An air purifier can be beneficial when fighting the battles against allergies. It passes the air through layers of filters, captures all kinds of pollutants, and recirculates fresh air inside the room.
If you plan to buy an air purifier, we have compiled a list of things you need to consider while making a purchase.
1. Outline Your Needs
Outline your requirements for buying an air purifier before looking into the technical specifications. Do you plan to use it to absorb dust and toxins in the bedroom or in the kitchen to fight smoke? How often will you be able to clean it? Can you afford to replace the filters frequently? How big is the room you plan to use it in? How portable and smart do you want your device to be?
You will need to clarify your needs properly while reading the guide to make a wise purchase.
2. Choose the Right Filtration System
All air cleaning is done through filters in an air purifier. The better the installed filters absorb different types of contaminants, the purer the air will be. Some filters (such as HEPA) are excellent at removing pet dander, while others (such as activated carbon filters) effectively eliminate kitchen smoke and other bad odors. In the same way, ionizers and UV lights effectively remove dust particles and kill bacteria.
Additionally, some filtration technologies—such as ozone generators—effectively remove mold but should not be used around people who suffer from chronic lung diseases.
Because of this, you need to keep health concerns in mind when purchasing some air purifiers.
Additionally, few air purifiers also come with one or more pre-filters, aiming to absorb large contaminants from the air before entering the main filters’ compartment. As they are less expensive, you can frequently replace them, which helps extend the lives of primary filters. So choosing an air purifier with pre-filters is a good idea.
In short, an air purifier with the right filtration technology is of utmost importance. Carefully consider the type of filter and technology an air purifier has while comparing it to your needs before purchasing. Also, keep note of your room’s air quality using the best smart air quality monitors to understand how effective the filtration system is.
3. Consider the ACH and CADR Ratings
ACH (air changes per hour) is a measurement of an air purifier’s efficiency. It refers to the number of times an air purifier can recirculate the contaminated air (after cleaning it) within a defined space (room area). The higher this rating, the better your air purifier will make fresh air easily accessible.
The size of your room mainly influences ACH, and the bigger the room, the lower the ACH rating will be. You do not have to calculate this rating manually because most manufacturers define air changes per hour for their devices according to different room sizes. But, since those are determined according to the ideal testing conditions, don’t expect them to perform as well as advertised.
In addition, some manufacturers define a clean air delivery rate (CADR) for air purifiers, which indicates their ability to remove three types of pollutants from the air such as smoke, dust, and pollen. In the same way as ACH, this rating defines the efficiency and effectiveness of air purifiers. The higher the rating, the more efficient your unit will be.
Most air purifiers also have adjustable fan speeds. Based on the type of filtration technology, the fan speed may or may not impact the ACH or CADR ratings. When units have filters installed, the ratings will increase with a higher fan speed, but if the air purifier operates only on an ionization or similar technology, having multiple fan speeds won’t make a big difference.
4. Check Cleaning Requirement and Maintenance Cost
Depending on how frequently you need to clean the air purifier unit or replace its filters, you’ll have to put in an extra maintenance effort and bear an overhead cost.
Although the frequency of cleaning and filter replacement will solely depend on how polluted the air is, choosing an air purifier that is easy to clean will simplify your life. You can use different apps and sites to check the air quality of your region.
A long-lasting filter will also keep the cost of replacement low. A filter replacement interval of more than four months is ideal. Many HEPA filters last about six months or even longer.
Some purifier units come equipped with a filter replacement indicator that automatically turns on when the replacement date approaches or if the filter becomes clogged before the replacement date. The indicator is helpful for people with weak memories who often forget when to replace filters. Thus, a filter replacement indicator lets you know when it’s time to replace the filter.
5. Consider Noise Level and Energy Consumption
The higher the noise level, the more uncomfortable an air purifier will be to operate, and you might be limited to using it during the day. So make sure the unit you choose doesn’t have a noise level exceeding 40-50 decibels. This will allow the unit to be used at night.
The energy consumption of air purifiers is significantly lower than that of other devices you use at home, such as a computer or air conditioner.
6. Smart Features
Smart air purifiers come with smart features such as air quality monitoring, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a programmable timer that set them apart from the classic models. Here’s how these features make the purifier easy to use:
Timer: The programmable timer can be helpful for busy parents who don’t have enough time to turn the unit on and off throughout the day repeatedly. By setting the unit to run during specific periods of the day or night, you can ensure optimal energy consumption. Wi-Fi Connectivity: Most Wi-Fi-enabled devices come with an app that lets you control all purifier settings from a distance. Furthermore, Wi-Fi connectivity enables you to control the unit via Alexa and Google Assistant, but only if the devices are compatible. Air Quality Sensor: An air purifier with an air quality sensor automatically adjusts the fan speed after detecting the air quality in the room. It also turns the unit on and off as needed.
7. Certifications and Warranty
The more certifications the unit has, the more valuable it will be to buy. CARB, AHAM, Energy Star, and UL are popular air purifier certifications. Furthermore, having a warranty of at least 1-2 years assures you that your money is well spent.
Finding the right air purifier in a crowded market can be overwhelming. If you are considering a quick purchase, check out our list of best air purifiers to keep your air clean.
Choose the Right Air Purifier for Your Home
By reading this guide, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and make a well-informed purchase. When comparing features and prices, keep things in balance. Consider different models that offer your desired features and select the one that fits well within your budget.
It is essential to understand how an air purifier works and keep you healthy before buying one. As a result, you will be able to figure out whether you need an air purifier in the first place.
