Buying Guide: How to choose the best Air Purifier

Air Purifiers have become absolutely necessary for indoor spaces with increased pollutants and allergens present in the air. Living near natural surroundings is becoming difficult in metropolitan cities and with increased levels of pollution, fresh air has become non-existent. In this scenario, air purifiers prove to be a respite from breathing in toxic air. Read our buying guide to choose the best air purifier for yourself-

• Why do you need an air purifier?

Air indoors in more harmful than air outdoor. Household products such as deodorants, cleaning agents, inkjet printers also contribute to indoor air pollution. An air purifier is advised for people having dust allergies, asthma or any other respiratory disease as well as kids. Air purifiers control air quality by getting rid of allergens,pollen, dust, pet hair and other pollutants invisible to the naked eye. Some air purifiers also absorb any kind of unpleasant odour and pollutants.

• How does an Air purifier function?

Air purifiers use mechanical, ionic,electrostatic or hybrid filtration to cleanse the indoor air. The process includes drawing polluted air through filters which is then circulated back into the room.The purifiers absorb pollutants, dust particles and even odor which helps in better breathing indoors which also ensures better sleep.

How to choose an Air Purifier based on individual preference?


The requirement for an Air Purifier can be different for every individual. Here’s what best for few cases-

• Asthmatic patients should opt for air purifiers having TRUE HEPA filters and should avoid Ozone based purifiers.
• People having lower immunity levels and those on dialysis should install air purifiers of top quality like True HEPA filter, Pre-filter etc.
• Only True HEPA Filter technology ensures 100% elimination of allergens.
• People living in construction areas must ensure to have a purifier having a strong pre-filter. The pre-filters should be replaced frequently
• People living in industrial areas should own a purifier with Activated Carbon filters to remove the odors from the air.
• People having pets at home should also opt for air purifiers with strong pre-filter to breathing in pet hair

• Things to know before purchasing an Air Purifier

Before buying an air purifier, there are certain aspects that you must know beforehand. Not all air purifiers are the same as there are different technologies that purifiers work on. Here are the main features-

Levels and Types of filters

Pre-Filters, like foam and non-woven polyester, eliminate large particles like pet hair before the next stage of filtration.

True HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters clean allergens such as pollen, animal skin and dander, mold spores, and dust. HEPA filters can remove 99.9% of all the particles which can be as small as 0.3 microns.

HEPA air purifier filters have to be changed from time to time.

The larger the HEPA filter, the more particles it will be able to remove.The size, material, and construction of the filter highly determines air purifier’s performance.

Activated Carbon Filters are often used in combination with other filters. Activated carbon/charcoal filters help in absorbing odors and gases thereby neutralizing smoke, chemicals, food smell and fumes.

Carbon Filter also needs to be replaced after use over time.

Antibacterial and Germicidal Filters help in eradicating harmful bacteria and germs.

UV filters along with HEPA filters ensures the air you breathe is sterile.

This filter is generally used in hospitals, kitchens, labs and daycare schools to minimize the risk of airborne infections.

Charged Media Filters combine a particle filtration along with an electrostatic charge filter to filter particles as small as 0.1 microns. This filter needs to be replaced as well to work efficiently.

Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) filter uses of a titanium dioxide coated metal plate along with UV light to oxidize and physically break down chemicals during the filtration process.

• Air Change Rate of an Air Purifier

The ACH (or the air change per hour rate) of an air purifier indicates exactly how many times the purifier filters the entire room’s air in one hour.

CADR is the measure of delivery of purified air by an air purifier at its maximum speed setting. It is for both the amount of airflow and particle removal efficiency. Before making a purchase, look for the CADR as higher the CADR,higher will be the efficiency of the air purifier for a given room size.

• Air Purifier based on Area/ Room size

The size of your room is an important factor for choosing a suitable Air purifier. Bigger spaces will need larger air purifiers so make sure you buy an air purifier that can operate in a space that is 20-40% larger than the room for the best performance.

The choice of the air purifier also depends on the type of room.While buying for a bedroom, choose an air purifier that makes less noise so that you can sleep peacefully. For a living room,a purifier can have variable settings which you can change or decrease when no one is in the room.

• Customer Service and Warranty

Every air purifier will require changes after 12 to 18 months. Make sure the after-sale service of your product is sound so that the replacement is quick and easy. Also, your Purifier is a big investment for you home so make sure you have long warranty on the product to protect you from manufacturing defects.