Air purifiers

How to choose an air purifier

• Room size. Pick a unit rated for your room — an undersized purifier runs flat out and gets loud.
• Filter. HEPA captures fine dust and allergens, activated carbon binds odours and gases. Most models have both.
• Noise. For a bedroom choose a model whose night mode stays below 30 dB.
• Filter cost. Filters are replaced every 6–12 months — factor that into the price.
• Smart control. The app shows air quality in real time and switches the unit on automatically.

Who benefits

Air purifiers help allergy sufferers during pollen season, households with pets and city flats where street dust comes in. In winter, with windows shut, dust builds up indoors faster.

Related

Dry air calls for a humidifier; a cold room needs a heater. Full department: climate.

FAQ

Does a purifier help with allergies? A HEPA filter removes pollen and dust-mite debris from the air, which eases symptoms — but it is not a substitute for treatment.

Should it run all the time? In auto mode it adjusts its own speed and uses very little power.