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Air purifiers work by pulling air from their surroundings through a series of filters designed to catch contaminants as they pass through. Whether or not you need one in your home depends on your environment and personal health.
Environmental factors influence the amount of contaminant particles inside your home significantly. If you live near agricultural properties, waste disposal facilities or in an area with frequent seasonal wildfires, an air purifier can help reduce the number of contaminants present in your air.
Preexisting health conditions can also play a role, and allergens such as pollen have a severe effect on some people. If you find yourself bothered by hay fever, even inside your own home, it might be time to invest in an air purifier.
It is worth keeping in mind that air purifiers work best against particulate contaminants such as dust, pollen, and smoke particles. They do not protect your home from gases, like carbon monoxide or radon. These contaminants are invisible and sometimes completely undetectable without specialized technology.
The takeaway here is that there should be some environmental or health reason to get an air purifier. Air purifiers protect against contaminants that you can typically see or feel, including those that directly irritate eyes, lungs, or throat, or that settle on surfaces and make them dirty. If these contaminants are present in your home, investing in an air purifier can help to reduce the intensity of their effects.
HEPA filters.
High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, or HEPA filters, are a designation given by the US Environmental Protection Agency to air filters capable of filtering out particles as small as 0.3 microns (µm). This category includes pollen, dust, wildfire smoke, and some types of bacteria and viruses. These filters are some of the most effective filters commercially available, and also the most expensive. To maintain effective replace a HEPA filter 1-2 times a year depending on usage and air quality.
UV light filters.
UV light filters are designed to kill pathogens such as viruses and bacteria by exposing them to ultraviolet radiation. These filters are available on some commercial air purifiers, and over the long term can eliminate the majority of microorganisms present in a room. However, these types of filters are best employed in hospital clean rooms and other sterile environments. The science regarding their effectiveness in residential settings is inconclusive is inconclusive.
UV filters can also be dangerous, as they produce ozone, which can cause eye irritation and respiratory distress when present in your air even in small quantities. If you are adamant about using a UV filter, ensure that the room it is in is well ventilated to prevent ozone buildup.
Electrostatic filters.
Electrostatic filters work by capturing particles from the air with static electricity. This method works well for filtering out dust, allergens, and other large particles. It does not work well against smoke, viruses, or other microorganisms. On the other hand, electrostatic filters are significantly cheaper than HEPA or UV models. They are the cost-effective option if you are just looking to filter dust and pollen. Expect to change this type of filter frequently: 30-60 days after installation depending on air quality and usage.
Washable filters.
Washable filters are reusable electrostatic filters. Instead of disposal, they can be washed and replaced, which saves users money and reduces waste. Most washable air filters are less effective than conventional electrostatic filters. For users with basic filtration needs, a washable filter can be the most economical option, as reusing the filter can be more cost-effective than constant replacement every 30-60 days.
Media filters.
Electrostatic filters come with a tradeoff: static pressure buildup. Basically, the smaller the particle size that electrostatic filters try to handle, the more likely they are to build up static pressure. This can inhibit airflow and create an uncomfortable sensation in the home. It is therefore impractical to use these filters to trap smaller particles.
Media filters are an alternative, using pleated paper materials to trap fine particles. They are priced higher than electrostatic filters, however, they only need to be changed out every six months. A media filter is a more advanced technology that, while being more expensive upfront, tends to pay off in the long run.
Spun glass filters.
Made of spun fiberglass, spun glass filters are some of the most affordable on the market. However, these filters are not designed to capture anything but the largest particles in the air and are ineffective compared to pretty much every other option available. They are intended for short-term use and must be replaced every 30 days.
Pleated filters.
Pleated filters are similar in effectiveness to HEPA filters, although they require more frequent replacement, and are not as efficient at filtering air. They are also more expensive than electrostatic or spun glass options. With filtration capabilities of 0.3 microns, however, they are a great option for buyers looking for a filter that is less expensive than HEPA but just as good at filtering out contaminants. Replacement has to be carried out within 30-60 days, as opposed to HEPA filters which need replacement 1-2 times a year.
Air purifiers can take different filters, which must be replaced according to their manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to replace a filter in a timely fashion could cause it to jam with dust and stop working. In the long term, this can even be a fire hazard, as the running air filter will accumulate flammable debris, and build up heat as its ventilation clogs with dust. Dirty filters can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, which decreases air quality.
To change the filter, unplug the unit. Take this time to vacuum the intake vent on a low setting if it appears dusty, clear out trapped dust, and wipe the surface of the air purifier with a damp cloth. Then switch out your old filter for a new one, or wash your washable filter and replace it.
As long as you maintain your filters according to the manufacturer's instructions, and clean the entire unit occasionally, your air purifier should serve you well in its intended capacity, reducing the amount of particle contaminants in the air you breathe.
Air purifiers work, but only if used for their intended purpose: to reduce the number of unwanted particles in the air inside your home.
Air purifiers do not work for filtering out gases, nor are they effective at preventing mold growth. If you suspect that you are dealing with either of these issues, we strongly recommend contacting an expert instead of purchasing an air purifier.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, air purifiers on their own are not sufficient to protect a home against COVID-19. However, they can be used in conjunction with other measures such as regular hand washing and social distancing to increase protection.
The SARS-CoV-2 Virus, which causes COVID-19, can range in size from 50nm to 140nm across. The most advanced filters on commercial air purifiers, HEPA filters, are rated for particles of 0.3µm, which is 300nm. This is more than enough for most dust, pollen, and other visible airborne contaminants, as well as the majority of bacteria, but not for viruses.
For this reason, an air purifier should not be relied upon as a primary line of defense against COVID-19. Instead, we recommend that you follow the WHO’s advice for the public and your local government’s guidelines for best practices to protect yourself and your home from SARS-CoV-2.
HEPA-equipped air purifiers are the best air purifiers for wildfire smoke, reducing smoke particle count in the air by as much as 85%. While a HEPA filter will not remove 100% of the wildfire smoke, it will dramatically reduce the amount of it in the air. To ensure you are protected, make sure that your purifier is equipped with a HEPA-rated filter and that it is rated for your room size. Expect a decline in effectiveness if your filter is not HEPA rated or if your room is larger than what the purifier is designed to handle.
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