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With hundreds of air purifiers saturating the market, it might be more challenging than you think to find the one that suits your specific needs. So the question that many ask while looking for the ideal air purification system is – what exactly should I be looking for?
First and foremost, you should look for purifiers adapted to your specific needs. In the world of air purifiers, one size just doesn’t fit all. With numerous purification filters available on the market, choose one designed to filter out pollutants specific to your home. This can differ for people who have pets, smoke cigarettes, often use the fireplace, or live in an area known for its high air pollution levels.
In addition to that, there are also many purifiers designed specifically for people who have Asthma or any other breathing-related health conditions. In times of constant pollution, fresh air has become nearly unheard of; that’s why an air purifier might be a perfect investment not only for a breeze of fresh air but for your health.
We’ve made a list of things you should be on the lookout for when choosing the best home air purifier to suit your specific needs.
What's Inside
Technical Features
Look out for the technical specifications, such as the noise levels and the electricity costs that come alongside owning an electronic device of such kind. You might pay a premium for a device with substantially low noise levels and one that doesn’t require high energy inputs, but in the long run, that extra might be worth it. Let’s face it; no one wants to be woken up by any electronic sounds, as much as no one wants to pay hefty electricity bills for one. If you’re planning to place your air purifier in a generally loud area, you might want to invest your money in a better HEPA filter. However, if you want to place your purifier in an area such as a baby room, look for quieter options that won’t bother you, or your baby.
Energy Efficiency
Air purifiers that are Energy Star-certified are ecologically friendly, as the amount of energy they require is rather low; however, this can vary according to the mode of the purifier you are using. An energy-efficient air purifier might cost you more upfront but will decrease the electricity costs associated with it.
Warranty
If you’re buying a top quality air purifier that you want to keep for years to come, make sure that you also check the warranty specifications the manufacturer offers. You don’t want to splurge a substantial amount of money on something that may have any manufacturing defects that will further down the line cost you a hefty sum to fix. In addition to that, the filters of your purifiers will have to be changed once every few months, so double-check any service costs associated with that before making the final decision.
Filtration
While choosing an air purification device, you should concentrate on finding one that uses a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
HEPA filters are crucial for the proper filtration of air and are recommended by the EPA and the American Lung Association. They’re responsible for filtering out at least 99.97 percent of dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria, in addition to all airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger.
On the other hand, If you’re trying to get rid of odors within your home, look for an air purifier with an activated carbon filter. Carbon activated filters specialize in getting rid of unpleasant odors, such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, and fumes that may have gathered in your home.
If you have pets, look out for pre-filters responsible for taking care of the largest particles, such as materials and pet hair, further protecting the delicate filtration system from any large elements being absorbed.
Which Air Purifier is Right For Me?
As a general rule, there are specific purifiers you should consider in certain situations:
- You have Asthma or any other breathing-related conditions. In such cases, you should look for purifiers having the TRUE HEPA filters and bypass any products containing an Ozone based filter.
- If you live in a crowded, densely populated area, you should opt for a purifier with an Activated Carbon filter, as those specialize in removing odor in the air.
- People who reside next to a construction area, own pets, or have a weaker immune system should consider investing in a top-quality air purifier, with both a HEPA filter and a strong pre-filter. Only those types of purifiers will guarantee you a clean surrounding, protecting you from particles that can cause heavy breathing problems, as well as allergic reactions.
- If you live with a person that has COVID-19 or that recently suffered from the virus, you might want to consider an air purifier with a CARD rating of 240 or higher. Experts recommend such purifiers to disinfect any viral particles from staying within the surroundings of your home.
The Takeaway
Now more than ever, you’re confined to your home, so when you can’t always get the breeze of some fresh air outside, you should be able to do so inside. An air purifier at first might seem like a substantial amount of money to spend on a product that you won’t be directly using, but the quality of your at-home air will considerably get better over time.
Before you make the purchase, make sure to analyze your specific requirements, matching your purifier to your needs. There’s always a great deal waiting online for an air purifier half off, or some smaller, more portable purifiers you might want to test before you decide to get a bigger one – and it’s definitely an investment for years to come.
