Air pollution is an environmental concern, both inside and outside. The air in our homes can be polluted with dust, pollen, mould spores, pet dander, unpleasant odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). One of the best ways to combat indoor air pollution is by using an air purifier.
What is an Air Purifier
Unlike dehumidifiers, humidifiers and diffusers, air purifiers work to clean and purify the air from dust, pollen and other irritants. They cycle air through filters, removing bacteria, environmental pollutants and airborne allergens, and releasing cleaner, purified air into the room. Keeping an air purifier running will produce cleaner air each cycle, as the purified air continues to filter and release.
Why Buy an Air Purifier?
Whether you’re thinking of buying an air purifier for allergies, better sleep or cleaner air, there are many benefits of an air purifier.
Improved Air Quality
If you live in an industrial area, a main road, or somewhere prone to bushfires, exhaust fumes, smoke and other pollutants may enter your home. Poor air quality can cause health issues and leave your home smelling and feeling unpleasant. Air purifiers remove pollutants and produce cleaner air free from irritants.
Relief From Asthma & Respiratory Conditions
People who live with respiratory conditions such as asthma may benefit from an air purifier. Mould, dust, smoke, pollen and animal dander, can irritate asthma and other respiratory illnesses, exacerbating the condition. Air purifiers remove potentially harmful particles in the air and allow those with asthma and other respiratory illnesses to breathe easily.
Reduces Pet Hair and Dander
Pets shed hair and dander (skin) which can irritate those with pet allergies. Hair, dander and other irritants your pets can bring into the house like dirt, dust and pollen can affect the air quality in your home. An air purifier can counteract this, so you can spend quality time without pets without irritation. Air purifiers can also remove odours that your furry friends bring into your home.
Eliminates Odours
Air purifiers can eliminate unpleasant and lingering odours from the air, from smoke and fumes to cooking and pet odours. Instead of masking the smell, air purifiers clean and purify the air in your home and office, creating a fresher, cleaner and more pleasant environment.
Better Sleep
If you suffer from disrupted sleep, snoring, sleep apnea or other related sleep problems, an air purifier may help. Improving air quality can help you get better sleep so you wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested.
Improved Mental Health
Poor air quality can have negative impacts on mental health and general well-being. Air purifiers can help improve stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues by improving indoor air quality, resulting in a fresher, cleaner environment.
How to Buy an Air Purifier
When deciding which air purifier is best for you, there are a few key considerations.
Determine Your Needs
Before buying an air purifier, first, consider your specific needs. If you live in an industrial area, on a main road or next to train tracks and suffer from allergies, you may want to consider an air purifier designed to remove pollutants from the air, such as a HEPA air purifier. Consider the size of your space, and which rooms you plan to use your air purifier.
CADR Rating
Air purifiers use the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which determines and measures the volume of clean air the purifier can produce at any given time. The larger the space, the higher the CADR you’ll need for your air purifier.
Air Purifier Filters
Air purifiers come with filters, each with its own unique purposes and benefits. There are a few different types of air purifiers that can help you decide which air purifier is best for you. If you work in healthcare and want an air purifier for your workplace, opt for a UV-C air purifier.
Ozone Air Purifier
Air purifiers with ozone filters produce ozone, a gas that breaks down pollutants in the air. Ozone filters can break down pollutants into harmless substances, remove strong odours and kill bacteria and viruses in the air. On the flip side, ozone air purifiers can produce high levels of ozone, which can sometimes be harmful to your health and well-being, especially those with respiratory issues.
Although they can produce high levels of ozone, these air purifiers remove strong odours and destroy airborne bacteria and viruses.
HEPA Air Purifier
If you’re looking for an air purifier for allergies, a HEPA air purifier may be a good choice. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are one of the most popular types of air purifiers. They work by using a dense filter to trap small particles in the air, like pollen, dust and pet dander.
HEPA air purifiers capture particles as minuscule as 0.3 micrometres, so they are highly effective in removing allergens in the air.
Ionic Air Purifier
Ionic air purifiers work by using negatively charged ions to attract and trap airborne pollutants. These ions attach themselves to the particles and pollutants in the air and cause them to stick to surfaces in the room.
Ionic air purifiers are effective in removing particles like pollen and dust, but they also produce ozone.
Activated Carbon Air Purifier
By using activated carbon filters, these types of air purifiers remove odours, chemicals and volatile organic compounds from the air. Activated carbon air purifiers feature a large surface area of tiny pores that absorb and trap chemicals and odours.
Activated carbon air purifiers are most beneficial for removing cigarette smoke and cooking odours.
Ultraviolet Air Purifier (UV-C)
Ultraviolet air purifiers use UV-C lights to destroy germs and bacteria from the air. The UV-C light works by damaging the DNA of microorganisms, which prevents them from reproducing and spreading. This type of air purifier is especially effective in healthcare settings, as it can reduce the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses.
UV-C air purifiers prevent bacteria and viruses in the air from spreading.
Size & Portability
If you want an air purifier that you can take from home to the office, move into different rooms or take with you on a trip, look for one that is compact and portable. When buying an air purifier, it’s important to consider the size of the room or rooms you want to use it in. If an air purifier is too small for the room, it will not be effective in purifying the air. On the other hand, if a purifier is too large for the room, the effectiveness won’t increase and you’ll likely be spending more money than you need.
Maintenance and Replacement Costs
Air purifiers require regular maintenance to keep them running effectively, including filter replacements. Before purchasing, consider the cost of replacement filters and how often you’ll need to replace them. Some air purifiers have washable filters, saving you a bunch of money in the long term.
Energy Efficiency
Consider the energy efficiency of the air purifier before purchasing. Look for air purifiers with the energy star label. The more stars, the more energy efficient, and the more money you’ll save in the long run.
Determine the Noise Level
Some air purifiers are louder than others which can be an important factor when purchasing. If you plan to use your air purifier in your bedroom (especially while you’re sleeping) or in a quiet area in your house, go for an air purifier that runs quietly. To determine how loud an air purifier is, look at the decibel (dB) rating. The higher the decibel rating, the louder the sound.
Look for Additional Features
Some air purifiers have convenient additional features.
Filter Replacement Indicators
For most air purifiers, you’ll need to regularly replace filters to maintain their effectiveness. Instead of keeping track of this yourself, some models come with filter replacement indicators to let you know when it’s time to replace the filter.
Smart Features
Air purifiers with smart capabilities can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This allows you to control them using an app or voice command. Some smart air purifiers provide real-time air quality readings and will allow you to adjust settings based on your needs.
