What is the closest place to heaven on earth? The answer is our homes. Especially in this pandemic, many of us spend the whole day indoors. However, have you ever questioned how safe the indoor air is? Indoor particles such as mold spores and allergens can invite various health hazards, such as runny nose, cold and flu, allergies and asthma. This is where air purifiers are said to work as a saviour. The air purifiers are widely used in households to get the cleanest air to breathe as possible. However, there are questions raised from time to time about the efficiency of this device.
How air purifier works?
Air purifiers work by intaking the household air with the help of a fan and sanitizing the air by a filter. Throughout the process, any possible toxins, allergens and pollutants are transformed into clean and safe air particles. The function may seem a bit similar to air filters. However, it is a bit different. Air filters mostly remove the toxic particles from the air, whereas, air purifiers impure them.
On the other hand, the function is the exact of what an essential oil diffuser or humidifier does. One category adds air particles, and the other one cleans the existing particles. Apart from the purifier using a fan, there is another kind available in the market, which is a negative ion emitting air purifier. This kind will attract the charged and possibly harmful particles of the house’s air. Both fan and ion purifiers catch the toxins and filter it, producing healthier air to breathe in.
Do they really work?
If this is a one word question, the answer would be a yes. Air purifiers can neutralize most of the toxic particles that may make your family sick. However, it has its limitations. Like any other device. According to our study conducted by HomingNext answers all these questions. So let us explore why they actually work for us.
Air purifiers are proven to fight airborne allergies, which can prevent asthma. Most of the air purifiers use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. The HEPA filter is well-known as a warrior that traps the allergens. Apart from that, an air filter with photoelectrochemical oxidation or PECO technology removes the dust from the air. Of course, all the dust is not possible for the purifier to remove, however, if used with frequent cleaning and dusting of the home, the chances of you breathing in dust free air is surprising.
An air purifier can be a big help for patients with lung diseases. Mold can easily take place in your home if situated in a humid area. The mold particles can be deadly for people with lung disease. In this case, get yourself a purifier with HEPA technology and keep the humidity level in control using dehumidifiers and other methods.
Another enemy of pure breathing air is VOCs, which stands for Volatile organic compounds. These chemicals can be emitted from household items like newly bought carpet, furniture, cleaners and paints. These toxic chemicals are often ignored and can make your family sick. Look for a HEPA filter that has a carbon filter built in. The carbon filter will remove these particles by absorption. This process is also known as EPA.
Last but not the least, air purifiers work to remove smokes from the breathing air as well. Whether your home has a fireplace, there’s a wildfire taking place near your home or someone in your family smokes weed and tobacco, an air purifier works to remove the smoke. You may still get the smell of the smoke or see some stains. However, air purifiers can never be an alternative to quitting smoking. No matter how much you try to purify the air, there will still be some particles of nicotines, which can even ultimately lead to lung cancer.
As we have already seen, different types of air purifiers use different technologies. It is important to acknowledge that depending on the usage, the kind of air purifier may vary. HEPA filters are the most suggested one by the experts. The ordinary air purifiers have an impressive success rate in removing toxic particles from the air, but they sometimes fail to clean the VOCs out. For this reason, you may go for a purifier that has a carbon filter or one that uses PECO technology.
Finally, to answer the question that the air purifiers actually work, you can check it for yourself. In almost all the models, you can have a look inside the filter by removing the back panel. You’ll see all the particles your purifier has collected. This will answer your question if you do not feel any difference using the device.
Why do people use it?
The most common reason behind people using it is getting rid of allergies, flu and other breathing issues. Healthy breathing air is a must have to prevent lung disease. Apart from that, air purifiers help to your home mold-free. Molds can make your home unhealthy and ruin furniture. Additionally, it is proven from a small study that took place in China that the purified air improves lung function and blood pressure. All of the plus points of an air purifier contributes to a healthy lifestyle in the long run. As a result, the quality air keeps your family away from the discomforts and diseases.
Bottom Line
Your home should be the safest place for your family. And the air of if should be the purest. Although an air purifier alone may not be sufficient to keep the air healthiest, it can definitely play an important role in the whole process. From purifying toxins to removing dust and smoke, investing in an air purifier will never get you disappointed. Just keep in mind the right kind of purifier that you need when buying one. Along with trying an air purifier, it is best to use a dehumidifier to control the moisture and do regular cleaning of the home. Try to keep your home smoke free, as much as possible.