Are Air Purifiers A Waste Of Money?

“Do I really need an air purifier?” “Are air purifiers a waste of money?” Air purifiers (also known as “air cleaners”) sound very attractive for everyone who’s concerned with healthy indoor air quality, especially if the family includes a member who suffers from respiratory problems — or a smoker.

But are air cleaners worth the cost? Let’s dig deeper.

Do Air Purifiers Really Work?

The best way to answer the question “Are air purifiers a waste of money?” is to list what these appliances accomplish to clean and purify the air inside your home.

They:

•       Remove allergens that result in seasonal or year-round symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
•       Filter out disease-causing germs, bacteria, and viruses, especially prevalent in winter, when windows and doors are usually closed.
•       Reduce the smoke and odor of cigarettes.

HOWEVER

Air purifiers work best as part of an effort to improve indoor air quality. Here’s what else you should do:

•       Clean your home frequently.
•       Run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. Clean fans and ductwork annually.
•       Use a dehumidifier if your home is very humid.
•       Get rid of mold and mildew, with the help of a professional service if necessary.
•       Regularly replace the air filter in your heating and cooling system, as well as the air purifier.

Air purifier filters typically need cleaning every few weeks and changing after 6-8 months. (If you’re the forgetful type, don’t worry – the indicator light will remind you.) To save bother, select a model equipped with a permanent filter.

What Type Of Air Purifier Is Best For Allergies?

A common and effective type of air purifier works by means of a mechanical filter. HEPA filters use an ultra-fine mesh to trap 99.97 percent of particles 0.3 microns and larger. (By comparison, a human hair measures about 50 microns!) Though some manufacturers advertise their filters as “HEPA-like,” look for certified true HEPA filters. They are excellent at filtering out allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.

Choose from portable air purifiers (which will clean up to 700 square feet) or whole-house models. Reliable brands include Lennox air cleaners and Carrier air purifiers.

Do Air Purifiers Use Much Electricity?

Most HEPA-filter purifiers use from 50-200 watts of electricity. Compare that to a table lamp, which utilizes 60 watts, or a computer, at 365 watts.

Keep in mind, though, that experts recommend leaving your air purifier on 24/7 – quite a bit more usage than that lamp or computer is likely to get. If you want to go the extra mile in saving electricity, the Energy Star program certifies certain air purifier models as energy-efficient.

How Do I Know If My Air Purifier Is Working?

It’s simple to tell whether your air purifier is working. With fan-operated models, listen for the hum of the fan’s motor. You can also try the airflow test; just put your hand in front of the air outlet and feel for any air movement.

If your device is the filtered type of air purifier, check to see whether it has trapped particles. The air filter should never be clean unless you have just changed it.

For further evidence, chemical kits and electronic and digital tests can measure improvement in your indoor air quality.

Is An Air Purifier Worth Buying?

If you or a loved one suffers from asthma or allergies, you know just how miserable you can feel. Respiratory ailments may also result in downtime – forced absence from work or studies — which costs you time, money, and aggravation.

Investing in an air purifier will improve not just the quality of your air, but also the quality of your life.

Find Help To Improve Your Air Quality Today

Are you ready to change your air quality for the better?  Husky Air is ready to help. We’ll discuss the best air purifier for your home and provide a free quote.

Call us at 1-877-429-9929 or 905-761-9485.