An air purifier is an appliance typically found in the home or office. An example of an air purifier designed for this type of space is the VEVA air purifier. It works to filter the air to rid a space of aerosol particles such as dirt, dust and airborne allergens such as pollen or mold. According to the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), “the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.” This striking fact is coupled with the fact that, according to research, around 90% of individuals spend their time indoors.
With so much time spent in our homes, we may not realize just how harmful the air we breathe can be. Our homes are a safe space for us to relax, and air purifiers can help keep it that way. When searching for an air purifier to buy, make sure that the filter you use is HEPA-approved. A HEPA filter is one that meets certain levels of efficiency, ensuring that the purifier does a good job of filtering particulate matter in the air.
Do Air Purifiers Really Work?
In short, yes air purifiers work as intended and are useful appliances. However, while purifiers can improve one’s quality of life, it is not a cure or treatment for any type of illness. Think of an air purifier as a tool of luxury that can make your everyday life more comfortable.
To increase the effectiveness of an air purifier, you will want to have one in a room that you spend a lot of time in. For example, having one in your bedroom is great since we spend so much time during our lives sleeping. All those hours breathing in purified air can make a difference, and you may start to feel more well-rested after long-term use of an air purifier. If you tend to spend more time in your home office or living room during the day, it would be beneficial to move the air purifier around with you throughout the day. If this does not appeal to you, however, you can always buy a second purifier for other major rooms in your home. Most homes do well with two air purifiers, but smaller homes and apartments (think less than 1,000 sq. feet) do just fine with just one device.
Can Air Purifiers Make You Sick?
There are ways in which an air purifier may irritate certain people with dust allergies or lung sensitivities, but overall air purifiers are safe and effective devices to have in one’s home. It is not fair to say that air purifiers directly cause illness, but it can exacerbate pre-existing symptoms in a vulnerable individual. Nevertheless, doing the research to make sure you are purchasing a device that benefits you is worth the extra work.
An example of a question regarding illness that is sometimes brought up is, “Do air purifiers give off radiation?”. In the same way that microwaves, an everyday household appliance, emit low levels of radiation, so do air purifiers. It is a myth that radiation emitted from an air purifier could be harmful in any way.
Should You Buy an Air Purifier? Pros and Cons
We’re here to help you decide whether an air purifier is right for you. After searching the internet, we’ve consolidated a simple pros and cons list to establish what the top concerns and benefits of owning an air purifier are.
Pros
Allergen Reduction
Air purifiers filter everyday allergy-triggering air particles such as pet dander, pollen, mold, and more. Certain airborne irritants can also be reduced, such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes. A strong presence of activated carbon inside an air purifier’s filter can help to reduce headaches caused by these chemicals and allergens.
Less Germs and Bacteria
One of the biggest benefits to owning an air purifier is peace of mind knowing that germs and bacteria are being filtered out and away from your lungs. This feature can be especially useful when one is sick. If you are feeling under the weather, stick close by your air purifier so that particles in the air can be filtered out before they reach other rooms in the house.
Odor Elimination
Pet owners especially can appreciate the odor eliminating benefits of an air purifier. A HEPA filter will have activated carbon in it, which helps to reduce odors as well as purify the air.
Cons
Dust Settlement
While it is true that air purifiers filter dust in the air and overall make your home an easier place to breathe, you may notice an increase of dust buildup in the area that you place your air purifier. This is because the purifier draws in dust from all over the house, creating a concentrated pocket of particles. If you have a major dust allergy, you may want to either avoid air purifiers or place one in a spot that is easily cleaned so that the dust can be quickly removed before it can accumulate to large amounts.
Noise Level
The noise level of an air purification unit depends on the individual product that is purchased. If you are sensitive to white noise or anything that may sound similar to a dishwasher or washing machine, an air purifier may not be right for you. However, it is always best to check different brands as certain purifiers are quieter than others.
Ozone Concerns
Certain air purifiers may use negative ions to clean the air. While this is an effective method, the result is an ozone by-product. Breathing too much ozone has been known to irritate the lungs. It’s important to know this information before buying a product that you may not be comfortable having in your home. With that being said, the amount of ozone produced is not harmful, and it is similar to how microwaves at home produce a small amount of radiation.
Bottom Line
Leaving you with these last bits of advice, remember to compare purifiers to ensure you are getting the best option for your needs and preferences. A purifier that is quiet and has a good amount of activated carbon is a solid start.
Another must-know piece of information is that your air filter will eventually need to be changed. As stated earlier, HEPA filters are trustworthy and safe to use. Now that you are more informed on the benefits and potential concerns of owning an air purifier, you’re in a better position to find the right product for your home.