How to Choose an Air Purifier – a Helpful Guide

We inhale roughly 10,000 quarts of air every day, and this can bring not only oxygen into our lungs, but also harmful pollutants such as mold, pollen, dust, VOCs, smoke, and chemicals. The EPA has even noted that indoor air can be many times worse than the air outside, but yet, every winter, to save on energy bills, most Americans still insist on bundling up and sealing themselves indoors, therefore decreasing ventilation and perhaps causing even further damage to the respiratory system.

Fortunately, studies have shown that the use of a high-quality air purifier with filter media such as HEPA or Activated Carbon can significantly reduce indoor pollution levels and leave you with clean, fresh air. To promote healthy air, an air purifier can help clean the air by any of methods or by a combination of technologies: by attracting and collecting particulates using either mechanical or chemical filters (such as HEPA or Carbon), by emitting ions via an ion generator to charge and attract particles, or by passing airborne particles through a UV lamp to change the DNA of microorganisms. Here is a quick overview on how to find the best air purifier and how to use it properly:

Choose Your Purification Method Wisely
While companies like Sharper Image often tout the benefits of their negative ion air purifiers, these types of air purifiers do little when it comes to actually filtering out particles. For complete and thorough control of particulates such as dust, dander, and pollen, air purifiers with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filters are still the most effective. With 99.97% efficiency at removing particulates as small as 0.3 microns (one micron is 1/100 width of a human hair), HEPA air cleaners are also used in hospitals and government buildings.

For odor control, look for air purifiers with Activated Carbon filters which absorb noxious smells, gases, and chemicals, and if microbiological contaminants such as mold or bacteria are concerns, an air purifier offering UV sterilization can do the job. In fact, many high-end air purifiers on the market often use a combination of the above purification methods to achieve complete results. Two independently-tested models utilizing multiple technologies, including HEPA filtration, include the Airgle BY750 and the Blueair 601.

Pay Attention to Room Size
Air purifiers are usually rated based on area sizes. To ensure proper filtration of your area, look for an air cleaner that can handle your room's square footage. If you are trying to purify the air in your living room but use an air purifier designed for personal spaces up to 150 square feet, it won’t work as well.

Change Filters Regularly
Replace the filters in your air purifier according to manufacturer’s instructions. For example, if not replaced every four to six months, activated carbon filters can start releasing pollutants back into the air.

Whether you're an asthmatic looking to decrease the amount of dander in your home, or whether you need to maintain germ-free air for your clean room, choosing an air purification system can be simple when you know what to look for.