Many people have the misconception that indoor air is safe for breathing when compared to outdoor air. Little do they realize that the air inside is more polluted than the air outside. With a vast range of biological pollutants, gaseous pollutants, and particulate matter present in indoor air, it has become more crucial than ever before to use air purifiers at homes.
If you are out in the market to buy an air purifier, you are likely to come across several models that work on different air purification technologies like HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestor), Ozone, and UV. HEPA air purifiers have proven to be the most efficient of all as they are capable of eradicating 99.9% of pollutants. Whether it is bacteria, dust mites, and pet dander, cigarette smoke, or allergens and VOCs, HEPA purifiers can get rid of them all. Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind while choosing an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter for home.
Consider Room Size:
You should choose an air purifier based on the size of the room where you want to install it. The area covered by the appliance should be more than or equal to the room size.
Check Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) Score:
The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) score is a very important factor to consider. This score indicates how much clean air the appliance can deliver per minute. The required CADR score can be equal to two-thirds of the room area. We can get it by dividing the room area by 1.55. For example, if the room size is 10 ft x 15 ft with a ceiling height of 8 ft, then the room area is 150 sq. ft. This means that the required CADR is 150 / 1.55 = 96 cfm.
Ease of Maintenance:
Different types of HEPA purifiers have different requirements for maintenance. While few models may require you to change the filter once in 6 months, others may need replacement once a year. Do some research to know what the frequency of replacement should be for the HEPA filter and also find out the cost of recurring maintenance.
Available Features:
Today’s advanced HEPA purifiers come with several convenient features like:
- Filter change indicator: indicates when the filter needs to be replaced.
- Real-time air quality sensor: monitors the quality of purified air.
- Child lock: prevents kids from misusing the appliance, thus also ensuring safety when kids are around.
- Inbuilt ionizer: helps to enhance air freshness and effectively removes odour, thus ensuring fresher and cleaner air.
Some HEPA air purifiers also come with a UV LED feature. Weigh the options available and look for purifiers with features that you consider essential. Choose one that is user-friendly and convenient.
Avoid Ozone Air Purifiers:
When looking for air purifiers, you are likely to come across models that work based on Ozone purification technology. Such models release harmful Ozone gas during the process of purification. Avoid choosing such purifiers. Though they may purify indoor air, they can cause irritation as a pollutant, and lead to lung damage.
If you want to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from airborne diseases, investing in a HEPA purifier is no more a choice but a basic necessity. With these tips, you should be able to zero in on the best purifier for your home. Ensure that you do thorough research, shortlist a few models, compare them based on various aspects, and then finalize the right one for your needs. Get an air purifier home today to minimize the risks to health caused by indoor air pollutants, and enjoy breathing in fresh air when indoors.
