Do air purifiers really work? The answer is a resounding yes. Air purifiers are an effective way to remove particles from the air in your home. The effectiveness of the purifier depends on several factors, such as the quality of the device, the type of purifier, and the size of the room. High-quality whole-house air purifiers filter the air throughout the entire house, while portable air purifiers are designed to focus on a single room.
There are many types of air purifiers available, and understanding how they work, their differences, and which type is best suited for your needs is essential in choosing the right one for your home. Air purifiers are small devices that are designed to remove contaminants from the air, such as pet dander, smoke, and dust. As air passes through the filter, particles are captured and clean air is returned to the living space. The frequency of filter replacement depends on the type of purifier and how often it is used; some models come with washable and reusable filters.
Air Purifiers and COVID-19. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture particles of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The MERV ratings for residential air purifiers range from 7 to 12; a higher number indicates greater effectiveness in trapping contaminants. Additionally, factors such as location, flow rate, and operating time of the air purifier also influence its performance. If you don't notice any positive effects on your allergy symptoms after using an air purifier for a month or two, you may want to consider changing its location in the room (for example, moving it closer to the bed or sofa or away from a door or window).
AHAM standards ensure safety, efficiency, and performance of many home care appliances, including air purifiers.
Portable Air Purifiers
. Portable air purifiers can help remove many impurities in your home, such as pet dander, smoke, and odors. A small-scale study in China found that air purifiers reduced fine particles in the air (dust, pollen, dander) and improved participants' blood pressure levels and lung function.Asthma UK team reports that some people find that their asthma symptoms are alleviated by air filters; however, they cannot eliminate all allergens and even if a few remain they can cause an allergic reaction. New particles are constantly appearing so it is important to keep up with filter replacements to ensure optimal performance.
