Tips to Choose an Air Purifier

How to Choose an Air Purifier and What to Look Out For?

It is crucial to look into the details when purchasing an air purifier, like its ACH ratings and HEPA filtration. To get the most out of your air purifier and prevent some side effects, take into account the following aspects:

Size Compatibility

Different air purifiers share the same purpose, to purify the air in different-sized spaces. Never forget to confirm the compatible room size with customer service representatives from various brands. Air purifiers are most effective when they are appropriate for the size of your space. Also, try to buy a model designed to be effective in a relatively larger room to save money on energy bills. This way, the air purifier remains effective even at a lower setting.

Noise Level

Most HEPA-filtered air purifiers produce noise ranging from 35 to 70 decibels. The level of noise is dependent on your operational settings. Therefore, choose air purifiers that work even at low noise levels to prevent sleep interruptions caused by noise.

HEPA Filters

Avoid air purifiers with “HEPA-like” or “HEPA type” filters and look for actual HEPA filters instead. Due to their ability to trap tiny germs, genuine HEPA filters are the most effective. Also, try using air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters if you also wish to avoid odors and gases.

Asthma and Allergy Friendly Certification

The claims made by numerous household items on the market that they can reduce allergies are sometimes overblown. In collaboration with Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has developed a certification program to assist customers in making informed choices. To ensure that the air purifiers eliminate the majority of the harmful particles, they put the products through a number of tests before certifying them.

The “asthma & allergy friendly®” mark is given to home air purifiers once they pass all of the program’s testing. The certification ensures that you get a high-end product with outstanding air filtration capabilities that is also ideal for people with allergies.

Clean-Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

The CADR of the air purifier specifies how quickly it will clean the entire room for a particular size. It represents the speed at which your air purifier can filter out dust, smoke, and pollen particles, three of the most common indoor air pollutants.

The smallest particles, which can be as small as 0.1 to 0.3 microns, are smoke particles. Pollen particles are 5 to 11 microns in size, while dust particles are 0.5 to 3 microns in size. High CADR ensures that the filters can purify the air quickly.

The unit used for the measurement of CADR is cubic feet per minute (CFM). For instance, a 400 CFM air purifier will clean the air in a 400 square foot room far more quickly than a 300 CFM air purifier. Generally, the size of bedrooms ranges from 250 to 350 square feet. Air purifiers with CADR 300 to 400 should be adequate for average-sized rooms.

The CADR of air purifiers rests on standards established by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).

Air Change Per Hour (ACH) Rating

The ACH rating indicates how frequently the whole volume of air in your room is filtered every hour. A higher ACH rating shows increased efficiency. If you have allergies or asthma or are very sensitive to dust particles, you should look for air purifiers with at least a 4x or 5x ACH rating. It ensures that the indoor air is filtered more quickly. In addition, frequent filtration decreases the possibility of pathogens remaining in your indoor air, providing you with the cleanest and safest environment for breathing.

Ozone Emission

During the filtration process, some air purifiers produce ozone. Ozone gas might harm your respiratory system. So before purchasing, check carefully if the air purifier emits ozone gas.

Maintenance

Air purifiers typically cost around $150. Depending on the brand, maximum room size it can filter, and type of filter it uses, there are others available at a higher or cheaper price. Therefore, you should always consider the maintenance cost as well when making an air purifier purchase.

The maintenance cost depends on how frequently you need to replace your filter. In your energy statement, you should also include the cost of your HEPA filter. Some air purifiers, such as ones with UV lights, use washable filters, but their functioning requires more watts. It may increase your electricity bill. Because many bacteria are UV-resistant, UV light air purifiers may not be as effective as HEPA air cleaners.

HEPA air cleaners are energy-efficient, but the filters need to be replaced every three months for the best results. Filter replacement generally costs approximately $100 each year. If you get an air purifier with multiple filters, it may consume more money on filter replacement. For example, if your air purifier has both HEPA and activated carbon filters, you’ll have to replace each every 3 to 4 months, which might cost you more than $100 per year.

Other Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

• Other ways to improve indoor air quality include frequent cleaning, planting indoor plants, and maintaining adequate ventilation. The following steps will help you improve your indoor air quality even further:
• Vacuum the floor and carpets at least once a week to keep allergies at bay.
• Grow plants indoors. They work as natural air filters, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in your home.
• Use dehumidifiers to stop the formation of mold and mildew.
• Open windows to let in fresh air when the air purifier is not in use. Whenever possible, open windows at opposing sides of the room to allow cross-ventilation.
• After cooking, turn on the kitchen exhaust fans to dispel smoke. The exhaust fan also dries out the ambient air in the bathroom and laundry room; otherwise, humidity might promote the growth of bacteria and allergens.

FAQs

Can air purifiers protect against coronavirus?

No, there is no proof that air purifiers can eradicate coronavirus. HEPA filters can often catch particles as small as 0.3 microns, but the coronavirus is even smaller. Some UV-light air purifiers can kill smaller germs, but no research has shown that they can eliminate the novel coronavirus.

Do air purifiers aid in better sleep?

Yes, air purifiers can help you sleep better by removing allergens from your home. Allergens might cause sleep disruption in some persons. Some allergic reactions that influence your sleep quality include frequent coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. By trapping contaminants, air purifiers can reduce the likelihood of allergies. A clean and fresh environment promotes better sleep. A good night’s sleep also boosts your attitude and cognitive abilities.

How long does an air purifier take to clean a room?

Most air purifiers clear a room in 30 minutes to 2 hours. The duration depends on the size of the room as well as the ACH rating of the air purifier. The ACH rating indicates how many times per hour the entire volume of air in your room is filtered. The most effective air purifiers filter four or five times each hour. It is preferable to keep the air purifier on every time, especially when present inside your room.

Where should I put my air purifier?

Put the air purifier in either your living room or your bedroom. The aim is to get some fresh air where you spend most of your time. Because the air purifiers are portable, they can be shifted from one room to another if necessary.

Are air purifiers harmful to your health?

Not all air purifiers are harmful to your health. Some ozone-producing air purifiers can be hazardous. They induce shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Higher levels of ozone exposure can harm your respiratory system. HEPA and activated carbon air purifiers are generally safe to use.

Do air purifiers actually work?

Yes, air purifiers capture a high percentage of allergens and irritants in the air that passes through the filters. They improve indoor air quality by doing so. They provide you with an abundance of clean and fresh air. One of the numerous methods you can take to reduce indoor air pollution is to use air purifiers. Allowing cross ventilation and cleaning your floors, carpets, and upholstery are some other ways to keep your indoor environment clean.