Does an air purifier (air cleaner) work?

[rpm]

We live in an area with a fair amount of air pollution and pollen. We decided to get an air cleaner (air purifier) to see if it works. Initially we purchased a cheap Air ioniser, and we can say with a fair amount of certainty it did very little in terms of cleaning the air.

We then invested in a high end air purifier with a HEPA filter. It definitely cleaned the air, but the question remains whether it had a significant impact on our health.

We cannot say with any certainty that the air filter made a big difference in our health. The main reason may be that big particles, which will get filtered, will drop to the floor in areas where there is not much air movement (like a bedroom without open windows).

We had to try it, but with hindsight I do not think we would have invested in an air purifier if we knew what we know now.

 

[MartyMarts]

Does an air purifier (air cleaner) work?

I find my nose to be a natural and effective air cleaner. I think it's a combination of the fine hairs and mucus. At the end of the day you can just blow out all the junk that has accumulated.

Sorted.

 

[LCBXX]

I would think if you have an air-conditioning system that draws air from the outside into the home/office, though its filters, and maintains a positive pressure inside, you will have much cleaner air than any standalone cleaner/purifier can deliver. Cost is a factor, though.

 

[CamiKaze]

It works. Whenever I have a sinus problem, I switch it on. Of course the windows of the room must be closed for it to work effectively but it is well worth the money for someone with a sinus problem like mine.

 

[mr_norris]

I find my nose to be a natural and effective air cleaner. I think it's a combination of the fine hairs and mucus. At the end of the day you can just blow out all the junk that has accumulated.

Sorted.

LOL.

What you say is true, but you may not be sensitive to things like:

- Dust
- Mold
- Pollen

All of which an air filter / purifier can help with.

I have allergies as well as asthma, so anything extra to help clean the air would help IMO. Your nose can only do so much, and when it's blocked, you've only got your mouth to breathe.

I'm not too sure about those air cleaners. A friend was given one of the Kitz Air things and I don't think he uses it. It seems like more of a gimmic to sell their "proprietary" herbal aromatherapy oils.

In my case, I just try keep my place as dry as possible (I live in an area prone to fog, if I forget windows open, everything gets damp) and clean (so vacuuming and dusting regularly). And when the climate is right, I try keep the windows open so there is always fresh air floating about.

 

[mr_norris]

It works. Whenever I have a sinus problem, I switch it on. Of course the windows of the room must be closed for it to work effectively but it is well worth the money for someone with a sinus problem like mine.

Would you mind sharing a link to what you have?

I would think if you have an air-conditioning system that draws air from the outside into the home/office, though its filters, and maintains a positive pressure inside, you will have much cleaner air than any standalone cleaner/purifier can deliver. Cost is a factor, though.

Amen to that - I have a portable air con which has a filter (not a HEPA though :/). Costs a small fortune to run though.

 

[Alwyn Swart]

Good day all,

My wife struggles with asma every now and then, it flairs over spring due to the high amount of pollen in the air over that time. I do not have air conditioning in the house but we did try a counter top unit to purify air, a unit like this:

http://www.perfectair.co.za/

Unfortunately this did not help the situation, it did leave the room smelling nice though

I'm thinking to install a proper air conditioning unit with HEPA filter, like one of these Samsung jobbies:

http://www.samsung.com/africa_en/consumer/home-appliances/air-conditioner/inverter/AQV09KBBN

Will see if it makes any difference, if not to air quality at least it will help with the hot summers we are experiencing in the Western Cape

 

[zahadoom]

im guessing it depends on what you find inside the filter, personally im amazed by the amount of stuff in the vacuum cleaner

 

[legojj]

i was told that the samsung virus doctor is really good:

http://www.samsung.com/sg/consumer/home-appliances/airconditioner/air-purifier/SA604CPXSS

 

[Masego Tom]

Yes, they do work and are very useful in the situation we are in with air pollution.

 

[Maverick Jester]

Forgot to post this from your clone account?

 

[mr_norris]

Yet they are impossible to find.

Edit: This was in response to the bloke talking about that Samsung purifier - I can't find them in any online store :/

 

[satanboy]

These are not the clones I was looking for.

 

[mr_norris]

These are not the clones I was looking for.

LOL.

I did manage to find that Samsung thing. It's at Dion Wired for R1700.

 

[Ga77a]

Its a pretty logical problem.

If you are taking air from outside into a semi/sealed environment through a filter (depending on gauge and quality) it will work provided their is positive pressure in the interior as mentioned previously.

These store bought plug and play things are like (pardon the expression) passing wind against thunder. I can't believe a 4W machine can filter all the air in your house in a reasonable amount of time if ever. Even with all the doors and windows closed and sealed. It is not a circulated system.

The airborne virus marketing is complete rubbish. Obviously companies like Samsung are protected by the fact that it does what it says it does, filtering the air of any harmful particles. But think of the logistics. Viruses don't just hang about the place (if they did we would be in big trouble). They need a delivery method like the people coming in and out of your home and offices sneezing and coughing and generally breathing particles of phlegm all over the place. That air does not have the courtesy to waft over to your 4W air purifier before it is breathed in by you.

Hey...but some people like the idea that their air is a tiny little bit cleaner at home.

 

[Liquid_1]

they are pointless if you still use your vacuum cleaner indoors to spread the 'dust'

 

[Necuno]

I find my nose to be a natural and effective air cleaner. I think it's a combination of the fine hairs and mucus. At the end of the day you can just blow out all the junk that has accumulated.

Sorted.

I shall be visiting you to cut that nose and backwards engineering it.