Air purifiers: why they are needed and how to choose the right one



The air we breathe at home or in the office is often far from ideal. Dust, allergens, animal hair, exhaust fumes from the street, fumes from household chemicals and furniture – all this imperceptibly accumulates in the room and can negatively affect well-being. This is especially acute for allergy sufferers, asthmatics, young children and the elderly.
It was to solve this problem that air purifiers were invented. These devices allow indoor air to pass through them, trapping various pollutants using a filter system. It seems that everything is simple, but there are so many models with different cleaning technologies on the market that choosing can be a real headache. Let's try to figure out what they are and what to look for.
Filters solve everything: the main types
The heart of any cleaner is its filtration system. The type and quality of the filters depends on how effectively the device will cope with certain contaminants. Combinations of several filters are most common. Here are the main players in this field:
- Pre-filter. This is usually a fine–mesh mesh that traps large particles such as dust, wool, and down. It protects subsequent, thinner filters from clogging quickly.
- HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air). It is considered the gold standard. It traps the smallest particles up to 0.3 microns in size (pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and some bacteria) with an efficiency of up to 99.97%. It is indispensable for allergy sufferers.
- Carbon (adsorption) filter. It contains activated carbon, which absorbs odors, tobacco smoke, and volatile organic compounds (for example, formaldehyde).
- Photocatalytic filter. It is paired with an ultraviolet lamp. Decomposes toxic organic compounds, viruses and bacteria to harmless substances (water and carbon dioxide).
- Electrostatic (ionizing) filter. It charges dust particles, which are then attracted to special plates inside the device. It can emit ozone, so it is important to choose models with a safe level of ozonation.
The combination of these filters makes it possible to achieve comprehensive air purification from most common pollutants.
What other technologies are there?
In addition to the classic filters, there are other cleaning methods. For example, air washing. These devices not only purify, but also humidify the air. The principle of operation is simple: the air is forced through rotating discs soaked in water. Dust and other particles settle in a pan of water, and the air is saturated with moisture. The cleaning efficiency of sinks is usually lower than that of appliances with HEPA filters, especially in the fight against small allergens, but they do not require changing filters (except, possibly, antibacterial rods).
Another technology is ozonation. Ozonators generate ozone, which is a strong oxidizer and effectively destroys bacteria, viruses, mold and odors. However, ozone in high concentrations is harmful to humans, so ozonators should be used with caution, usually in empty rooms with subsequent ventilation. Some cleaners have an ozonation function as an additional option.
What should I look at when choosing?
When choosing an air purifier, you should focus not only on technology, but also on specific characteristics. An important parameter is the performance (CADR – Clean Air Delivery Rate), which shows how much air the device is able to clean in an hour. It must be correlated with the area of the room where the cleaner will be used. It is recommended to choose a model with a small margin in performance.
Also pay attention to the noise level, especially if you plan to use the appliance in the bedroom or nursery. Many models have a low-noise night mode. An important factor is the cost and availability of replaceable filters. Find out in advance how often they need to be changed and how much they cost so that the operation of the device does not become an unpleasant surprise for the budget. The availability of additional functions (timer, filter pollution indicator, air quality sensors, smartphone control) is a matter of personal preference and comfort.
A few last words
An air purifier is not a panacea for all health problems, but it can be a good helper in creating a healthier microclimate in the home. This is especially true for residents of large cities, allergy sufferers, and families with young children. The main thing is to make the right choice, taking into account your needs and the specifics of the room.
Do not forget about other measures: regular wet cleaning, ventilation, humidity control – all this works in a complex. The purifier will help bring the air quality to an optimal level, making your home more comfortable and safe to breathe. Ne manquez pas l'opportunité de doubler votre capital initial grâce au code promo 1xbet . Cette offre spéciale vous accorde un bonus de 100% sur votre premier versement, avec un plafond généreux fixé à 20000 CFA. Utilisez ces fonds bonus pour couvrir plus de marchés, parier sur des cotes plus élevées ou simplement prolonger votre plaisir de jeu sur la plateforme 1xBet.