How To Choose The Best Air Purifier – All You Need To Know

Air purifiers can effectively improve the air quality in your workplace, especially if you work in an environment prone to high levels of pollutants or if you or your co-workers have allergies or other respiratory issues.

However, with so many different challenging models of air purifiers on the market, it cannot be easy to know which is suitable for your needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the right air purifier for your workplace:

Consider the type of filter

There are many types of air purifiers; each one uses a different type of filter to remove pollutants from the air. Some are more effective than others at removing specific types of pollutants. The most common filters are mechanical filters, which use physical barriers to trap particles, and activated carbon filters, which use chemical absorption to remove gases and odours. Other filters that may be used in air purifiers include HEPA filters which can remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger; ultraviolet (UV) filters which use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses; and ozone generators which use ozone to oxidise pollutants.

Types of Air Filters and the pros and cons

1. Mechanical filters: Mechanical filters use physical barriers to trap particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. These filters typically consist of a mesh or screen coated with filter media, such as fibreglass or polyester.

Pro: Effective at removing larger particles from the air and can be washed or replaced when they become dirty.
Con: They may need to be more effective at removing smaller particles or gases.

2. Activated carbon filters: Activated carbon filters use chemical absorption to remove gases, odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. These filters consist of a layer of activated carbon, a highly porous form of carbon with a large surface area and a high capacity for chemical absorption.

Pro: Effective at removing a wide range of pollutants, including tobacco smoke, cooking odours, and chemicals from cleaning products.

Con: They may need to be more effective at removing larger particles or allergens.

3. HEPA filters: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are designed to remove 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. These filters use a fine mesh of fibres to trap particles and are commonly used in hospitals and laboratories due to their ability to remove tiny particles.

Pro: HEPA filters effectively remove allergens, such as pollen and pet dander, dust, and other fine particles.

Con: They may need to be more effective at removing gases or odours.

4. UV filters: Ultraviolet (UV) filters use UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other airborne microorganisms. These filters are typically used with different filters, such as mechanical or HEPA filters, to provide additional air purification.

Pro: UV filters are effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including influenza, tuberculosis, and mould.

Con: They may need to be more effective at removing larger particles or gases.

5. Ozone generators: Ozone generators use ozone to oxidise pollutants in the air. Ozone is a highly reactive gas that can break down pollutants by attacking their chemical bonds.

Pro: These filters effectively remove many pollutants, including odours, smoke, and chemicals.

Con: Ozone filters can harm humans and animals if inhaled, so it is essential to use ozone generators cautiously and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.

Choose a unit with a filter replacement indicator.

Many air purifiers have a filter replacement indicator that alerts you when it is time to change the filter. This can help ensure that the unit is continuously operating at peak efficiency and can help extend the unit’s life.

Think about the size and location of the unit

Consider the size of the air purifier and ensure it will fit where you want to use it. Also, remember that some units may be loud or produce ozone, which can be a concern if the unit is placed in a common area or close to where people will be spending a lot of time.

Choosing the right air purifier for your workplace can be challenging, as there are many different types and models available on the market. To ensure that you select the best unit for your needs, you must consider your specific air purification requirements, the type and level of pollutants you are trying to remove, and the features and capabilities of different units.

By carefully evaluating your needs and the available options, you can find an air purifier that will effectively improve the air quality in your workplace and provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your co-workers.