Tips on getting the best air purifiers for the home
Indoor air tends to be riddled with dust and other problematic elements. It is oftentimes a lot more polluted than outside air. As most of our time is spent within, it’s important to cleanse the air. You don’t want poor indoor air quality which could lead to conditions like bad allergies, asthma, or general breathing problems.
With an air purifier, you can ensure that there is healthier and cleaner air around the house. With better indoor air quality, your and your family’s health will be better too. You would have to watch out, especially if you have an asthmatic child or aged person.
Before you set out to buy your air purifier, you can ask yourself a set of important questions.
Why do you need it?
Air purifiers are great for making the air inside cleaner. In Dubai, indoor air is filled with dust and other allergic particles. Especially, if the AC hasn’t been cleaned in a while. There could be many elements that can trigger certain conditions. Even things such as mold, spores, or pet dander can cause big problems.
Here are some reasons why you might want to have an air purifier in your house:
Allergies
In case you’re having allergies, an air purifier that is specifically made for offering allergy relief should be your choice. Such filters are more advanced and have many filters, including HEPA ones, that take the allergens out of the air.
Asthma
Anyone suffering from asthma or have excessive coughing or trouble breathing should get an air purifier. It’s important to get air to purify attuned towards asthmatics or remove odor or chemical toxicities. They should be HEPA filters to remove allergens as well as the capability of removing odor.
Smoke
To purify the air from smoke, you will need specific filters. Places such as your kitchen can benefit from such a purifier. Smoke could worsen respiratory conditions and also spread a bad odor throughout your home.
Pets
While we do indeed love our furry friends, they expel allergens into the environment. Some air purifiers remove pet dander from the environment along with any other or hair. This helps asthmatics and those suffering from respiratory conditions.
Sensitive to chemicals
You might want to go for an air purifier that has filters for multiple chemical sensitivities also known as MCS. These models have more filters for odor and chemicals, along with the HEPA filter, and keep your symptoms at bay.
What is the size that you require?
The right purifier size depends on what you need it for and also takes the space in your room. In case you’re having allergies or asthma, it’s better to get a full-fledged air purifier to keep your symptoms away. Look out for the air change per hour (ACH) of your air purifier. The ACH refers to the number of times your air purifier can treat the air in your space every hour.
Air purifiers are typically known to clean a room at least four times per hour. This is a basic is a requirement for people with asthma or allergy. With four hourly air changes, the small triggering elements of your asthma or allergies can be removed.
According to the air change per hour, here are the sizes you can consider:
- Small air purifiers are ideal for rooms that are up to 299 square feet.
- For rooms that are in the range of 300 to 699 square feet, get a medium-sized air purifier
- Large purifiers are good options for rooms in the 700 to 1900 square feet range.
- Whole-house models are rather expensive but you can see which ones suit you the most.
Features required on an air purifier:
Once you’ve answered the questions above, be on the lookout for special features and additional features that you might need.
- Air purifiers that are Energy Star rated can help you save DEWA costs in the long run and help the environment too.
- There are smart air purifier options that can be controlled from your phone or any device.
- If your purifier gives air quality indicators or signs, it will be very useful.
- More features to consider are handles for transportation from one spot to the next, a range of fan speeds, notifications for filter changes, a remote control, and wheels.
The perfect location for your air purifier
The most ideal place to put your air purifier would be your bedroom as that’s the place where most of your time will be spent. Portable air purifiers are designed to purify the air in a single room, so if you need them for other rooms, then you should purchase more.
An air purifier that has caster wheels and handles can be shifted from one room to the next if you would like to use it in alternate rooms. Whole-house air purifiers are also a good choice if you have the means to purchase and install them. They are connected to your home’s HVAC system and purify the air along with expelling cool air from the AC.
Air Purifier maintenance
Air purifiers do require maintenance but not too much. The air filters need to be replaced periodically.
- HEPA filters do a good job for up to one year depending on how often you use them.
- Carbon filters need to be changed once in 6 months.
- Pre-filters usually only last for 3 months but certain kinds can be washed again for further use.
- Some purifiers also use air sterilizers. With the help of UV lights or heat, they purify the air and kill allergens or germs. The filters don’t have to be replaced in these.
A final word on the best air purifiers for home!
Depending on why you need a purifier, where you will place it, and your budget, there are many options on the market. Air purifiers make your life much easier and healthier, especially in a city such as Dubai where dust is rampant and sand particles find their way into your home. If you find yourself sneezing or coughing far too often, it’s time to invest in a good air purifier for your home. Use this article as a guide to get the best one for your needs.
