Air Purifier Shopping: Don’t Look at the Gimmicks

If you are looking for an air purifier to improve your indoor air quality, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of models and features on the market. Some air purifiers claim to have advanced technologies, such as ionizers, UV lights, or ozone generators, that can enhance their performance or kill germs. But are these claims true, or are they just gimmicks?

According to experts, the most important factor to consider when buying an air purifier is the CADR rating, which stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. This rating measures how quickly and effectively an air purifier can remove common pollutants, such as dust, smoke, and pollen, from the air. The higher the CADR rating, the better the air purifier is at cleaning the air.

Another key factor is the type of filter used by the air purifier. The most common and effective filter is the HEPA filter, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. This filter can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including bacteria and viruses. Some air purifiers also have additional filters, such as activated carbon or charcoal, that can remove odors and gases from the air.

However, some air purifiers use other technologies that are not proven to be effective or safe. For example, ionizers emit negative ions that attach to airborne particles, making them heavier and easier to capture by the filter. However, ionizers can also produce ozone, a harmful gas that can irritate the lungs and worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions. UV lights, which are supposed to kill germs with ultraviolet radiation, are also not very effective, as they can only target the surface of the filter and not the air passing through it. Ozone generators, which intentionally produce ozone to eliminate odors and pollutants, are the most dangerous, as they can cause serious health problems and damage the environment.

Therefore, when shopping for an air purifier, don't look at the gimmicks. Look at the CADR rating and the filter type, and choose a model that suits your room size and your specific needs. A well-designed air purifier can improve your health and comfort by removing harmful particles and allergens from the air, without producing any harmful byproducts.