Air Purifiers

An air purifier is an appliance that cleans the air inside a room by removing various contaminants and pollutants. It typically works by drawing in polluted air, passing it through a series of filters that trap various airborne particles and gases, and then releasing cleaner air back into the environment.

Most air purifiers operate by drawing in polluted air with a fan and passing it through a series of filters. These filters capture and trap airborne pollutants, then release cleaner air back into the room. Common filtration methods include:

Air purifiers offer several benefits, particularly in reducing exposure to dust, bacteria, and allergens:

While both aim to improve indoor air quality, air purifiers and dehumidifiers serve different primary functions:

Ultimately, air purifiers tackle airborne particles and gases, while dehumidifiers tackle airborne water vapour.

The distinction between personal (residential) and commercial air purifiers primarily lies in their size, power, and the volume of air they can effectively clean:

The cost of air purifiers can vary significantly based on factors such as brand, size, features, and filtration technology. Smaller, basic models can start from around £50-£100, while more advanced and larger units, especially those with comprehensive filtration systems (like true HEPA and activated carbon) and smart features, can range from £200 to £500 or more.

High-end commercial-grade purifiers can cost upwards of £1000. Beyond the initial purchase price, it's important to consider the ongoing cost of replacement filters, which need to be changed regularly to maintain the purifier's efficiency and can add a notable annual expense.

An air purifier's main function is to clean the air. It draws in contaminated indoor air, filters out various pollutants like dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, odours, and microscopic particles including bacteria and viruses, and then releases purified air back into the room. This process aims to create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment by reducing airborne irritants and harmful substances.

Yes, air purifiers do work, but their effectiveness depends heavily on the type of purifier, the quality of its filters, proper usage, and the specific pollutants present. The best air purifiers are those equipped with "True HEPA" filters as they're generally more effective at capturing fine particulate matter (like dust, pollen, mould spores, and pet dander) and some airborne pathogens. 

Activated carbon filters are necessary for removing gases and odours. However, it's crucial to understand these devices can be influenced by factors like room size, ventilation, and how consistently they're run. Air purifiers are best used as part of a broader strategy for improving indoor air quality, alongside measures like reducing pollutant sources and ensuring adequate ventilation.

Air purifiers are particularly effective at helping with dust and allergies. An air purifier for dust has a HEPA filter that can capture a significant percentage of airborne dust particles, including microscopic dust mite allergens.

They also effectively remove common allergens such as pollen, pet dander, and mould spores from the air, which can greatly reduce allergy symptoms and improve breathing for individuals with asthma or allergies. Placing an air purifier in areas where dust and allergens are most prevalent, such as bedrooms, can be especially beneficial.

Air purifiers can also help significantly with odours, especially those equipped with activated carbon filters. Activated carbon is a highly porous material that excels at adsorbing gaseous pollutants and odour-causing molecules, such as those from cooking, smoke, pets, and chemicals (VOCs).

While HEPA filters primarily target particulate matter, the activated carbon component is what makes an air purifier effective at neutralising unpleasant smells and leaving the air fresher.

No, an air purifier is not the same as an air conditioner (air-con). They are two distinct appliances with different primary functions. Air conditioning is designed to cool and dehumidify the air in a room while air purifiers clean and filter the air by removing contaminants and pollutants.

Yet, many people use both portable air conditioning units and air purifiers in their homes to achieve both comfortable temperatures and high-quality indoor air.