Long ago, pollution was mainly related to water and soil, with air pollution being less noticeable. However, in the present day, air pollution has become a major issue, forcing cities to implement drastic measures like closing schools and imposing vehicle restrictions.
While authorities handle regional air quality, we must also take responsibility for the air we breathe inside our homes.
Air pollution is a serious concern, especially when it comes to indoor air quality. Home air purifiers can be an effective solution to filter harmful airborne pollutants, such as bacteria and viruses.
However, with so many different air purifiers in the market, finding the one that meets your home's requirements can take time and effort.
So, how do you choose the right air purifier for your home?
To begin with, make a list of the key things you want from your air purifier.
Here are 5 essential factors worth considering:
1. Noise Level
Choosing an air purifier that operates quietly is important, especially when your home already has multiple appliances running, like the refrigerator, fan, and TV.
Remember that the noise level is measured in decibels (dB), with lower values indicating quieter operation. This way, you can ensure a peaceful and quiet environment in your home.
2. Particle Retention Size
It is common to encounter the terms PM2.5 and PM10 when discussing air pollution. PM stands for Particulate Matter, and the pollutants present in the air are classified based on their diameter.
Particles less than 10 microns in diameter are referred to as PM10. In contrast, particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter are called PM2.5. It is important to note that inhaling particles less than 10 microns in diameter can negatively impact one's health.
For context, the average diameter of human hair is over 50 microns, although this can vary. This means that the particles in the air are much finer than the diameter of human hair.
When selecting an air purifier, you must consider the particle retention size, as this determines its effectiveness in capturing pollutants. Generally, the lower the particle retention size, the more pollutants the purifier can capture.
3. Coverage Area
It's essential to choose the right size air purifier for efficient air cleaning. An air purifier that's too small won't be effective, while one that's too big can lead to unnecessary waste.
You must measure the room size where you plan to place the air purifier and ensure that the coverage area of the air purifier is appropriate for your room before making a purchase.
4. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is a measure of how much air an air purifier can filter in an hour.
The higher the CADR value, the more clean air the purifier can produce per hour. Therefore, choosing an air purifier with a suitable CADR is important based on your room size and air quality needs.
If you live in an area with poor air quality, opting for a home air purifier with a high CADR value is advisable.
5. Certification
Look for certifications from reputable organisations like ECARF, airmid healthgroup, and TÜV Rheinland. These certifications independently verify an air purifier's performance. They ensure that the air purifier meets specific allergen and pollutant removal standards, providing consumers with confidence in its effectiveness.
Additionally, you can consider other factors like the number of filtration stages, filter lifespan, cost, and after-sales service by the brand.
Now, let's explore 5 highly rated home air purifiers in India:
Contents
5. Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier AP4
The Xiaomi Mi AP4 air purifier is equipped with a three-layer filtration process and a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which is renowned for its effectiveness.
The device can purify the air in a 360-degree radius, and its OLED display allows you to monitor the air quality indoors in real-time. The capability to control it remotely via an app makes it stand out from other air purifiers.
- Noise Level: Around 32.1 dB
- Particle Retention Size: Upto 0.3 Micron
- Coverage Area: Upto 516 sq. ft.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Upto 400 m3/hour
- Certification: Allergy Care Certified by TÜV Rheinland, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Certified
- Customer Ratings: 3,800+
View details of Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier
4. SHARP Room Air Purifier FP-F40E-W
SHARP's home air purifier is one of the most economical and efficient. It uses Plasmacluster Ion Generator technology to remove odours, viruses, bacteria and other pollutants from your home environment.
As a brand, SHARP has sold over 10 crores (100 million) air purifiers globally, which is a testament to its effectiveness and popularity.
- Noise Level: Around 49 dB
- Particle Retention Size: Upto 0.3 Micron
- Coverage Area: Upto 320 sq. ft.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Upto 240 m3/hour
- Certification: British Allergy Foundation
- Customer Ratings: 1,700+
View details of SHARP Room Air Purifier
3. Philips Air Purifier AC2887/20
If you're looking for a quiet air purifier, the Philips device is a great option. It uses VitaShield IPS technology to capture ultrafine particles as small as 0.02 microns, which includes viruses and bacteria that can cause illness.
The brand has conducted 170 quality checks and inspections to ensure this home air purifier is of the highest quality and definitely worth checking out.
- Noise Level: Around 19 dB
- Particle Retention Size: Upto 0.003 Micron
- Coverage Area: Upto 420 sq. ft.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Upto 333 m3/hour
- Certification: European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF), airmid healthgroup
- Customer Ratings: 2,200+
View details of Philips Air Purifier
2. Philips Air Purifier AC1215/20
Here's another home air purifier option from Philips that is great for those on a budget. Like the other air purifiers mentioned in this article, it has HEPA filters.
The best part is its long filter lifespan, which can last up to 17,000 hours! With multiple modes, you can run the device at the desired speed or turn on auto mode and let it work its magic.
- Noise Level: Around 32 dB
- Particle Retention Size: Upto 0.003 Micron
- Coverage Area: Upto 333 sq.ft.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Upto 270 m3/hour
- Certification: European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF), airmid healthgroup
- Customer Ratings: 4,500+
View details of Philips Air Purifier
1. Coway AirMega 150 (AP-1019C)
This air purifier offers one of the highest motor warranties in its category, up to 7 years. Its 3-stage filtration process includes a Washable Pre-Filter, Urethane Carbon Filter, and Green Anti-Virus HEPA Filter, with a filter lifespan of up to 8500 hours.
Like most air purifiers, it also features auto mode and a 4-color LED display that helps you track indoor air quality.
- Noise Level: Around 22 dB
- Particle Retention Size: Upto 0.1 Micron
- Coverage Area: Upto 355 sq. ft.
- Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): Upto 303 m3/hour
- Certification: European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF)
- Customer Ratings: 4,900+
View details of Coway Air Purifier
Conclusion
Selecting the right air purifier for your home is an important decision, and it's worth the investment.
Make sure to evaluate each option thoroughly and, in addition to online research, consider visiting local electronic stores for a hands-on experience.
In India, air purifier usage at home is relatively new, and many are first-time buyers. This makes it even more crucial to make an informed choice. This guide should equip you with the knowledge you need to choose the right air purifier for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to home air purifiers?
1. How to take care of a home air purifier?
When it comes to taking care of your home air purifier, it's important to follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by the brand.
In general, you should clean the air purifier on a regular basis, change the filters as required, and ensure that it's placed in a suitable location away from pollution or smoke sources like the kitchen. Doing so can help ensure that your air purifier works effectively and efficiently to provide you with clean and healthy air.
2. How often should I change the filters of my home air purifier?
Air purifiers have varying lifespans for their filters, so checking them regularly is important. Most air purifiers have a built-in indicator that signals when it is time to change the air filter, while some may stop working altogether when the air filter needs replacement.
On average, most air filters last between 6-12 months, but this may vary depending on factors such as your city's Air Quality Index (AQI) level, the number of hours your air purifier runs, and even indoor air pollution levels, which can impact the lifespan of the filter.
3. Can I use a home air purifier outdoors?
It is not recommended to use a home air purifier in outdoor settings. These purifiers are designed to function in enclosed areas and may not perform efficiently in open-air conditions.
Furthermore, outdoor elements such as moisture and extreme temperatures can cause damage to the air purifier, thus reducing its lifespan and effectiveness. Always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal air purifier performance.
4. I do not live in a city with a poor Air Quality Index (AQI); do I still need an air purifier?
Even if you live in a city with a good Air Quality Index (AQI), you can still benefit from an air purifier. Air purifiers can remove indoor pollutants like dust, pet dander, allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
They contribute towards maintaining a healthier indoor environment, especially for people suffering from respiratory illness or allergies. Furthermore, they help maintain clean air, promoting overall well-being and comfort, irrespective of external air quality.
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Disclaimer:
The number of customer ratings mentioned for each filter may vary on the product page as it may change over time with the addition of more customer ratings.
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