Your Guide When Choosing Your Own Home Air Purifier

 

The air you breathe can have a serious impact on your health. It can contain all kinds of particles, like dust, allergens, and chemicals. When you inhale these particles, you may suffer long-term health risks. This is why a lot of people are choosing to get a home air purifier.

However, there are many different models of air cleaning systems out there. Choosing between them can feel like a challenge. This guide will help you tell the models apart. This article provides all the information you need to make the right choice when choosing a purifier to improve your health and safeguard your home. Let’s dive in!

Guide to Decide on Your Next Home Air Purifier

An air purification system can come in many sizes, forms, and designs. The filtration technology inside each model can differ, and certain models are best-suited to individual rooms, while others are able to offer whole-home purification.

What Do Air Purifiers Do?

Air purifiers are devices that are designed to clean up indoor air. They can be used in homes, offices, and other buildings, and they may offer many health and wellness advantages. 

So, if you've wondered "Do I really need an air purifier?" the answer is clearly yes. Dangerous airborne particles can pose a lot of risks.

They may cause asthma attacks, raise a person's chances of serious illnesses, and can interfere with mental health too. Getting a purifier can therefore be a great way to improve the health and happiness of the home.

Types of Filter

Air purifiers are traditionally fitted with different kinds of filters. There are various filter forms, and each one has its uses and advantages. The list below covers the main types of filters.

• HEPA - HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. This type of filter is a core element found in the vast majority of purifiers. It is able to remove over 99.9% of particles from the air. They can clean up dust, pollen, pet dander, fungi spores, and more. It's important to make you get a true model, as there are fakes out there. The best HEPA filter air purifier will always be labeled as 'True'.
• Carbon-Carbon filters are sometimes referred to as activated carbon or charcoal filters. They're very effective at removing bad smells from the air. They can therefore be useful in homes where tobacco or cigarette smoke is present. They work by absorbing the gases and fumes from the air, leaving it cleaner and fresher when it exits the purifier.
• Prefilters - A prefilter or pre-filter is usually the first stage of filtration in air purifiers. These filters are good at removing big particles from the air. They're usually made from foam or polyester. They're great for getting rid of pet hair and also help to trap nasty smells too.
• UV or Antimicrobial - There are also antibacterial or antimicrobial filters. As the name implies, they work to kill, destroy, or trap bacteria and viruses. They typically make use of UV light to kill the microbes. This can help to prevent the spread of infections in the home. This can be very effective for families or people who share homes with elderly individuals.

What Are the Advantages of Air Purifiers?

There are a lot of different advantages to using air purifiers. They can provide tangible health and wellness benefits for people around them.

• Easing Respiratory Problems

One of the best benefits of air purifiers is how they can help people with respiratory issues. If you suffer from asthma, for example, a purifier can be a life-changing device. It can get rid of the dust and particles that may trigger coughing or asthma attacks.

• Helping with Allergies

Air purifiers are also able to remove many known allergens from the air. Examples include pollen and pet dander. This can improve the quality of life for any allergy sufferer in the home. Sufferers will be less likely to have any allergic reactions.

• Removing Dangerous Particles

There are many dangerous particles that may be floating around in indoor air. Examples include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos, and radon gas. All these particles can pose a real threat to human health. Air purifiers help to get rid of them and make the place a lot safer.

• Preventing Infections

Many people wonder "Do air purifiers weaken the immune system?" However, studies show that purifiers can actually protect the immune system. The best models trap and kill germs that spread diseases. This helps to prevent viral and bacterial infections from spreading through a family.

• Improving Mental Health

Studies have shown that low-quality indoor air can harm mental health. It may cause a person to feel tired, depressed, or lacking in concentration. Improving the air quality can help to boost a person's mood. This can lead to many positive effects like better quality sleep and less stress.

What Are the Disadvantages of Air Purifiers?

In general, there are far more advantages of purifiers than disadvantages. But there are still a few possible downsides to think about.

• Some Filters Can Be Noisy

Some air purifiers may get quite loud while running. They contain fans, which produce a lot of vibrations when spinning. This can be bothersome for people who are trying to work, sleep, or focus on other things. But there are also many high-quality purifiers that are much quieter. A lot of the best purifiers also have silent modes or night modes. You can activate the silent mode to reduce the volume of your unit.

• Quality Isn't Universal

Unfortunately, not all purifiers are of equal quality. Some manufacturers are less trustworthy than others. They may produce lower-grade products that don't provide proper purification. This is why it's wise to shop with care. Always make sure you acquire from trusted brands. This way, you’ll be able to find a high-quality filter you can rely on.

• Some Can Be Unsafe

Many people want to know "What is the safest air purifier?" Well, if you're looking for safety, you should avoid models with ozone generators. These purifiers can release ozone gas into the air. This is a health hazard and may cause various lung and respiratory problems. Safe purifiers do not use ozone generators. It is recommended to only get purifiers without ozone generators.

Factors to Think About When Choosing a Purifier

As stated earlier, there are a lot of different air purifiers out there. One model can be very different from the next. They may contain different kinds of filter technology, for example. Or they might have different noise levels or coverage areas. This is why it's important to shop with care. 

When looking for the right air purifier for your home, there are many factors to consider. You need to think about the size, price, features, noise level, and so on. Below, you can find some of the main factors to take into account.

• Size

One of the first factors to look at when getting a house air purifier is size. Purifiers can be found in a range of different sizes. There are small and portable air filter models, for example. Then, there are models which are much bigger and heavier. Some mid-range models are neither too big nor too small.

When choosing the right size, you need to think about where you'll use the purifier. Some people might only want to use the filter in one room, like an office or bedroom. In which case, a portable air filtration system is all they will require. A small air filter has the advantage of not taking up too much space or standing out too much. 

If you want more power, you'll usually need to get a bigger purifier. But make sure you have enough space to fit it in your home. It can be wise to measure out the location where you plan to put the purifier. This allows you to narrow down your search and find models that will fit.

• Design

It's also wise to consider the design and look of your purifier. There are several reasons for doing this. The first reason is purely esthetical. Many people are proud of their homes. They like to get attractive and appealing products that fit with the home's theme and style. It makes sense, then, that many people will want to find a sleek and attractive purifier.

Purifier designs can vary a lot. Some are quite bulky and basic, while others are chic and minimalistic. You can shop around and browse a wide range of different models. It's wise to try and find one that appeals to you visually. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with seeing such a large device in your home each day.

Design can also be important for functional reasons. Some air purifiers have rounded shapes. This allows them to have a large surface area for air intake and distribution. These filters are therefore able to deliver more balanced and effective filtration.

• Coverage Area

Coverage area is one of the most important aspects to look at when acquiring a purifier. This tells us how much space the air purifier can cover. It's important to note that some models are much more powerful than others. The stronger models can purify the air in bigger spaces. The smaller models, meanwhile, are only really useful in little rooms.

You'll need to think about where you plan to use the purifier to find a model that fits your needs. Some people may want to clean up the whole house, for example. Others might only want the filter for a studio apartment or other small space. It's vital to find the right model for your necessity. If you choose an over-powered model, it may not be efficient or cost-effective. But if you pick an underpowered purifier, it won't give you the results you want.

Be sure to plan ahead and consider the space where you'll be using the purifier. If you want whole-house cleaning, you'll need to find a suitable model. Some of the best purifiers can clean spaces of over 2,000 square feet.

• Filter Technology

The filtration technology inside the device is of paramount importance.  Again, models can vary greatly in this respect. Some purifiers have quite basic filters. Others have advanced, high-end technology with multiple layers of filtration.

Some of the different filter types are covered in the list above. You can go through the list to find the right varieties for your needs. If you want the best air filter for smoke, you'll need a purifier with a carbon filter. If you want one that can kill bacteria, a model with UV filtration is necessary.

In general, it's wise to find models that have more than one filter. The best models can have three layers of filtration or more. This allows them to tackle a wide range of different pollutants. A purifier with HEPA and carbon filters, for example, can do more than one with only a HEPA filter.

• Maintenance

Air purifiers usually require at least some form of maintenance. You'll have to clean or replace the filters, for example. You may also want to clean the unit itself and carry out other maintenance tasks. But some models can be much more high-maintenance than others.

If you want to save yourself time and inconvenience, it's wise to find a low-maintenance unit. These types of purifiers will be able to run without the need for regular intervention. This lets you enjoy all the benefits of filtration without any downsides.

It's wise to look for models with easy-to-clean components. It's also good to look for air purifier filtration media that can last for a long time. The best ones can run for 1-2 years before needing to be replaced. Other models may ask you to change the filters more often, which can be costly and time-consuming too.

• Fan Speed

Fan speed is yet another factor to consider. This is a good indicator of a purifier's strength and performance capacities. Models with higher speed settings are able to clean up the air more rapidly. This can help you breathe cleaner air without having to wait around, ideal for handling bad odors.

This metric is usually measured in CFM also known as cubic feet per minute. It basically shows the volume of air that the purifier can handle each minute. Some models have quite low CFM ratings, but others can go up to and above 500 CFM.

It's also recommended to look for purifiers with variable fan options. This means that the unit will be able to adjust the speed of the fans to suit the situation. If the air is already very clean, the fans will slow down. But if the air is highly polluted, the fans can speed up to maximize performance. Variable settings help with the efficiency of each purifier.

• Noise Level

Many people worry about the noise levels of purifiers. Some models can indeed get quite loud. They may produce a humming or vibration sound when the fan is running. This can be distracting if someone is trying to work, talk, or watch TV, for example. It can also make it very difficult to sleep when the purifier is running.

Some models are quite quiet in operation. These models tend to be the best choice for people who worry about noise. You can leave them running, even at night, without being disturbed by the sound in any way.

Noise level is usually measured in decibels or dB. The lower the dB rating, the quieter the unit will be. The best-designed models tend to be very quiet. They also usually come with variable fan speed, so you can turn the fan down to reduce the noise.

• Extra Features

Air purifiers may offer added features and functionalities to make them more appealing and useful. These little extras and add-ons could be difference-makers when choosing the right purifier for your home.

Some models will come with casters on the base, for example. These little wheels or rollers make it easy to maneuver the unit around. This is perfect when you want to reposition the purifier or switch it to a different room.

You might also find a purifier coming with remote control. This allows you to easily operate it at a distance. Or you might find automatic timers, sleep modes, and lights to let you know when filters need changing. These extra features are often quite small and simple but can make a purifier more pleasant to use.

What Is the Best Air Purifier 2021?

The best air purifier for you will depend on your precise needs and requirements. It’s important to find a model that works for you.  Think about what you want from your purifier and what levels of filtration you need to get the best results. The best models should be able to meet the following criteria:

• Aesthetics - The top tier purification devices have sleek and attractive designs. They can blend right in with your home’s existing layout and design. If you have a modern, white home, for example, a white model can fit in nicely.
• Tech - Leading units should have high quality tech under the hood. They should be able to last for a long time and be well-suited for years of use. This will allow them to keep your home clean consistently with minimal need for repairs or maintenance.
• Filtration Capacity - High-rated purifiers of the air need to have powerful filtration technology. The best models have multiple layers of filtration media. This lets them get rid of over 99% of pollutants and chemicals from the air.
• Operating Area - The right choice for you will need to offer sufficient coverage for your rooms. So if you want whole-home coverage, you’ll need to find one that can work well in large areas. 
• Additions and Extras - It’s also helpful to find a purifier that has a long feature list. The finest models don’t just have on/off switches and single fan speeds; they’re able to offer variable speeds, sleep modes, quiet modes, child locks, and more.

Maintenance and Usage of Your Purifier

As stated earlier, purifiers require cleaning and maintenance. You'll need to read the instructions that come with your model for precise guidance from the manufacturer. It's common to clean or replace filters on a regular basis. You may do this every few months, or just once a year. It depends on the model you obtain. 

The rest of the unit will also need to be cleaned. It can gather dust and grime over time. Be sure to check on it regularly. You can wipe the exterior of the device with a simple cleaning cloth to get rid of dust. You may also use a gentle water and soap solution to remove any light marks or scuffs. This can help the appliance to carry on looking fresh and new, as well as protecting from any build-ups of dust that could interfere with operations.

You'll also need to make sure that the purifier is positioned correctly in order to get the best results. These devices are usually quite heavy and can be awkward to move around. So it's wise to find a good spot and stick with it. Try to find a place where the airflow won't be obstructed by walls, furniture, or doors. Bedrooms and living rooms are popular locations for air purifiers. 

You may also wonder "Should you run an air purifier all day?" In general, yes, it is recommended to run the purifier 24/7. It can be turned off from time to time, however. For example, it can be switched off if you're leaving the house for a long period. You can also adjust the fan speed at different times of day to suit your needs. Overall, leaving it running will help to prevent build-ups of pollutants and harmful particles.

Conclusion

A home air purifier like the Airpura R600 can make a big difference to your home. It can clean the air from many harmful pollutants. This can give you cleaner and safer air to breathe, with lower risks and dangers. But you have to choose carefully. Follow the tips in this guide to find the perfect purifier to meet your needs.