Air pollution is no longer just an outdoor problem. In many Indian cities, poor ventilation and rising pollution have made indoor air up to 2.5 times more polluted than the air outside. That’s why air purifiers are no longer a luxury they’ve become a necessity for homes and offices alike. From compact wearable purifiers to large, multi-layered machines, the market is flooded with options. While this variety is great, it can also be confusing. Not every air purifier works the same way, and choosing the wrong one can mean wasted money and little benefit. Before you buy, it’s important to understand how air purifiers work and what features actually matter. Why indoor air quality matters more than you think Indoor air often contains dust, pollen, pet hair, mould spores, smoke, chemicals, and harmful gases. These invisible pollutants can trigger allergies, asthma, breathing issues, and long-term health problems especially in children and the elderly. An air purifier works by pulling in polluted air, passing it through multiple filters, and releasing cleaner air back into the room. But the level of protection you get depends entirely on the purifier you choose. To help you make a smart and informed decision, here’s a simple seven-point checklist you should always follow. 1. Filtration Filtration is the most important feature to check. A good air purifier must have a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. This filter can trap 99.97% of tiny particles, including PM2.5, dust, pollen, mould spores, and fine pollutants. Along with HEPA, an activated carbon filter is equally important. It absorbs bad odours, smoke, chemicals, and harmful gases like VOCs. Most purifiers also come with a pre-filter that catches larger particles such as hair and dust. A washable pre-filter is a bonus, as it lowers maintenance costs. Important note: Avoid purifiers that rely only on UV light or ionisation. These can produce ozone, which is harmful to your lungs. 2. Room size Always check the purifier’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and room coverage. This tells you how much air the purifier can clean per hour. For effective purification, the air in a room should be cleaned 4 to 5 times every hour. Smart tip: Buy a purifier designed for a room slightly larger than yours. This lets you run it on a lower, quieter setting while still getting clean air. 3. Noise Level: Clean air shouldn’t disturb you Air purifiers often run for long hours, even while you sleep. A noisy device can disturb your rest, work, or study time. For bedrooms or study rooms, choose a model that operates below 50 decibels. Many modern purifiers also offer sleep or silent modes, which reduce noise while maintaining basic purification. 4. Filter replacement costs Filters don’t last forever. HEPA and carbon filters need regular replacement because they trap pollutants over time. Always check the cost and availability of replacement filters. A filter replacement indicator is a must-have feature, as it tells you exactly when it’s time for a change. 5. Health warnings Some purifiers release ozone as a by-product, especially those using ionisers. Ozone is a known lung irritant and can worsen breathing problems. Also, be careful with marketing terms like “HEPA-style” or “washable HEPA”. These are often not true HEPA filters and may not provide the same level of protection. 6. Energy use and proper placement Since air purifiers need to run for many hours, energy efficiency matters. Check the power consumption (in watts) lower wattage means lower electricity bills. For best results, place the purifier: Correct placement ensures maximum exposure to clean air. 7. Warranty and after-sales support An air purifier is a long-term investment, so always choose a reliable brand. Look for: Good after-sales service ensures smooth maintenance and consistent performance over time.
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