Air purifiers have been around for years, but their reputation really got a boost during this COVID-19 pandemic. People bought them for their homes, companies publicized the specs of the ones they’d had installed for years, and small businesses began using standalone air purifiers to ensure customers of a safe in-store experience.
Now that air purifiers are experiencing a revival, it begs the question – do you need one in your home? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Should I Consider an Air Purifier in My Home?
There’s a lot of talk about outdoor environmental pollution, but did you know that indoor air quality can be up to five times worse? Things like energy-efficient windows and other modern construction methods have great benefits, but one of the drawbacks is that they limit indoor-outdoor air flow and trap contaminants from synthetic building materials, personal care products, and cleaning supplies inside the home, degrading air quality. People spend up to 90% of their time indoors, and those most susceptible to the impact of poor air quality (like children, the elderly, or those with poor health) spend even MORE time indoors. An air purifier can reduce pollutants, improve indoor air quality, and reduce exposure to indoor contaminants.
What Are the Benefits of an Air Purifier?
Indoor air purifiers can help with the following:
- Reduce allergens in the air like pollen, mold spores, and pet dander
- Remove harmful contaminants and chemicals from the air
- Decrease exposure to airborne diseases (including COVID-19)
- Improve sleep
- Reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies
- Neutralize unpleasant odors in the home
What Are My Air Purifier Options?
You have several options when it comes to air purifiers. Room-based air purifiers have the lowest up-front cost; they plug into a standard outlet and clean the air in a set space. When choosing one of these air purifiers, you need to account for the size of the space vs. the capacity of the air purifier. It’s better to opt for an air purifier that’s designed for a slightly larger space than to buy one that’s too small. These types of air purifiers take up floor or counter space, may be noisy, and it’s important to be aware of ongoing maintenance costs (like filter purchases, etc.).
Whole-house air purifiers have a higher up-front cost but improve the comfort and air quality throughout your entire house and operate much more efficiently than individual room air purifiers scattered throughout your home. They work through your home’s duct system and should be installed by a professional HVAC company. Air purifiers clean the air through a HEPA filter, powerful UV light, or ozone generator. You can speak with your installer about the individual benefits and what would work best in your home.
Interested in an Air Purifier for Your Home?
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