You and your family spend a lot of time in your home. Did you know that your indoor air can be polluted and full of pollen, dust, pet dander, and more?
Air purifiers can help keep your indoor air healthy by removing the particles that make it unclean and may put you at risk for various ailments and sensitivities.
There are different types of air filters for different purposes, such as allergy relief, pet dander and hair removal, smoke air purifiers, and special purifiers for people with asthma. You can purchase the kind that is best for your family’s needs.
Benefits of Air Purifiers
First and foremost, keep your furnace and ducts clean. This allows you to ventilate your home with clean outdoor air. Portable air purifiers are an additional way to filter the air in a single room, helping to reduce indoor pollution.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of some pollutants can be two to five times higher indoors:
- smoke from tobacco, fireplaces, and cooking
- gas from cleaning products
- dust mites
- mold
- pet dander
These all contribute to unhealthy air that can have negative effects on your health — especially if you already struggle with allergies or asthma. Thankfully, air purifiers are good at filtering out these pollutants, making your home air easier on your lungs.
What Size of Air Purifier Should You Get?
Typically, portable air purifiers are intended to work in one room, so in many situations it’s best to keep it in your bedroom, where you likely spend the most time. However, if you want to move it around the house, you can choose an air purifier with wheels and handles.
If you want to go big with excellent indoor air quality, you can consider a whole house air purifier. This large unit connects to your home’s HVAC system and works as you heat or cool your home.
Do You Need Features?
These days, everything comes with Wi-Fi and fancy features. Air purifiers are no exception.
In addition to the mobility features mentioned above, you may consider other helpful features:
- Air quality indicators with real-time updates
- Wi-Fi capability to control the purifier from your phone
- EPA Energy Star-rating to save energy and money
Is There Maintenance Involved?
As with any appliance, air purifiers require a little maintenance — but not much.
The main TLC you’ll need to give your air purifier is to replace the filter. The frequency depends on what type of filters your appliance uses. Carbon filters last around six months, pre-filters last three months, and high efficiency filters can last up to a year.
In light of that, the type of filter is another factor in deciding which air purifier to purchase.
Keep Your Home Air Clean With INTEK
You certainly don’t have to get an air purifier if you clean your ducts and furnace, have no pets, are a non-smoker, and have no problems with allergies or asthma. But, even if that’s you, an air purifier really is a great option for everyone because you can’t see the pollutants that are in your air.
So if you decide to purchase one — great! We’re thrilled that you’re prioritizing your home’s air quality. But, if you don’t have your ducts regularly cleaned (every five to seven years), getting an air purifier is just like slapping a bandaid on a bigger problem. So, start there, and give your local INTEK experts a call. We’ll help with one of the healthiest home improvements you’ll ever make!
