Research has shown that the respiratory illnesses across the UK can be caused by breathing in air filled with contaminants such as pet dander, dust, spores from mould, allergens and toxic gaseous chemicals.

Studies have also shown that improving air quality in your property can reduce the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses.

There are different types of air purifiers such as carbon purifiers, ionic purifiers, HEPA purifiers, fibreglass purifiers, UV purifiers and pleated air purifiers.

Each of the filters mentioned work best in filtering different types of air contaminants. To find a purifier that will work best for your residence, you should first identify the contaminants that are present in the air you breathe.

This article will offer practical tips on how to choose the ideal purifier to combat the most common contaminants present. It will also highlight the top considerations you should make when purchasing an effective air purifier.

We have also compiled a list of the best air purifiers in the UK to compare the best available.

Key Takeaways

  • Air purifiers are essential for improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses caused by contaminants like pet dander, dust, mould spores, allergens, and toxic chemicals.
  • Different air purifiers, such as HEPA, ionic, and carbon purifiers, are effective against specific contaminants, so choosing the right one depends on identifying the pollutants in your indoor air.
  • Air purifiers can benefit individuals with asthma, pet allergies, sensitivity to chemicals, hay fever, dust mite allergies, and exposure to traffic pollution, providing clean and fresh air while preventing health complications.

Air Purifiers for Asthma

If you have been diagnosed as asthmatic and your symptoms tend to flare up regularly when you are at home, there is a high likelihood that you are breathing in air full of contaminants. These contaminants include dust, pet dander, mould spores, pollen and other airborne microorganisms.

If you are continually breathing in high levels of the contaminants mentioned above, you may find that your breathing becomes shallow regularly, you cough or wheeze a lot or you experience intermittent bouts of chest pain.

To avoid chronic asthma attacks, you should purify the air in all spaces in your residence with a HEPA air purifier, ionic purifier or pleated air purifier.

Ideally, you should go for True HEPA air purifier that not only traps the contaminants that make your ailment to flare up but also kills the contaminants in question.

Remember that air purifiers come in different sizes. Choose a purifier that has the capability of effectively purifying air in all rooms in your home and one that can also measure the quality of air in your room and turn on immediately it detects high levels of impurities.

Air Pollution

Air Purifiers for Pet Allergies

There is a common misconception that you can be allergic to pets. That is not the case. If you own pets and tend to display allergic reactions such as coughing or sneezing when they are around, it is most likely because you are breathing in dander and mites from the pets. Dander refers to the dead skin cells that are shed by pets over time.

On installing an air purifier, you are most likely to find that your allergic reactions will abate. Ideally, it would be best if you went for a quality True HEPA air purifier that can constantly filter and recirculates the air in your home.

In addition to installing an air purifier, you should also take certain steps to limit the presence of dander and mites from pets such as:

  • Washing your pets regularly
  • Keep your pets away from your furniture and carpeted areas
  • Dust surfaces where your pets spend a lot of time regularly

Air Purifiers for Tobacco Smoke and Odour

Apart from being thoroughly irritating, cigarette smoke also contains dozens of harmful chemicals which can lead to a host of medical complications. If you live with a smoker or the air in your home reeks of a musty odour, you can get rid of the annoying smell and in the process avoid exposing yourself to the risk of health complications by installing an air purifier.

Not all air purifiers can get rid of smoke and odours. Your best bet to getting clean, fresh and quality air in your residence is to install a carbon air purifier. Carbon air purifiers contain special activated carbon that can trap and get rid of pungent smells and odours as well as cigarette smoke.

Air Purifiers for Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

There are some people who display negative side-effects when they are exposed to chemical fumes. Some of the common symptoms that arise on exposure to common household chemical fumes such as those found in deodorants, paint fumes, scented household products include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rashes

It is important to note that sensitivity to Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemical fumes can lead to serious health complications. If you are affected by VOCs and exposure to fumes from chemical substances of any kind, you can protect yourself by acquiring a carbon air purifier. Research and studies have shown that these air purifiers are the most effective in trapping harmful compounds found in chemical fumes and VOCs.

Air Purifiers for Hayfever

Studies show that around 20% of the people in the UK suffer from Hay Fever. This is an allergic reaction that mostly manifests itself when a person is exposed to allergens such as pollen, mould spores, pet dander and dust mites.

Most of the allergens that cause Hay Fever symptoms to manifest are very small, but they can be filtered from the air you breath with a HEPA filter. To effectively get rid of these allergens and prevent Hay Fever symptoms from cropping up, you should go for a True HEPA air purifier brand. True HEPA filters are ideal since they have a 99.97% success rate in trapping and removing allergen contaminants from the air.

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Air Purifiers for Dust Mite Allergies

Dust mites are a major culprit when it comes to allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks. Dust mites are microscopic and this means that many homeowners breath them in unknowingly. Some of the most common reactions to breathing in dust mites include:

  • A running nose
  • Red, puffy or watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Clogging of the respiratory system
  • An itchy nose or throat
  • Trouble breathing

You can get rid of a dust mite infestation in your home by installing a HEPA filter or ionic filter. There are certain steps that you should undertake in addition to installing an air purifier such as:

  • Regularly vacuuming carpeted surfaces
  • Washing furniture upholstery
  • Ensuring that the air in your property has low levels of humidity

Air Purifiers for Traffic Pollution

UK residents with homes around metropolitan areas are the most affected by traffic pollution. Outdoor air pollution from gaseous car exhaust, brake dust and other minerals found in exhaust fumes can filter in your home when you open windows and cause serious health complications when inhaled.

Keeping in mind that traffic pollution contains a wide range of contaminants, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are breathing in clean air by installing an air purifier.

To filter out gaseous and chemical contaminants, you can install a carbon air purifier while for the solid particle pollutants you can rely on an ionic or HEPA air purifier.

Another great way to exponentially reduce the level of traffic pollutants filtering into your home is to ensure that you avoid opening up windows.

Regular vacuuming can also help you get rid of particle contaminants that may be in the air you are breathing.

Air Purifier Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Top Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Purifier?

When choosing an air purifier for your residence, there are certain crucial considerations you should keep in mind when purchasing an air purifier. They include:

  • The type of contaminants that are most likely to be present in the air you are breathing
  • The size of the room where you will be using the air purifier
  • Additional technological design features in your air purifier such as SMART connectivity, automatic measuring of air quality, the capability to trap and kill allergens and airflow design (Sterilization capability)
  • Depending on the area you want to install the air purifier, you can also consider the noise levels produced by the gadget when it is in operation
  • The warranty provided by the manufacturer
  • Price (The price of air purifiers mostly depends on the size of the gadget, design features and brand)Air Purifier Filter

Do I Need a Air Purifier?

To understand whether you need an air purifier, you have to ask yourself; Do I want to improve the quality and freshness of air in my residence? If yes, then you should acquire an air purifier.

A purifier will not only guarantee that you and your loved ones are protected from many airborne contaminants that cause respiratory infections, but it will also ensure that your residence smells clean and fresh throughout the year.

Do Air Purifiers Work Effectively to Remove Pollutants and Contaminants from the Air?

Yes. Different types of air purifiers have been proven to be highly effective in removing contaminants and pollutants from the air. Different purifiers rely on various technologies to carry out air purification.

For example, carbon purifiers use activated carbon to trap gaseous contaminants and chemicals compounds in fumes, HEPA air purifiers remove airborne particle contaminants through a 3-step fine mesh filtration process, UV purifiers get rid of living microscopic contaminants by using Ultraviolet radiation while ionic purifiers rely on ionic generators to get rid of airborne contaminants such as fine dust.

To acquire an air purifier with the capability of effectively getting rid of air contaminants in your house, you should first identify the contaminants flowing in the air you are breathing.

Please see our list of the best air quality monitors that can measure and show you the results of pollutants in the air.

Virus

Are Air Purifiers a Worthwhile Investment?

You cannot put a price on good health for yourself and your loved ones. Air purifiers can trap and contaminants and pollutants found in the air you breathe, meaning less risk of respiratory illnesses in your residence.

Additionally, they will also improve the overall quality of life by providing clean and fresh air throughout the year. Is purchasing an air purifier a worthwhile investment? Yes, it is!

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Conclusion

Without a doubt, air purifiers are an effective way of providing clean and fresh air within a home. However, for you to gain the benefits that this device offers, you must choose a purifier that has the capability of effectively meeting your air purification needs.

Keep in mind that it is not always possible to see airborne pollutants and contaminants. A sliver of light filtering through your windows may help you spot dust particles in your home but other contaminants such as dust mites, bacteria and germs may be harder to spot.

The best way to protect your quality of life is to watch the air quality in your home by installing an air purifier.

About the Author

At Heat Pump Source, our articles are the product of a collaborative effort among a team of highly skilled HVAC experts. Our dedicated professionals, hailing from diverse backgrounds in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, contribute their extensive knowledge and experience to every piece of content. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive coverage. Our commitment is to deliver authoritative, reliable, and tailored advice to meet the unique needs of every household and business across the UK.