The Role of Air Purifiers in Maintaining a Clean and Fresh Home Environment

Across the globe, over 6 million deaths are attributed to indoor air pollution. This is alarming, especially since over 12% of annual fatalities in the Philippines list outdoor and indoor particulate matter as a risk factor.[1] Because we spend most of our time indoors, it’s important that we understand the role of air purifiers in maintaining a clean and fresh home environment.

Today, we’ll talk about the benefits of using air purifiers. We’ll also discuss the types of appliances that you should get to address allergies, mold, and other indoor environment issues.

Types of Air Purifiers for Home

You might ask, “What are the different types of air purifiers?” Here are the common varieties you’ll find in the market:

• Electrostatic air purifiers – These trap particles in the air by creating charged particles in a filter.

• Filtered air purifiers – These have one or more filters that catch airborne pollutants. Some air conditioning units come with this feature. Read our article about how to clean air conditioners to learn how to replace or clean filters.

• UV light air purifiers – These use ultraviolet light to kill air pathogens like bacteria and viruses. They also control fungal spores to prevent mold development.[2] This way, you won’t have to deal with removing mold and mildew from your walls.

• Ozone generators – These are commonly used in hotels and bigger establishments to eliminate odors. However, they are not recommended for prolonged and household use. Too much ozone levels indoors can cause respiratory issues like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.

Quick Tip: If you’re dealing with indoor odors, we recommend following our tips on creating a DIY air freshener.

What Are the Benefits of an Air Purifier?

While air purifiers cannot solely address respiratory problems, they can still help in improving indoor air quality. Here are the benefits you can expect from these nifty appliances:

Relieve asthma symptoms

According to the World Health Organization, over 262 million around the world have asthma.[3] pollutants like dust mites, pollen, and pet hair can irritate airways, causing breathing difficulties. While vacuuming can handle most of these pollutants, some can remain suspended in the air. 

Household air purifiers containing HEPA filters can catch and trap these airborne pollutants. This way, you can breathe in cleaner air and reduce risk factors that can cause asthma.

Remove harmful gases in the air

Do you live in a highly populated area? Perhaps you live near a busy street. You can close your doors and windows, but that doesn’t stop carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from entering your home. A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported that prolonged exposure to these gases increases the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.[4] Fortunately, one of the benefits of using an air purifier indoors is removing these gases.

A 2015 study found that HEPA filters effectively lower indoor pollution when the outdoor air quality is poor.[5] Besides, air purifiers can release activated carbon that can cleanse airborne contaminants. By trapping and filtering gases and chemicals, you can enjoy fresh air in your home.

Neutralize bad smell and improve productivity

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cause breathing difficulties, nausea, and even poor cognitive functions. These chemicals are commonly produced by upholstered furniture, paints, and even air fresheners.

According to a 2016 study, lowering VOC levels in ambient air can improve performance and productivity.[6] As we’ve mentioned, air purifiers with HEPA filters can trap airborne pollutants and gases. The first time you use one, you will notice how the smell improves in your home. 

Have a better night’s sleep

Hay fever and allergies can be triggered by indoor air particulates like dust mites, bacteria, and fungi. At night, you may notice that you frequently sneeze or cough. Of course, this problem can disrupt your sleep and affect your waking life.

One of the ways to get rid of dust mites and other allergens is by using an air purifier. With cleaner air in your bedroom, you can improve your sleep and feel energized when you wake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Purifiers

Do air purifiers clean air from COVID

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, using air purifiers alone cannot protect people from COVID-19.[7] While these appliances can reduce airborne contaminants, they are not enough to eliminate the risk of contracting illnesses. You must practice proper hygiene, social distancing, and mask wearing to lower the risk of airborne COVID transmission.

Is an air purifier better than AC?

Air purifiers serve a specific purpose – to clean indoor air and trap airborne pollutants. They help address problems like dust mites, mold spores, odors, and allergens. However, if your main concern is breathing in humid air, they will not benefit you. Air conditioning units are the better option for making your indoor environment comfortably cooler.

Is it good to use an air purifier every day?

Yes, you can keep your air purifier running all day and night. However, if you’re trying to lower your energy bills, then this might not be a good idea.

Can I place an air purifier near my aircon?

Ideally, you should place your air purifier about two feet away from your air conditioning unit. Moreover, you shouldn’t place the appliance near sources of heat or smells. So, keep them at a reasonable distance from your stove and fans.

Have Clean Air in Your Home

Air purifiers can maintain a clean and fresh home environment by reducing air pollutants indoors. However, remember that HEPA filters have a lifespan. Don’t forget to review the manual to know when you should replace them. This way, you can have great indoor air quality every day.

For more tips on having a clean and fresh home, keep reading Cleanipedia!

References:

1. Ritchie, H. (2017, April 17). Air pollution. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/air-pollution#citation

2. Kujundzic, E., Matalkah, F., Howard, C. J., Hernandez, M., & Miller, S. L. (2006). UV air cleaners and upper-room air ultraviolet germicidal irradiation for controlling airborne bacteria and fungal spores. Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene, 3(10), 536–546. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459620600909799

3. World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2023). Asthma. www.who.int. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

4. Peters, R., Ee, N., Peters, J., Booth, A., Mudway, I., & Anstey, K. J. (2019). Air Pollution and Dementia: A Systematic Review. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 70(s1), S145–S163. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-180631

5. Intermountain Medical Center. (2018). Indoor HEPA filters significantly reduce pollution indoors when outside air unhealthy, study finds. ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180925110030.htm

6. Allen, J. G., MacNaughton, P., Satish, U., Santanam, S., Vallarino, J., & Spengler, J. D. (2016). Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers: A Controlled Exposure Study of Green and Conventional Office Environments. Environmental health perspectives, 124(6), 805–812. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1510037

7. Air cleaners, HVAC filters, and coronavirus (COVID-19) | US EPA. (2023). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/air-cleaners-hvac-filters-and-coronavirus-covid-19