The world is gradually becoming a more polluted place, and while it's difficult to control what others do, you can take steps to protect your family from the harmful effects of pollution by purchasing an air purifier.

But where to start?

What're some useful air purifier buying tips?

We'll discuss some features to look for when choosing an air purifier for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

What Makes a Good Air Purifier?

The air purifier you buy should be easy to maintain and clean. You'll want an air purifier that does not require too much maintenance, as the more time you spend cleaning it, the less time you will have for other things around your home.

An effective air purifier removes particles of dust, mold, and allergens from the air.

A great way to test for effectiveness is by placing a light source behind it over time to see how many particles are getting stuck in the filter and how much air is getting pushed through.

You should also consider the size of an air purifier as a factor in effectiveness and ease of use. Larger models are typically used for large spaces such as larger rooms or warehouses, while smaller ones are better suited to small spaces like apartments or dorms.

What Are the Top Air Purifier Features to Consider?

The air purifier should be versatile enough to work in any room or for a person with allergies.

An air purifier that can filter the cold and flu virus is one of the top features to look for when buying an air cleaner.

This helps your family stay healthy by removing impurities from their surroundings, which are typically carried on dust particles and droplets released into the atmosphere, as well as through the air.

There are also many features to consider when choosing an air purifier, such as noise levels, filter replacements, and price.

Type of Air Filtration Technology

There are many different types of air filtration technology to consider when choosing an air purifier.

Some work better for certain individuals or in specific rooms, so it's important to think about what type you might need before buying one. For example, ozone¹ can be bad for people with asthma or other respiratory ailments.

HEPA Filter: The HEPA filter² is the most common type of air purifier. It removes 99% of particles that are .03 microns or larger and does not release any into the environment.

While it's a relatively affordable option, this filter needs to be replaced every six months. It requires more cleaning than many other filters as smaller particles tend to become trapped in its fibers.

Activated Carbon: Carbon filters work by drawing impurities out from the air both mechanically and chemically without releasing them back into your surroundings, as a HEPA filter would do.

This makes it useful for removing odors such as cigarette smoke or musty smells caused by mold growth on surfaces inside your home, but it may not be ideal if you're working with a very large space.

It's effective for removing particulate matter as small as .01 microns, which is more than double the effectiveness of HEPA filters and most other types of air purifiers available today.

Ultraviolet Light: Ultraviolet lights may be useful if you're working with bacteria or viruses in your home rather than allergens like dust mites or animal dander that are present throughout the environment.

The UV light kills these cells without releasing them back into the air, such as what would happen when using ozone gas to disinfect rooms contaminated by mold spores or pet dander.

Design & Ease of Use

A good air purifier will be easy to use, durable, and aesthetically³ pleasing.

Comfort is one of the most important features when choosing a filter because you'll likely have it in your home for an extended period.

The size should also fit with the needs and space available in your home or office, such as small spaces like dorms or apartments where there are more open windows, with less distance from which particles can enter into the room than larger ones like warehouses that might have closed off rooms instead of doors leading outside.

In terms of design, some models may come equipped with different colors on either side so they can blend better into any room's decor, while others take up much less visual real estate by having a form factor that resembles a box.

Noise Level

The noise level is another important consideration when buying an air purifier. Do you need something that can run all day without bothering your family members, or does this sound a bit too loud for the space?

Some models are so quiet that you'll barely notice them running.

In contrast, others may be more noticeable depending on how close to it they're located and whether it's fitted with a fan inside, which could be helpful in larger spaces where it's necessary to move air faster.

Energy Consumption

It's important to think about the cost of energy consumption when buying an air purifier. The expense is not only for your electrical bills but also those of a family member who doesn't live with you or someone else that might be using it in their home regularly, such as an older person living alone.

Some models use up more power than others, so make sure to find out how much they're likely to consume before making the purchase.

Other factors can affect this, including whether there are lights or timers built-in and what kind of filter technology is being used by the unit itself. This could increase its toll on your electricity bill depending on how often replacement filters must be purchased, for example.

How long the device can run before needing to be turned off for a break is another important consideration. You don't want it running all day without interruption and costing more than necessary on your electric bill in the process.

Cost of Maintenance & Replacement

The cost of maintenance and replacement filters will vary from one type to the next. HEPA filters, for example, can be expensive.

Still, they're also more durable than other types, so you'll likely only need to purchase them once every few years, depending on how often it's being used at home or in a commercial office setting.

Some models are designed specifically with this energy-efficient⁴ filter system built-in. This means additional costs won't be necessary outside of light bulbs that might have been included as an added feature when purchasing the machine itself.

This makes it ideal if you don't want to think about replacing your standard air purifier too frequently either.

Which Air Purifier Features Should You Avoid?

It's important to consider the features that you should avoid when buying an air purifier because not all of them are worth purchasing. In some instances, certain types may be too loud or use up more energy than others for their filters to function properly.

In contrast, other brands might have a limited warranty with terms and conditions that don't protect your purchase sufficiently.

Make sure to ask questions if anything feels unclear before making this type of investment to avoid any costly mistakes that can be difficult to rectify⁵ in the long run.

Ozone Emissions and Ionizing Functions

It's also important to think about these devices' emissions, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

Some models come with built-in ozone emitter functions.

In contrast, others emit harmful UV rays like those from tanning beds to kill bacteria and other particles floating around your home due to active pet owners who don't clean up after their animals, for example.

As a result, it's best not to purchase an air purifier with any of these features because they can be dangerous even when used on occasion, depending on how sensitive you are as a person.

You should always read reviews online before making this type of purchase to know what experiences people have had with certain brands and products, before deciding which one is right for your needs.

Primary UV-C (Germicidal) Light Technology

It's best to avoid purchasing an air purifier that only emits UV-C light, which can be harmful when used regularly.

The health risks of prolonged exposure to these types of lights are well documented, and it's best not to find out the hard way by purchasing one without knowing about its potential consequences first.

Many people have no idea how much they're at risk for developing skin cancer or eye damage in the future, just because they purchased this type of device from a company that didn't take any precautions to let them know beforehand what could happen if excessive exposure occurs over time.

Fanless Air Purification

Fanless air purifiers are ideal for keeping the noise level down because nothing is running except the device itself.

The downside is that these machines may not always work as effectively without a fan in place. This can lead to more frequent filter changes or replacement depending on what kind of particles they're trying to remove from your home when it comes time for maintenance and upkeep.

This is why you should verify with customer service representatives how often replacements will be necessary before making this type of purchase. In this way you know exactly what you're getting into ahead of time, rather than after agreeing to buy one only to discover it doesn't meet any expectations at all.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Remember, when it comes to air purifiers, there are many features that you want to consider before making your purchase.

Consider the size of the room, whether you need an ionizer if allergens are a problem for you, and how much noise can affect your work environment.

Once all these factors have been considered, choose one from my list that meets most of what is needed in terms of specifications and price point.

You may also want to look at reviews for each model since they differ between brands and models, so make sure you research which brand has the best reputation with consumers.

Hopefully, these air purifier buying tips will help guide you in the right direction.

Take a look at our reviews on air purifiers!