Do air purifiers actually work? Experts advise on how to improve air quality

Air purifiers are increasingly a household essential. Working to improve air quality inside of your home, they claim to clear the air of pollutants like smoke, dust, pet dander, and unwanted odors. But not all air purifiers are effective, and marketing jargon can make their claims against risk confusing. 

From helping consumers stay safe against wildfire smoke, to reducing the causes of allergies and asthma, air purifiers are said to manage symptoms by cleansing the air you breathe. So how do they work? What are the health benefits? Do these devices actually purify your household air? 

Well, the experts say that even the best air purifier can't do it all. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), portable air purifiers are only designed to filter the air in a single room or area. Central furnaces or HVAC filters, however, can purify the air throughout a whole home. 

As one of H&G's product reviewers and shopping editors, I've researched, reviewed, and spoken to the specialists for their thoughts on whether air purifiers really work. 

How do air purifiers work?

Air purifiers are designed to improve air quality by filtering the air inside a room. They 'contain a fan that sucks in and circulates air. As the air enters, the filter captures and removes harmful particles and pollutants from the air, before pushing out the clean air. 

As Saul Davies, Buying Director at Beldray explains, 'most units will contain three filters – a pre-filter, HEPA filter and a carbon filter'. Almost all air purifiers will use activated carbon filters to capture odors, but not every purifier will use all three types. The type of filter the unit uses will affect the type of - and how many - unwanted substances that can be captured. Some air purifiers may also use other technologies to clean to air, including ultraviolet irradiation to target bacteria and mold.

Saul Davies

As Buying Director at Beldray, Saul is responsible for overseeing product development across the brand’s Heating and Cooling product categories. With over 13 years of experience in the field, Saul applies his wealth of knowledge to consistently innovate and bring new Beldray products to market. Along with his team, he has been involved in the design and development of some of Beldray’s most popular desk fans, air purifiers, and heaters.

What are the benefits?

Essential devices for improving air quality, there are many supposed health benefits. Air purifiers can play a crucial role in mitigating the harmful effects of smoke and pollutants. As George Negron, maker of innovative home solutions at Timilon Corporation argues, 'In areas of New York City where natural or mechanical ventilation is limited, air purifiers have been able to respond effectively to Canadian wildfire smoke by quickly breaking down the chemical odors associated with it.' 

'Exposure to wildfire chemicals, odors, and particulates can have severe health consequences for both humans and animals. It can lead to respiratory issues, worsen existing respiratory conditions, trigger allergies, and pose risks to cardiovascular health.' states Negron. 

Alongside ridding homes of smoke toxins, air purifiers are effective for removing pollen, which makes them a great solution for hayfever and allergy sufferers. If an air purifier is fit with a HEPA filter, it'll work to release negative ions that neutralize and sanitize airborne pollutants to help alleviate symptoms. 

George Negron

George Negron is the Vice President of Operations of Timilon Corporation - an innovative technology company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary nano-chemistry technologies. He has played an instrumental role in the company's growth, responsible for operations within its three sub-brands: Fast-Act, OdorKlenz, and EnviroKlenz. He has been able to help take it from a startup to a multi-million-dollar corporation in just seven years.

Do air purifiers actually work?

This is all well and good, but do they actually work? If you're wondering whether an air purifier is worth it, you should consider that the experts suggest that an air purifier's effectiveness depends on its filter type and the pollutants present in the home. An air purifier should also be just one component of a comprehensive approach to maintaining a cleaner indoor air environment. As Negron suggests, whether an air purifier works will depend on 'homeowners selecting the unit that best suits their needs'. In short, they can be incredible helpful, but they're not perfect. 

For example, Alvin Pullins, a home improvement and maintenance specialist, says that the 'efficiency of the air purifier will be based on several factors'. These include 'the type of pollutant being targeted, the size of the unit, quality of the filters used, and many more.'

'Air purifiers are not a panacea for all air quality issues but I think they are still very useful in reducing indoor air pollution and improving air quality,' he summarises. 'In other words, they're essential for individuals with allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions, but they may have limited impact on certain types of pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and gases.' 

Alvin Pullins

Alvin Pullins is a U.S based home improvement and maintenance specialist. He's a qualified expert specializing in home improvement, organization, cleaning, and appliance maintenance. He has been featured on several media platforms and blogs where he has helped, participated, and contributed to numerous professional home-related queries. 

His passion for home improvement and maintaining household appliances began with renovating and updating his own homes. He has first-hand experience with the challenges and rewards of maintaining a comfortable and functional home.

The best air purifiers

FAQs

If you're suffering from allergies or struggling to breathe at night, you should always consult a doctor. Where air purifiers will clean the air of harmful toxins, pollutants, and particles, an air purifier won't solve any respiratory issues. All air purifiers also require proper maintenance and cleaning for effective use.