The majority of air purifiers are not cheap, so you want to make sure that air purifiers work as you expect them to work.
In this article, we find out whether air purifiers are a good investment or simply a waste of money.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers are based on a very simple system. They suck air in through fans, and then pass the air out again through filters.
These filters have different layers which filter out different particles in the air. The main filter is the mechanical filter which removes any larger particles.
The rest of the air goes through smaller filters that remove finer particles. The number and the types of filters depends on the specific type of your air purifier.
We found air purifiers with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and also activated carbon filters very effective.
Studies found that HEPA filters remove over 99% of particles with a size of 0.3 microns. This is immensely small, but the air purifier is very effective at purifying the air
Air purifiers vary in size and shape. Some air purifiers are stationary which means that they are too large to carry around.
They have a more powerful filtration system which can be suitable for an entire house rather than individual rooms.
In comparison, portable air purifiers can be moved to different rooms, and they are much smaller. This typically makes them also much more popular but they are less effective.
Although air purifiers will never be able to filter out all air particles from a home or room, but they do provide a good filtration quality.
Do Air Purifiers Work For Allergies?
Yes, air purifiers do work for allergies. The technology with different filtering layers filters out a large amount of pollen and pollutants, including dust and grass pollen.
However, you will need to make sure that you use an air purifier with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters.
This is most effective at removing pollen in your home.
It’s essential that you also maintain your air purifier correctly as you want to ensure that the pollutants do not get back into the air.
Depending on how often you turn your air purifier on, and the season, the filters of your purifier will get dirty.
Then they will either need cleaning or you need to replace the filters. If you maintain your air purifier, then it can help filter out irritants in the air, relieving asthma and allergies.
However, it is important to note that an air purifier does not entirely stop asthma or an allergy. It can only remove possible irritating pollen in the air.
The Benefits Of Air Purifiers
We have touched on a range of different advantages of air purifiers already. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits in more detail.
Cleanses The Air In Your Home
Many of us know the feeling when we leave the city behind us, and escape into nature. The fresh air does not only make us feel better but we also feel healthier.
Air purifiers have a similar effect on the air in your home. They remove any impurities and substances that may irritate our lungs and the rest of our body.
Keeps The Air Free Of Pollutants
Most homes are well insulated which means that air doesn’t circulate as well. Unless you regularly open a window, the air gets stagnant, filling up with pollutants.
Keeping your air purifier running for a few hours every day can make a big difference to the amount of pollutants in your home.
Can Improve Health Issues
There are very few studies on how exactly air purifiers affect our health. However, as they filter out pollutants from the air, our lungs can breathe more freely.
This can have a visible, positive effect for asthma and allergy sufferers. Air purifiers also reduce the risk of getting ill from pollutants.
It is important to understand these limits, as we can then adjust how much we expect from our air purifier.
Here are a few things that you need to avoid when using an air purifier.
Be Careful With Ozone Generators
Some companies that sell ozone generators claim that these purifiers circulate air and add healthy oxygen to the air.
However, it is essential to understand exactly how these are used because any additional chemical in the air may make the air toxic to humans and any pet living in your home.
Do Not Buy Cheap Air Purifiers
Unfortunately, many cheap air purifiers do not do a good job at filtering the air. They are made with cheap parts and do not last very long.
In the worst cases, some air purifiers are simply not safe to use around the house because they could even pose a fire risk (if plugs and other parts have not received official approvals).
Do Not Believe Everything You Are Told
Not everything claimed for air purifiers is always true. Make sure that you read plenty of product reviews and compare different models before you buy an air purifier.
You should also look out for products that are certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
This certification gives you peace of mind that your product has been tested and approved for safe use.
Conclusion
So, are air purifiers really a waste of money? No. They do have the benefit that they improve the air quality in your home, which can have a different impact on respiratory health.
However, you need to ensure that you buy a good quality model that is big enough for the intended space.
Many people buy an air purifier that is simply too small. Make sure that you do your research before buying an air purifier.
