Do Air Purifiers Work?

Updated: Jul 6, 2022 8:25 PM
Do Air Purifiers Work?

If you have been shopping around for the best air purifier, you may be surprised by all the different brands and models, including the Levoit LV-132, the Smoke Buddy air filter, and the Homdox car air purifier. But, maybe there’s one question on the top of your head. Do all these air purifiers work? Read on to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Air purifiers do indeed work, though this will depend on your expectations and the type of purifier you are using.
  • Modern air purifiers do a great job at reducing foul odors and eliminating risky allergens from the home.
  • These purifiers are also a great fit for snorers, as they can alleviate loud snoring throughout the night, though results will vary.

What is an Air Purifier?

Generally speaking, an air purifier is a device that sucks in air from a living space, filters it through a variety of means, and then pushes it back out to the atmosphere. The end result is purified air. And, your air purifier might have removed any smells. Did you know that air purifiers remove dust and will work to lessen certain allergies?

Do Air Purifiers Work?

Generally speaking, air purifiers do work. They do a great job at their intended purpose, which is to purify the air. Your results will vary depending on expectations and the make and model of your air purifier. For instance, if your air purifier removes smoke, you’ll have to know how to clean a tar air purifier, as tar is the result of the byproduct of smoke.

What Air Purifiers Are Good For

Here are a number of things that air purifiers excel with. Keep this stuff in mind as you shop for a new model.

Purifying Air

This should go without saying, but modern air purifiers are great at, wait for it, purifying the air. This makes them a great choice for living rooms, bedrooms, infant rooms, office areas, and other spaces that place a premium on clear air. Before you buy a new air purifier, make sure it is rated to easily handle the size of the room you are considering placing it in.

Eliminating Smells

Modern air purifiers do a fantastic job of eliminating nasty and unpleasant smells that have permeated your living space. Air purifiers make short work out of a wide range of odors, including smoke, mold, mildew, rotting food, pet excrement, and a variety of mysterious smells. If you really want to supercharge your air purifier’s odor elimination abilities, be sure to buy a model that comes equipped with both a true HEPA filter and a diffuser.

Insider Tip

Air purifiers make short work out of a wide range of odors, including smoke, mold, mildew, rotting food, pet excrement, and a variety of mysterious smells.

Reduce Allergens

If you are suffering from seasonal or environmental allergies, an air purifier could be a godsend. These machines are purpose-built to trap and destroy common allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust, and more. You should make sure the air filter is up to the task and err on the side of choosing a genuine HEPA filter.

Good for Snorers

Modern air purifiers can help alleviate loud snoring, which is great if you are partnered up with a snorer. This is due to the fact that these purifiers filter out allergens, which allow a snorer’s sinus passages to avoid inflammation throughout the night.

Warning

Before you buy a new air purifier, make sure it is rated to easily handle the size of the room you are considering placing it in.

F.A.Q.S

Do air purifiers protect against wildfire smoke?

They will work against wildfire smoke, but it will depend on the power of your particular air purifier and the level of smoke you are dealing with. You may need to double or even triple up.


Do air purifiers work against COVID-19?

Modern air purifiers, particularly if outfitted with a HEPA filter, will trap and seal in COVID-19 virus particles. They will not kill them, however, though they should die once after a couple of days trapped in the filter.


Can air purifiers filter the outdoor air that enters your home?

Absolutely, though it will depend on the level of air entering your home and the power of your purifier.



STAT: The industry standard for air purifiers with a HEPA filter is that the unit must be able to remove at least 99.97% of particulates measuring 0.3-micron diameter in a lab setting. (source)

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