Selecting an indoor air purifier to eliminate outdoor pollution that inevitably infiltrates the home during ventilation can pose a challenge. What factors should you consider when buying an air purifier, as the initial affordability of the device often results in additional expenses later?
Air quality, not only in major cities but across the United States, has become a pressing concern during each heating season in recent years. One of the most common recommendations is to avoid leaving enclosed spaces when pollution levels are at their highest and to refrain from ventilation during those times.
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Typically, air quality is at its poorest during the evening, nighttime, and early morning hours throughout the heating season. On days with elevated pollution levels, it’s advisable to ventilate between 11 am and 3 pm. However, this alone may not suffice, and questions arise about the air quality during that timeframe. Hence, many rightfully wonder – what’s the benefit of avoiding open spaces when the air we breathe indoors is actually polluted air that has entered from outside?
And so, it has become imperative for every household today to have at least one or two air purifiers in the home. During winter months to shield us from pollution and during summer to alleviate pollen and seasonal allergies. It seems like a necessity promoted by companies manufacturing air purifiers. However, what cannot be denied about modern air purifiers is their effectiveness.
The entirely different question is whether they are essential or not. Today, sellers offer a wide range of air purifiers with various working principles that filter air in different ways. The question is which type of purifier is most efficient when it comes to eliminating pollution that enters our homes from external air, i.e., the so-called PM2.5 particles.
Of all types of indoor air purifiers, when it comes to eliminating PM2.5 particles, devices equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most efficient. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particles from the air and even filter particles smaller than 0.3 microns. This means that PM2.5 particles are trapped inside the HEPA filter. Just pay attention and opt for devices with certified HEPA filters.
This means that the filter you are purchasing should carry the “True HEPA” label, not labels like “HEPA Type” or “HEPA Like”. In addition to outdoor air pollution and PM particles, HEPA filters effectively remove dust, spores, smoke, as well as pollen and other allergens. They are less effective at removing odors from the air. Also, before purchasing a device, inform yourself about filter prices.
Often, the devices themselves are affordable, especially with some offered deferred payment methods, but keep in mind that the filter inside the device needs to be replaced periodically. Make sure to inquire about how often the filter needs to be replaced and how much the filter itself costs, as their price is usually quite high.