It may sound strange, but air-purifiers have now become a necessity. Not so long ago, buying air-purifier was something which was unheard of, and certainly, a luxury and/or a medical need meant for only those who have breathing problems.
But with rising pollution, rising urbanization, an insane number of vehicles, buying an air-purifier has now become a must-have.
Especially if you are living in Northern cities such as New Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur. Air quality has been regarded as worst in these cities, and as winters have descended, the quality of air will further deteriorate.
Here are some of the crucial factors to consider before buying an air-purifier:
#1: Size Of The Area Where It Will Be Used
Just like buying an AC or a fridge, it is very important to consider what size the air-purifier will serve to. Online portals have a filter to sort the size of the room for which you need the air-purifier for, which makes it easier for you to make the decision.
For example, on Flipkart, you can sort from 100 sq feet to 800+ sq feet, with options ranging for 100 to 200 sq feet, 200 to 250 sq feet and so on.
#2: Rating: CADR or POLAR?
There are normally two types of ratings for an air-purifier: CADR or POLAR.
CARD or Clean Air Delivery Rate is a traditional way to gauge the effectiveness of any air-purifier. In simple terms, it tells us how much pure air will be delivered, per second or per minute.
On the other hand, POLAR Test mimics the house-hold condition and then gauges the effectiveness of an air-purifier. POLAR Test uses more sensors, based on per- sq feet of room size, and then deliver the outcome.
Analysts say that POLAR Test is more effective, compared to CADR ratings.
#3: Filters
Now, filters are the most important aspect to check the effectiveness of any air-purifier. Filters will actually stop the polluted air from coming into your home, and make the air pure. Always insist on opting for a multi-filtration system, which ensures that both PM10 and PM2.5 variants would be filtered out.
Besides, a layer of activated carbon is recommended, so that domestic fumes, gases, VOCs and odors are filtered out. For filtering out microscopic pollutants, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter should exist.
As per some analysts, filters with ultraviolet light based air purifiers and electrostatic precipitators should be avoided. UV Light based filters are designed to kill pathogens, but practically, they are not feasible. Filters with electrostatic precipitators create mini-OZone zones in the room, which is harmful to lungs.
Design of the filter is also crucial – Does the filter take a 360-degree route to filter out pollutants, and it is a one-way design?
Noise reduction and vibrations are other factors, albeit, external factors.
Soon, we will share the top 5 air-purifiers, which you can buy from online portals to keep your family safe from impure, toxic air.