ByPurify has researched everything you would want to know about air purifiers.
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ByPurify has researched everything you would want to know about vacuums & air purifiers.
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Are you unsure whether air purifiers do work?
Did you know that ambient air pollution accounts for an estimated 4.2 million deaths per year due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases!
Don’t be one of these death statistics!
But where to start?
As experts in our field, we discuss the following in this article:
The question is, what can be done about it?
The team at ByPurify scours the web for interesting news, research and patents that impact your everyday home life.
Some of the harm caused by polluted air can be resolved by air purifiers.
In reality, however, not all air purifiers live up to the marketing hype.
Continue reading to learn how air purifiers work and whether they're worth considering for your home or office.
Air purifiers work by using a filtration mechanism to remove particles from the air and then recirculate clean air.
In its most basic form, an air purifier consists of a fan that pulls in ambient air.
They filter this air through a filter made of various materials, such as paper, fiberglass, or mesh.
After that, the filter captures particles larger than a specific size (the size will differ depending on the air purifier).
Finally, the fan circulates the filtered, clean air back into the room.
Some particles are likely to remain on soft and hard surfaces, like furniture or walls. The filter will need to be replaced over time.
Keep in mind
Not all air purifiers are created equal.
Instead of sucking in and filtering air, some air purifiers neutralize it.
They could, for example, emit negative ions that attract and neutralize particles via static.
Another type of air purifier is the ultraviolet light (UV) filter, which eliminates bacteria and mold by emitting ultraviolet light.
The 2 types of air purifiers are HEPA and IONIC.
Let’s explore each in more detail.
HEPA filters capture particles as little as 0.3 microns or larger. HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of dust, bacteria, mold, pollen, and other particles from the air.
Ionic air purifiers purify the air by releasing significant numbers of electrically charged negative ions.
These ions connect to airborne particles (mold, allergies, and toxins) and bind them to surfaces like the floor or walls.
While this improves air quality, the particles remain in the atmosphere and could be recirculated.
Ionic purifiers are less expensive than HEPA filters; therefore, some prefer them to HEPA filters.
An air purifier filters and sanitizes pollutants, chemicals, and allergens from indoor air and improves air quality.
Air purifiers can freshen stale air, lowering the risk of health problems caused by indoor pollution, which can cause respiratory infections, neurological disorders, or worsen asthma symptoms.
Yes, air purifiers work for many common allergies, by removing contaminants such as pet dander, smoke, and dust from the air.
It can especially benefit people who suffer from pollen or pet-related allergies.
On the other hand
Air purifiers won’t work for dust-mite allergies because dust mites are too large a particle to remain airborne.
Air purifiers are supposed to filter out dust, smoke, pollen, allergens and gasses.
Let’s look at each in more detail.
Most air purifiers on the market filter out dust, smoke, and pollen particles from the air.
The efficiency of air purifiers in real-life scenarios is unlikely to match that of controlled laboratory conditions.
You can't always mimic what will happen at home as the site, setup, flow rate, space scenarios, and run-time will differ.
In addition, there are other factors in your home that may influence effectiveness, such as ventilation (open or closed windows) and the constant emergence of new particles, so the air may not be as filtered as the promises suggest.
Air filters don't catch VOCs and radon, which can accumulate from adhesives, paints, and cleaning agents. That would necessitate the use of an absorbent, such as activated carbon.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that air purifiers’ ability to filter out gasses is limited and that filters must be replaced frequently for best performance, usually every three months.
The allergens air purifiers are supposed to filter out are the following:
Air purifiers are supposed to filter out mold, mushrooms, and yeast which are examples of fungi that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
A HEPA air purifier fan can help reduce airborne fungus in your home.
Air purifiers are supposed to filter out the following types of smoke:
Indoor toxins should be filtered out by air purifiers by using a different purification technique called photocatalytic oxidation.
These types of air purifiers use UV light radiation to start a chemical reaction that neutralizes and destroys pollutants in the air.
This type of air purifier has been shown to remove pollutants, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and toluene, from the air.
Yes, some air purifiers may target outdoor air that enters your home, particularly if you live in a polluted or natural disaster-prone area.
Most people shouldn’t be concerned about temporary pollutants in the air outside their homes, such as smoke or exhaust fumes, because they quickly dissolve.
Nevertheless
The right purifier can address any environmental air quality in your area.
A HEPA filter is one of the most effective and thoroughly researched air purifiers available. It can catch particles as tiny as 0.3 microns or bigger.
The acronym HEPA refers to a high-efficiency particulate air filter.
HEPA filters can theoretically remove 99.97% of airborne dust, germs, mold, pollen, and other particles; however, their efficacy will vary depending on the filter’s age.
Studies have proven that HEPA filters successfully remove fungus, mold, and other allergens from indoor air.
You should look for the CADR rating, size guidelines, verification from AHAM, and true HEPA filters.
Let’s explore each in more detail:
This factor considers the purifier’s cleaning speed for removing smoke, dust, and pollen. Look for a CADR of at least 300; anything above 350 is ideal.
For overall effectiveness, a model should be chosen that fits the size of your room.
Please choose a model designed for a larger area than the one you are outfitting. This will ensure it works in a lower and quieter setting.
The AHAM standards ensure many home care appliances’ safety, efficiency, and performance, including air purifiers.
The standards are a fast way to determine if the device can effectively remove dust, smoke, and pollen from your home.
Most reputable air purifiers have gone through this certification program, including a CADR rating and size guidelines.
True HEPA filters efficiently eliminate ultrafine particles from your homes, such as dust, dander, pollen, mold, and other common allergens.
Air purifiers can remove allergens, mold, smoke, and other toxins from the air.
They help prevent allergic and asthmatic symptoms from occurring in the first place and also neutralize unpleasant odors.
Air purifiers can’t remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the air, and they can’t remove anything that has settled on your floor or furniture.
Yes, air purifiers work for COVID.
However, air purifiers should not be used in place of masks, hand washing, isolation, not sharing personal products, and sanitizing measures.
Consider ventilation to be part of a “layered strategy” for preventing coronavirus spread.
Air quality can be improved at home:
To get the most out of an air purifier, do the following regularly:
Keep up with your usual cleaning routine to help the purifier and promote a healthy home environment.
Dust and other particles are removed from the air by air purifiers, but it doesn't remove dust and dirt off surfaces.
Not all HEPAs are the same. It'd be best if you looked for the one that uses a true HEPA filter.
Also, note that harmful bacteria can accumulate in the filter’s fibers; therefore, the filter needs to be changed regularly to ensure your purifier works the best it can.
To some extent, an air purifier can neutralize odors, but it all depends on the carbon in the filter. If your home has a lot of unpleasant scents, the filter will need to be updated more frequently.
Some bacteria and viruses are too tiny to be trapped even if your machine has a true HEPA filter.
It’s not to be mistaken as a replacement for medication. This only helps ease symptoms of allergies.
Yes, air purifiers are worth it and have proven to be a wonderful investments because allergies and other pollutants can be removed from the air.
Air purifiers have a variety of health benefits, which vary from person to person and depend on the pollutants present indoors.
The following are a few advantages of using air purifiers at home or in the office:
The following are a few disadvantages of using air purifiers at home or in the office:
The right size and capacity will be determined on the packaging of the air purifier you’re about to buy.
The packaging will state whether the air purifier is suitable for a small, medium, or large room and the maximum square footage rating.
Air purifiers are labeled based on the size of the room in which they can be used effectively.
You should avoid air ionizers, ozone generators, and UV light purifiers.
Let’s go into more detail:
Ionizers don’t remove pollutants from the air but make them stick to surfaces nearby. When the pollutants build up, it can cause health problems.
Ionizers can produce hazardous ozone, which can irritate your airways or even cause an asthma attack.
An ozone generator isn’t an air purifier, and they don’t clean the air.
Not only can ozone generators take almost a year to entirely clear a small room from gasses, but they can also cause asthma attacks because of their reactions in the air.
UV light purifiers are frequently used in hospitals to disinfect equipment and help stop the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.
However, these bacteria and viruses must be exposed to UV light for some time before they can be effective.
Some bacteria can even come back to life after being disinfected by a UV light. A UV light purifier doesn’t purify the air.
Other ways to improve the air quality in your home is to make sure that you always have windows open where possible; it helps with circulation.
Clean and vacuum often and change air filters regularly.
If your home is situated with exhaust fans above your stove or bathroom, you can switch them on for about an hour every day. This will help move air outside.
Yes, you can use an air purifier with a window open.
However
While an air purifier can function with the windows open, it will not perform as well as if the area is sealed.
No, an air purifier doesn’t dry out the air as it has no way of drawing moisture from the air.
You should run an air purifier all day.
The best place to run an air purifier is close to your breathing area.
The closer the unit is to your head, the less the distance that clean air needs to travel to reach you.
Yes, air purifiers can capture the Coronavirus if they have a HEPA filter.
Air purifiers can take anywhere from 30 minutes to clean air in a small room up to 2 to 3 hours for a larger room.
No, air purifiers aren’t a gimmick.
Some companies will take advantage of the consumers and advertise false products. There are a lot of scams out there.
Do proper research before buying just any air purifier.
No, air purifiers aren’t a waste of money.
According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), air purifiers are worthwhile since they improve indoor air quality.
Yes, air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of dust particles with a diameter of 3 microns.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are currently the most effective at removing dust from your room.
Air purifiers effectively reduce particulate matter in the air.
Some types can provide health benefits to people who have allergies, asthma, and other conditions—however, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best air purifier.
HEPA filters, which can filter tiny particles, have the most research backing them up.
So, know you know that air purifiers have amazing benefits and actually do work. To learn more, take a look at our purifier reviews.
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Being "expert verified" signifies that our Air Quality and Cleaning Technology Review Panel has meticulously assessed each article for precision and comprehensibility. This panel is made up of seasoned professionals in air purification and vacuum technology, dedicated to guaranteeing that our content remains impartial and well-informed.
Their rigorous evaluations compel us to maintain a standard of excellence, ensuring that the information we provide is both reliable and of the highest quality.
Welcome to ByPurify, an independent, advertising-supported service dedicated to providing you with comprehensive reviews and comparisons of vacuum cleaners and air purifiers. Our mission is to empower you to make well-informed decisions about the products that contribute to the cleanliness and air quality of your living spaces.
While we aim to offer extensive tools and detailed content, please understand that our resources are not a substitute for professional advice. They are designed to guide your product research and help you identify options. Our reviews and tools are rooted in objective analysis, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot assure that our information will fit your specific situation. Performance predictions of vacuum cleaners and air purifiers are based on historical data and do not guarantee future results. We recommend consulting with a professional to address your individual needs before making any purchasing decision.
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