More and more often, the conditions of urban life, characterized by polluted air, poor ecology, which leads to deterioration of health and constant depression, force residents of megacities to give up everything and move outside the city in order to breathe clean air in the lap of nature and not think about the problems associated with constant vanity.
Another option is to move from a polluted industrial area to a quiet suburb without the noise of cars, trains and factories, with birdsong and the wonderful aroma of lilacs in the spring, and in winter - with quiet picturesque streets and the crackling of snow underfoot, which you can no longer hear in the city.
An air purifier is an indispensable accessory
Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to move outside the city. So, does this mean there is no way to breathe clean air and not polluted air that has a detrimental effect on health?
There is a way out; it will allow you, even in a big metropolis, to turn your apartment into an oasis, fragrant with natural freshness. Yes, now there is an opportunity to improve conditions and create a good microclimate at home, and without much effort, because inventors have worked for this. Today, modern technologies make it possible to clean the air in your apartment from harmful impurities. Of course, the device cannot replace the sound of sea waves or birdsong, but it will definitely make the air clean. We are talking about residential premises, and in this article we will help you choose this device.
How does an air purifier work?
For an apartment, this is a simple device, easy to use, and does not require special skills for maintenance. It kills all germs in the air, and anyone can use the device. For people with allergies and those who often suffer from colds, this is a godsend.
The operating principle of a device with a removable filter is based on blowing air through several special filters, depending on the type of contamination. For example, some of them can remove gas or smoke from an apartment, others will clean it of dust, plant pollen, and animal hair. The air purifier model uses carbon and mesh. The strength of the air flow can be adjusted using buttons or a switch located on the control unit, or in auto mode.
Which air purifier is best?
Air purifiers with replaceable filters, which are in greatest demand, are products of the following brands: Daikin, Boneco Electrolux, Bionaire, Sharp Air, Comfort, Air-O-Swiss, Venta, Toshiba, Bork. In general, there is a large selection, and you can find a model that meets all requirements. Cost - from $80 for a basic model and up to $1,000 for an elite model. The optimal air purifier for an apartment costs $200-500 (with the additional option of ionization and humidification), has a multi-stage cleaning system and a control panel.
Premium models are units that combine in one housing several devices with different functionality, capable of operating separately or simultaneously.
When choosing an air purifier, be guided by your needs, and also consider the size of the area that needs to be cleaned by the selected model.
There are also air purifiers on sale without replaceable filters, the main purpose of which is purification by passing air through water. They are also called “air washers”. They cost a little more.
“Air washing” passes it through wet cartridges. Such devices not only provide protection from pollution, but also increase its humidity to optimal standards for humans - 50-60 percent.
If there is a high degree of pollution, it is best to use apartment air purifiers with replaceable filters, and if your main goal is to increase the humidity in the room, then in this case you need to use a humidifier.
Market leaders producing air purifiers
Today, many people want to purchase the best air purifier for their apartment. A review of the modern market shows that the most popular brands are: Boneco (from $220), AOS ($250-500), Ballu (from $180), Venta ($250-800). For this price, you can get not just a model that purifies and humidifies the air, but a universal device with additional options that regulate noise levels. In addition, there is a silver function, and the model also comes with a remote control.
Brands such as Sharp and Daikin deserve special attention in terms of the quality of their products among air purifiers, and most importantly, the money requested for them; the Aic air purifier is quite good. The products of these brands, first of all, purify the air, and the humidification function is additional, which does not prevent them from doing their job just fine. There are no differences in the quality of humidification in the model range, only the cleaning systems differ.
The best air purifiers for apartments Sharp are equipped with a classic HEPA filter, ionizer and deodorizing filter, while Daikin has a proprietary Flash Streamer system, which allows not only to eliminate dust, unpleasant odors and allergens, but also to effectively destroy viruses, including the virus swine flu.
The Swiss company IQAir is considered the best manufacturer of professional air purifiers. Household air purifiers from this company have HyperHEPA filters, which are 100 times more effective than conventional HEPA.
Filters in air purifiers
The filter is a key link in the purifier device. The degree of cleaning and the performance of the equipment depend on its type. Let's take a closer look at what types of filters are used for what, and which ones are of better quality. Let's start with coarse filters that remove large mechanical particles. They are a simple fine mesh. Such a filter is needed to remove large particles of wool, sand, poplar fluff, and hair. This filter also protects the device itself from these particles getting inside. As you use the mesh, you need to clean it or blow it out, then it can be used many times. For normal operation of the equipment, the mesh must be cleaned once every 3 months.
Carbon adsorption filter
This filter contains activated carbon, which is an adsorption element often used to combat toxins. Carbon adsorption filters successfully neutralize bad odors in the air. But, unfortunately, they do not protect against nitrogen oxides contained in city air, so they are used only as additional ones.
Carbon filters absorb impurities. Therefore, they need to be changed periodically. Their service life ranges from 3 months to one year, the cost is 30-40 dollars.
Electrostatic filters
These filters are used for more advanced and deep air purification, which is performed as follows: air is driven through the positive electrode, which is represented by a positively charged mesh, and polluting compounds remain on the negative electrodes. These are reusable filters that just need to be rinsed with water for reuse. Their main disadvantage is the release of ozone during their operation. This is a highly toxic gas, despite all its disinfecting and healing properties.
HEPA filters
These filters are a guarantee of effective and deep cleaning, which, in addition to being used in everyday life, are also used in medical devices, medical laboratories and institutions. These filters have earned many positive reviews. They capture up to 97% of allergenic particles larger than 0.3 microns and various pollutants. HEPA filters are disposable, have a service life of 1 year, after which they need to be replaced. Cost - 25-35 dollars.
Power and noise level
One of the advantages of air purifiers is their low power consumption, usually 50-70 W, and for inexpensive models that are in consumer demand - 20-35 W.
It is also worth noting the low noise level, which is important since many air purifiers work continuously, including at night in the bedroom. In any cleaning device, as a rule, the fan makes noise, and manufacturers took this into account by creating units with a night mode, when the number of fan revolutions is reduced to a minimum and the volume is 37 dB. This noise level is not distracting and does not interfere with sleep. In addition, it may depend on the type of filters used.
For example, to pass air through a HEPA filter, you need a fan of greater power, which means a noisier one. However, manufacturers claim that the noise level is not higher than the standard value. There are air purifiers for apartments with almost silent operation at night (in “Sleep” mode). The volume is only 16 dB.
Experts from the World Health Organization attribute more than seven million deaths annually to poor ecology, including dirty air. But if it is difficult to protect yourself from inhaling pollutants on the street, then at home it is quite possible. We have selected the most effective air purifiers: they will help create a healthy atmosphere in your apartment or at work.
Criterias of choice
What does “effective air purifier” mean? What guided us when selecting models? Let's explain. In our opinion, the best way to purify air is through filters (mechanical cleaning). In any case, nothing better has yet been invented for household models. So the main criterion is the quality of the filtration system.
In the text we mention air filters of various classes. For your convenience, we provide information about their effectiveness in the infographic below.
IQAir HealthPro 250: super filters, expensive
The triple air purification system implemented in the Swiss IQAir HealthPro 250 allows it to cope with fine dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses that are dangerous to our body, as well as odors and gaseous air pollution.
At the first stage of cleaning, the air passes through a pre-filter - large dust is retained. Then he hits a massive ( 2.5 kg) two-component adsorption filter MultiGas (based on granular activated carbon), which is responsible for purifying the air from a wide range of gaseous chemical pollutants and odors, including cigarette smoke.
Air purifier IQAir HealthPro 250. Designed for 85 m². Cost - about 100,000 rubles*
Further along the air path is a proprietary HyperHEPA filter of impressive size (working surface - 5 m², class: H 12-H 13, depending on the cleaning speed). It traps particles as small as 0.003 microns - this is almost seven times smaller than the size of the smallest viruses. In addition, it almost completely - with an efficiency of 99.97%, according to the manufacturer - copes with particles ranging in size from 0.3 microns.
The electronic control of the IQAir HealthPro 250 allows you to select the desired intensity of air purification (maximum productivity - 440 m³/h: 10 minutes to purify the air in a room of 15 m²), create a work schedule and be aware of the status of the filters. This is not a small air purifier, but it has a chassis and a comfortable handle, so moving it around will not be a problem.
*All prices in the material are current on the day of publication.
the site explains:
The larger the size of the filters in the air purifier, the longer they work at maximum efficiency, and the less often they need to be replaced. But, as in the case of IQAir, the size of the filters also affects the dimensions of the device, increasing them. Here you need to choose - either a more compact model and more frequent replacement of filters (this is an additional expense), or a larger air purifier and, accordingly, less frequent replacement of filters.
LG PuriCare: it knows what to do
An important feature of the South Korean air purifier LG Puri Care AS60GDPV0 is air quality sensors. One monitors the presence of fine dust with a size of 1 micron, and the other checks for foreign odors and gaseous contaminants. Based on the data from these sensors, the Smart mode operates: the air purifier independently optimizes its operation - selects the cleaning intensity.
Air enters the purifier along the entire circumference of the body - this way, according to the Koreans, the cleaning process occurs faster. In Booster mode, a special additional fan is activated at the top of the device, which helps to quickly distribute clean air throughout the room.
Air purifier LG Puri Care AS60GDPV0. Designed for 58 m². Cost - 59,000 rubles
A pre-filter traps large dust, a highly efficient HEPA filter (LG does not provide information about its class) traps fine dust, plus a special filter insert frees it from odors and gaseous contaminants. The filters are not as large as the IQAir, but the purifier itself is smaller. The manufacturer reports that filter replacement is required every 1-2 years. The cost of a set of filters is 5,999 rubles. LG Puri Care itself will cost 59,000 rubles.
Daniil Golovin, site project expert:
Air purifiers are designed to clean the air in rooms of different sizes. Often this can be 50 or even 100 m². And what? Is one cleaner enough for the whole apartment? No: manufacturers always have ideal conditions in mind - no internal walls, closed doors or anything else that interferes with air distribution. In an ordinary apartment, if it is not a “studio” type housing, all this is difficult to achieve. So you will have to install a purifier in each or almost every room if you want the maximum effect - clean air everywhere.
Boneco H680: cleansing and moisturizing
Boneco H680 solves two problems: it purifies the air and humidifies it (normal air humidity is no less important than its purity). The functions can be used separately - only cleaning or only moisturizing. A hybrid filter that captures fine dust and odors is responsible for air purity.
It has an EPA component (filter class - E 11) - copes with 95% of fine particles (see the filter efficiency table at the beginning of the material): dust, bacteria, pollen, etc. An activated carbon filter combats odors.
A special humidifying drum based on sponge material is constantly wetted with water and maintains optimal humidity in the room. Purified air, passing through it, carries with it moisture particles into the room. The water consumption of the humidification system can reach up to a liter per hour, the volume of the clean water tank is 11 liters.
Air purifier Boneco H680. Designed for 100 m². Cost - 60,000 rubles
Boneco H680 has electronic control. The climate complex monitors the degree of air pollution and humidity levels - the information is reflected on the display. Based on this data, auto mode operates to maintain optimal air quality. There is an optimized mode for a children's room, as well as a night mode. When it is necessary to replace the filters, the device will indicate this with an indication on the display.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool: three in one
Having created a bladeless fan with Air Multiplier technology several years ago (air “blows” through a special circuit), the British seem to have decided to get the most out of it. In addition to the humidifier we are talking about, they created another device based on it, in which heating and air purification were added to the fan function - Dyson Pure Hot + Cool.
The air purification system here is classic: an H13 class HEPA filter catches fine dust, bacteria, pollen, viruses and other allergens. Allergy sufferers and asthmatics can use this purifier without fear - the model has passed special certification.
The filter layer of activated carbon with special treatment, according to the manufacturer, has an increased ability to capture odors and gaseous pollutants from the air. Watch our video about this air purifier.
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifier. Calculated 37 m². Cost - about 35,000 rubles
In addition to purifying the air at any time of the year, in cold weather you can turn on the heating mode, and in the summer you can use Pure Hot + Cool as a fan. The official website, however, says that it cools, but this is a marketing exaggeration - there is no air conditioning function here. It is also convenient that there are two modes of air distribution - directed and diffused.
Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2: inexpensive but cool
There is an interesting story with this air purifier - Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2: it seems to exist in Russia, but it seems like it doesn’t exist. That is, you can buy it, including in Russian online stores - there are dozens of offers on the Yandex Market. But, as they explained to us at RDC GROUP (this is the official representative and distributor of Xiaomi in Russia), these air purifiers are not yet supplied to our country through their channels.
However, the model is interesting - like many other Xiaomi products - in terms of characteristics and price-quality ratio. Design in the spirit of minimalism. Dirty air is sucked in from four sides (essentially like the Korean LG PuriCare, only the “Chinese” has a less rounded body). The maximum cleaning intensity is 310 m³ of air per hour: in about 10 minutes you can clean the air in a room of about 20 m².
Air purifier Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2. Designed for 39 m². Cost - about 9,000 rubles
The cleaning system is traditional. First, a preliminary plastic mesh - for coarse dust. Next is the highly efficient EPA E11 filter, produced by the Japanese company TORAY (a well-known concern specializing, among other things, in the production of water and air purification systems). Plus a special layer based on activated carbon - against odors and gaseous air pollution.
The purifier can be controlled from anywhere - using a proprietary mobile application - and even created a work schedule. And also receive information about air quality, temperature and humidity at home, and the need to replace filters. It’s very cool that Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2 can be bought in Russia for 8,500-9,000 rubles - this is an excellent price for such functionality.
— If space allows, use an air purifier with large (volumetric) filters: these work longer with maximum efficiency.
— Do not forget to regularly change those filters in the purifier that require it - over time, their effectiveness decreases.
— To make the effect most noticeable, install an air purifier in each room of the apartment where you spend a lot of time (bedroom, living room, children’s room).
— The air is purified fastest in completely isolated rooms, but do not neglect periodic ventilation.
— Use remote control capabilities, if provided - it is convenient and will allow you to optimize the operation of the purifier and extend the life of the filters.
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By default, air exchange in the apartment is provided by natural exhaust ventilation. Remember the holes with bars under the ceiling in the bathroom and kitchen. From them there are ventilation ducts from the apartment to the common building exhaust shaft, which goes out onto the roof. Through these channels, stuffy air is removed from the apartment to the outside. But it is necessary not only to remove the air, but also to supply fresh air from the street.
Air can enter the home through open windows. But as soon as they are closed, the street air stops flowing into the apartment. And without inflow there is no exhaust. On the other hand, dirty air with impurities of exhaust gases, allergens and bacteria enters the apartment through open windows. If you are allergic, then in the summer poplar fluff, plant and flower pollen are added here. And in winter, during a period when the immune system is weakened by the fight against viruses and microbes, open windows give you “dangerous” drafts, which does not bode well for your health.
There is a solution - install a fresh air ventilation system. They are designed to bring in fresh air and have various filtration options. There are heated appliances, which is important in the cold season. Suitable for apartments, houses and offices up to 100 m2.
Why is forced ventilation needed?
without forced ventilation
With traditional ventilation through windows into the apartment dirt, noise, bacteria and odors enter.
With forced ventilation
Inflow Provides ventilation and purifies incoming air simultaneously.
What to look for when choosing supply ventilation
It can be central or compact. Central - this is when there is a ventilation unit under the suspended ceiling or on the balcony, driving air through pipes that are stretched throughout all the rooms. Such ventilation “eats up” a lot of space, requires serious repair work and is expensive. Central ventilation makes sense if you have a private house or apartment at the stage of major renovation.
If the apartment already has a fine finish, then it would be a pity to destroy the interior to install air ducts. It is easier and cheaper to install compact supply ventilation: a ventilator or a breather. These are small devices that are installed on the wall and supply fresh air through a through channel. .
- Performance. According to the standards, the minimum productivity is 30 m3/hour for one person. To ensure there is enough fresh air for all family members, it is advisable to have a fan in the supply ventilation. The more powerful it is, the more fresh air it will bring in.
- Air filtration. City air is an explosive mixture of exhaust gases, dust, industrial emissions, and in the spring also allergens. A good cleaning system with several filters can contain this entire cocktail. For large particles - a class G (coarse) or class F (fine) filter, for small particles - more efficient class H filters (so-called HEPA filters), for harmful gases - carbon filters.
- Price. Compact devices are noticeably cheaper than central supply and exhaust ventilation. It costs about 100 thousand rubles and even more.
- Extra options. There are devices with heated air in the apartment, with different numbers of fan speeds and, accordingly, with different noise levels. Useful options - Wi-Fi module, CO2 level sensor.
Below is a comparative table in which you can evaluate different types of supply ventilation according to all the listed parameters.
Options for ventilation systems for apartments
| Type of supply ventilation | Performance | Filtration | Extra options | Price with installation |
| Supply valve |
from 0 to 54 m3/h |
No | No | RUB 5,900 |
| Ventilator | from 10 to 160 m3/h for one room |
or carbon filter, or coarse filter G3 |
no air heating |
RUB 22,490 |
| Breezer | from 30 to 130 m3/h for one room |
three filters: |
heating from -40°С to +25°С |
RUB 28,900 |
| Central supply ventilation | about 300-500 m3/h for the whole apartment |
additional filters |
water or electric air heating, low noise level, at extra charge you can install modules air cooling and humidification |
about 100,000 rub. + expenses for additional modules + repair costs |
In all respects, compact supply ventilation is not inferior to central ventilation. As for the cost, for a large apartment it is cheaper to install 2-3 ventilators or breathers than to spend money on central ventilation. And the same amount for repairs after laying air ducts.
- Choose a supply valve if you live in an ecologically favorable and warm region, want to protect yourself from street noise and minimal ventilation is enough for you (at the level of a slightly open window).
- Choose a ventilator if you live in the same warm and environmentally friendly region, but you want more intensive ventilation compared to a slightly open window.
- Choose a breather if you live in a noisy and dusty city and you need a lot of air - not only fresh, but also clean.
A modern apartment does not experience a shortage of domestic “dust generators”; many household items make their “feasible” contribution, from plush toys to books. In addition to “generators,” there are also always plenty of devices and things in the house that attract this dust. A desktop computer, for example, accumulates a monstrous amount of dust inside in a short period of time, and even if you clean it once a month, this is still not enough.
How a typical photocatalytic air purifier works using the Aircomfort/AIC model as an example
To reduce the amount of dust, various electronic devices have been invented that draw this dust into themselves in one way or another. Then the dust can be washed off, cleaned, thrown away with a filter... In general, today we will talk about dust collectors, they are also air purifiers. Go!
⇡ Electrostatic cleaners
The most common option in terms of price/quality ratio are electrostatic air purifiers. They do not have consumables, and the principle of operation is based on Coulomb’s law: the air ionized in the device begins to move and captures dust particles, which at the same time receive an electric charge of a certain sign. The plates, which have the opposite potential, attract particles of dust and gases, thereby purifying the air.
Such devices highly effectively purify the air from fine dust, soot and tobacco smoke (particles smaller than 1 micron), giving as a bonus comfort, freshness and the smell of ozone in the case of a built-in ozonizer. Such an additional device is only beneficial, since in small concentrations ozone performs a bactericidal function, destroying harmful viruses, bacteria and toxins. Ozone also oxidizes phenolic resins, pesticides and unpleasant aromatic compounds.
The bedside table that looks like a computer case is The Design Air Electrostatic Air Purifier
A tangible advantage of such devices is noiselessness (that is, complete - due to the absence of moving elements) and low power consumption (28-40 W). If the first indicator is critical for you, it makes sense to think about purchasing electrostatic cleaners.
Returning to the design of the ionizer, we can say that in itself it is useful without additional options, since the air is initially charged with ions. But passed through any filter, it loses its natural charge and becomes “dead.” It is quite unpleasant for humans and animals to be in such air and is generally unsafe, since it can provoke various diseases. A built-in or separate ionizer corrects this annoying drawback.
The Maxion vertical air purifier is simple, but has both an ionizer and an ozonizer
Now there are quite a few manufacturers of such cleaners, from Korean Maxion and Japanese Daikin to Russian “Super-plus”, Fanline, AIC, Atmos and other semi-famous Russian-Chinese brands. Due to the simplicity of the design, such devices can be easily disassembled for cleaning, and for daily or round-the-clock operation, it is recommended to do this approximately once a week. The procedure is simple: we clean off the accumulated dust and fumes from the plates with a damp sponge or napkin, and, if desired, blow through the open internal parts.
⇡ Electronics and technology
As for the controls, all dust collectors are quite simple. Power button, power regulator, as well as a separate button for turning on the UV lamp, if present. In the case of more sophisticated models, these may not be mechanical buttons, but touch ones; you can also see an LCD display, a timer, a remote control and filter control.
In general, when choosing a cleaner, either electrostatic or any other, it is hardly worth focusing on electronic bells and whistles. The main thing, we repeat, is the type of filter (or filters) that you ultimately choose, as well as the area of the room for which the device is designed.
⇡ Purifiers with replaceable filters
These dust collectors offer air purification using HEPA filters (yes, the same type found in vacuum cleaners), whose advantage lies primarily in the ability to effectively clean the air of particles 0.34 microns in size or less (see above figures for electrostatic cleaners). Therefore, they are recommended and indicated for allergy sufferers and children.
The disadvantages of such systems are more significant, and they lie in the price of HEPA filters, which are recommended to be changed at least once a year. Actually, this is where their description ends, and the advantages of such air purifiers lie only in their low power consumption (desktop models consume about 5 W) and low price (from 1000 rubles).
Due to their high cost, HEPA purifiers are not particularly popular, but they are often used in conjunction with photocatalytic purifiers, and less often with electrostatic purifiers. They are produced by the same vendors who present us with all other types of purifiers. Dust collectors exclusively with a HEPA filter are difficult to find, unless they are old ones, combined only with carbon filters - like the one we know from Boneco humidifiers.
⇡ Photocatalytic cleaners
Today, this type of air purifier is considered the most effective - but at the same time the most expensive in terms of electronics. Photocatalytic air purifiers purify and disinfect the air through the interaction of UV light and a catalyst. Ultraviolet light hits the surface of the catalyst (usually titanium dioxide), and natural substances with high oxidizing power (ozone and higher oxides) are formed. They decompose all pollutants that fall on the surface of the catalyst, and the size of the destroyed particles is about 1 nm (a value comparable to the size of molecules), which allows us to speak of them as the most effective types of air purifiers.
Photocatalytic cleaners also decompose toxic chemical compounds (odors, smoke) into harmless substances (mainly water and carbon dioxide) and destroy microorganisms. The breakdown occurs at the molecular level, so the photocatalytic purifier does not accumulate anything anywhere: there is no need to change the filter, and the air becomes clean in a completely natural way.
Another significant advantage of photocatalytic purifiers is the long service life of the filter element: over time, only the UV lamp will need to be replaced, but its service life can be either a year or 3 years, it all depends on the model.
Very often, this type of air purifier is combined with ozonizers and an electrostatic or carbon filter to retain larger particles (we remind you that for electrostatic filters this figure is less than 1 micron). It is clear that all this increases the price, and before choosing photocatalytic purifiers, it makes sense to think about the set of additional functions that are really necessary.
Photocatalytic filter from the Russian manufacturer Atmos is combined with HEPA filters
The downside of photocatalytic purifiers can be a high noise level. This especially applies to inexpensive models costing about 4-6 thousand rubles; their noise can reach a level of 55 dB.
Another disadvantage of photocatalytic purifiers is their higher energy consumption compared to electrostatic models: it can reach 65-80 W. Photocatalytic air purifiers are sold by everyone in Russia: the same AIC, Daikin, NeoClima, Ballu, Panasonic, Timberk, Atmos, REDMOND, Zenet and others.
⇡ Air washing
We have already briefly mentioned the combination of an air purifier and a humidifier in the article about humidifiers, and now we will once again mention these very expensive (on average 15-20 thousand rubles), but space-saving devices. They humidify the air and at the same time purify it: water is used as a filter.
The principle of operation of such a system is simple and effective: dirty air blows over a grounded water surface, dirt particles “stick” to the water surface under the influence of electrostatic forces, and then dissolve (settle) in the water.
Among the disadvantages of such a system (in addition to the high price), one can note lower quality cleaning compared to photocatalytic and HEPA filters, as well as high time costs: since an air humidifier is an integral part of the device, the water must be changed periodically (every 1-2 days) and top up.
There are options when the air washing design is not limited to a combination of a humidifier and a purifier. To this may be added multi-stage air purification (mechanical, electrostatic, and the actual “wash”), the presence of a room disinfection operating mode and a temperature regulator. And also everything else that comes to the mind of the manufacturer. And there are many of them: Electrolux, Daikin, NeoClima Panasonic, Polaris, Stadler Form, SUPRA, Atmos, Fanline, Venta, Boneco, BORK and other popular manufacturers of household appliances.
⇡ Conclusion
No matter what type of air purifier you choose, having one at home is better than not having one at all. They clean the air excellently (the degree of superiority is determined by the size of the captured particles, which is indicated for each type, and the amount you are willing to spend on them), so purifiers are an obvious and unambiguous must-have category for both smokers of all stripes and candle lovers , aromatic and others. The author’s practice shows that so much soot accumulates on electrostatic plates after an evening with candles that they need to be cleaned the very next day. Imagine if it all settles in your lungs and you have to breathe it in!
The issue of price here, in fact, is secondary, because most of these cleaners are in the price range from 3 to 10 thousand rubles, with rare exceptions.
We will talk about combine number zero - an air conditioner with a dust collector - in one of the following materials about air conditioners in general, and split systems in particular. Moreover, summer is almost here, and for residents of large cities such a thing is becoming more than relevant.
In modern environmental conditions, it becomes impossible to ventilate a room using an open window, since the risk of penetration of carcinogenic compounds with street air significantly exceeds the expected benefits of ventilation.
And in a large metropolis the streets are so dusty that opening windows is simply unreasonable.
To overcome this impasse, an air purifier for the home was created.
Until now, many people are skeptical about this unique invention, trying to understand whether it is harmful to health. So what are home air purifiers, and which one is better to choose?
The principle of operation of the air purifier is the circular circulation of air - from the external environment through the purifier to the outside. The room is cleaned using built-in filters. The home air environment is characterized by the presence of carcinogenic substances (formaldehyde, benzene, nitrogen dioxide), mold, fungi, bacteria and dust impurities.
When the air flow passes through the air purifier, the harmful microparticles it contains are deposited on the filter of the device.
The biggest concern among people is the electrostatic air purifier. It converts oxygen into ozone, which in large quantities is hazardous to human health. However, manufacturers produce devices with low ozone emissions, which is absolutely safe. It should be remembered when choosing an air purifier, benefits and harms are distributed in a ratio of 95 to 5%. In general, air purifiers are not harmful to people.
Main types
All air purifiers are classified by filtration type:
- mechanical;
- ionic or electrostatic;
- photocatalytic;
- combined.
Mechanical air purifiers contain HEPA air filters and carbon filters. They perfectly purify the air from house and construction dust, cope a little worse with bacteria and allergens, but are ineffective against viruses and gaseous compounds. You can make such an air purifier with your own hands, using filters and a fan.
An ionic air purifier (electrostatic) operates using an electrode that charges neutral air particles and attracts them to itself. It copes well with allergens, dust mites, viruses and bacteria, but is not able to clean the room from toxic gases. In addition, the air purifier ionizer fills the room with freshness.
An air purifier with a photocatalytic filter purifies the air in the home using UV radiation. It is effective against any microorganisms, allergens, toxic gases, but is not able to cope with organic impurities.
A cleaner with a UV lamp completely kills all microorganisms and literally sterilizes the room.
Combined purifiers are characterized by a multi-stage cleaning system and include all of the above filters. With the help of these devices, the air is simultaneously disinfected, cleaned of organic impurities and ionized.
How to choose
When choosing an air purifier the following factors must be taken into account:
- Room area. All devices have a different range of action: from 10 m2 to 150 m2. It is especially important to consider the area when choosing a device that contains an ionizer purifier, since the ozone concentration it emits is calculated for a certain range of action.
- Noise level. Devices with mechanical cleaning are characterized by noise during operation, this is due to the action of the built-in fan. The quietest option is an ionic purifier.
- Dust content. With the greatest accumulation of dust and organic impurities (animal hair), it is more advisable to choose an option with mechanical or ionic cleaning.
- Allergic reactions. Purifiers with ionic and photocatalytic filters do an excellent job of removing any household allergens (dust mites, plant pollen). However, if the allergy is caused by animal hair, then the best assistant in this matter is a HEPA filter.
- Smoke and smells. Devices with an ionizer and carbon filtration will help you cope with tobacco smoke and unpleasant odors.
- Disinfection. Maximum air disinfection is achieved by using a UV lamp.
As a rule, the device is turned on daily for several hours or left overnight. Some devices are equipped with an air control function and operate according to the air atmosphere.
Electrostatic and photocatalytic purifiers do not require filter replacement, unlike mechanical ones. Therefore, before choosing an air purifier for your home, you need to decide on the frequency of its use.
Air purifiers for home: top 10
The table shows the most popular models of air purifiers, according to customer reviews.
| Rating | Name | Characteristics (filters, coverage area) | Cost, rub) |
| 1 | AIC XJ-3800A1 | HEPA filter, photocatalytic, carbon, ionization. S= 60 m 2 | 16.000 |
| 2 | Daikin MC707VM | Pre-cleaning, electrostatic, ionization. S = 42 m2 | 50.000 |
| 3 | Redmond RAC-3704 | HEPA filter, photocatalytic, carbon, ionization. S = 46 m2 | 24.000 |
| 4 | AIC KJF-20B06 | HEPA filter, photocatalytic, carbon, ionization. S = 40 m2 | 11.000 |
| 5 | Boneco P2261 | HEPA filter, carbon, ionization. S= 60 m 2 | 2.000 |
| 6 | Bork A800 (AP RIH 9935) | HEPA filter, carbon. S = 38 m2 | 40.000 |
| 7 | Mitsubishi Electric MA-E83H-R1 | HEPA filter, carbon. S = 63 m2 | 35.000 |
| 8 | Shivaki SHAP-3010 | HEPA filter, photocatalytic, carbon, ionization. S = 25 m2 | 14.500 |
| 9 | Atmos Maxi | photocatalytic, carbon, pre-treatment, ionization. S = 30 m2 | 14.000 |
| 10 | Philips AC 40144.5 | HEPA filter, carbon. S = 55 m2 | 30.000 |
Filters in air purifiers
The following types of filters are used in air purifiers:
- Pre-cleaning. Conventional mesh filters, which are used at the first stage of cleaning, trap large particles of dust and animal hair.
- HEPA filters. They are an accordion assembled on both sides with micro-holes. They cope with mold and fungi spores, animal hair, and dust mites.
- Coal. Fights dust and absorbs odors using activated carbon.
- Electrostatic (ionic).They work on the principle of ionization, provide a high degree of purification, and cope with microorganisms.
- Photocatalytic. Purify the air using UV radiation. They completely disinfect the room from pathogenic bacteria and carcinogenic substances.
Air purifier operating instructions
The air purifier should be installed in areas where dust accumulates the most to operate effectively.
The device should not be adjacent to the wall, but located at a distance of at least 10 cm from it. For the purifier to work, you must plug it into the network and set the cleaning mode in accordance with the instructions.
Almost all modern models have electronic control and filter replacement indicators. The device's replacement filters must be replaced every 2 months. The ionizer plates should be wiped with a damp cloth at least once a week.
An air purifier for the home is a useful thing, cleaning the air space as much as possible. When choosing a device, you should take into account the area of the room and its pollution factors.
The best option is a combined air purifier from dust, carcinogens, allergens and bacteria, which includes a multi-stage cleaning system.