Air pollution is a serious problem today and indoor air pollution can potentially be more dangerous than outdoor air because of the cocktail of germs and particles in the home.

Being exposed to poor air quality for long periods can cause severe breathing issues, asthma and in some extreme cases, even lung cancer.

While air purifiers can help eliminate contaminants and allergens in your home, many do not know how to select the right device to do the job effectively.

The wrong air purifier will not only be a waste of money but will not be able to improve the air quality in any way. As such, you will continue to breathe in the same stale air that is contaminated with pet fur, dust, formaldehyde, cigarette smoke, and more.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right air purifier.

Step 1: Consider your needs

It’s important to know the sort of contaminants you want removed from the air you breathe, especially if you have allergies, asthma or chemical sensitivities.

Opt for an air purifier that does more than just function as a mechanical filtration device that pushes dirty air through a filter.

Instead, opt for advanced filters like Blueair’s HEPA Silent Ultra™ technology that combines two filtration technologies (electrostatic and mechanical filtration).

This latest technology kills viruses and bacteria and removes at least 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns in size. This includes microplastics, as well as larger particles like dust, pollen, smoke and pet dander.

The air in your room will be made cleaner, effectively reducing flare-ups from allergies and chemical sensitivity as well as asthma.

Step 2: Consider the size

Ensure you purchase the right sized air purifier so you can benefit from the recommended air change per hour (ACH) rate by AHAM.

Many homeowners settle on a device that’s too small for the size of their space due to budget constraints. Others pick a device that’s all bells and whistles but lack functionality.

A desktop device that is too small won’t be effective in large living spaces while larger air purifiers will incur much higher operating costs than necessary.

To choose the right air purifier, consider the square footage of your room.

Most air purifiers come with size guides. Here is an estimate according to your room size:

• Small: 107–430 sq ft
• Medium: 430-645 sq ft
• Large: 465-1184 sq ft
• Extra-Space: 1184+ sq ft

Blueair products come in all sizes, from the Blue 3210 model (coverage area of 185 sq ft, 17m2 with five air changes per hour) to the Pro XL model (suitable for 1,200 sq.ft, 112m2 and five air changes per hour).

The ACH rate is the number of times an air purifier can filter the entire volume of air within a space each hour.

The recommended rate by the Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers (AHAM) is 4.8 times of air change per hour to effectively lower particle levels (the efficacy of an air purifier depends on the ACH rate, the higher the better).

If you suffer from allergies or asthma and are looking for an air purifier to manage your symptoms, consider one with high ACH rates (at least 4.8 times ACH).

Step 3: Consider the noise level

Many companies that produce air purifiers include a noise level rating on the packaging. This is important as a noisy air purifier can be irritating.

The recommended noise rating appropriate for most living spaces is 50 decibels.

Products by Blueair (certified with Quiet Mark) have a sound level of 29 to 50 dB(A). For most people, this level of noise is barely audible.

Purchasing an air purifier adds another layer of expenses to your budget and operating it around-the-clock only adds to household utility costs. Therefore, look for an air purifier that is energy efficient.

Choose one that runs on 7-45 W (less energy than an LED lightbulb) so you can easily run your air purifier all day without worry. Blueair’s Classic 205 or Classic 405 are good choices.

Step 4: Consider the service and maintenance

An air purifier should be easy to service and maintain so it performs efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Changing of filters: Simply remove the dirty filter and replace it with a new filter. Do not wash the filter and reuse.
• Frequency: It is recommended that the filter be changed every six months so the air purifier can perform effectively.
• Availability of filters: Ensure the filters can be easily purchased either through retailers or online shopping platforms. Filters for Blueair air purifiers are sold separately. Do keep in mind that replacement filters for some brands of air purifiers in the market are not easily available.

Step 5: Consider the special features

How about an air purifier that can be activated by just a push of a button? These are some of the features to look for:

• Wi-Fi connectivity – so you can control the air purifier from anywhere in your home.
• Controlled remotely – so you can monitor air quality using your mobile phone.
• LCD display – so you can receive detailed updates on air quality.

Blueair has a range of models to suit your needs. The Health Protect™ 7770i and Health Protect™ 7440i come with advanced gadgetry and can be linked to your smartphone with the Blueair App.

As an added bonus, Blueair’s Health Protect air purifiers are able to effectively remove 99.99% of live air borne SARS-CoV-2 virus under laboratory conditions.

The best air purification technology is always backed by evidence. By following these step-by-step guides, you can simplify the process of finding the right purifier.

This video will show you how Blueair air purifiers come up tops against others in the market when it comes to air-cleaning performance.

This educational article is brought to you by Blueair, which is exclusively distributed by Visionary Solutions.

For more information, visit Blueair’s Facebook or Instagram accounts. You may purchase Blueair’s air purifiers on their flagship store on Lazada and Shopee. Alternatively, Blueair’s air purifiers are available at partner retailers like Harvey Norman, ESH, TBM, One Living, Sen Heng, Best Denki and many more.

Disclaimer: Health Protect™ 7400 series tested by MRI Global. The test chamber size of 0.37 m3 was limited by safety protocols and different from standard testing areas for room sizes up to 38 m2. Not proven to kill SARS-CoV-2 or reduce or prevent COVID-19 transmission.