• Medical-grade HEPA filter, activated carbon filter, and sanitizing UV-C light offer comprehensive air cleaning
• Removes dust, dirt, pet hair, and allergens from up to 1,854 square feet of space in 1 hour
• Highly portable at 11 pounds with a fold-flat handle
• Air quality indicator light switches between blue, yellow, and red for at-a-glance monitoring

What We Don’t Like

• Lists a comprehensive CADR instead of individual ratings
• Filter needs to be changed every 3 months

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Specs

• Filtration Pre-filter, HEPA 13 filter, activated carbon filter, UV-C sanitizing light
• Room Size Capability Up to 1,854 square feet
• CADR 247 CFM
• Dimensions 20 inches high by 10 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep
• Weight 11 pounds
• Noise Level 25 to 53 decibels

Testing the Sans Air Purifier  

I tested the Sans Air Purifier for 10 days in our 2,200-square-foot home. Though that’s more square footage than the model’s 1,854 square-foot max, I only used it for our main floor (which has vaulted ceilings) and our half-story second level. That put it in charge of two bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a home office, as well as our kitchen, living room, and dining room. Since we’re all in and out of the house several times each day, it also had to handle its fair share of outdoor pollutants. 

During testing, I evaluated the Sans on setup, ease of use and maintenance, overall performance, and the added value of its extra features. I monitored changes in air quality using the unit’s built-in PM2.5, PM10, and VOC indicators along with a separate monitor I own, noting how well it eliminated common indoor pollutants like cooking fumes, incense smoke, pet dander, and dust. I used a decibel app on my phone to measure noise levels, carried it up and down our stairs to assess portability, and compared it to the nearly 20 other models I’ve personally tested to see where it excelled and how it could be better. 

The Sans Air Purifier Was Easy to Set Up

As is fairly standard for air purifiers (other than smart versions), setting up this Sans whole-house unit was incredibly straightforward. After unboxing the unit and removing the plastic wrapping from the filter, all you have to do is plug it in. I will say, I think Sans would be smart to add a note telling users that the filter comes wrapped in plastic, as it’s not something you’d necessarily know unless you’d encountered it before.

This model has three fan speeds plus an auto mode, which is what I generally use since it self-adjusts to accommodate increased volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cooking or an influx of particles from pet dander or pollen. By pressing the fan button three times, I set the Sans to auto, and it immediately went to work. After testing it for a few days on the landing at the top of our stairs, it was easy to move downstairs for additional tests since it only weighs 11 pounds and has a built-in fold-flat handle that partially surrounds the digital display (a design detail I’ve never seen before). 

It Features 3 Types of Filtration Plus Sanitization

Having tested so many air purifiers for pets, pollen, and smoke, I’ve gotten fairly familiar with what most models have to offer. I’d say the Sans has the standard features and filters—and then some. Almost every unit comes with an activated carbon filter for absorbing odors, VOCs, and gases, making them helpful for smells stemming from cooking, pets, smoke, and chemicals emitted from paint or cleaning products. It’s also common for air purifiers to have pre-filters for capturing larger airborne particles like dust, pet hair, lint, and other visible debris.

Though HEPA filters are becoming somewhat standard, the Sans uses a HEPA 13 filter, a medical-grade option that’s more advanced than the typical True HEPA filter found in most household models. It also has a UV-C light that disinfects and sanitizes the air by inactivating harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi by damaging their DNA or RNA. Direct UV-C exposure can harm your skin and eyes, so the light is fully enclosed within the unit. You can also turn it off to reduce energy consumption when you don’t need it.  

In terms of features, this model has everything I’ve come to expect alongside a couple of extras. Its digital display lets you select fan speed (low, medium, high, or auto), set a timer (2, 4, or 8  hours), or adjust the air quality indicator light from off to dim to bright. By holding the light button for 3 seconds, you activate a child lock that disables all the buttons. The UV-C light has its own on/off button, and there’s also an LED indicator light that flashes red when it’s time to replace the filter. 

Quiet Power That Covers a Lot of Ground

Another thing you’ll notice about the digital display is the sensor mode button that switches between showing PM2.5, PM10, and VOC indexes. While each type of contaminant is being detected and filtered continuously, the various displays let you see the current rate of removal for fine particles (2.5 micrometers or smaller), coarse particles (10 micrometers or smaller), or volatile organic compounds. Most air purifiers for smoke, pollen, and other contaminants don’t show this level of detail, and while these indexes don’t identify exact pollutant types, they give a useful snapshot of which categories are elevated and impacting air quality.

In testing, scrolling through these breakdowns made it easy to see how the Sans responded when we cooked, dusted, or let smoke drift indoors from our backyard fire pit. Naturally, this air purifier for large rooms reacted faster the closer it was to the source, but it made a noticeable difference in air quality regardless. For those dealing with a specific sensitivity to pollen, smoke, or dust, it would be helpful if Sans listed separate CADR ratings (Clean Air Delivery Rate) instead of a single composite score. Still, its overall CADR of 247 cubic feet per minute is right in line with what you’d expect from a quality machine with this coverage.   

Since my husband was getting over being sick during testing, we mostly used it in our bedroom with the UV-C light on. With noise levels between 25 and 53 decibels, we couldn’t hear it at all on low, though it was definitely on the loud side on high (standard for most purifiers). 

Filters Are Easy to Change

When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, this HEPA air purifier with UV-C light is pretty typical—other than a somewhat short filter lifespan. Sans recommends changing the combined pre-filter, HEPA filter, and carbon filter every 3 months (or 2,200 hours of use), which is more frequent than the usual 6 to 12 months I’ve seen with other models. That said, Sans sells replacement filters at a pretty reasonable price of $40, and if you subscribe to quarterly deliveries, they’re only $35 each.

You’ll also need to replace the UV-C light bulb eventually, depending on use, though most manufacturers note that these bulbs last at least a year. There are indicator lights for both the filter and UV-C light, so you don’t have to keep track of how long it’s been or worry that it’s no longer working without you knowing. 

Whole-House Coverage at a Reasonable Price

At about $469, the Sans Whole Home Air Purifier falls into the midrange price category but offers some higher-end features. While you might find a comparable model with similar square footage coverage for less, chances are all but certain it won’t have a medical-grade filter or germ-killing UV-C light. Replacement filters also won’t likely cost less, though they may absolutely cost quite a bit more. Just remember to factor in the frequency of replacement when considering overall expense.   

Sans Whole-Home Air Purifier

Buy at Amazon

Air Purifier Comparisons

Is the Sans Whole Home Air Purifier right for you?

If you’re after reliable whole-home coverage, advanced filtration, and up-to-the-minute air quality data in a highly portable package, the Sans is an excellent choice. It’s easy to set up and move as needed, offers intuitive controls and detailed pollutant information, and works well in medium-to-large spaces up to 1,854 square feet. With a combined CADR rating of 247 CFM, it’s great for homes with pets, allergy sufferers, and active kitchens. If you or your loved ones seem to get sick often, the medical-grade HEPA 13 filtration and UV-C sanitization may make it an even better investment. 

Yes, the filter replacement schedule is more frequent than average, but the low cost of those filters helps balance that out. Overall, my tests showed it’s an excellent value for those wanting serious air purification with an easy-to-use, portable design. 

Meet the Tester

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Given her lifelong interest in wellness, she became a go-to tester for every air purifier the Bob Vila team can get its hands on. She believes daily use and targeted testing are key to recommending quality products built to last.

 

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