With the pollution levels refusing to settle and continuing to rise above the safe range, it has become an every year custom to ensure safety from pollution. One of the few ways that we have to cope with the crisis and breathe clean air is by opting for an air purifier.
An air purifier helps to get rid of harmful gases, chemicals, particulate matter and other pollutants that might be present around you in your house. But which one should you go for? Read on to find out.
What essential features should you look for?
The important features that you should look for when choosing an air purifier:
1. HEPA
– The most important feature that you should look for is the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
– This filter has multiple layers of fibers that are interlocked with each other. It mechanically separates the pollutants from the air.
– The HEPA filter clears out the small particulate matter (PM2.5 and less) that can go deep within the lungs and cause respiratory problems. Standard HEPA filters can easily filter out particles as small as 0.3 microns, including the PM2.5 category, but some HEPA filters can efficiently remove particles as small as 0.1 micron. Such filters can remove the hazardous pollutants that get missed by the commonly used ones. Choose the one depending on the pollution levels in your area.
– HEPA filter needs to be replaced periodically.
2. Pre-Filter
– Opt for an air purifier that has a pre-filter. A pre-filter is a washable filter that traps larger dust particles, hair and other such pollutants.
– The good part about a pre-filter is that you can take it out every weekend and wash it.
– Pre-filter helps in increasing the life of the HEPA filter. So, even if your air purifier does not have a pre-filter, you can get one and fix it in front of the other filters.
3. Carbon Filter
– Look for the presence of a carbon filter in the purifier. Carbon filter helps to get rid of odors and dissolved chemicals.
4. Activated Charcoal
– Having a purifier that contains activated charcoal will help remove harmful gases as well as bad odors.
Equip yourself with anti-pollution necessities that will protect you outdoors.
Are there any additional features to consider?
In addition to the above mentioned essential features, here are some efficient features that you may consider:
1. Fan: It is a very important part of an air purifier as it sucks in air for filtration. Make sure to buy a powerful one which can drag in all the polluted air present in your room.
2. Servicing indicator: This feature helps you know when you need to clean the unit and when your filter needs to be replaced.
3. Programmable timer: These controls allow you to set the purifier to run a few hours before you’ll be using a room, or turn it off automatically.
4. Humidifier: Some purifiers have humidifiers installed in them. Humidifiers help maintain the moisture present in your room, using the water stored in the tank.
5. High “Clean Air Delivery Rate”: The higher the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), the more air gets purified. The number describes the purifier’s ability to remove all pollutants from a specific amount of air, so always look for one that has a high CADR.
6. Number of speeds: The unit adjusts to your air-cleaning needs, lower when you are sleeping or working or need quiet, higher when it’s prime pollen time.
Which features should you avoid?
Avoid purifiers with negative ions, photocatalytic oxidation, UV lights. These features can potentially release ozone as a by-product. Ozone is harmful to the lungs and is known to lead to more incidents of asthma attacks and other respiratory problems.
Which size should you pick?
1. Air purifiers have a rating that signifies their average coverage area. Usually mentioned in square feet, you can use this rating to find out the purifier that suits best for your room.
2. Assess the dimensions of your room and settle for one that has high coverage. For example, if your room is 400 sq feet, get an air purifier that has a rating of 500 sq feet or higher.
3. You can gradually invest more in your living room and decide on the number of units needed on the basis of size of the living area.
Where should you place your air purifier?
Placing your air purifier in the right area and the right place is crucial. Since most of our time is spent in the bedroom, you can start by buying one for your bedroom. Make sure you give the air purifier enough free space to work efficiently. Avoid placing it under a table, against a wall or surrounded by furniture. For best results, keep your windows closed while using the air purifier.