Nowadays, we pay a lot attention to the quality of the air we breathe in every day. More and more people are therefore considering buying an air purifier. However, choosing the right one can be a challenging task, given the variety of models, technologies and features available on the market. In this article, we will take a close look at the issues to consider when making this important choice.
Some air purifiers are equipped with air quality sensors that monitor pollution levels and adjust the operation of the device
© Freepik
Air purifier - a guide
How does an air purifier work?
An air purifier is a device that helps remove pollutants and allergens from the air. It is mainly used to improve the quality of air in closed spaces, which is good for health, especially for people suffering from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. After being filtered and purified, the air is released back into the room. Some purifiers are equipped with air quality sensors that monitor the level of pollution and adjust the operation of the device. When choosing an air purifier consider the size of the room, the type of pollutants you want to remove and the specific health needs of the household members. The filters should also be cleaned or replaced regularly to maintain the effectiveness of the device.
Types of air purifiers
Mechanical filtration
Most air purifiers use filters that collect and remove pollutants mechanically. The most common types of filters are:
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HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter: Removes particulate matter such as dust, pollen, dust mites, bacteria and viruses.
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Carbon filter (activated carbon): Absorbs gaseous pollutants such as tobacco smoke, chemical fumes and unpleasant odors.
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Electrostatic filter: Uses electrostatically charged plates to attract airborne particles.
Ozonators
These devices generate ozone, which helps remove odors and bacteria. However, overexposure to ozone can be harmful to health, so ozonators are not recommended for enclosed spaces where people are present.
Ionizing purifiers
They emit charged ions into the air that attract and neutralize pollution particles. This can help remove fine airborne particles. However, some people may be sensitive to the ions, so it is advisable to be cautious.
UV-C purifiers
They use ultraviolet radiation to kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in the air. They are often used in hospitals and laboratories.
An air purifier is used to improve the air quality in enclosed spaces
© MILOO ELECTRONICS
Where to buy an air purifier?
Proven manufacturers conduct research and testing to ensure that their air purifiers work effectively in removing air pollutants. So you can be sure that the product will be effective in improving indoor air quality. One such company is Meaco Poland. It is also worth noting the offer of MILOO ELECTRONICS. The full list of manufacturers we recommend can be found in the search engine of the Products for Home portal under the keyword "air purifier".
When is it worth using an air purifier?
An air purifier is particularly beneficial for health, especially for people with specific health needs. Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters can effectively remove allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander and other particles, helping allergy and asthma sufferers reduce their symptoms. In addition, in areas with polluted air, such as cities with heavy traffic, an air purifier can help remove harmful particles and chemicals from the air, protecting respiratory health.
Using an air purifier helps people with allergies and asthma
© Meaco Poland
How much energy does an air purifier use?
Modern air purifiers are often designed to save energy and can use less electricity compared to older models. Check the label to find out the energy efficiency of a particular unit. Energy consumption also depends on the size of the room the purifier is designed to serve. A unit that operates in a large room will need more energy to maintain the right amount of airflow and effective cleaning. In addition, many air purifiers have different operating speeds, and a higher speed may require more electricity to operate. By choosing a lower speed or energy-saving mode, you can reduce power consumption. Air purifiers with different types of filters may use different amounts of energy. For example, a purifier with a more powerful fan motor to pump air through a HEPA filter may use more electricity. The final energy consumption of an air purifier will depend on the above factors, as well as the user's individual preferences for the unit's mode and settings. If you're concerned about saving energy, it's a good idea to choose a unit with good energy efficiency and adjust the settings to suit your particular situation, such as turning it off when not needed or using energy-saving modes.
Where to put the air purifier?
It's best to place the air purifier in a central location in the room, so that the device has the widest possible range and can clean the air evenly throughout the room. If you have a specific source of air pollution, such as a place where someone smokes cigarettes or a source of dust, place the air purifier near that area to remove pollutants more effectively. If you are using the air purifier to improve air quality in the bedroom, place it near the bed to ensure clean air while you sleep. Try to avoid placing the purifier in areas where interference may occur, such as drafts, direct sunlight, proximity to a heat or cooling source. Also, do not place the purifier behind large obstructions such as furniture or doors. These will block the airflow. The purifier should have free access to the air.
Modern air purifiers use less energy
Photo by Nubelson Fernandes © UNSPLASH
Is one purifier enough for an entire apartment?
The number of purifiers needed depends on several factors:
The size of the apartment
The larger the apartment, the more air purifiers may be needed. A large interior may require several purifiers to ensure even air purification in all rooms.
Room layout
If the apartment has an open room layout, one purifier placed in a central location may be sufficient. For apartments with many separate rooms, several units may be necessary.
Pollution level
If the apartment is located in an area with high pollution levels, several purifiers may be necessary.
Health needs
If the apartment is occupied by people with specific health problems, such as allergies or asthma, it may be necessary to place the purifier in the bedroom and other rooms where these people spend the most time.
Purifier performance
The efficiency of a purifier, or the amount of air it can purify per hour (measured in units of CFM or m³/h), also matters. It's worth choosing a purifier with the right capacity for the size of the room.
A large apartment may need several units
© MILOO ELECTRONICS
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We encourage you to use the database of reputable and reliable manufacturers of air purifiers we are building in the Products for Home portal, as well as the articles we publish about air purification.
