Clean, fresh air is always a good thing, right? Our bodies need it to function properly and stay healthy. So if a device came along that could purify the air within your home or office, why wouldn’t you throw down your hard earned money to get one? Air Purifiers are beginning to become more commonplace in this day and age, yet, believe it or not, some folks are somewhat skeptical about whether they actually do cleanse the air within their domicile. It’s a fair argument, though. Air is invisible, so we don’t truly see if it is being purified. This begs the question: are Air Purifiers a waste of money or are they worth the investment?
To fully answer this question, it is important to understand the ins and outs of Air Purifiers. I’ll give you a quick crash course in how they work and how they help with health. Now, take a deep breath as we begin!
How Air Purifiers Operate
Air Purifiers feature a fan that is used to suck in and circulate air through one filter or multiple filters. Pollutants and particles are caught within the filter as clean air is expelled back out. In terms of cost beyond the initial purchase price, air purifiers require a certain amount of electricity to work, which could end up being around $50 annually. The filters may need to be replaced after a certain amount of usage as well, unless you have a reusable filter which is usually found within the higher priced models.
Benefits of Using Air Purifiers
Now that you’re aware of how Air Purifiers operate, let’s delve into how they can be a positive investment for you and your family. By utilizing advanced HEPA technology, Air Purifiers remove 99.7 percent of harmful airborne particles that regularly circulate throughout your home such as:
- Foul odors – Nasty smells caused by volatile organic compounds found in paints, aerosol sprays, upholstered furniture, or air fresheners that can cause nausea, shortness of breath, and even affect your cognitive functions. Also, at-home cooking odors from leftover smoke, cooking oil, or spices that linger on for a bit too long.
- Airborne diseases – The common cold and the flu are spread through tiny pathogens that float in the air. That’s why when someone in your household gets sick, others within the same domicile usually become infected as well.
- Household pollutants – Pet dander, pollen, or dust mites can irritate your airways and cause breathing difficulty, especially for those who have asthma or other respiratory concerns. Vacuuming can eliminate some of these toxins, but some also remain suspended in the air.
- Harmful chemicals – External pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are commonly detected in many homes. Being exposed to these chemicals in small amounts may be harmless, but routine exposure can possibly lead to serious health issues like cardiovascular or neurological disorders.
- Asbestos and radon – Both of these agents are very harmful to your lungs and can end up seriously destroying your body. Worst of all, they’re odorless and colorless, so detecting their presence is very tough.
In addition to eradicating the list above, Air Purifiers can also help you get better sleep by neutralizing bacteria and allergens that can lead to sneezing, coughing, and congestion. Cleaner, purified air allows for much easier breathing and a disruption-free rest.
What to Look for in an Air Purifier
Hopefully, you are starting to see the great worth in purchasing an Air Purifier. Now that you’re aware of the benefits that are brought to the table, what specific features should you look for in an ideal Air Purifier?
- Size range – For proper purification, be sure to choose a model that is designed to cover a room slightly larger than the one you intend to use it in.
- Clean-air delivery rate (CADR) – This rating measures how fast an Air Purifier removes smoke, dust, and pollen. Be sure to look for a CADR of at least 300. Anything above 350 is highly efficient.
- No to single-stage purification – Watch out for Air Purifiers that have only a single-stage air purifying process. These models may be less expensive, but the price is not the only reason they are cheap. Because it only has one type of filter, the range of purification is very low.
- Yes to Multi-stage purification – On the flip side of a single-stage purifying, you SHOULD choose a model that has a multi-stage purification system. It provides the most protection against airborne pollutants by combining several types of filters:
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- The Pre-filter collects the biggest particles like hair and large dust, and helps extend the life of the other main filters.
- The HEPA Filter powerfully pulls in and traps microscopic allergens like pollen, fine dust, pet dander, and mold spores.
- The Activated Carbon Filter excels at removing all household odors, smoke, and airborne chemicals.
- The Ionizer works to neutralize a wide variety of particles out in the open air and makes them easier to be caught in the HEPA Filter.
- The UV Light creates a sterile environment by targeting and killing airborne bacteria and viruses.
- True HEPA – Only Air Purifiers with True HEPA filters are capable of removing at least 99.7 percent of ultra fine particles like dust, dander, pollen, mold, and other common allergens. Make certain the model you choose is labeled True HEPA for top efficiency.
In Summation
Air Purifiers provide a great abundance of healthful benefits that are well worth the initial purchase price. It is highly recommended that you have at least one in your home. Plus, just think of the amount of money you could save on medical bills. When shopping for your own model, just keep in mind the following:
- Air Purifiers sanitize your home’s air through a fan that sucks in pollutants, traps them in a HEPA filter, and expels clean air.
- Airborne allergens, diseases, chemicals, and odors are all neutralized by Air Purifiers.
- Choose an Air Purifier model that has a good size range, a CADR of at least 300, multi-stage purification, and a True HEPA filter.
