13 Air Purifier Benefits for Health and Wellness
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Are you considering purchasing an air purifier but unsure if they actually work? If so, you’re not alone! Many people are hesitant to buy air purifiers because they’re not sure if they’ll actually benefit from them.
Do you suffer from allergies or asthma? Do you find yourself constantly fighting off a cold? Air purifiers may be able to help. Not only do they eliminate allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, but air purifiers can also improve your overall health.
In this blog post, we’ll go over 13 air purifier benefits and how they can improve your quality of life.
Related: The Best Whole House Air Purifier for Cleaner Air
Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Top Choice | Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier with UV Light Sanitizer
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Best Value | Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier with Permanent HEPA Filter
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Air Purifier Benefits
1. Kill Germs and Bacteria
One of the most important benefits of an air purifier is that it can kill germs and bacteria. This is especially important for people who are immunocompromised or have a chronic illness.
An air purifier can also help prevent the spread of illnesses. Airborne diseases are caused by viruses or bacteria that are spread through the air.
Some of the most common airborne illnesses and diseases include:
- The flu
- The common cold
- Measles
- Chickenpox
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent these illnesses, using an air purifier can help to reduce your chances of getting sick.
Air purifiers work by removing viruses and bacteria from the air, which reduces your chances of becoming infected.
Some air purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill germs and bacteria. Others use a HEPA filter which traps the particles so that they can’t recirculate back into the air.
2. Remove Harmful Chemicals from the Air
Another of our favorite air purifier benefits is that it can remove harmful chemicals from the air. This is especially important for people who live in areas with a lot of pollution or who have chemical sensitivities.
Some of the harmful chemicals that an air purifier can remove from the air include:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Radon
Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are commonly found in the air in urban areas due to pollution from traffic. But even if you don’t live in an urban area, your home may still contain radon. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in the soil. It can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or other openings.
Not all air purifiers work the same, but those that use activated carbon filters are effective at removing chemicals from the air.
3. Reduce Allergies
If you suffer from allergies, an air purifier can be a godsend. Air purifiers work by trapping allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites in their filter. The typical cleaning that you do in your home won’t be as effective at removing these allergens.
This means if you typically suffer from allergies, your life can be much more pleasant thanks to an air purifier.
Some air purifiers are specifically designed for people with allergies. These air purifiers use a HEPA filter to remove 99.97% of all allergens from the air.
Using an air purifier in your home may prevent you from needing to take allergy medicine, or at least reduce your dependency on it.
Medify MA-112 Air Purifier with H13 True HEPA Filter
4. Fight Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can make breathing difficult and may cause wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
For people with asthma, an air purifier can be a lifesaver. Air purifiers work by removing allergens and irritants from the air, which can help to reduce asthma symptoms.
Some air purifiers also use ionization to improve asthma symptoms. Ionizers emit negative ions into the air, which attach to positively charged particles like dust, pollen, and smoke. This makes the particles heavier so that they settle out of the air instead of being breathed in.
5. Reduce Toxins in the Home
Another benefit of an air purifier is that it can reduce toxins in the home. This is especially important for homes with smokers or people who use cleaning products containing harmful chemicals.
Some of the toxins that an air purifier can remove from the air include:
- Secondhand smoke
- Cleaning chemicals
- Paint fumes
6. Prevent Mold Growth
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments. It can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. In some cases, it can also cause property damage.
An air purifier can help to prevent mold growth by removing the spores from the air. This is especially important for people who live in humid climates or who have a history of mold allergies.
7. Neutralize Odors
An air purifier can also neutralize odors in the home. This is beneficial if you have pets or if someone in your home smokes cigarettes. But even if there are no pets or smokers in your home, there may be smells from cooking or dirty laundry that you may want to eliminate or neutralize.
In addition, air purifiers can help with removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. VOCs are commonly found in things like paint and aerosol sprays. Using an air purifier to help with VOCs can improve your cognitive functions in addition to improving the smell.
Some air purifiers use activated carbon filters to remove odors from the air. Others use ozone generators, which release ozone into the air. Ozone is a gas that has a strong odor-neutralizing effect.
Germ Guardian AC4825 22” 3-in-1 True HEPA Filter Air Purifier
8. Help with Dust and Pet Dander
Dust and pet dander are two of the most common airborne allergens. They can both cause respiratory problems and other health issues, as well as odors.
An air purifier can help to remove dust and pet dander from the air, making your home a more pleasant and comfortable place to be.
This ends up being two air purifier benefits since it not only removes these irritants from the air but also reduces the need to dust in the home as frequently, so gives you less cleaning work and more time to devote to other things!
9. Improve Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, an air purifier may be able to help. Studies have shown that people sleep better in a room with an air purifier than in a room without one.
There are a few different ways that an air purifier can improve sleep. First, by removing allergens and irritants from the air, an air purifier can help to reduce congestion and other respiratory problems that can keep you awake at night.
Second, some air purifiers emit negative ions into the air. These ions attach to positively charged particles like dust and pollen, which makes them heavier so they settle out of the air instead of being breathed in. This can help to reduce asthma symptoms and other respiratory problems that can interfere with sleep.
And finally, some air purifiers emit white noise, which can help to drown out other noises that may keep you awake at night.
10. Help to Prevent Headaches
Headaches and migraines can be caused by a number of different things, including sinus infections, allergies, and stress. But one of the most common triggers is air pollution.
Studies have shown that people who live in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from headaches and migraines. And while you can’t always control the amount of pollution in the air, you can control the amount of pollution in your home with an air purifier.
An air purifier can help to remove pollutants from the air, which can help to reduce headaches and migraines.
11. Promote Healthier Skin
The air in your home can have a big impact on your skin. Pollutants like dust, pollen, and toxins can cause skin problems like itchiness and acne.
An air purifier can help to remove these pollutants from the air, which can lead to healthier skin.
12. Reduce Stress
There’s no doubt about it, stress can take a toll on your health. But did you know that the air you breathe can also affect your stress levels?
Studies have shown that people who breathe polluted air have higher levels of stress than those who breathe clean air. The good news is that an air purifier can help to reduce stress by removing pollutants from the air.
13. Extend the Life of Your HVAC Filters
It’s important to regularly change the filters in your home’s HVAC system. But if you have an air purifier, you may be able to extend the life of your HVAC filters.
An air purifier can help to remove particles from the air before they have a chance to get into your HVAC system. This can help to prolong the life of your HVAC filters and keep your system running smoothly.
With so many air purifier benefits it is easy to see why so many are purchasing these items.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers work by drawing air in and passing it through a filter. The filter traps particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Then, the purified air is passed back into the room.
Most air purifiers have one or more filters that need to be replaced regularly. The frequency of replacement will depend on the type of filter and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
HEPA filters are the most common type of filter used in air purifiers. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters are designed to trap at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size.
HEPA filters are very effective at removing allergens and other pollutants from the air. But they can also be expensive to replace. And if not properly maintained, they can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
Ionizers are another type of air purifier. These devices emit negative ions into the air. These ions attach to positively charged particles like dust and pollen, which makes them heavier so they settle out of the air instead of being breathed in.
Ionizers are effective at reducing allergens and other pollutants in the air. But they can also produce ozone, which is a pollutant itself. Ozone can be harmful to your health, so it’s important to choose an ionizer that doesn’t produce ozone or to use one in conjunction with a HEPA filter.
UV filters are another type of air purifier. These filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
UV filters are effective at reducing bacteria and viruses in the air. But they don’t remove other pollutants like dust and pollen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do air purifiers work?
Air purifiers can be an effective way to improve indoor air quality. But it’s important to choose the right type of air purifier for your needs and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and replacement of filters.
An air purifier is only as effective as the filter that it uses. So, if you’re looking for an air purifier that will remove allergens from the air, make sure that it has a HEPA filter. And if you’re looking for an air purifier that will kill bacteria and viruses, make sure that it has a UV filter.
Do air purifiers prevent COVID-19?
There is no evidence to prove that air purifiers are effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 or other coronaviruses.
Do air purifiers help you sleep better?
There is some evidence to suggest that air purifiers can help you sleep better. There are several possible reasons for this, including being able to breathe better, which will likely result in better sleep.
Where should I put my air purifier?
The best place to put your air purifier is in the room where you spend the most time. But you should also consider the size of the room and the type of air purifier that you have.
If you have a small room, like a bedroom, you can put the air purifier on a nightstand or dresser. If you have a larger room, like a living room, you can put the air purifier on the floor. And if you have an industrial-sized air purifier, you may need to mount it on the wall or ceiling.
What is a HEPA filter?
A HEPA filter is a type of air filter that is designed to trap at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size.
What is an ionizer?
An ionizer is a type of air purifier that emits negative ions into the air. These ions attach to positively charged particles like dust and pollen, which makes them heavier so they settle out of the air instead of being breathed in.
What is a UV filter?
A UV filter is a type of air purifier that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses.
Do air purifiers use a lot of electricity?
No, air purifiers don’t use a lot of electricity. In fact, most air purifiers use less than 100 watts of power, which is about the same as a light bulb.
Should I sleep with an air purifier on?
Yes, you can sleep with an air purifier on. In fact, many people find that they sleep better with an air purifier because they can breathe better.
Do air purifiers help lungs?
Yes, air purifiers can help the lungs by reducing allergens, bacteria, and viruses in the air. This can help to improve respiratory health.
Can I leave my air purifier on 24/7?
Yes, you can leave your air purifier on 24/7. But you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the maintenance and replacement of filters.
How long does it take an air purifier to clean a room?
It depends on the size of the room and the type of air purifier. But, in general, it takes an air purifier about 30 minutes to clean the air in a small room or a few hours in a larger room.
Can you open windows with an air purifier?
Yes, you can open windows with an air purifier, but the air purifier will not work as well. They are designed to work best in closed spaces.
Do air purifiers make air dry?
No, air purifiers do not make air dry. They do not draw moisture out of the air.
Related: What’s the Difference Between Air Purifier and Humidifier?
Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Top Choice | Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier with True HEPA
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier with UV Light Sanitizer
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon | |
Best Value | Hamilton Beach TrueAir Air Purifier with Permanent HEPA Filter
| 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
Final Thoughts on Air Purifier Benefits
There are many air purifier benefits, including reducing allergens, bacteria, and viruses in the air. If you’re looking for an air purifier that will help you sleep better, make sure that it has a HEPA filter. And if you want an air purifier that will kill bacteria and viruses, make sure that it has a UV filter. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and replacement of filters for them to work as well as they should.