Don’t neglect the indoor air quality of your home. Most Canadians spend a significant amount of time indoors, especially at night when asleep, so do what you can to reduce the risks posed by dust, wildfire smoke, and other common air pollutants. Thankfully, the addition of devices like air purifiers can improve indoor air quality and help protect the health of you and your family.
Why clean air matters
Breathing clean air is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Poor indoor air quality can cause or exacerbate health issues like allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Airborne pollutants, including dust and wildfire smoke, can trigger these issues and in some people lead to more severe health consequences. By removing these pollutants, air purifiers help create a healthier living environment.
Understanding air purifiers
An air purifier is a device designed to cleanse the air in your home of contaminants. It’s main function is to pull in air, pass that air through a filter, then circulate cleaner air through your home. The most important component of an air purifier is its filter. The High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter and activated carbon filter are two commonly used types. A HEPA filter traps particles, while an activated carbon filter absorbs gases and odours. In both cases, these filters can improve a room’s air quality.
Air purifiers and dust: clearing the air
Dust is more than just an annoyance—it can trigger allergic reactions and worsen respiratory conditions. HEPA air purifiers work efficiently in trapping dust particles, removing them from the circulating air. They can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is smaller than most dust particles. By doing so, they can provide relief from dust-related allergy symptoms and improve overall indoor air quality.
Air purifiers and allergies: a breath of fresh air
Allergies can make life miserable, with symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. In many cases, these are triggered by airborne allergens in our homes—dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and more. Air purifiers serve as a formidable tool in an allergy sufferer’s arsenal. As they clean the air, they also eliminate common allergens.
- Dust Mites and Pet Dander: The HEPA filter in air purifiers can efficiently trap these minute particles. Dust mites and pet dander are known to trigger allergies in many individuals. An air purifier can help minimize these allergens in your home’s air.
- Mold Spores: As we’ve previously discussed, mold spores can trigger allergy symptoms and worsen respiratory conditions. Most experts recommend you remove the mold and treat all affected surfaces whenever mold is present. An air purifiers can then help reduce the presence of mold spores in the air.
- Pollen: Though not specifically mentioned before, pollen is another common allergen that can find its way into your home. Air purifiers can help filter out pollen, offering relief during the allergy season.
By reducing allergen levels, air purifiers can help lessen allergy symptoms, making your home a more comfortable space. The choice of air purifier can make a significant difference for those living with allergies. Therefore, investing in a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter is a step towards easier breathing and fewer allergy symptoms.
Surviving wildfire seasons with air purifiers
Over the past several years, most Canadians have been affected by the onslaught of wildfires and the smoke hazard they create. Even if you don’t live near to the location of the fires, changing wind patterns can drastically reduce the air quality in your home due to smoke. This smoke contains a mix of harmful gases and fine particles that for many people either creates serious health problems or exacerbates existing health conditions. Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters are particularly effective in such situations. These filters absorb harmful gases and volatile organic compounds present in wildfire smoke, ensuring cleaner, safer air in your home.
Choosing the best air purifier for your needs
When selecting an air purifier, you should consider its filter type, the size of the room it can cover, its noise level, and energy efficiency. For dust and other air borne pollutants, opt for a purifier with a genuine HEPA filter. If wildfire smoke is a concern, a purifier with both a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter is ideal. Keep in mind the size of the room where you’ll use the purifier—a model designed for a small bedroom won’t be as effective in a large living room. Best Buy has sorted their selection by room size to help you find the right size for your needs.
Keeping your air purifier at peak performance
To ensure that your air purifier remains effective in removing dust, allergens, and smoke, it’s essential to maintain it properly. This includes cleaning or replacing filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Also, placing the purifier correctly in the room and running it for the appropriate duration can greatly enhance its effectiveness. Check that there is air flow from the device, to ensure that the fan is not blocked and to know it is placed in a good spot to be most effective. Reduced airflow may also indicate that the filter is clogged; it may be time to change it. Some models have a built-in air quality indicator that will help you determine when the change the filter. One last note, you should replace a HEPA filter rather than trying to clean it yourself. The manufacturer’s instructions that came with your air purifier will state which areas are okay to clean (either with a vacuum or a soft cloth) and they will also suggest you replace the HEPA filter regularly for maximum health benefits.
In the battle against dust, mold, and wildfire smoke, air purifiers can be a strong ally. By removing these harmful particles from your home’s air, they can significantly improve the air quality in your living spaces. The right air purifier can also be an effective tool in managing allergies, allowing you to breathe easier and live healthier. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess your needs and choose an air purifier that fits your specific situation. Enjoy breathing cleaner air and the benefits that come with it.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
