To test a whole-home air purifier, you must make the space smell. Cook the smelliest food you can think of, let the wet dog indoors, or burn potent incense that produces a noticeable odor. Then, turn the HVAC system fan on and notice as the odor dissipates. That is proof the air purifier is working.
Using an Air Quality Monitor to Test Your Purifiers
The best way to validate the performance of an air purifier, no matter what type, is to use an air quality monitor. These devices give you continuous visibility into the key air quality metrics in your building.
In a typical home environment, an effective air purifier can start to reduce these pollutants within 30 to 60 minutes. Noticeable improvements in air quality are often observed within a few hours, with significant reductions occurring over 24 hours of continuous use.
Get an air quality sensor that measures atleast PM2. 5/PM10. Take a measurement with the purifier off then take another measurement after its run for 24hours, you should be able to see a difference.
Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.
Therefore, when you notice your purifier controls not responding, first check the power cord and make sure it's plugged in properly. If that doesn't work, check the filter cover, fix it correctly, and put the purifier back on. In other instances, the source of the insensitive controls could be faulty controls.
It's advised to keep your air purifier turned on all day and night, even when you're sleeping or not at home. Many people think that switching it off during the night or when they're not present is a logical energy-saving measure, but it is recommended to keep it running constantly.
Keep your device away from moisture or areas with high humidity. Place your device at least 6 inches from walls, furniture, or other items while in use. Place your air purifier near the most likely source of indoor air pollution. Consider investing in an air purifier that shuts off automatically with a timer.
Length of time to leave it on
This is why most manufacturers will recommend you to leave your air purifier running all day, especially if it comes equipped with an automatic setting.
Hold the meter approximately one foot (30.5 cm) in front of the ionizer. Monitor the display. The value displayed is the offset balance of the ionizer, which is the difference between the number of positive and negative ions being emitted.
Air purifiers assist in eliminating household dust by helping to clean and purify the air in the home. Dyson's advanced purification machines are engineered with technology that traps dust before it settles on your furniture and floors. Dyson purifiers capture 99.95% of dust and ultrafine particles1.
HEPA Filters
This type of air filter can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm), which can include dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria.
Mold is an obvious health risk in any home, but investing in an air purifier can help limit your exposure. The best among them will ideally offer HEPA-level filtration, with this level of filtration being able to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.
For this reason, the equipment can stand in the living room during the day, while in the bedroom at night. Do not forget about the height of the position of the purifier. Specialists recommend placing the device on the floor, because it is near the ground that there is a higher concentration of pollutants.
When an efficient, effective, safe unit is selected, whole house air purifiers: Offer air purification without “boundaries” – they clean the air in your entire home. Eliminate the need for multiple air purifiers around the house. Provide air purification without taking up space in the living area of the house.
Air circulation: If your room has poor air circulation, or is a complex shape (such as an L shape or a long thin shape) then you may benefit from multiple smaller air purifiers to improve ventilation. Two air purifiers placed at different locations in your room may help improve air circulation.
According to Li, air purifiers are most important for people who are sensitive to particles because they have asthma, allergies to pollen or dust, or cardiovascular issues, as well as children, pregnant people and the elderly.
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.
Regardless of where you live, the good news is, air purifiers do not use a lot of electricity to operate.
Using an air purifier while sleeping is generally the same as using one while awake. If you are sensitive to dryness, then it might be best to be sure that the purifier isn't blowing directly into your face. Otherwise the air that an air purifier moves while you sleep is the same as a fan – just cleaner.
A working air purifier features clear, consistent airflow. If the purifier is not blowing out air (easily determined by placing your hand in front of the system), there's likely a problem. If you are unable to hear anything, that's also a sign the purifier isn't working.
Air purifiers work the best when they are used in confined spaces such as closed rooms. You can open the doors and windows for proper ventilation and a supply of fresh air during the day. However, make sure that you close the doors and windows when you use the air purifier.
Air purifiers can clean a room within 20-45 minutes, with the time depending on the room's size, the purifier's power, and the initial air quality. For best results, choose a purifier suited to your room's size and maintain it well.