
Anyone dealing with allergies, pet dander, or a bigger room to cover will get the most out of this one, and Walmart has it for $34 off the usual price right now. Buy Now at Walmart
- Captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns
- 360-degree air intake for efficient purification
- Cleans large rooms up to 1400 square feet
- Ultra-quiet sleep mode operates as low as 15dB
- Integrated aromatherapy diffuser for enhanced air freshness

Homes with AprilAire whole-house systems need this exact filter size to keep the seal tight, and MERV 13 filtration handles finer particles like smoke and bacteria compared to standard filters. It's $8.24 off the $39 list price at Walmart. Buy Now at Walmart
- Compatible with AprilAire 1210, 1620, 2120, 2200, 2210, 2216, 3210
- Fits Space-Gard 2200 with Upgrade Kit 1213

Anyone running an Aer 1-compatible purifier around pets, smoke, or general household odors will want spares like these on hand, since fresh HEPA and carbon media is what actually keeps filtration performing over time. Buy Now at Walmart
- H13 True HEPA captures 99.97% of pollutants
- Carbon booster pre-filter absorbs household odors
- Traps large contaminants like hair and lint
- Compatible with aer1 ready air purifier models
- Includes 2 True HEPA and 4 Carbon filters

Standing fans like this one work well for larger rooms where you want airflow that reaches beyond a desk or nightstand, and oscillation means you're not stuck pointing it at one spot. Walmart has it for $45, which is $38 off the $83 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- 16-inch blades with 21.33 ft/s airflow
- 3 speeds and 3 modes with 9-hour timer
- Remote control with intuitive LED display
- 80 degree oscillation and 50-inch adjustable height
- Sturdy metal safety net protection

Keeping the pool floor free of debris without dragging out a full cleaning system is what this handles, making it a decent pick for anyone with an above ground pool who wants a quick manual fix between filter cycles. It's currently $59.99, half off the $119.98 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- 2X stronger suction than standard models
- 80-minute continuous cleaning runtime
- Easy-rinse reusable nylon mesh filter
- 60-second tool-free setup
- Contoured design for cleaning stairs and tight corners

Cabin owners and garage users without existing power hookups can run this one straight off a propane tank for reliable heat during outages or cold snaps, and Walmart has it for $121.59, which is $78 off the $199.99 list price. Buy Now at Walmart

Anyone already running the HydroPerfection system will want to keep these on hand, since fresh filters maintain water taste and flow rate as the originals wear down. Home Depot carries the replacement set, so you can restock without hunting for a compatible off-brand version. Buy Now at Home Depot

Cooler months call for a heat source that doesn't smoke up the room, and this insert gives you a realistic flame effect with adjustable warmth for spaces up to a few hundred square feet, no ventilation or installation required. Buy Now at Walmart
- Four adjustable flame colors
- Four adjustable brightness levels
- Touch screen and remote control operation
- Simple, guided installation
- One year warranty with 24-hour support

Cold feet under the desk during winter workdays are the target problem here, since this heater tucks under your desk and warms your legs directly instead of heating the whole room. It's a low-wattage option worth considering if you're trying to stay warm without running up your energy bill. Buy Now at Home Depot

Space heating with a flame-effect look makes this a good option for anyone wanting to warm a small room without installing a permanent fireplace, and it's currently $5.50 off the list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Realistic 3D rolling flame effect
- Powerful 5118 BTU infrared heating
- Portable design with remote control
- Ultra-quiet operation under 48dB
- Automatic safety power-off protection

Basement or large room damp problems call for exactly this kind of coverage, since 50 pints can handle up to 4,500 square feet without constant emptying. Walmart has it for $160, a $40 drop from the $200 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- Removes 50 pints of moisture daily
- Continuous drainage via hose
- Quiet sleep mode at 45 dB
- 24 hour automatic on/off timer
- Auto restart after power outage

Setting up in a small apartment or spare room is realistic since the tent packs down when you're done, and the included chair means you don't need extra space for seating during a session. Buy Now at Home Depot

Update: The price has changed to $89.99 since this was originally published.
Handy for quick cleanups on carpets and hard floors alike without dragging a cord around, especially if you're outfitting a smaller apartment or need a lightweight backup to your main vacuum; it's $20 off the usual $110 price on Amazon. Buy Now at Amazon
- 45KPa suction with 500W motor
- 50-minute detachable battery runtime
- Color LED status display
- 7-stage HEPA filtration system
- Anti-tangle brush head with LED lights

Swapping filters every 90 days gets easier when you've got four on hand, and MERV 13 rated pleats trap smaller particles like smoke and pollen that lower-rated filters miss. Buy Now at Home Depot

Handy for basements or damp bedrooms where moisture buildup is a recurring issue, and Walmart has it marked down to $70, a $46 (40%) drop from the $116 list price. Buy Now at Walmart
- Covers 500 square feet
- Portable design
- Automatic shut off
- 4.4 pound capacity
- Model: Nine

Custom-sized filters like this 12.75" x 21" x 2" are tough to find in stock at most stores, so it's worth grabbing this 4-pack if that's your unit's exact size. MERV 11 catches common allergens like dust and pollen without straining a standard residential HVAC system. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone running central heating or air will want a stock of these on hand, since MERV 11 filters catch smaller particles like pollen and pet dander while still allowing decent airflow. Buying the 5-pack from Home Depot means you can swap filters every 60-90 days without scrambling to reorder each time. Buy Now at Home Depot

Handy for anyone repairing a humidifier instead of replacing the whole unit, since a faulty motherboard is a common failure point that's cheaper to swap out on its own. Buy Now at Newegg
- Model: WT-J16/J26
- Humidifier motherboard replacement
- Integrated power and atomization control

Anyone maintaining an HVAC system with this odd-ball 13.25" x 13.25" x 4" slot will want to keep this size on hand, since MERV 8 handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher-rated filters can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Swap these in on a regular schedule if you want better dust and allergen capture than a standard filter without stepping up to the airflow restriction of higher MERV ratings, and the 3-pack keeps you stocked for months. Buy Now at Home Depot

Sized for larger HVAC systems that take the less common 4" depth, so measure your existing filter before ordering to make sure it fits. The MERV 8 rating handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher-rated filters can, and the 3-pack covers a full year of standard quarterly changes. Buy Now at Home Depot

Stocking up makes sense here since this size sells out fast during peak seasons, and a 12-pack covers a full year of monthly changes for most households without repeat trips to Home Depot. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone managing a home with pets or allergy sufferers will want the MERV 11 rating here, since it catches finer particles than a standard filter without straining your system's airflow. The 12-pack from Home Depot covers roughly a year of monthly swaps in one purchase, so you're not reordering every few months. Buy Now at Home Depot

Sized for larger HVAC systems that call for a 4" filter, this 3-pack covers close to a year of replacements if you swap one in every four months as recommended. Buy Now at Home Depot

This 12-pack suits anyone who wants to stock up on furnace filters ahead of time instead of remembering to buy one every month or two, and MERV 11 catches more dust and pollen than basic filters without restricting airflow like the higher-rated options can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Sizing this specific can be tricky since 21" x 23.25" isn't a standard cut, so this one's worth grabbing if your system calls for that exact fit. MERV 8 handles everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow, making it a reasonable pick for regular household use rather than allergy-heavy needs. Buy Now at Home Depot

Homeowners dealing with pet dander, dust, or seasonal allergies will notice the difference with MERV 11 filtration, and having six on hand means you're set for filter changes well into next year. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone trying to warm up a single room without cranking the whole house's heat will get the most out of this, since PTC ceramic elements heat up fast and the 20.5-inch size fits easily into a bedroom or office corner. Buy Now at Home Depot

Backyard chicken keepers dealing with freezing winters will find this useful for keeping the coop above freezing without the fire risk that heat lamps carry, since flat panels run cooler and mount safely to walls or ceilings. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone dealing with pet dander or seasonal allergies will get more use out of a MERV 11 rating than a standard filter, and having five on hand means you're set for filter changes over the next couple years without reordering. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone dealing with seasonal allergies or a house full of pet hair will notice the difference a MERV 11 rating makes over a basic filter, and having six on hand means you're not scrambling to find the right size every few months. Buy Now at Home Depot

Stocking up with a 12-pack makes sense if you replace filters on a regular schedule and don't want to reorder every few months, and MERV 8 pleated filters hit a solid middle ground for capturing dust and pollen without straining your system's airflow. Buy Now at Home Depot

Stocking up on this 12-pack makes sense if your system runs through filters every month or two, since MERV 8 covers everyday dust and pollen without restricting airflow the way higher ratings can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Anyone on a regular HVAC filter replacement schedule can stock up here instead of buying one at a time, and MERV 8 covers standard household dust and debris without restricting airflow like higher-rated filters can. Buy Now at Home Depot

Covers rooms up to 1,300 square feet, making it a solid fit for larger bedrooms or open living spaces rather than just small rooms, and the HEPA filter helps with allergens and dust. Currently $20 off the $70 list price. Buy Now at Amazon
- Covers areas up to 1300 square feet
- H13 True HEPA 3-stage filtration system
- Energy-saving ECO mode reduces consumption
- Quiet operation with aromatherapy and night light
- Child lock and programmable timers
Household Appliances: The Basics
If you’re looking for your next vacuum cleaner, heater, air conditioner, humidifier, or dehumidifier, look no further! DealNews posts great deals so you can find cheap household appliances.
A Quick Guide to Vacuum Cleaner Buying
Purchasing a vacuum should be simple, but now that there are so many options, you might find yourself second-guessing your choices. Check out some of these tips and details from this buying guide from Kohl’s , or check out this guide from the DealNews Blog .
Vacuum Cleaner Types
- Canister vacuum cleaner
- Works best on hardwood or small carpeted surfaces
- Consists of a suction hose and separate unit with motor and receptacle
- Upright Vacuum
- Great for large carpeted surfaces
- Uses motorized beater brush to loosen and remove dirt
- Bagless and bagged models available
- Many include attachments for various uses like dusting
- Best for multi-surface (i.e., hardwood and carpeted) homes
- Handheld Vacuum
- Great for small areas
- Small and typically battery-powered
- Stick Vacuum
- Lightweight and battery-powered
- Includes motorized brush
- Better for hard flooring than carpets
- Most are bagless
- Also known as “sweeper vacuums”
- Robotic Vacuum
- Autonomous vacuum that uses sensors to clean
- User selects settings like cleaning time and floor type
- Typically not as powerful as other vacuums
- Pet Vacuum
- Specialized upright vacuum cleaner
- Detachable beater brush
Bagged vs. Bagless
When purchasing a vacuum cleaner, a common question is whether you should purchase a bagged or bagless model. A couple of details to help with your purchase include:
- Allergy Concerns: Bagged vacuum cleaners release less dust into the air, making it more allergy friendly.
- Cost: Although bagless vacuum cleaners have filters that will eventually require cleaning or replacement, the cost impact of not having to replace the bag each time the dust compartment is full makes bagless vacuum cleaners a bit more cost-effective.
Common Vacuum Terms
Agitator: Brush at base of the vacuum that moves debris up to be suctioned into a bag or canister.
Belt: The belt causes the brushes to rotate and process debris.
Cleaning path: The cleaning path is determined by the width of the base of the vacuum cleaner — the wider the base the larger the cleaning path.
Filtration: Filtration systems help remove dust mites from floors and furniture. This is ideal for reducing household allergens.
HEPA air filter: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are extended-surface filters that capture up to 99% of all dust particles.
Motor: Measured in amps, watts, and volts, the motor power determines the suction of the vacuum. Greater suction power means you spend less time cleaning your floors.
Motor protection system: A safeguard that protects a vacuum motor from overheating.
Retractable cord: An feature that automatically winds the cord for storage in the machine.
Self-propelled motor: A feature that propels the vacuum on its own for easier maneuvering.
Blog Articles About Household Appliances
What to Look for When Buying a Fan
Find a Vac That Doesn't Suck: The Ultimate Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Don't Sweat It! 9 Tips for Getting Air Conditioning on a Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ceiling fans save money?
Running a fan is significantly cheaper than running an A/C unit because you can target rooms you're utilizing instead of your entire home.
However, a more important question is whether a fan meets your cooling needs. A fan alone may or may not keep you cool, so the trick is to use the fan in conjunction with your air conditioning. Fans do not actually cool the air, so if you’re stuck in an 85-degree room you’re just having 85-degree air blowing on your skin.
This trick can save you hundreds of dollars each year, so in short, yes, fans definitely save money! Check out this blog post for more info!
Do air purifiers work?
A machine that quietly hums in the background while cleaning your air may sound too good to be true. But if you’re an allergy or asthma sufferer, a quality air purifier may be worth the investment.
This study concludes that air filtration through HEPA purifiers are useful for allergy sufferers, but notes the effectiveness is limited to one room instead of a whole house. While air purifiers are limited in what they can clean from the air (dust, smoke, pollen), the added relief can aid those who have tried many other solutions.
It’s important to note that air purifiers are not very effective, if at all, in cleaning out mold or VOCs that accumulate in the air from adhesives, paints, or cleaning products.
Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier: Which do I need and why?
Humidity regulation, whether by a humidifier or dehumidifier, helps with comfort levels in your home. According to Richmond’s Air Heating & Air Conditioning , a good humidity level for the home is between 35% and 45%. You can measure this with a hygrometer or you can try a few tricks like the one found here for low humidity measurements, or here for high humidity measurements.
High and low humidity can each create different issues in your home and body. Low humidity can damage your furniture, floors, and doors, causing them to crack. It can even cause caulk or glue to shrink, creating gaps that allow air to leak out. Worse, high humidity affects sleep , and exacerbates breathing problems like asthma by creating a breeding ground for mold and other allergens .
Low humidity is also problematic, causing dry skin, nasal irritation, and even spreading the flu .
A Georgia girl with three years of experience in IP Law and grounded in understanding marketing and consumer motives. When she's not working with the fabulous staff of DealNews, you can find her whining at rowing practice and browsing the Hot Deals on the site.