Like nutritious food and clean water, we need clean air to survive and stay healthy. Unfortunately, we can’t always ensure this because of the harmful pollutants we encounter daily.
The air in your home can be unsafe because it can have concentrations of pollutants two to five times higher than outdoors. People with sensitive respiratory systems must know about their home’s indoor air quality because pets and other factors can cause symptoms.
For this reason, it’s the best time to invest in an air purifier. These devices can help reduce allergens, dust, pollen, and other particles in your home and alleviate asthma, COPD, and allergy symptoms.
This article will discuss how air purifiers work, what to consider before getting one, and the pros and cons of this device. We’ll also provide other ways to improve air quality at home.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
An air purifier works by drawing in air from the surrounding space. The air passes through a filter to capture pollutants before the device releases purified air back into the room. Some air purifiers can target and remove specific contaminants, while others can remove particulate matter and gases.
What to Consider Before Getting One?
Before shopping for an air purifier, you must look for authentic HEPA or ionic filters. It may be best to avoid those with HEPA-like or HEPA-type filters because they’re usually false marketing claims. You should also select a unit that meets the size guidelines for the prospective area.
Moreover, consider buying one with an AHAM-Verified mark because most reputable programs have undergone this voluntary certification process.
What Are the Perks of Getting an Air Purifier?
It can be tricky to determine if the benefits of air purifier use have a basis or if they’re only empty promises, especially with the too-good-to-be-true marketing claims.
There’s not enough evidence to prove that air purifiers can effectively remove pollutants from the air. While they can filter out dust and pollen, they’re not as effective at eliminating gaseous contaminants like radon or volatile organic compounds.
Healthcare professionals also advise that people with allergies or asthma should consider placing an air purifier with a HEPA or ionic filter in the areas they’re in most often. It can help alleviate their symptoms by reducing tiny airborne particles.
What Are the Downsides?
An air purifier at home can help reduce airborne pollutants and maintain indoor air quality. However, the only downside to this is it could be an expensive investment. Some air purifier models, especially older ones, are notorious for producing ozone that can worsen asthma. Fortunately, several newer models’ designs don’t produce ozone or other reactive oxygen species.
It may be best not to take the manufacturer’s claims like “99% effective” as an absolute truth. Their studies may not have considered real-world conditions like open or closed windows, various paints, allergens in bedding, and furniture, thus contradicting the device’s performance with how marketers advertise it. Moreover, people continuously introduce new particles to their homes, so the air purifier may not capture them all.
How Else Can I Improve the Indoor Air Quality at Home?
While air purifiers can help reduce the solid pollutants in your home, you must also remember that they’re not a cure-all to your respiratory problems.
You can help everyone breathe better by encasing bedding in allergy-proof covers, pet-proofing your bedroom, regular cleaning, sleeping with windows closed, and avoiding standing water. You should also change the air filters regularly and avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Purifying Better Indoor Air
Pollutants can negatively affect your health, especially if you have a sensitive respiratory system. Finding a reliable air purifier and observing habits to improve indoor air quality can help everyone in your household breathe better.
If you’re still uncertain about buying an air purifier for your home, we can help you! Air Purifier For Home provides resources to help you make the best purchase for your property. Subscribe to our newsletter now and get a free eBook!