Air purifiers are becoming increasingly popular for use in the home to improve air quality. But what exactly does an air purifier do? How effective is it? And do you need one in your home or office? Here, we look at seven key facts about air purification to give you a better understanding of these powerful devices – and how they can help make your environment cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable.

Air purifiers are electronic appliances designed to improve air quality by removing dust, pollen, smoke, odors, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles from the air. They use filters to trap airborne contaminants, and many models also contain an ozone generator for additional odor control. Air purifiers can be used in homes, offices, and other indoor spaces to help remove pollutants that can cause health problems.

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the most common filter used in air purifiers. They are extremely effective at trapping small particles like dust mites and mold spores that can aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms. It is important to check the efficiency rating of a HEPA filter before purchasing an air purifier – they should have a minimum efficiency rating of 99%.

Many air purifiers also contain activated carbon filters, which effectively remove odors and gases from the air, such as smoke or chemical fumes. Activated carbon filters usually last longer than HEPA filters and must be replaced every 6-12 months depending on usage levels.

UV (ultraviolet) lights are sometimes included in air purifiers to kill germs and bacteria that pass through the filter system by damaging their DNA structure. This is especially useful in areas with a substantial risk of airborne pathogens, such as hospital wards or laboratories.

Ozone generators produce ozone gas which is highly reactive with organic molecules like smoke or pet dander and breaks them down into harmless compounds such as oxygen and nitrogen when released into the atmosphere. While this can help reduce odors, it should be used cautiously, as ozone can irritate respiratory systems in high indoor concentrations.

Ionizers are another form of air purifier often found in combination with other filtration methods, such as HEPA filters or activated carbon filters which release negative ions into the air and attach themselves to floating particles like dust or pollen, making them heavy enough to fall out of the air instead of being inhaled by people in the room.

It's important to keep your air purifier clean by constantly changing out the filter(s), cleaning any fans/grills on it, and vacuuming around it if necessary; otherwise, it will not be as effective at capturing pollutants from your home/office environment resulting in diminished indoor air quality over time! Additionally, some manufacturers recommend having your machine serviced every one to three years, depending on its age & type, so make sure you check your owner's manual for more detailed instructions regarding maintenance requirements for your particular unit.