TickiKids’ Guide: Key Considerations when Choosing an Air Purifier
Published 27 February 2024 at 09:54
Tickikids Blog Hong Kong > Health > TickiKids’ Guide: Key Considerations when Choosing an Air Purifier
Clean air isn't just essential for breathing; it's the life force that fuels our existence, the very breath that sustains our health and vitality. Residents of modern metropolitan areas are well aware that absolutely healthy indoor air quality can be challenging to reach due to limitations imposed by our existing buildings and ventilation systems. Additionally, maintaining energy efficiency and thermal comfort further complicates meeting this target.
However, there is a solution - it's time to buy an air purifier! With it you will be sure that you have provided maximum protection for your family from contaminants and viruses, as well as made your home even more comfortable and cosy!
When purchasing a room air cleaner, there are several aspects to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right one for your needs. By carefully considering the list of relevant factors, you can select an item that is appropriately sized and capable of providing the desired level of air purification for your space.
Size of the Room
Consider the size of the room where you'll be using the air cleaner. Most air cleaner manufacturers provide information on the square footage coverage of their units. This indicates the maximum area the air cleaner can effectively clean.
ACH (Air Changes per Hour) rating of the air cleaner indicates how many times the unit can filter the entire volume of air in the room per hour. For optimal air quality, experts generally recommend 4-6 ACH for most residential spaces.
Remember to take into account the layout and configuration of your room and ceiling height! If you have an open floor plan or multiple interconnected rooms, you may need a larger air cleaner or multiple units to effectively clean the air throughout the entire space. If your room has high ceilings, you'll need an air cleaner with a higher CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) rating to compensate for the increased volume of air. This indicates the volume of clean air delivered by the air cleaner. Higher CADR ratings are better for larger rooms or for faster air purification.
A good rule of thumb is 2/3 rule: when choosing an air cleaner to choose a device with a CADR number that equates to two-thirds of the room’s size.
Noise Level
Think about the noise level of the air cleaner, especially if you plan to use it in a bedroom or other quiet area. Fans can be quite loud, disrupting the tranquillity of your space. In certain situations, opting for two portable air cleaners, each operating quietly at less than 40 decibels, might be preferable over investing in a single larger unit that generates over 50 decibels of noise. Look for models with maximum tolerable noise levels, especially on lower fan settings.
Maintenance Costs
Before making your purchase, ensure that your budget accommodates the ongoing maintenance costs of the device. Energy efficiency is very important, because you are going to use the device for more than one year! It not only saves you money but helps to contribute to overall sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption and minimising environmental impact. Check the energy efficiency of the air cleaner to ensure it won't significantly increase your electricity bill, especially if you plan to run it continuously. For the same reason, figure out the cost and availability of replacement filters. Some models have washable filters, while others require regular replacement.
Filtration System
Checking the type of filtration system the air cleaner uses is essential. You need to match the capabilities of your purifier to the level of pollution. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are highly effective at capturing small particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some models may also include additional filters for removing odours or harmful gases. Consider any additional factors that may affect air quality, such as the presence of pets, smokers, or high levels of indoor pollutants. You may need a more powerful air cleaner or one with specialised filtration capabilities to address specific contaminants.
Design and Extra Capabilities
Design and any extra capabilities may be important to your family, such as programmable timers, air quality sensors, remote controls, or smart connectivity for remote monitoring and control via smartphone apps. Some air purifiers come with ionisation capabilities or even an ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation!
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the right room air cleaner to meet all your needs! Be sure, installing an air purifier in your home can yield numerous advantages for your health and overall well-being.