Is an Air Purifier Really Worth It?

Research has shown that filtering the air can help remove hazardous particles from indoor spaces, particularly allergens, smoke, and mold. However, air purifiers work best when combined with proper filtration and home cleaning techniques. Pleated filters are made of folded cotton or polyester fabrics and can filter dust and other basic contaminants, but offer only low filtration. More folds provide more coverage for contaminants such as dandruff and mold, but limit airflow.

When it comes to knowing if you need a new air filter, don't trust your eyes; trust your calendar. Air purifiers look great on paper, but are they really worth it? The answer is yes. Air purifiers are a necessity for any home. Every piece of pollen, dust, dander, hair, mold, bacteria or mold that a filter traps is one less thing that you and your family breathe.

Every time you clean a dirty air filter, remember that everything it traps could have ended up in your lungs. Golden said he would also evaluate the claims with a grain of salt. There aren't many drawbacks to having an air purifier in your home, other than the financial investment. If you're having problems with pet allergies or asthma, an air purifier could be beneficial because it eliminates common allergens.

Every home should have a portable indoor air purifier, including those that come as part of a fan, says Perry Santanachote, home editor of Consumer Reports. Unfortunately, no matter how good the air purifier is at removing dust from the air, there is always more that settles on furniture and floors. Letting the purifier work automatically so that it adjusts its speed to suit the level of pollution can also be useful, as hearing it accelerate can be an indication that there is smoke or other pollution in your home. If you decide to go ahead with an air purifier, your first decision is whether you need a portable or whole-house model.

An object cleaner placed next to the air conditioner coil floods the area with ultraviolet light and kills organisms before they can enter the ventilation system. Choosing an air purifier that uses a true HEPA filter together with activated carbon is sure to be effective. However, its real effectiveness in preventing someone from contracting the virus is still unknown since the transmission rate may be faster than the air purifier can capture the particles.