Air Purifier: How to choose the best one

Air pollution has become one of the major issues in today's climate and according to the World Health Organisation, more than 4 million people die early because of the increasing level of pollution in the air. Air pollution has become one of the major issues in today's climate and according to the World Health Organisation, more than 4 million people die early because of the increasing level of pollution in the air.

While we are only concern about outdoor air pollution, often forget that indoor air pollution is equally harmful as outdoor air pollution. The fine particles in the air can penetrate deep into the lungs, heart and bloodstream, where they cause various diseases and cancer.

As per established ventilation guidelines, indoor Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels must not be more than 650 ppm than the local outdoor concentration. Hence, it’s necessary to protect yourself and your family from toxic air.

Not just home, even industries should install air purifiers to protect the health and well-being of their patrons and employees as the air quality is worsening daily.

What is Air Purifier?

An air purifier is an electronic device that removes pollutants, odour, smoke, and other invisible yet harmful substances and gases that pollutes the air in order to make the air clean and breathable. This device is efficient and built to combat air pollution, at least in closed spaces like offices, and homes.

However, you need to be careful while choosing an air purifier as not all devices are effective. Here are a few important elements you must know before purchasing an air purifier:

• Air change rate (ACR) and clean air delivery rate (CADR)

Air Change Rate is the number of times a purifier cleans the room air in an hour. Therefore, higher air change rate will clean the entire room faster.

In addition to ACR, one should also look at CADR. Clean Air Delivery Rate is the quantity of clean air that the air purifier pumps out and is measured in cubic feet per minute.

An air purifier with higher CADR and ACR would work better and more efficiently. For example, an air purifier with ACR 7 and CADR 1310 will make the purification process faster than a purifier with ACR 5 and CADR 650.

• EGAPA (Efficient Granular Adsorbent Particulate Arrester) Technology and Filter

Efficient Granular Adsorbent Particulate Arrester (EGAPA) is one of the latest and finest technology. The filter draws its power from the technology of EGAPA, which plays an essential role in filtering out different air pollutants.

With the powerful filter like EGAPA, purifier reduces CO2 level along with many other acidic gases, making the space lively and breathable.

However, there are other filters available in the market but a purifier with EGAPA filter can effectively improve air quality for coverage area starting from 15m2 to 104 m2 and have a wide range of applications; especially in all mechanically ventilated indoor spaces where there is no provision for fresh air to enter.

• Area

This is one of the most important factors that one should be careful about. There are varieties of air purifier available in the market starting from portable to large, depending on different room sizes.

A large air purifier will clean up the air of a small room faster but will consume more electricity which will lead to more cost. Similarly, a small one for a big room would be ineffective.

Hence, one should pick and decide on a model depending on the respective size of the room.

• Noise levels

An air purifier combats indoor air pollution and transforms the living space by reducing the number of pollutants and irritants. Hence, the air purifier would be running continuously for an effective air cleaning process. Therefore, an air purifier with a lower decibels noise rating would operate quietly without causing any unnecessary distraction.

• Connectivity and Sensors

In recent times, technology has improved a lot and an air purifier with better connectivity and sensor is nothing but the cherry on the cake. Make sure to choose a smart purifier that has Wi-Fi & cloud connectivity which helps users to control the device with ease via mobile app.

• After sales service

Another important factor that one should be careful about before making a purchase of air purifier is to check after sales service. Go for air purifiers that demand low maintenance with filter replacement in every 8-12 months. This filter replacement duration varies depending on the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration levels.

Choose an air purifier manufacturer that offers either minimal maintenance or great deals on servicing. While there are myriad of options to choose from, invest your time and energy to check technical specifications before making a purchase of air purifier in order to help improve the overall health of you and your loved ones.

By Deekshith Vara Prasad, Co-Founder & CEO, Airok Technologies Private Limited.