In India, Mostly in metro cities, the air becomes very polluted. It causes serious health problems for people living in those areas. As people can’t live that cities because of their work. So what can you do in this situation?
You can buy air purifiers for your home and office. But Before selecting an air purifier, you should consider the following points.
Things to consider for buying an air purifier
Here are important Things which you can consider before buying an air purifier:
Room Size
You should consider the size of the room in which you’re planning to place your air purifier. And make sure your air purifier is enough sufficient to purify the room’s air regardless of your room size.
Air Quality Indicator
You must check your area’s air quality indicator. An air quality indicator is an indicator that measures the quality of air. The measuring unit of air quality is AQI which ranges from 0 to 500.
A higher AQI value represents, That your area has the worst air quality. If you are area air AQI is below 50, then you don’t need to even think about buying an air purifier.
Types of Air Filters
Pre/ fine filter helps the HEPA filter to clog up as it traps large airborne particles like dust, non-woven fibers, and pet fur. It must be vacuumed or washed regularly.
AntiBacteria/Germicidal filters are made to kill bacteria, germs, and dangerous microorganisms.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air(HEPA) filter is used to remove 99.5% of airborne smoke, mold, and dust particles. This type of air filter is very useful for allergy sufferers.
Activated Carbon/Charcoal/Ozone filter help in removing harmful gasses, and odors. But it is not useful in the case of chemicals or allergens.
Photocatalytic Oxidation(PCO)/ Cold Catalyst filters break down the pollutants. Photocatalytic filters prevent ozone gas to enter the room air. Which is good for chronic respiratory diseases.
Ultraviolet filters use UV light to inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms like mold, bacteria, and viruses.
Ioniser/Ionic or Ionisation filter is the most effective way to remove tiny airborne particles like smoke and dust. This type of filter is inefficient in case of asthma, allergies, odors, and gases.
Air Change Rate and CADR rating
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
CADR is a value which is developed by the Association Of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM). CADR value indicates how efficient is air purifier in cleaning the air in the room.
Air Changes per Hour (ACH)
ACH is a number that indicates how many times, the purifier changes the entire air of the room within an hour.
Purpose of buying air purifier
You need to clarify for which purpose you are buying an air purifier. Whether is for general purpose or any medical treatment. And your requirement depends on that factor.
You need a HEPA filter with activated Carbon for medical conditions like asthma and Bronchitis. And Hepa filters With UV light for allergies due to pollen dust or pets.
So it is important to consider the purpose for your buying an air purifier.
Noise Levels
If you are planning to place your air purifier in quiet places or you want to use it at night time. Then make sure it produces less noise.
Noise level is measured in decibels(dB). An air purifier with 50 decibels or lower considers a quiet purifier.
The noise produced by air purifiers is highly dependent on the speed of the fan. If your air purifier makes too much sound and makes you uncomfortable. Then you can consider lowering the fan speed to reduce the noise level.
Energy Consumption
If you need an air purifier to run for 24 hours, then it is important to consider the energy consumption level of your air purifier. And check how energy efficient it is.
Air purifiers with high power consumption and low energy star would consume a lot of electricity and result in high power bills.
So it is important to consider the energy rating or power consumption level of the air purifier before buying.
Additional Considerations
Some additional things you can consider before buying an air purifier are:
Maintenance and Filter Replacement
Regular maintenance and timely filter replacement are required to get the best performance of air purifiers.
So you should consider air purifier models with easily replaceable filters. and also check the availability and cost of replacement of the filter. It ensures convenience and affordability in the long run.
Timers
Timer Features allow you to set a timer for the device to turn off/on as per scheduled timings.
Sensors
Sensors help you to monitor the quality of the air and display it on the show screen.
Remote or App controls
Remote or app controls feature help in managing the purifier setting from a distance without coming near the device.
Weight
Purifier having less weight or wheels is easy to lift and move from one place to another, compare to bulky or without wheels models.
Fans speed
The variable speed of the fan provides the comfort to adjust the fan speed according to your needs.
Conclusion
Investing in an air purifier is a proactive step toward ensuring clean and fresh indoor air, free from harmful pollutants. By considering factors such as room size, filter types, air change rate, noise levels, energy consumption, and maintenance requirements, you can make an informed decision when purchasing an air purifier in India.