Air Purifiers

Buying an air purifier requires some shopping around, not that they’re hard to find. You can get air purifiers at virtually any hardware or discount department store. The problem is that the store staff are probably not going to be very knowledgeable, so getting advice on choosing the right air purifier is going to be tricky.

Many look to the internet to figure out what the best product is, not to mention the best price. If you’re going to buy through a website, it’s probably better to get it directly from the manufacturer than a “superstore” site. Otherwise returns and servicing could be problematic.

While you’re on the net, have a look at what other people are saying about their purchases. Sites like Amazon.com offer a wealth of feedback and ratings from satisfied – and unsatisfied – customers.

Since it’s not always easy to tell how well this particular type of device is working, the market is ripe for exaggerated sales claims. You might look to the big name manufacturers or store brands, hoping they can give you some assurances about quality.

However, there are also companies that specialize exclusively in air purifier technology. These companies probably put a lot more into the products they create in terms of research and testing than generic suppliers, some of whom simply brand a product coming in from abroad. Some of the better known names are Hunter, Holmes, Ionic Breeze Silent Air Purifier, Air Oasis and Honeywell.

Before buying, check the guarantee and maintenance agreement. Air purifiers are very complex and prone to problems. Is there a support number you can call?

The most important thing is to do some homework first, and not rush into a purchase. Decide what your needs are – do you have allergies that require medication? If so, investing in a good quality unit might actually save you money in the long run.

Featured Products
Hunter HEPAtech 30378	Oreck Air Purifier	Ionic Pro Turbo	Air Healthmate	Honeywell Compact HHT

So you made the wise decision to invest in an air purifier. It’s very likely you have some questions about how best to operate it. You may also be wondering about the various features they offer, and many of these appliances come with fairly terse manuals. So here’s a brief overview of things to consider.

Where should you install it? Firstly, you’ll want to have it near the living areas of your home, like the bedroom or living room, to get the most out of it. Some fan units can make a fair amount of noise, so bear that in mind when choosing a location.

One option is to have it run on a twelve-hour cycle. You could run it during the day if it’s in your bedroom or vice versa if it’s in your living room.

Place it in an area where there’s plenty of ventilation, not too close to the wall. An uncarpeted floor is also best. Don’t put it in a damp area, such as near the shower, since the humidity will interfere with it’s operation. Also avoid placing it near electronics, which might attract dust particles due to the operation of the fan and ionizer.

Make sure the electrical circuit you are using is not overloaded with other appliances as well, as air purifiers can use a fair amount of power.

Many air purifiers come with multiple features. The essential feature is usually a HEPA filter which is fed by a fan. Many also include a charcoal filter which removes smells and toxins from the air.

More elaborate units also include an ionizer. This feature uses a static electrical charge to scrub the air and give it the feeling of outdoor air after a rain. This feature is probably optional, if your unit includes a decent filter and you replace it regularly.

Another optional feature that manufacturers sometimes add is a fragrance cartridge. Since the purpose of the filter is to clean the air in your home, this is not really necessary, and is really just adding unnecessary chemicals to the air. Unless you live near a fish processing factory, don’t bother with it.

Also, make sure you know when to replace the filters, since running an air purifier with dirty filters can be harmful to the unit. Better air purifiers come with indicator lights to tell you when you need to replace them. Some come with a dial that must be set manually in order to work. If your unit lacks these features, you will have to rely on visually inspecting the filters. Make a note on your calendar to do this regularly, according to the schedule your manual recommends.

Featured Products
Hunter HEPAtech 30378	Oreck Air Purifier	Ionic Pro Turbo	Air Healthmate	Honeywell Compact HHT