You may need an air purifier if you are at high risk of complications from Covid-19. Transmission of respiratory droplets is possible through the air, which is why wearing masks correctly is so important and has been effective in reducing the spread of Covid-19. Keeping windows closed can keep some of the dirt at bay, but an air purifier can filter out what enters through the cracks. Using one of these devices may help you breathe a little better. The best way to improve indoor air is to eliminate any source of pollutants and ventilate with clean outdoor air. When those methods aren't possible or aren't enough, portable air purifiers can help reduce indoor pollution.
Because they filter airborne particles, such as dander and pollen, air purifiers may work better for people with animal allergies who have a dog or cat or who leave doors and windows open. Air purifiers usually consist of a filter, or several filters, and a fan that draws in and circulates the air. Air purifiers can help clean the air in your home of unwanted particles, such as pet dander, allergens, and smoke. In addition, there are other things happening in your home that can affect effectiveness, such as ventilation (windows open or closed) and new particles that constantly emerge, so the air may not be as filtered as the claims lead you to believe. In fact, air purifiers can neutralize some of the threat posed by air pollution and indoor activities. Allergy sufferers and people with asthma or other respiratory problems may notice some reduction in symptoms, such as wheezing and coughing, when using an air purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter designed to trap 99.7% of particles larger than 0.3 microns.
The primary function of an air conditioner is to regulate the temperature of the air inside a room and it is not designed to trap airborne contaminants. Research suggests that devices with HEPA filters “appear to be beneficial as long as they are maintained regularly, but no study definitively demonstrates that air filtration has a significant impact on health outcomes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate the source of pollutants and ventilate indoor spaces with clean outdoor air. Some air purifiers use ionizers to help attract particles such as static negative ions that bind to dust and allergens and cause them to be deposited out of the air. An air purifier can work in conjunction with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, the latter of which is best known for trapping airborne allergens. If you want to do your best, there are units with multiple filters to capture particles in the air, as well as an activated carbon filter to eliminate odors. So if you're looking for ways to improve your indoor air quality, an air purifier may be worth considering.
While it won't completely eliminate all pollutants from your home, it can help reduce levels of dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and other airborne particles.
