Air purifiers are essential in rooms that people spend time in such as homes, offices, restaurants and hairdressing salons. Avoid cheap ones that do little other than circulate dirty air.
To decide which air purifier is best for your home, consider the following factors: Size of Room / Ceiling Height x Needed CFM (CADR Rating)
Size of the Room
When shopping for an air purifier, the first thing you need to consider is the size of your home. This is because different models are rated for varying volumes of space. You will also need to determine what kind of pollutants you are trying to filter out and how much filtration you require. Once you know all of these things, you will be ready to begin comparing different options and finding the perfect one for your apartment.
You can find the square footage of your rooms by simply measuring the length and width of each room with a tape measure. Make sure to remove any furniture or other objects from the area you are measuring so that you can get an accurate picture of what size space you are dealing with. Once you have this information, you can then compare it to the capacity ratings of various air purifiers to see what your options are.
For instance, if you have a large room that is a little over 500 square feet, you may be able to find an air purifier that is capable of cleaning this space. However, if you have an even larger room that is closer to 2,000 square feet, you may need multiple air purifiers that are capable of handling this volume of space.
Alternatively, you could use a single air purifier that is capable of serving your entire apartment. While this is not ideal, it is still a good option if you have several large rooms or if the rest of your home doesn’t need as much filtration as the bedrooms and living areas.
In this case, it would be best to choose a portable air purifier that can be easily moved from room to room. This way, you can place it in your bedroom at night and then move it to the living room or office when you are spending the most time there. In this way, you can ensure that your home is getting as much filtered air as possible no matter where you spend the most time.
Type of Pollutants
Air purifiers work by using a filter to capture particles and pollutants in the air. The clean air is then pushed back into the living space. The most common types of filters are HEPA and activated carbon, although there are also reusable and washable options available (although these require meticulous maintenance). Air purifiers with filters that are capable of catching the majority of pollutants will have a CADR rating that indicates how many specific types of airborne particles they can catch.
Different pollutants can cause different health issues. For example, cigarette smoke can leave your apartment with an unpleasant odor and significantly lower the indoor air quality. Inhaling these odors can trigger asthma and other respiratory conditions in sensitive individuals. Smoke particles and VOCs can also be absorbed into the surface of furniture, carpeting and other household items. An air purifier with a specialized filter for removing these substances can help remove odors and VOCs from your home.
Other common air pollutants include radon gas, which is formed by the breakdown of naturally occurring radioactive elements in certain building materials like rocks, soil and granite. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can infiltrate your home through cracks in the walls and floor. Over time, it can damage the lining of your lungs and lead to cancer. An air purifier with a radon filter can help trap this gas and reduce its harmful effects.
VOCs, which are a byproduct of chemical off-gassing, can also enter the air in your apartment. These volatile organic compounds can be released when new carpeting, paint or furnishings are installed in your home, and they can contribute to poor indoor air quality. An air purifier that uses a carbon filter can help eliminate these toxins from your apartment.
Another factor to consider when choosing an air purifier is how often you want it to run. Some models allow you to set a schedule and only turn on at certain times of the day, which can be helpful for apartment dwellers with busy lifestyles. Others are designed to run continuously. If you choose a model that runs continuously, be sure to select one that is quiet enough to be used in a bedroom, living room or home office.
Lifestyle
The air quality inside your home is affected by the way you live. For instance, cigarette smoke and other forms of pollution can reduce indoor air quality. In such a case, you may want to get an air purifier that can deal with these particles. Similarly, moisture buildup in kitchens and bathrooms can result in mold and mildew. This may lead to spores that can trigger asthma and allergies.
It is also important to note that your lifestyle will influence the kind of air filter you need for your apartment. For example, if you suffer from frequent allergies or other respiratory conditions, you should consider getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter that can trap a large number of irritants. In addition, you should look for an air purifier that has a low noise level. You can do this by checking the decibel rating at the lowest fan speed.
Moreover, you should also take into account the size of your apartment when choosing an air purifier. You should avoid buying a unit that can cover more space than your apartment because it will waste energy and money. This is because the device will constantly be running at high speeds, which will lead to higher electricity bills. Besides, it is advisable to focus on the rooms that you and your family spend most of the time in. The most common areas include living rooms, bedrooms and home offices. If you have a spare bedroom or office that is rarely used, you should consider getting an air purifier for it.
You can also improve the indoor air quality of your apartment by opening the windows. In fact, fresh outdoor air is cleaner than indoor air. In addition, you can use a box fan in your windows to promote air circulation.
Another aspect of the lifestyle you should consider is your daily routine. If you have a busy schedule, it is important to buy an air purifier with a smart feature that can automatically turn on when you are at home and switch off at night. This will help you save energy and money while making your home more comfortable.
Budget
Air purifiers range in price from under $30 to more than $500. The cost is largely dependent on room size and features, including smart options that let you control the unit from an app or double as a heater or cooler. Figure out what you will and won’t need in advance to help narrow down the selection.
Generally, smaller models are cheaper than larger ones. They are also easier to move around and don’t take up as much floor space. Smaller models can typically clean rooms up to 200 square feet and are ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, or living rooms.
Larger units, on the other hand, can usually clean up to 1,000 square feet. They may be more expensive and require more maintenance. Moreover, some models are more energy-efficient than others and use less electricity.
Homeowners who are purchasing a whole-home air purifier will also need to consider the cost of installing a new electrical outlet. The process involves determining the right location, running electrical wiring, and installing an outlet box. It’s best to hire a licensed electrician for the job to avoid safety risks and code violations.
Air purifiers aren’t a failsafe against the COVID-19 pandemic, but they can significantly reduce symptoms for those affected by the disease. They can also help prevent family members from spreading the virus amongst each other by removing tiny pathogens in the air.
With the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise, it’s essential to ensure your home is properly filtered. With the latest air purifiers offering a variety of features, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. The key is to choose a unit that matches your decor, fits into your home’s layout, and is easy to maintain. It’s also a good idea to get one with a low noise level so it doesn’t disturb you or your guests when it’s operating. Lastly, make sure to purchase filters regularly to keep your home healthy and safe. The cheapest ones last about six months before needing to be replaced, while premium versions have up to a year.