With growing concerns about environmental quality and indoor pollutants, many individuals are leaning towards tools that can guarantee the freshness of the air we inhale at home. Among these tools, an air purifier has gained significant traction. This device is seen more as a vital component than a mere accessory, especially in areas with unique weather challenges, such as Singapore's warm and humid conditions. Alongside devices that relieve heat, an air purifier ensures homes remain comfortable and devoid of unwanted airborne elements.
How can we maximise its efficiency? Here are 10 tips for you that are sworn effective by experts.
Tip #1: Differentiate Between an Air Purifier for Home, Room, Or Specific Needs Like Dust
Identifying Specific Requirements
It's pivotal to discern what you need for optimal indoor air quality. An air purifier tailored for expansive areas might not be the best fit for a compact space, and conversely, more than a small air purifier might be required for larger sizes. For instance, a room-specific air purifier is your best bet if your focus is a particular room, such as a study. But if the goal is to enhance the air quality throughout your home, a larger air purifier is the answer.
Furthermore, if combating dust is a top priority, then an air purifier adept at filtering such particles is essential. By grasping these details, you ensure that your chosen air purifier aligns with your objectives.
Getting the Perfect Match
An air purifier's efficacy is often linked to its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and the area it's designed to cover. Ensuring your air purifier's specifications match the room's dimensions guarantees optimal functionality and energy conservation.
Investing in an air purifier is a step towards healthier living, so ensuring you have the right match is critical to reaping its full benefits.
Tip #2: Position Your Air Purifier In An Area With Unobstructed Air Flow
An unhindered air path is essential for the air purifier to work at its peak. Placing an air purifier near items like furniture or drapes can disrupt its ability to intake and circulate purified air effectively.
Such barriers can compromise the air purifier's capacity to process air, reducing efficiency. For instance, if an air purifier tailored for a particular space is obstructed, it might not provide uniform purification. This can result in varying air quality levels across the room.
Furthermore, obstructions can strain the air purifier. When airflow is restricted, the air purifier tends to overwork, potentially decreasing its lifespan and consuming more energy.
Tip #3: Seal Your Windows and Doors To Optimise Your Air Purifier’s Capacity
Windows
Air Infiltration: Open windows allow for the continuous inflow of outside air, which might contain pollutants, allergens, and other particulates. An air purifier must work harder and longer to clean this constantly incoming air, reducing efficiency.
Energy Efficiency: With windows open, the air purifier uses more energy to try and maintain the desired air quality level. This not only increases energy consumption but can also shorten the lifespan of the cleaner.
Doors
Airflow Disruption: Frequently opened doors can disrupt the consistent airflow required for the air purifier to function effectively. This can lead to uneven distribution of clean air in the room.
External Pollutants: If other areas of the home or building have poorer air quality, opening doors can introduce these pollutants into the room, making the air purifier's job more challenging.
Benefits of Sealing the Space
Consistent Air Quality: With windows and doors closed, the air purifier can maintain a more consistent air quality level, ensuring the entire room benefits from the purification process.
Efficient Operation: The air purifier won't have to constantly adjust to new pollutants entering the room, allowing it to operate more efficiently and use less energy.
Longer Filter Life: With fewer pollutants entering the space, filters may last longer as they won't get saturated as quickly.
Tip # 4: Maintain the Air Purifier Filter Regularly
Understanding the HEPA Filter
High-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in diameter, including most allergens, bacteria, and viruses. This makes them one of the most effective filters available in air purifiers.
Why Regular Checks are Crucial
Accumulation of Particles: Over time, the HEPA filter in an air purifier accumulates particles. As these build up, the filter can become clogged, reducing the airflow and making the air purifier work harder.
Reduced Efficiency: A clogged or dirty filter will capture particles less effectively, reducing air quality. The air purifier might run longer and use more energy to achieve the desired air quality level.
Shortened Lifespan: Due to a dirty filter, an overworked air purifier can have a reduced operational lifespan.
Benefits of Regular Filter Checks
Optimal Performance: Regularly checking and replacing the HEPA filter ensures that the air purifier operates at its best, providing consistently clean air.
Economic Savings: A well-maintained air purifier uses less energy and requires fewer replacements, leading to cost savings in the long run.
Health Benefits: A clean HEPA filter ensures that harmful particles, allergens, and pathogens are effectively removed, promoting better respiratory health and overall well-being.
Maintenance Tips
Frequency: While the frequency of checks depends on usage and the environment, inspecting the HEPA filter every 3-6 months is a good practice.
Replacement: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on when to replace the HEPA filter. Some air purifiers have a filter indicator, signalling when a replacement is needed.
Cleaning: Some HEPA filters are cleanable, but this is rare. Always refer to the user manual before attempting to clean a filter.
Tip # 5: Run the Air Purifier Continuously
Running the air purifier continuously, rather than intermittently, can offer several advantages.
Consistent Air Quality
By operating an air purifier without interruption, you ensure that the air quality in your space remains stable. The air purifier constantly filters out pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles, providing a steady stream of purified air.
Efficiency in Particle Removal
Pollutants don't take a break. Even when you're not actively noticing them, particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander are present. A continuously running air purifier ensures these particles are consistently captured and removed, preventing build-up.
Better for Allergy Sufferers
For those with allergies or respiratory issues, a consistent level of clean air is crucial. Running the air purifier continuously minimises the presence of allergens, providing relief and reducing the risk of allergy flare-ups.
Combatting Microbial Growth
Some air purifiers come equipped with features that inhibit the growth of microbes like bacteria and mould. Continuous operation ensures these microbes are consistently kept in check, promoting a healthier living environment.
Odour Management
Unpleasant odours can linger in indoor spaces, whether from cooking, pets, or other sources. An air purifier in continuous operation helps neutralise these odours, ensuring your area always smells fresh.
Energy Efficiency
Modern air purifiers are designed to be energy efficient. While it might seem counterintuitive, running an air purifier continuously at a lower setting can be more energy-efficient than frequently turning it on and off at higher settings.
Key Takeaway:
Ensuring an air purifier functions at its best isn't merely about leveraging a monetary investment; it's about ensuring the well-being of those within its vicinity, providing a stable comfort level, and fostering a conducive living or working space. By adopting the proper practices, from timely upkeep to thoughtful placement, we can fully tap into these tools' benefits.
Explore the latest and most efficient air purifiers at Megafurniture today!
For Home Upgrade, Opt For These Articles:
Interior Design Singapore: Best Firms for Your Next Home Renovation
Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet to Renovation in Singapore: HDB Guidelines, Procedures & Tips