Studies have shown that air purifiers with HEPA filters reduce the outdoor air pollution that comes inside of your home, by 23%. This means that air purifiers also reduce your chances of being affected by air pollution and its related health-problems (like cancer, respiratory diseases, kidney problems...).
One study showed that advanced air filter systems can efficiently remove airborne particulates, resulting in significant health benefits, especially for those with asthma and cardiovascular disease.
In summary, while air purifiers can be effective in improving indoor air quality, their true effectiveness can be difficult to assess without proper monitoring tools. The integration of sensors to monitor indoor air quality is essential to ensure that the air purifier is operating effectively and energy efficiently.
What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.
Ozone-Generating Air Cleaners
One mechanism of damage results from ozone-olefin reactions, and another from ozone reacting with electron donors (such as glutathione). Inhalation of relatively small amounts of ozone can cause coughing, chest pain, throat irritation, and shortness of breath.
However, the benefits of an air purifier only go so far. Medical professionals suggest prioritizing maintaining a clean home and frequently sanitizing frequently used surfaces. Air purifiers should just be an accessory to your cleaning routine, not a priority.
The reality is, air purifiers offer an effective option for helping remove particles from the air that circulates in your home.
Placing an air purifier in your bedroom can allow you to breathe clean air for hours at a time, which you may not be able to experience during the day. However, to get the most benefit to your indoor air quality, you should make sure that your air purifier is in an ideal spot, like your nightstand, while you sleep.
Ensure your air purifier has enough clearance around it to function optimally. Avoid placing it behind furniture or in tight corners where airflow might be restricted. Ideally, there should be at least 3-5 feet of clear space around the unit to allow for unimpeded air intake and output.
While air filtration can help reduce airborne mold spores, an air purifier will not eliminate indoor mold growing on or beneath surfaces like walls and floors. Dr. Fineman emphasizes that effective indoor mold control requires managing moisture and humidity to prevent conditions that promote mold growth.
“By filtering out fine particles, purifiers help clean the air you breathe and lessen the potential negative effects of pollution,” says Dr. Taliercio. “Purifiers have been shown to alter the blood chemistry in a way that may benefit heart health, too.”
Specific effects may include throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections. Some ozone air purifiers are made with an ion generator, sometimes called an ionizer, in the same unit. You can also buy ionizers as separate units.
The answer to this question is not straightforward. A 2024 analysis in the journal Science of the Total Environment looked at 148 studies that considered real-world use and found that on average, filters cut the number of small particles in the air by only half.
Room air cleaners are portable, electric appliances that remove fine particles, such as dust and pollen, from indoor air. A standard room air cleaner, operating continuously, uses approximately 450 kWh per year in electricity. This is more than the energy used by some new refrigerators!
Air purifier floor placement is great for heavier particles like dust and pet hair, while elevated placement offers better coverage for lighter pollutants at breathing levels.
Typically, a high-quality air purifier like those from Alen can start showing noticeable air quality improvements within 30 to 60 minutes. However, achieving optimal results throughout your entire space can take several hours, depending on the conditions.
Is It Safe to Leave an Air Purifier On While You're Away? Leaving an air purifier on while you're away from home is generally considered safe, as most modern air purifiers are designed for continuous operation.
They are not 100 per cent efficacious but somebody who is unwell and has breathing difficulties may benefit by using it in the correct way.” Air purifiers can be especially beneficial during times of high outdoor pollution or for people with respiratory issues, allergies, or asthma.
When used correctly, air purifiers with HEPA filters can effectively reduce dust and other allergens in the air. They may be particularly useful if you're allergic to dust mites or pollen or if allergens trigger your asthma. You can choose from many types of air purifiers.
Just like ozone in the earth's atmosphere reacts with UV rays from the sun, the light and heat in some UV air purifiers can also generate heat that turns free-floating molecules of oxygen (O and O2) and water (H2O) into dangerous ground-level ozone (O3). UV light can burn your skin and damage your eyes.
If you suffer from allergies or sinus pressure, an air purifier can be a lifesaver. Having your surroundings dusty or filled with unwanted particles can flare up your sinuses or create a not-so-favorable environment for your respiratory system up to the point of creating issues that can affect your life.
Hospital air filtration
High Efficiency Particulate Arrester (HEPA) filters strip out solid particles that pose risks from the air intake, such as bacteria, dust and mould.
Because dust mite particles often become airborne, using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter can also help remove these and other allergens from the air. If you suffer from allergies and asthma, dust mites can be a major indoor trigger that make your symptoms worse.