Choosing an Air Purifier: Essential Tips for a Healthier Home

Did you know that the air inside your home might be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? 

An air purifier could be your best bet if you’re concerned about indoor air quality. But with a myriad of options available, how do you choose the right one? 

In this article, we’ll navigate the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect air purifier. 

Plus, we’ll delve into the advantages and drawbacks of using and installing these devices, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Tips for Picking the Best Air Purifier for Your Home

Take Room Size Into Account

Measuring the size of your space is key to finding the right air purifier. As a general rule, buying one that can circulate air through the room at least 2 or 3 times per hour is recommended.

For instance, the Ozone Blaster is an excellent choice for standard-sized rooms, ensuring effective air purification.

Look for True HEPA Filters

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria. 

This represents the standard that all air purifying filters must meet. 

While HEPA filters are essential for trapping small particles, in scenarios where odor and gas removal is essential, products like the Ozone Blaster 20g can provide more specialized air purification.

Consider the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)

CADR indicates how much filtered air is delivered per minute, measured in cubic feet. It helps you understand the cleaning speed of the air purifier for various pollutants.

A higher CADR means faster air purification. Look for a CADR of at least 2/3 the size of your room. 

Considering a high-capacity air purifier is crucial for spaces needing more extensive air purification, like large homes or commercial areas. Products like the Ozone Blaster 14g, capable of covering up to 7000 sq. feet, are a robust solution if you are looking for a whole-house purifier.

Choose Activated Carbon Filters for Odor Removal

Activated carbon absorbs gases, odors, and chemicals that HEPA filters can’t catch. This helps reduce odors from pets, cooking, smoke, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Look for Smart Features (Air Quality Sensors/Auto Mode)

Sensors detect particles, and auto mode adjusts the fan speed accordingly for efficient operation. Some air purifiers can even be controlled via the smartphone app.

 Consider the Noise Level

Consider the noise level, especially if you have an HVAC system in your home. Seek models that operate quietly at low speeds for night-time use. Ideally, aim for less than 50 decibels on the lowest setting.

Check the Filter Replacement Schedule.

Filters typically need to be replaced every 6–12 months. Factor this cost into the ongoing air purifier maintenance, particularly if integrated with a split system HVAC.

Pros of Installing an Air Purifier

Removes Allergens, Bacteria, and Viruses

Air purifiers remove nearly 30-50% of particulate matter (pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores). Removing these pollutants can help ease allergy symptoms, lowering lower visits to the clinic due to asthmatic effects by around 20%.

Certain effective air purifiers can reduce the infection rate of airborne viruses by as much as 99.98%, thus helping to curb pathogens like the flu and COVID-19.

Air purifiers can also help reduce infections by filtering out harmful pollutants from indoor environments as part of a strategy to improve indoor air quality.

Eliminates Odors

Air purifiers can help eliminate odors (cooking, pets, smoke.) This is particularly beneficial in homes with many occupants or where meals are prepared frequently. It’s important to note that their efficacy against VOCs is different, and some may even release first-air VOCs.

Improvement in Population Health

Studies indicate that air purifiers reduce indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) associated with health issues. So using an air purifier in the long term generates important benefits for respiratory health and improves the population’s health.

Potential Benefits to Heart Health

Air purifiers can positively influence blood chemistry and benefit heart health. 

These filter out fine particles in the air, which can help in cleaning the air we breathe and reduce the deteriorating effects of pollution on the cardiovascular system.

Cons of Installing an Air Purifier

Upfront and Ongoing Costs

Installing an air purifier requires a significant initial investment, and this may depend on the selected unit’s quality.

Apart from the initial price, consider the cost of filter replacements over the purifier’s lifetime. HEPA filters, for example, usually require replacement every 6–12 months at varying costs depending on the model and manufacturer.

The lifespan of these filters will depend on the type and amount of air contaminants being filtered and how they are used. 

However, continuously running an air purifier or using it in areas with high levels of contaminants may necessitate more frequent filter replacements, increasing overall costs

Potential Ozone Emissions

Ionizing purifiers and ozone generators are some of the air purifiers that produce ozone, a harmful lung irritant.

Exposure to ozone can result in coughing, chest pain, respiratory problems, shortness of breath, and various risks to the lungs and respiration. Hence, it is crucial to select air purifiers that do not emit harmful products or to at least balance the benefits and risks.

By-Product Emissions

Some air purifiers, particularly those that use chemical mechanisms to remove VOCs, can create small amounts of unwanted materials, such as formaldehyde. 

Even at low levels, formaldehyde causes irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, while prolonged exposure leads to cancer. 

Are Air Purifiers Safe for Home Use?

Air purifiers, when used properly, can safely and effectively improve indoor air quality. Let’s look at the essential factors to consider for air purifier safety and effectiveness:

Filtration Method

For domestic purposes, purifiers containing HEPA filters are recommended. They are effective in clearing smoke and other pollutants. However, it should be noted that HEPA filters only trap some viruses and bacteria but do not kill them.

In the case of ionizing purifiers and ozone generators, these are not advisable for domestic use, as they tend to generate ozone, which is a lung irritant. The other aspect of ozone is that it can react with other air chemicals, producing harmful by-products like formaldehyde.

Proper Maintenance

In order for air purifiers to work effectively and safely, they must be regularly cleaned and maintained. Regarding HEPA filters, consult the manual before cleaning; some models should never get wet. 

Dry cleaning will not be effective and will promote mold growth, so replace disposable filters when they become dirty. This involves inspecting the filter for tears or curved frames that permit dirt and particles.

Making the Health-Smart Choice: Selecting the Ideal Air Purifier with Alpine Air

Understanding your space’s characteristics, like square footage and type of impurities, is crucial in selecting an air purifier. The right device can significantly reduce allergens, odors, and airborne illnesses, creating a healthier living environment. 

While considering factors such as upfront costs, maintenance, and potential limitations, weigh benefits like improved respiratory health. For an informed choice, choose a model that complements your home environment for optimal performance. 

For all your air purification needs, remember to explore the options at Alpine Air, where health and indoor environmental quality are prioritized.