What is an Air Purifier? Do I Need An Air Purifier?
Did you know indoor air quality is five times more toxic than outdoor air! In such a case, air purifiers pose a realistic solution for improving air quality in our homes. But there is a lot of confusion about air purifiers. As a homeowner, you may have the valid question,” Should I buy an air purifier?”.
Air purifiers are in trend and have been in the market for a while. In this guide, you will get to know how air purifiers work and whether they are worth your money or not. By the end of the blog, you will get the answer to your question,” Do I need an air purifier?”
Are Air Purifiers Worth The Investment?
With climatic changes and the spread of diseases such as Covid, most of us spend more time in our homes than ever before. Air purifiers can nullify the effect of excess allergens or pollutants, reducing the chances of developing lung diseases. Hence, air purifiers are worth it if you or your family member have respiratory or allergy issues. They also work well for homes with pets. Before making an ultimate decision, let’s understand what an air purifier is.
Do You Need An Air Purifier?
Buying an air purifier is a personal choice. However, as we spend more than 90% of our time cooped up in our rooms, it is time to think about indoor air quality. If you live in a house with good ventilation with no dust or if you have no health issues, then consider the decision of not buying one, which is likely not the case.
What Is An Air Purifier?
As the name suggests, air purifiers filter smoke, dust, and pollen from indoor air, making it breathable. They filter the air as well as sanitize it. Particles from dust and smoke can be as fine as 10 micrometers or smaller, and these can enter deep into our lungs and cause serious respiratory ailments such as asthma. Moreover, many chemical pollutants such as formaldehyde from cleaning products, paint, etc., can cause other health issues.
Hence, air purifiers filter these out to the extent that the air is non-toxic. Room air purifiers can be a great utility if the option of ventilation or fresh air is limited. However, air purifiers are designed to address the air issues of a single room and not your entire house. They are also known as portable air cleaners and can be moved from one room to another depending on your needs.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers have a fan and filter to pull the pollutants from the air and circulate clean air back into the room. Depending on the capacity, it can have a single filter or multiple filters. The filter captures the unwanted particles and rotates sanitized air into your room. Usually, the filter is made up of mesh, fiberglass, or paper. Hence, to work efficiently, air purifiers need proper maintenance and cleaning from time to time.
There are various types of air purifiers available on the market. Typically, the type depends on the kind of particles an air purifier can filter out. HEPA technology is the most popular and widely used air purifier due to its capacity to trap 99.7% of particles. Regardless of the type of air purifier, most are effective in nullifying the effects of pollutants in your home.
Why Is An Air Purifier Needed?
Let’s cut to the chase. Why exactly is an air purifier needed? You know it is excellent for expelling unwanted pollutants, but there are a few good reasons why you may need it at home.
There Are Pets In Your Home
Pets can carry various kinds of dust and pollen in their fur. Moreover, they shed their coat and dander, which can be problematic. Hence, air purifiers with multiple filters can trap pet fur, reducing the chances of pet-induced allergy and eliminating pet odor inside your home.
If You Or Your Family Member Has Asthma
Did you know that every day 317 people are diagnosed with asthma in Canada? It is the third most chronic disease in the country. If you or your family member have asthma or its symptoms, investing in an air purifier is worth it. Additionally, having an air purifier at home can reduce the chances of developing lung diseases caused by indoor toxicity.
You Live In A Crowded Street Or In A Construction Prone Area
Living in a lively street means dealing with traffic pollution and construction year-round. Although you can try keeping the dust out by keeping your windows closed, what about the particles seeping through cracks? An air purifier can make your living space more breathable and liveable, and it can be effective in dealing with asbestos, paint toxins, lead, and lacquer.
You Have Allergy Issues
One of the most effective functions of an air purifier is eliminating allergens in your indoor air. Allergy is another common issue prevalent in adults as well as kids. It can get aggravated by pollen, dust mites, and debris. Hence, an air purifier can be a good investment to protect your family from allergy issues and keep their immunity at an all-time high.
Where To Look For An Air Purifier?
You May have answered yes to your, “Should I buy an air purifier?” looking at the above reasons. However, finding one can be an overwhelming experience with so many brands and types of air purifiers out there. Try looking for a HEPA air purifier that is effective in daily life. However, do not shy away from checking out the trending air purifiers in the market.
FAQ
What Are The Disadvantages Of An Air Purifier?
- Keeping windows closed at all times for an air purifier to work correctly. - Clogged filters can make the air quality worse. - Many air purifiers produce sound. - You do not get 100% clean or problem-free air. - A lot of air purifiers do not eliminate smell or odor completely. - Running costs can be high. It can take up a lot of space in your room.
Can You Keep Your Air Purifier On At All Times?
You can keep your air purifier running at all times. As pollution and diseases such as Covid are on the increase, it is best to maintain a good quality of air inside your home. One downside to it is its running cost and regular maintenance.
Do You Really Need An Air Purifier?
- Filtering out allergens, pollen, dust, and harmful chemicals from indoor air. - Eliminating pet odor and dander. - Reduces chances of aggravating asthma or allergy issues. - Makes indoor air breathable and less toxic. - Effective for sensitive groups such as children and older adults.
