Take a deep breath. If you’re reading this indoors, you just might have inhaled as many pollutants as you would have if you were outside. There may not be much we can do to fend off outdoor pollution, but a good purifier can help make breathing better and safer when you’re inside, especially at bedtime. If you’re thinking about getting one for your home, your choice will depend on what kind of pollutants you want to filter out of the indoor air. Another consideration: different sized rooms require different types of filters. You’ll also need to think about what special features you require, where you’ll put the purifier and how much and what kind of maintenance it will need. Here’s how to figure it all out.
You can buy air purifiers that are specifically designed for relief from allergies, asthma and smoke. Pet purifiers can rid the air of pet dander, odors and hair. Better yet, you can spring for one that will take care of multiple pollutants at once.
A purifier’s ACH (air change per hour) rate is the number of times a purifier can filter an entire area in the space of an hour. A purifier that can clean the air four times an hour is good for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Measure the dimensions of your room before purchasing a purifier to find the most efficient option.
Purifiers that are Energy Star-rated by the EPA save money and power, and WiFi purifiers can be controlled from your phone. If you get just one, put it in the bedroom since you’ll probably be spending the most time in there. Full-house purifiers can be connected to the HVAC system, and as with heating, ventilation and cooling units, their filters need to be replaced regularly. HEPA filters typically last around one year, while carbon filters can go for six months before needing to be replaced and pre-filters last three months. Purifiers that use heat and ultraviolet light to clear the air don’t require filter replacement.
