According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some homes may have 100 times more pollutants in their air than the air outside. Spending a lot of time indoors may make those with respiratory issues more susceptible to attacks.
Because of this, the installation of an air purifier is a great idea. Even if none of the family members has health problems, such as asthma or bronchitis, you should still consider installing the appliance. The same is true if you have indoor pets or someone in the household is prone to allergies. You should do the same if some family members are smokers or you love to cook all the time—cigarette smoke and cooking fumes are both harmful to the lungs.
Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to get your hands on the right air purifier these days. All you have to do, for the most part, is check out a listing of some of the best air purifiers in the market. You may also get the recommendations of relatives and friends who use air purifiers to keep out of harm’s way.
When shopping for an air purifier, there are a few things that you need to consider to make sure that you will be paying for the right one.
A HEPA Filter
Refrain from paying for an air purifier that does not have a HEPA filter. Short for high-efficiency particulate air, it is a type of filter that can remove up to 99% of particles in the air. If the model that you are eyeing to get has no HEPA filter, look for a different one.
Shady manufacturers of air purifiers will do everything necessary to rake in profits, with some claiming their products use HEPA-like or HEPA-type filters. These filters are not HEPA filters, which only mean that they are not as effective in removing many indoor air pollutants as the real deal.
The Right Size
Nowadays, air purifiers come in an assortment of sizes. For instance, small ones are for personal spaces or rooms less than 300 square feet in size. On the other hand, large ones are for rooms measuring 700 to 1,900 square feet. The best air purifiers for purifying the air of the entire homes are whole-house models.
Other than the size, it would help if you also considered the appliance’s air change per hour (ACH) rate. It refers to the number of times that an air purifier can purify the air in the area per hour. If your family members have asthma or allergies, go for a higher ACH rate.
Easy to Use
It may seem like an air purifier with lots of buttons and switches on its control panel can make the indoor air cleaner. However, homeowners who are not as tech-savvy as the rest may find operating them a harrowing experience each time.
It is a great idea to go for an air purifier that’s trouble-free to use. A unit that can get the job done with just a simple press of a button allows you to breathe cleaner indoor air without ending up with a nasty headache. These days, some models are possible to operate via Wi-Fi, making excellent additions to smart homes.
Conclusion
Today’s air purifiers come in many shapes and sizes. Keep in mind the tips above when shopping for one. If you still have questions, consider seeking the help of an air purification expert in your area.
