An air purifier is a device that improves indoor air quality by removing airborne pollutants and allergens. An air purifier works by drawing in indoor air, which is filtered through multiple stages and releasing purified air back into the room. It uses a pre-filter to capture large particles like dust and pet hair, followed by a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of fine particles such as pollen, mold spores, smoke and bacteria. 

An air purifier with an activated carbon filter absorbs odors, gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while some models also use UV or ionization, though ozone producing purifiers are avoided for safety. There are different types of air purifiers such as HEPA purifiers for allergens, activated carbon purifiers for odors and chemicals, UV purifiers for germs, ionic purifiers for particle clumping and ozone generators, which are used cautiously. An air purifier is sized according to room square footage and matched with the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), with three air changes per hour recommended. 

An air purifier from trusted brands like Coway, Dyson, Blueair, IQAir or Levoit guarantees reliable performance and features suited to different budgets and needs. The benefits of air purifiers include allergy and asthma relief, respiratory health improvement, odor elimination, fresher air and reduced germs. An air purifier has drawbacks such as cost, noise, bulkiness, filter replacement needs and limited coverage. It is most useful for people experiencing allergies, respiratory issues, odors, mold growth, dust or exposure to pollution.

What is an air purifier?

An air purifier is a device that removes contaminants from the air in a room to improve indoor air quality. These devices capture and reduce harmful particles and contaminants by drawing air through various filters or treatment processes. Air purifiers are designed to filter out pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, smoke particles and allergens. They are used to provide relief for allergy sufferers and asthmatics by reducing airborne triggers and creating healthier indoor environments.

What does an air purifier do?

An air purifier cleans and filters the air by drawing in indoor air and passing it through various filtration systems to remove contaminants. The device uses fans to pull polluted air through filters that capture airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, smoke particles and odors. High efficiency models use HEPA filters, which capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns such as allergens and pathogens that contribute to respiratory issues. The purifier releases clean, purified air back into the room after filtration and continuously cycles it to maintain indoor air quality and support healthy breathing.

How does an air purifier work?

The steps involved in how an air purifier works include air intake, pre-filtration, HEPA filtration, activated carbon filtration and purified air output. This multi stage process removes harmful particles and improves indoor air quality.

The steps of how an air purifier works are outlined below.

1. Air intake: An air purifier uses a motor driven fan to draw in polluted air from the surrounding environment, which brings in air containing dust, allergens and harmful particles into the device for cleaning.
2. Pre-filtration: An air purifier first passes air through a pre-filter designed to capture large particles such as dust, pet hair and lint, which protects the main filters and prolongs the purifier’s lifespan.
3. HEPA filtration: An air purifier then forces air through a HEPA filter, which traps at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns such as pollen, mold spores, bacteria and fine dust.
4. Activated carbon filtration: An air purifier passes the air through an activated carbon filter that absorbs odors, gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful chemical pollutants, which improves air freshness.
5. Purified air output: An air purifier finally releases the cleaned, purified air back into the room, which reduces harmful particles and improves overall indoor air quality for healthier breathing.

The image below illustrates 3 stages of air purifier filtration such as pre filter, the HEPA filter and the activated carbon filter.

What are the types of air purifiers?

There are 4 types of air purifiers such as HEPA air purifier,  activated carbon air purifier, UV air purifier, ionic air purifier and ozone generators. Each type of air purifier targets different pollutants and works best in various environments for improving indoor air quality.

4 types of air purifiers are outlined below.

1. HEPA air purifiers: HEPA air purifiers use high efficiency particulate air filters to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns such as dust, pollen and pet dander.
2. Activated carbon air purifiers: Activated carbon filters are used to absorb odors, gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals from indoor air.
3. UV air purifiers: Ultraviolet light in air purifiers kills or deactivates bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, which provides sterilization of the air passing through the device.
4. Ionic air purifiers: Ionic air purifiers release charged ions that attach to airborne particles, which causes them to clump and fall out of the air or stick to surfaces, which reduces airborne contaminants.
5. Ozone generators: Ozone generator air purifiers produce ozone gas, which reacts with and breaks down odors and some pollutants. They are used cautiously due to potential health risks associated with ozone exposure.

What size air purifier do I need?

You can determine the size of air purifier you need by first measuring your room’s square footage (length × width) and then considering the ceiling height to calculate the room’s total volume. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) guideline measures the effectiveness of an air purifier in cleaning the air in a specific sized room such as a 200 square foot bedroom or a 400 square foot living room. You choose a purifier with a CADR that matches your room’s volume, because reaching at least three air changes per hour helps reduce airborne particles and maintain healthy air quality. You divide your room space into smaller rectangles, calculate the area of each section for irregularly shaped rooms such as an L-shaped living area and then add them together for accuracy. This approach guarantees the air purifier effectively removes pollutants and improves indoor air quality.

What are the best air purifier brands?

The best air purifier brands are Coway, Dyson, Blueair, IQAir and Levoit. These brands consistently receive high ratings for performance and offer models suited for various needs, budgets and room sizes, which makes them the best air purifiers available.

The best air purifier brands are mentioned below. 

1. Coway: Coway was founded in South Korea in 1989 and is known for its Airmega series, notably the Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty. Its purifiers range from mid to high cost, which excels in performance, design and long lasting filtration. Coway is praised for powerful purification in sleek packages and smart features.
2. Dyson: Dyson is headquartered in the UK and was founded in 1991. It is renowned for innovative designs that combine air purification with heating and cooling. The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool series is popular and covers multiple seasons. Dyson purifiers are more expensive, but valued for technology, oscillation and certified allergy friendly filtration.
3. Blueair: Blueair was founded in Sweden in 1996, famous for its HEPASilent™ dual filtration technology. Its Blue Pure 211+ model offers high performance air cleaning at energy efficient and quieter operation. Blueair purifiers fit modern home aesthetics and support various room sizes, with costs ranging from affordable to premium.
4. IQAir: IQAir, which was founded in Switzerland in 1963, specializes in high end air purification with advanced hyper HEPA filtration technology. The HealthPro series is notable for filtering ultrafine particles. IQAir purifiers are costly, but esteemed for their efficacy in healthcare and allergy relief environments.
5. Levoit: Levoit is an American brand founded in 2017, known for affordable, user friendly purifiers like the Vital 200S. Levoit models are praised for value, reliable True HEPA filtration and suitability for indoor environments. The price range is budget to mid, which appeals to most households.

What features to look for in an air purifier?

The features to look for in an air purifier involve HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, air quality sensors and timers, ionization, filter longevity and airflow design. These features promote effective filtration, user convenience, safety and overall performance to improve indoor air quality.

8 features to look for in an air purifier are given below.

1. HEPA filters: An air purifier HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns such as dust, pollen and smoke, which makes them essential for allergy and asthma relief.
2. Activated carbon filters: An air purifier activated carbon filters remove odors, smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which improves air freshness by trapping gases and chemical pollutants.
3. Air quality sensors and timers: An air purifier’s air quality sensors and timers automatically adjust operation based on real time air quality and allow scheduled use, which improves efficiency and convenience.
4. Clean air delivery rate (CADR): An air purifier’s clean air delivery rate (CADR) measures the volume of clean air delivered per minute, as a higher CADR indicates faster and more efficient air purification for the room size.
5. Ionization: An air purifier’s ionization technology helps reduce airborne particles by charging them to cluster and settle, but it should be considered carefully due to potential ozone emission risks.
6. Filter longevity and cost: An air purifier filter’s longevity and cost determine maintenance frequency and overall expense, as longer lasting, affordable filters are more convenient and economical.
7. Verified performance and safety: An air purifier’s verified performance and safety include certifications like AHAM or Energy Star to maintain tested efficiency and to avoid harmful ozone generation.
8. Airflow design: An air purifier airflow design improves circulation and purification speed and well designed units distribute clean air evenly throughout the room without excessive noise.

How to use an air purifier?

To use an air purifier, follow seven steps such as unpack the air purifier, install the filters, choose an optimal location, ensure proper airflow, use in closed rooms, operate as needed and perform regular maintenance. Tips to use an air purifier facilitate optimal air purification performance and prolong the device’s effectiveness and lifespan.

7 steps to use an air purifier are outlined below.

1. Unpack the air purifier: Unpack the air purifier carefully from its packaging, check for any damage or missing parts before proceeding with setup, to keep safe and proper use.
2. Install the filters: Install the filters correctly inside the air purifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain efficient removal of airborne pollutants.
3. Choose an optimal location: Choose an optimal location to place the air purifier away from walls and obstructions, preferably in the main living or sleeping area, for maximum air cleaning impact.
4. Ensure proper airflow: Ensure proper airflow by keeping the area around the air purifier clear and avoiding placing it near furniture or curtains to allow unrestricted airflow and effective circulation.
5. Use in closed rooms: Use in closed rooms with doors and windows to operate the air purifier and to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering, which improves the purification efficiency in a controlled indoor environment.
6. Operate continuously or as needed: Operate the air purifier continuously for best results or adjust settings based on air quality, which uses timers or sensors if available to optimize energy use.
7. Perform regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, like cleaning or replacing filters as recommended, to maintain the air purifier’s efficiency and prevent odor buildup.

7 tips to use an air purifier are illustrated on the image below.

What are the benefits of an air purifier?

The benefits of an air purifier are allergy and asthma relief, enhanced respiratory health, improved sleep, removal of harmful gases and protection for HVAC systems. These advantages highlight how an air purifier improves indoor air quality, promotes health and improves overall comfort in your living space.

The benefits of an air purifier are given below.

• Allergy and asthma relief: An air purifier reduces allergens like pollen and dust, which helps to alleviate symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers by providing cleaner, breathable air indoors.
• Enhanced respiratory health: An air purifier supports better lung function and reduces irritation by removing pollutants and airborne particles, which promotes overall respiratory well being.
• Improved sleep: An air purifier improves sleep by decreasing nighttime allergy or irritation symptoms, which leads to more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
• Reduced airborne germs: An air purifier captures bacteria and viruses, which lowers the presence of airborne germs and helps reduce the spread of illnesses.
• Odor elimination: An air purifier with activated carbon filters effectively removes unpleasant odors from pets, cooking or smoke, which creates a fresher indoor environment.
• Removal of harmful gases: An air purifier’s filter removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful gases, which protect occupants from potential long term indoor air pollution effects.
• Fresher smelling home: An air purifier contributes to a consistently fresher, cleaner smelling home atmosphere by reducing contaminants and odors.
• Protection for HVAC systems: An air purifier helps keep dust and debris out of HVAC components, potentially extending system life and improving overall efficiency.

What are the drawbacks of an air purifier?

The drawbacks of an air purifier are cost, limited effectiveness, ozone emission, noise, dry air, maintenance and bulkiness. These cons of an air purifier highlight factors to consider before purchasing and using an air purifier to guarantee it meets your needs safely and effectively.

The drawbacks of an air purifier are given below.

• Cost: An air purifier and its replacement filters are expensive, which makes the initial investment and ongoing maintenance a notable financial consideration.
• Limited effectiveness: An air purifier does not fully eliminate all indoor pollutants, especially in open areas or large spaces, which limits its overall impact on air quality.
• Ozone emission: An air purifier generates ozone, which irritates the respiratory system and worsens respiratory problems, so it is important to avoid ozone producing models.
• Noise: An air purifier produces noise during operation, which is disruptive in quiet environments such as bedrooms or offices.
• Dry air: An air purifier’s continuous usage reduces indoor humidity, which leads to dry air that causes skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.
• Maintenance: An air purifier’s maintenance, like regular filter cleaning or replacement, is essential for effective performance, which requires time and attention and incurs additional costs.
• Bulkiness: An air purifier’s large size or bulkiness makes placement challenging in smaller rooms or cluttered spaces.

How do I know if I need an air purifier?

The signs to know that you need an air purifier include persistent allergy symptoms, frequent respiratory issues, lingering unpleasant odors and mold growth. These indicators help determine whether using an air purifier improves your indoor air quality and health.

The signs to know if you need an air purifier are given below.

• Persistent allergy symptoms: An air purifier helps reduce asthma symptoms and allergic reactions by trapping dust or pet dander, pollen and airborne irritants that trigger sneezing, coughing and eye irritation indoors.
• Frequent respiratory issues: An air purifier can ease breathing problems like asthma symptoms and congestion by removing airborne particles, smoke and pollutants that worsen respiratory health over time.
• Lingering unpleasant odors: An air purifier eliminates strong smells from cooking, pets or smoke, which filters out odor causing particles and refreshes indoor air for a cleaner, healthier environment.
• Excessive dust and pet hair: An air purifier reduces visible buildup of dust or pet dander, which improves air quality and minimizes the cleaning workload while lowering allergy risks.
• Mold growth: An air purifier captures mold spores in the air, which reduces exposure that worsens asthma symptoms and respiratory issues, especially in damp or humid living spaces.
• Living near pollution sources: An air purifier protects household air when living near a source of outdoor pollution, traffic or industry by filtering harmful particles such as smoke and chemical pollutants.
• Desire for better air quality: An air purifier provides extra assurance by consistently cleaning air, which lowers exposure to dust or pet dander and reduces asthma symptoms for anyone seeking healthier indoor air.

Does an air purifier help with dust mites?

Yes, an air purifier helps with dust mites by capturing airborne dust mite allergens and their waste with HEPA filters. It does not kill dust mites themselves and works best when combined with other measures like cleaning or using UV light, which kills dust mites. Dust mites on cats still trigger allergies since allergens are found on pet fur and in the environment.

Do air purifiers help with viruses​?

Yes, air purifiers help with viruses by capturing airborne virus particles with high efficiency HEPA filters, which reduces the concentration of viruses in indoor air. They do not eliminate all viruses and should be used as part of a broader strategy such as ventilation and hygiene, to lower infection risk effectively.

Are air purifiers safe?

Yes, air purifiers are safe when using models with HEPA filters that do not produce ozone. Some air purifiers, especially ionizers or ozone generating models, emit ozone and harmful chemicals that irritate the respiratory system and worsen health conditions. Certified, ozone free air purifiers and their maintenance allow safe use.

Are air purifiers safe for babies?

Yes, air purifiers are safe for babies when using models with HEPA filters that do not produce ozone. These purifiers effectively remove harmful airborne particles without emitting dangerous byproducts. Ozone generating air purifiers should be avoided, as ozone harms babies’ delicate lungs. Air purifiers with proper placement and maintenance create a healthier nursery environment.

Are air purifiers safe for pets?

Yes, air purifiers are safe for pets when using pet safe models with HEPA and activated carbon filters that do not produce ozone. Ozone producing technologies and ionizers should be avoided, as ozone irritates pets’ respiratory systems. Properly chosen air purifiers with proper maintenance improve air quality without harming pets.

Do air purifiers help with pet odor?

Yes, air purifiers help with pet odor when equipped with activated carbon filters that trap odor molecules and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carbon filters effectively reduce the smells from pets by adsorbing gases, while HEPA filters remove pet dander and hair, which makes indoor air fresher. They do not remove odors soaked into fabrics or carpets, which need cleaning.

Do air purifiers help with smoke?

Yes, air purifiers help with smoke by using a combination of HEPA filters and activated carbon filters that capture smoke particles and absorb smoke odors and harmful gases. Properly sized and placed air purifiers reduce indoor smoke and its smell, which improves air quality during events like wildfires or cigarette smoke exposure.

Do air purifiers help with wildfire smoke?

Yes, air purifiers help with wildfire smoke by filtering out harmful particles and gases through a multi-stage filtration system such as HEPA and activated carbon filters. These filters capture fine particulate matter and absorb toxic gases, which improves indoor air quality and reduces health risks during wildfire smoke events.

Do air purifiers require regular maintenance?

Yes, air purifiers require regular maintenance to function effectively. This includes replacing or cleaning filters according to manufacturer recommendations,  every 3 to 12 months, to maintain optimal air purification performance. Regular air purifier maintenance prevents clogged filters, maintains airflow and prolongs the lifespan of the device. Exterior and interior cleaning helps avoid dust buildup and mold growth.

Are air purifiers worth it?

Yes, air purifiers are worth it, especially for people with health concerns like allergies or asthma. They remove airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold and smoke using HEPA filters, which improves air quality and reduces symptoms. Air purifiers are a beneficial addition to create a healthier living environment.