CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: From HEPA Filters to CADR: Check These Before Buying an Air Purifier

New Delhi. Demand for air purifiers is rising because of increasing air pollution and indoor dust, pollen, smoke and other microscopic particles. However, choosing the right air purifier is not easy amid the different models and technical features available in the market. Instead of buying only on the basis of a costly model or the word “HEPA” written on it, it is important to understand some key technical points.

Why is a HEPA filter important?

HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air, filter is among the most important features of an air purifier. According to the US EPA, a genuine HEPA filter can capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 micron in size. It helps filter dust, pollen and many other fine particles.

However, filters labelled “HEPA-type” or carrying similar names are also available in the market. Therefore, before buying, the actual filtration capacity and certification details provided by the manufacturer should be checked.

Do not ignore CADR

CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate, indicates how quickly an air purifier can deliver filtered air. According to the EPA, CADR reflects the rate of filtered airflow and, in general, the higher the CADR, the faster the unit can clean the air.

Therefore, choosing a model only by looking at the efficiency of the HEPA filter is not the right approach. Along with a good HEPA filter, adequate airflow and a better CADR are also necessary.

Choose the model according to room size

Before buying an air purifier, check how many square feet of room area it is designed for. It is not necessary to buy a model meant for a very large room for a small room, but a purifier with low capacity may not be effective in a large room.

Factors such as room size, ceiling height and air movement in the room also affect performance. Therefore, it is better to look at both the room coverage stated by the manufacturer and the CADR together.

Odours and gases will not be removed by HEPA alone

If there is a problem of cooking odours, smoke smell or some gaseous pollutants in the house, a HEPA filter alone may not be sufficient. HEPA mainly filters particles, while an Activated Carbon Filter can help reduce odours and some gaseous pollutants.

Therefore, in such homes, a model with HEPA as well as an adequate amount of activated carbon can be more useful.

Check filter replacement cost too

Looking only at the price of the machine while buying an air purifier can be a major mistake. Its filters have to be replaced from time to time, and the prices of filters for different models can vary significantly.

Before purchasing, find out how often the filter needs to be replaced, how much a new filter costs and whether it is easily available. This will help in understanding the long-term expense.

Noise level is also important

If the air purifier is to be used in a bedroom, pay special attention to its noise level. A device with very loud sound can be uncomfortable to run throughout the night. Therefore, options such as Sleep Mode, Noise Level and Fan Speed should also be checked.

Are smart features necessary?

Many air purifiers now come with features such as PM2.5 sensors, real-time air quality indicators, auto mode, mobile apps and voice control. These features can be useful, but they should not be prioritised over filtration capacity.

First check the HEPA filter, CADR, room coverage and filter cost, and then consider smart features.

Keep this checklist before buying

Whether it has a genuine HEPA filter or not

What the CADR is

Whether the coverage is adequate for your room

Whether an Activated Carbon Filter is present

What the replacement filter costs

How often the filter will need to be changed

Whether Noise Level and Sleep Mode are available

Whether features such as PM2.5 sensor and Auto Mode are available

How much electricity it consumes

Overall, while buying an air purifier, the decision should not be based only on the brand or the word HEPA. A balance of HEPA + adequate CADR + correct room coverage + reasonable maintenance cost will help in choosing a better option.

Hashtags: #ScienceTechnology #Bhopal #Desksource #HEPA #Filter #CADR #AirPurifier #DeskSource #EPA #PM25