Air purifiers are a great innovative tool that can improve the quality of air that you breathe. But you may have heard or asked yourself, ‘can they really purify the air?’ or seeing one somewhere might have intrigued you to think, ‘do these air purifiers actually work?’. All the rumors around these nifty machines can have you think, are air purifiers a waste of money?
No, air purifiers are not a waste of money. They employ innovative technologies to neutralize harmful substances and filter the air by up to 99.97% according to statistics from EPA. In addition, air purifiers can save a lot of money in the form of medical expenses while also allowing you to live your life to the fullest.
During the coronavirus pandemic, people realized the importance of health, fresh and clean air, and a healthy lifestyle. People have become ever more cautious about their health and surroundings, which is also evident by the rising amount of internet searches about air purifiers, their importance, use, effectiveness, and much more. This article will answer all the usual misconceptions you might have about Air Purifiers.
The Need For Clean, Breathable Air
The air quality significantly deteriorated as the world progressed through industrialization, and the breathable air was carrying all sorts of pollutants. There were seasons when the fogs refused to disperse, and people started having breathing issues due to the bad indoor air quality. Airborne Pathogens led to diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia.
In 1963, the world came to know of a device that could clean air thanks to Incen Air Company, an innovative company that later became IQAir Corporation. The design was simple, an input grille where the air is pulled in, an output grille, and some filters in between to filter the air that comes in.
To date, there have been many changes as designs evolved, and the air-purifying methods also saw some welcome changes. There are multiple brands of air purifiers that manufacture air purifiers of high quality using the latest technology.
The present models of air purifiers can remove dust, debris, smoke, pollen, odor, volatile organic compounds, strong smells, and other harmful chemicals effectively. Some air cleaners can also sanitize the air by using ultraviolet light and chemicals that can kill the airborne virus, fungus, mold, and bacteria, thereby reducing indoor air pollution.
Are Air Purifiers Backed by Science?
EPA is the United States Environmental Protection Agency that works to protect human health and the environment they live in. According to EPA, air purifiers can help in reducing exposure to polluted air by cleaning it and removing large particles that can act as lung irritants.
The EPA has formulated a number of metrics like Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) Filter Performance Rating (FPR), and Microparticle Performance Rating (MPR) to ascertain the performance of respective air purifiers so consumers can make an informed decision.
The EPA also clearly states that COVID-19 cannot be removed from the air by using air filters but using a mask, other precautionary measures, and air purifiers can help in lowering the risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus. A Whole-house air purifier can easily cater to the needs of an enclosed space efficiently.
Indirectly, air purifiers are effective in protecting individuals from exposure to airborne disease-causing airborne particles.
When health care professionals are asked, “are air purifiers effective in improving health,” they mostly reply that an air purifier effectively removes indoor air pollutants that act as the common triggers for seasonal allergies while also taking care of heavy smells.
Air purifiers improve the quality of air within a closed space or an indoor space by adding a layer of defense that removes dust, pet hair, pet dander, cooking smells, cigarette smoke, pollen, VOCs, among many other pollutants that cause respiratory irritation.
These materials usually remain in the air, and when anyone inhales them, they can develop allergies, including dust allergy, pollen allergy, smoke hypersensitivity, and other such allergies. An air purifier removes such allergic agents and provides high-quality pure air to its user.
Also Read: Do Air Purifiers Reduce Dust? (Explained)
Doctors, when asked “are air purifiers effective in killing bacteria,” reply that air purifiers with sanitizing ability do kill bacteria, fungal spores, molds, and other pathogens present in the air. However, these air purifiers with sanitizing abilities are not safe to use for long durations and require periodic maintenance. It is not safe because exposure to a high concentration of sanitizing agents in an air purifier can make users sick.
According to experts, air filters are much safer, more effective, and worth the money for use over a long time period than air sanitizers. Moreover, the effectiveness of air purifiers is sufficient to know the answer to “are air purifiers worth the money.”
Also Read: Air Purifiers Made in the USA – Top 7 US Brands (2022)
Important Things That You Should Know About Air Purifiers
The effectiveness of a model of air purifier depends upon the technology and features it has. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are effective in cleaning the air by removing any particulate above and equal to 0.1 microns in diameter. However, air purifiers with Pure-Air-HEPA filters and ultra-HEPA filters can remove even minuscule particles. Hyper HEPA filters provide powerful filtration that is 100% effective in removing particles including microorganisms, dust, pollen, carpet threads, pet hairs, and other airborne allergens.
An air purifier, by lowering exposure to allergens, reduces the chances of contracting allergies. The user can avoid problems that arise due to exposure to poor air quality with the help of air cleaners. These problems include frequent sneezing, coughing, headaches, skin rash, nose irritation, watery eyes, and itchy throat.
Air purifiers that fall under the category of sanitizers, such as UV light devices, are designed to kill bacteria, viruses, fungus, algae, and other living organisms contaminating the air. Thus, ensuring sure the air a person breathes within a closed place is 99% percent free from pathogens. Air purifiers make it possible to get rid of air pollutants in an effective, safe, and time-efficient way.
So if you ask, “are air purifiers worth it” or “does an air purifier really work” from a person who has used them, you will most likely get a positive response and may get a suggestion to select the best air purifier and experience it effects yourself. Here are some best air purifiers that you may like to have.
If you have a chronic dry throat, a scratchy throat, or are fed up with persistent smells, an air purifier is just what you need. Airborne contaminants can lead to lung conditions, among other respiratory diseases. Bad air quality can even push an individual towards asthma conditions.
Notable Air Purifiers
- Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier – Best Overall Air Purifier
- Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover Air Purifier – Best HEPA Air Purifier For Allergen Removal
- Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier – Best For Extra-Large Rooms
Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier
Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier is an efficient air purifier that removes fabric particles, carbon particles, and air pollutants up to 99 percent. It is easy to carry or move around and also cleans air within a closed space with a surface area of 540 square feet.
The working performance of the Blue Pure 211+Air purifier is ideal, and it achieves customer satisfaction levels.
- Removes allergens
- Remove carbon particles
- Removes 99% of air pollutants
- Makes no noise
- Lower energy consumption
- 3 cleaning levels
Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover Air Purifier
Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover Air Purifier can remove allergens in an effective manner. The Honeywell True HEPA Allergen Remover Air Purifier claims to purify entire air in a closed space with an area of 75 square feet five times in an hour.
People who are allergic feel much better after using the Honeywell True HEPA allergen air purifier as it removes the allergy-causing agents and reduces exposure to pathogens that can cause diseases.
People that are allergic to odors can also use the Honeywell True HEPA allergen air purifier as it traps odors and volatile compounds. Moreover, allergists recommend this product to allergic patients.
Independent testing report yields that this model of air purifier removes E.coli bacteria up to 99%, A. Pullulans mold up to 99 percent, and MS2 virus up to 99%. This air purifier comes with a warranty of five years and does not produce ozone.
- Removes 99% Allergens
- Removes 99% of microorganisms
- Enables to get rid of germs within 30 minutes
- Has an inbuilt filter change indicator
Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier
Coway Airmega 400 Smart Air Purifier is designed to clean the air of extra-large rooms. If you are looking for an air purifier that can purify the air of a hall or luxurious big bedroom or lounge with a surface area of 1560 square feet, then Coway Airmega 400 Smart air purifier can be your best choice.
It operates at five modes, and the user can pre-select timing for purifying air after every 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours. It removes volatile compounds, odors, pollen, air pollutants, and fumes of formaldehyde, ammonia, and other compounds with an efficiency of 99.97%. The filter changing indicator makes it convenient for the user to know when it is essential to wash or change filters.
The in-built sensors also enable to determine the air quality and automatically begin air purification when air quality is poor. Users can turn it off or choose sleep mode to stop its automatic operation.
Takeaways
Back in the day just keeping a space ventilated was enough to make sure that the air quality is good. But with the rising pollution levels and harmful substances like VOCs and Formaldehyde, air purifiers are becoming a necessity. They can improve your air quality leading to a more healthier and fulfilling sleep. Also, long-term usage can even help alleviate chronic respiratory conditions, making air purifiers a great addition to any home or workplace.