Air Purifiers: What They Do and Do Not

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Air Purifiers: What They Do and Do Not

How filtration works, what it helps with, sizing a unit and what to avoid

Air purifiers have a narrow and genuine job, and the marketing around them is considerably broader than the evidence.

How they work

A fan draws air through filters. A true HEPA filter captures the large majority of fine particles, which is the part with real evidence behind it. An activated carbon layer adsorbs some gases and odours and saturates over time.

Look for a stated clean air delivery rate, which tells you how much air the unit actually cleans rather than how much it moves.

What it helps with

Fine particles — pollen, pet dander, dust, smoke and traffic pollution. For allergy and asthma sufferers there is reasonable evidence for symptom improvement, particularly in a bedroom overnight.

It does not fix damp or mould, which need the moisture source addressing, and it does not remove gases such as carbon monoxide.

Avoid ozone generators

Devices that deliberately produce ozone are marketed as air cleaners and ozone is a lung irritant. Health agencies advise against using them in occupied spaces, and they should not be confused with HEPA purifiers.

Ionisers produce some ozone as a by-product, so check the specification.

Sizing and use

Match the unit to the room area and run it continuously on a low setting rather than intermittently on high, which is quieter and more effective. Keep doors and windows closed while it runs.

Filters

Replacement filters are the ongoing cost. Check the price and interval before buying, and never wash a HEPA filter unless it is stated as washable.

Humidity

Aim for around 40 to 60 percent relative humidity. Below that, air feels dry and irritates; above it, dust mites and mould thrive. A cheap hygrometer tells you which problem you actually have.

A dehumidifier and a purifier do different jobs, and buying one hoping it does the other is a common mistake.

Running cost

Check the power draw at the setting you will use, since a purifier running continuously is a small but constant cost.

Allergies

A purifier in the bedroom running overnight is where the evidence is strongest for hay fever and dust mite allergy. Combine it with washing bedding at sixty degrees, keeping windows closed at high pollen counts and showering before bed.

Pet dander settles on soft furnishings, so vacuuming and washing matter alongside filtration.

Buying

Check the stated clean air delivery rate against the room area, the noise level in decibels at the setting you will actually use, and the cost and interval of replacement filters.

Avoid anything marketed on ozone or on producing a scent rather than removing particles.

Ventilation still matters

Opening windows deals with carbon dioxide and humidity.

WHERE TO BUY

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