You are probably aware of the hype regarding air purifiers. In a world where pollution seems to go higher and higher on a daily basis, the necessity of breathing fresh and clean air can add to your wellbeing. While you may not necessarily feel the difference right away, your body will. Whether it comes to your own home or your office, you probably ask yourself – are air purifiers a waste of money?
At some point, you want to determine whether an air purifier can actually make the difference. Will it purify your air or will it purify your wallet? The good thing is the best air purifiers can and will work wonders on the air quality. But then, you need to identify your needs and buy the right appliance. You will also need some research for a cost-efficient option. What else should you know?
Boosting the air quality in your environment
There are more ways to improve the quality of air in your household and an air purifier is not the cheapest or simplest one. For example, most people are not aware of it, but many allergies, flu attacks or asthma attacks are related to the dusty surfaces around your home. It could be anything – a dusty sofa, the dust on your laptop or microwave.
From this point of view, keeping everything clean on a regular basis will seriously improve the air quality. Make sure there is no dust left on your furniture or windows, not to mention beddings and floors – especially carpets. That is where most of the dust is trapped, only to be released up in the air as you walk around.
Odors should also be tackled and there are more ways to do it. You can seek expert help if you have consistent odors that simply cannot be removed. Other than that, your carpets and rugs should be cleaned weekly. Work on your upholstery as well – maybe once a month. Let fresh air inside and avoid smoking inside the house.
If nothing changes and you still struggle, an air purifier becomes your main option. You should get one anyway if you suffer from chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Healthy individuals may not necessarily see the purpose of an air purifier, but it will prevent all kinds of affections in the long run by removing most pollutants from your environment.
For maximum efficiency, make sure you are aware of the allergens in your household. In many homes, the most common allergens include bad smells, bacteria, dust, pollen and pet fur. If you live in an area with high levels of humidity or your house is not properly insulated, mold is also extremely common and can cause severe affections.
Becoming familiar with types of air purifiers
Air purifiers can be classified by more criteria. Normally, you will find them in five different categories, yet they all aim to clear air pollutants. The difference is mostly in the operating principles:
- Paper
- Odor
- Fiber
- Electrostatic
- Ion
While in theory they should all work, the truth is their efficiency varies widely. It normally depends on the manufacturer. From this point of view, a product with high ratings from a reputable brand will purify your air at a more efficient rate than a random brand that no one has ever heard of. So, are air purifiers a waste of money? Anything could be a waste of money if you get the wrong thing.
For example, HEPA filters seem to be the most efficient ones on the market. In other words, products implementing HEPA filters will purify your air at a high efficiency rate. On the other hand, plain filters or HEPA style filters will be similar and will work, but they will not be that efficient.
On another hand, there are people out there who only need air purifiers to remove unpleasant odors – such as smoking or cooking odors. Again, quality standards make the difference and the unit you get may not always do a good job.
From this point of view, regulatory bodies could be a good indicator regarding the quality and efficiency of an air purifier. While researching top rated products, you will find CADR ratings as well. They represent a good indicator when it comes to how the purifier will remove toxins – and more importantly, what kind of toxins. You will also be able to get a purifier suitable for the size of the room. After all, it is pointless to purchase a small unit if your living room measures 1,000 square feet.
Are air purifiers a waste of money?
It is imperative to understand how efficient air purifiers can get before spending your money. But before getting there, you should know that indoor air has 500% more pollution than air outdoors. How come? Easy. All kinds of agents will be trapped inside buildings, meaning they work for you round the clock. Whether it comes to cleaning agents, mold, bacteria or other toxins, all these elements are trapped in every house or building.
The primary goal of an appliance is to eliminate these substances, but does it really work? Are air purifiers a waste of money?
For instance, HEPA filters (no HEPA style or other alternatives) are known to be the most efficient options. They can trap extremely small particles – the type of things you cannot even see. They are trapped at a high efficiency rate – way over 99% – and kept by the filter, so they are less likely to return to your air.
Other purifiers work in a different manner. They feature ionic generators, which have a simple purpose – releasing ions. As these ions get into your air, they will target all kinds of tiny particles and put them down. They become heavy, so they end up on the floor. This type of air purifier requires lots of vacuum cleaning as well. Sure, they come with collection plates, but vacuuming will add to their efficiency.
No matter which option you choose, air quality does need an improvement. While you may not necessarily notice pollution indoors, inhaling all these harmful particles will show some signs overtime. You may not necessarily develop a chronic affection, but you will show all kinds of small signs. You cannot tell now, as you are used to the air. But as you purify it, you will notice the difference.
How to get as much as possible from your air purifier
How do you get as much as possible from an air purifier? It may sound hard to believe, but small details can make the difference.
Get the right air purifier
Do not just go online or walk into a store thinking to buy an air purifier. Instead, you need to determine what pollutants and allergens you are trying to get rid of. At the same time, the price tag is not the only indicator. Buy the cheapest product you can find and it will inevitably give you the cheapest experience.
The CADR rating is one of the most important specifications, as it tells you more about the performance. You also need to know the size of the room and buy a purifier that can easily cover it – even more.
Place the air purifier in the right position
Placing your purifier in the optimal place will also add to its efficiency. Throw it in a corner and its efficiency will not really surprise you. It should be in the middle of the room or at least face the whole room, but not in a corner. Keep it about five feet above the ground level and make sure there are no shelves, furniture or other items around it. It needs at least a few feet of clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few questions you might ask yourself when about to make this investment.
Do air purifiers really work and worth the money?
Yes and no. They are worth the money if you buy something suitable for the pollutants and allergens you normally have, as well as the size of your room.
Do air purifiers work effectively?
Yes, but with similar requirements. If you place an air purifier behind the sofa only because it does not match the décor, its efficiency will be null.
Do air purifiers really make a difference?
The difference is obvious in those with chronic conditions. Healthy people may not necessarily observe a better air quality, but they will feel better with time.
Is air purifier in home necessary?
You can survive without one. But the truth is pollution has never been higher. Longterm effects will inevitably kick in. If there is something you can do to prevent such problems and improve your wellbeing, you should.
Final words
So, are air purifiers a waste of money? No, they are not, but they can be if you get the wrong item. Just like for any other industry, there are top rated products from reputable brands, as well as cheap items that no one can benefit from, so make the right decision and you will not regret it.
