Not every home is properly ventilated. This means that indoor air doesn’t circulate correctly, which leads to the accumulation of pollutants and allergens. Some studies even indicate that the air indoors can be five times as polluted as the air outdoors.
When the indoor air quality is subpar, people’s health is at risk. They can develop respiratory infections and neurological problems, experience aggravated symptoms of asthma or allergies, and inhale other harmful particles. Luckily, one device is capable of curbing all of these issues – an air purifier. Some people doubt whether air purifiers are really effective, and some don’t know how they work. If you want to find out more about air purifiers, keep on reading!
How Do Air Purifiers Work
Simply put, air purifiers pull the air in your home through a series of filters thanks to a system of internal fans. The filters remove airborne particles and pollutants like mold, smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, and other harmful compounds. Then, the device circulates clean air back into the room. The whole process can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours. An effective air purifier repeats it 4 or 5 times every hour.
If you’re not sure where to install your air purifier, think about the places in your home where you spend the most time. In most cases, it’s either a bedroom or a living room. However, these devices are portable, so you can buy an air purifier and take it with you from room to room, depending on your needs.
Types of Air Purifiers
Below, you’ll find different types of air purifiers available on the market:
- True HEPA/UV-C Air Purifiers. These devices are the best on the market; if you suffer from allergies or your asthma symptoms can be triggered easily, they should be your first choice. These air purifiers combine the technology of replaceable HEPA filters (HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air) with ultraviolet germicidal light. They can reduce even 99% of airborne germs and odor-causing bacteria and 99.97% of airborne allergens.
- True HEPA Air Purifiers. This type is almost as efficient as a True HEPA/UV-C Air Purifier, but it’s less expensive. It features effective air filters that must be replaced every three months. True HEPA Air Purifiers remove pollen, dust mites, mold spores, smoke, odors, and pet dander, making them a great choice for people with asthma or allergy symptoms.
- Permanent HEPA-Type Air Purifiers. They are less effective than True HEPA air purifiers, but they still manage to remove particles like dust, smoke, or pet dander. However, they won’t trap small airborne particles such as dust mites or pollen, which may cause allergies. Permanent HEPA-Type devices also have reusable filters that must be cleaned from time to time.
- HEPA-Type Air Purifiers. Similar to the previous type, these air purifiers are not as effective as True Hepa devices and may not be the best option for people allergic to dust mites and pollen. They have replaceable but not reusable filters.
Benefits of Air Purifiers
So, what are the benefits of air purifiers? Let’s find out:
Air Purifiers Really Work
Air purifiers are supposed to help you eliminate allergens, pollutants, smoke, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other airborne particles. Experts prove they do just that. Filtering the air can make all the difference and is a huge relief to people with asthma or allergies. However, everyone can benefit from them because they’re safe and they do what they promise.
Air Purifiers Remove Allergens
Many people suffer from various allergies, and their symptoms can be triggered by a number of allergens, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles. These are removed due to the filtration provided by an air purifier of their choice. In these cases, devices with Hepa filters have the highest effectiveness. Over time, you might even experience fewer or less intense symptoms related to your allergy, but it doesn’t mean you can stop taking your medication.
Air Purifiers Improve Your Sleep
The air we breathe is just as important to the quality of our sleep as a good mattress and a comfortable bed. Air purifiers use filters that improve your home’s air quality. This, in turn, translates to better sleep. They’re even more crucial to people with allergies, who are often woken up in the middle of the night due to their allergy symptoms.
Air Purifiers Remove Airborne Bacteria
High-quality air purifiers remove up to 99% of airborne bacteria and other harmful particles. They can stop the germs from spreading by eliminating them from the air you breathe. As a result, your health will improve, and you’ll no longer have to deal with seasonal sicknesses.
Air Purifiers Are Safe and Portable
Air purifiers are portable, which means you can take your device with you whenever you move from one room to another. Additionally, they are completely safe to use. However, you should pay attention to their descriptions – some devices emit ozone, which is a lung irritant and may lead to long-term respiratory issues. Typically, ozone generators will be sold as air cleaners, not air purifiers. And if you want a device that’s completely safe, opt for one with true HEPA air filters.
Good Practices to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Keep in mind that even the best air purifier won’t do all the work for you. If you want to improve air quality in your home, you should also do the following things:
- Open windows for fresh air when you’re not using your air purifier.
- Use dehumidifiers to keep mold spores and mildew at bay.
- Grow indoor plants – they are natural air purifiers that dilute carbon dioxide levels in a room.
- Clean and vacuum your house regularly (at least once a week) to prevent dust and allergen buildup.
- Don’t smoke inside your house.
- Use non-toxic cleaning products.
- If you suffer from severe allergy symptoms, get rid of your carpets and opt for vinyl or hardwood flooring. Also, avoid sleeping with your pets.
- Turn on bathroom fans and the exhaust fans in the kitchen when you’re showering or cooking. They will help with air circulation and reduce heat and humidity.
The Bottom Line
Now you know how air purifiers work and what types are available for you to buy. More importantly, it’s clear that they’re effective in what they are described to be good at – eliminating harmful pollutants, gases, odors, airborne particles, smoke, pet dander, VOCs, and various allergens. As a result, air quality in your home can greatly improve, which will then translate to your better health and well-being.
Don’t forget to combine the use of air purifiers with other practical steps that will help you improve indoor air quality. This way, you’ll achieve the best results, and you’re likely to observe improvement in regard to your health condition, including asthma and allergies. So, if you don’t have an air purifier, consider getting one today!
