How to Choose Air Purifier

How to choose an Air Purifier based on individual preference? The requirement for an Air Purifier can be different for every individual. Here's what best for few cases-

Asthmatic patients should opt for HEPA air purifiers having TRUE HEPA filters and should avoid Ozone based purifiers.

People having lower immunity levels and those on dialysis should install air purifiers of top quality with True HEPA filter, Pre-filter etc.

Only True HEPA Filter technology ensures 100% elimination of allergens.

People living in construction areas must ensure to have a purifier having a strong pre-filter. The pre-filters should be replaced frequently.

People living in industrial areas should own a purifier with Activated Carbon filters to remove the odor in the air.

People having pets at home should also opt for air purifiers with strong pre-filter to avoid breathing in pet hair

Before you buy an air purifier, there are certain aspects that you must know beforehand. There are different technologies that purifiers work on. Here are the main features-Levels and Types of filters

Pre-Filters: Like foam and non-woven polyester, eliminate large particles like pet hair before the next stage of filtration.
True HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters: Clean allergens such as pollen, animal skin and dander, mold spores, and dust. HEPA filters can remove 99.9% of all the particles which can be as small as 0.3 microns. HEPA air purifier filters have to be changed from time to time. The larger the HEPA filter, the more particles it will be able to remove.The size, material, and construction of the filter highly determines air purifier's performance.
Activated Carbon Filters: Are used in combination with other filters. Activated carbon/charcoal filters help in absorbing odors and gases thereby neutralizing smoke, chemicals, food smell and fumes. Carbon Filters also need to be replaced after use over time.
Antibacterial and Germicidal Filters: Help in eradicating harmful bacteria and germs.
UV filters along with HEPA filters: Ensures the air you breathe is sterile. This filter is generally used in hospitals, kitchens, labs and daycare schools to minimize the risk of airborne infections.
Charged Media Filters: Combine a particle filtration along with an electrostatic charge filter to filter particles as small as 0.1 microns. This filter needs to be replaced as well to work efficiently.
Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) filters: Use of a titanium dioxide-coated metal plate along with UV light to oxidize and physically break down chemicals during the filtration process.

Air Change Rate of an Air Purifier
The ACH (or the air change per hour rate) of an air purifier indicates exactly how many times the purifier filters the entire room's air in one hour.


CADR Ratings
CADR is the measure of delivery of purified air by an air purifier at its maximum speed setting. It is for both the amount of airflow and particle removal efficiency. Before making a purchase, look for the CADR as higher the CADR,higher will be the efficiency of the air purifier for a given room size.


Air Purifier based on Area/ Room size
The size of your room is an important factor for choosing a suitable Air purifier. Bigger spaces will need larger air purifiers so make sure you buy an air purifier that can operate in a space that is 20-40% larger than the room for the best performance.
The choice of the air purifier also depends on the type of room.While buying for a bedroom, choose an air purifier that makes less noise so that you can sleep peacefully. For a living room,a purifier can have variable settings that you can change or decrease when no one is in the room.


Customer Service and Warranty
Every air purifier will require changes after 12 to 18 months. Make sure the after-sale service of your product is sound so that the replacement is quick and easy. Also, your Purifier is a big investment for your home so make sure you have long warranty on the product to protect you from manufacturing defects.