Did you know that even indoor air is full of germs, allergens, smoke, and other airborne contaminants? Just because it's invisible to the naked eye doesn't mean it's not a threat.
The air is not as clean as you think
When we emailed to ask Sterra, a trending air purifier brand, about the air quality in Malaysia, they shared that many are not aware of everyday activities like cooking can significantly impact indoor air quality. Frying food, for example, releases fine particles and gasses that can be harmful when inhaled. This is why they highly recommend using air purifiers in Malaysia.
Air purifiers work if placed correctly
Moreover, Malaysia's tropical climate can greatly enable indoor air quality issues. With our weather's high humidity, it can easily promote the growth of mould and mildew.
Both release spores and mycotoxins into the air, thus impacting health in the long run. That's why it's important to use air purifiers correctly.
Samsung Malaysia says it's ideal to have air purifiers at a minimum of 18 inches away from the wall or any furniture. If you can, place it best near the midpoint of your room.
We understand that you might be overwhelmed. With that, you may want to consider some air purifier options below, some known as the best air purifiers in Malaysia.
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
List of Best 10 Air Purifiers in Malaysia
Who is this for?
Like sleek-looking air purifiers? Equipped with a fan, Dyson’s TP09 air purifier is a great addition to households whose biggest concern is fumes and toxins released from daily cooking. Although the cooling power is not as big as regular fans, it is still a useful feature given how hot Malaysia is. Of course, most existing users have purchased it for its ability to destroy formaldehyde.
Get this if
- Your main concern is the kitchen smell from cooking
- You have a kitchen connected to the living room (which is normal in condominiums)
- Besides cleaning the kitchen in the air, you want the extra ventilation power
What to know
The Dyson TP09 works to detect and eliminate formaldehyde which is usually present not just in gas stoves but also in paint, mattresses, air fresheners, furniture, and plywood.
Behind its filtration power lies its HEPA H13 filter which can remove 99.95% of particles as tiny as 0.1 microns. Not only that, but the air purifier is able to double as a bladeless fan thanks to its powerful stream of purified airflow. Best of all, it’s 20% quieter than the previous model thanks to acoustic engineering that reduces turbulence.
Key info
- Rate Power: n/a
- CADR: n/a
- Noise level: up to 60db
- Filter: HEPA H13 filter
- Coverage: 81m²
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
"In our experience" - Live ProductNation Review
While our office generally uses it as a fan in one of the small meeting rooms, the air purifier was quick to clear odours (within 30 minutes) and freshen up stale air. Besides Formaldehyde, the air purifier also monitors and clears the air every minute of other particulate matters such as Volatile organic compounds in cosmetic products, Nitrogen dioxide from nicotine residue (in vapes) and cooking smells.
The air purifier is pricey upfront. But if one can afford it, especially if living in an industrial or high-traffic area, the air purifier offers more than just being a sleek, aesthetic machine in your home. It cleans air fast in medium-sized rooms and that's the best reason to get it.
[This air purifier was tested in a 111 square-feet room with an air quality monitor, a scented candle and perfume.]
About our top pick
Did you know the smoke that comes from cooking is called Formaldehyde? It is a highly toxic and flammable gas emission, hence why condominiums or smaller houses should install kitchen hoods. But not everyone needs to buy a kitchen hood for that matter. Therefore, if you want to be able to control the amount of this emission, try an air purifier like the Dyson TP09 to help you with it.
More: Keep The Air Fresh for Your Baby with These Best Air Purifiers
Who is this for?
If you decide that you need an air purifier but don't want to commit the big price yet, go with the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Compact 4. Xiaomi itself has been in the air purifier game for quite some time, and its air quality products are often sufficient in features and performance for their price tags.
Get this if
- You have a budget but do not want to compromise on the size and quality of an air purifier.
What to know
Like other older Xiaomi air purifier models, the Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact is capable of tackling the likes of cigarette smoke, airborne dust, mould and spores, as well as germs and viruses. It utilises a HEPA filter to eliminate 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
For the price of under RM300, its CADR is rated at 230m3/h supported by a 360-degree design, so the recommended room size it'll do best to clean in is up to 480 sqft. You'll also be glad to know that the purifier is very silent as it can go as low as 20 dB.
Key info
- Rate Power: 27W
- CADR: 320 m³/h
- Noise level: as low as 20db
- Filter: HEPA Filter
- Coverage: 480sqft (recommended)
- Filter recommended usage duration: 6 - 12 months
If you're one of those people (like me) who does not necessarily suffer from most allergies except for the occasional flu, you can still benefit from a decent air purifier to lessen the stress when you're sick. Lucky you, there are many generic air purifiers to try.
Who is this for?
The Panasonic Non Humidifying Air Purifier F-PXJ30A is perfect for anyone looking for a good quality option with sizeable cleaning coverage.
Aside from its filtration power, this air purifier has a top handle and wire management system to make transportation easy. Its setup and use are also very straightforward, making it good for users who are not tech-savvy even.
Get this if
- You aren't sure whether air purifiers work for you
- You want to clean the air in multiple spaces, whether for home or office
What to know
The Panasonic F-PXJ30A is neither small nor big, making it a perfect addition to most spaces, rooms or even regular-sized households since it features a handle for portability. All functions can also be controlled simply from the of the air purifier, so it's a set-and-forget kind of device.
What makes the air purifier stand out is its built-in nanoe purification system, which works to support enhanced purification and it works in auto and even sleep mode. nanoe technology itself is capable of removing hydrogen from airborne viruses, bacteria, odors and allergens, which helps to preserve the efficiency of the filters in the first place.
Key info
- Rate Power: 35W
- CADR: -
- Noise level: 18dB - 44dB
- Filter: n/a
- Coverage: 20m2
- Filter recommended usage duration: Up to 24 months
More: Protect Your Home from The Coronavirus with These HEPA Air Purifiers
Who is this for?
This air purifier is quiet yet operates just as effectively when on silent mode. That and on top of its size, the air purifier is great for large spaces whether in an office or home. Moreover we felt that the material deters dust collection. Therefore it's great as a low-maintenance air purifier that doesn't need cleaning often.
Get this if
- You want a low maintenance air purifier
What to know
The Acerpure Pro P3 Air Purifier utilises a 4-in-1 HEPA13 filter system that consist of a Pre-Filter, HEPA Plus Filter, HEPA 13 Main Filter and Activated Carbon Filter. Those filters essentially clear airborne pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles, as well as lessen the presences of smells. It also uses a built-in ultraviolet (UV-C) light to reduce the chances of bacteria and viruses stuck in the air purifier so that only clean air flows out.
With real time sensors and monitoring activities, the air purifier can detect VOC, gas, PM2.5, CO2 and Formaldehyde. For your convenience, the air purifier can also be controlled via a physical remote control or through the Acerpure Life smart app where you can check the air quality surrounding and optimise settings and schedules.
This air purifier also has an ion function which activates when the air quality indicator turns yellow or red.
Our ProductNation Review
In our tests, the air purifier clears harmful VOCs, smoke and CO2 pretty fast, while when it comes to odours like perfume, it took a little longer. Overall the purifier was easy to use, though the mobile app could do better to provide more information and accurate live-monitoring of air quality; results weren't immediate on-screen and that there were also frequent disconnections between the app and device.
To note, this air purifier is costly in our books. While the filter has a very long life of over a year (375 days), it's priced at about RM599. With the upfront price of RM5599, the 10-year cost of this air purifier is still costly at approximately RM1198 per year.
[This air purifier was tested in a 111 square-feet room with an air quality monitor, a scented candle and perfume.]
Key info
- Pollutants targeted: Formaldehyde, PM 2.5 particles, VOCs, C02, bacteria and viruses
- Cleaning rate: 99.9%
- Rated Power: 65W
- CADR:700 CMH
- Noise level: 24db - 57db
- Filter: Pre-Filter + HEPA Plus Filter+ HEPA 13 Main Filter + Activated Carbon Filter, UVC LED Sanitizer
- Coverage: Up to 1184 square feet (recommended 789 square feet)
- Filter recommended usage duration: Approximately 9000 hours (375 days)
Who is this for?
For general use, try the PerySmith Air Purifier AURORA Series H13 as it works to effectively remove odour and smoke. It can also get rid of dust and control the spread of pet hair, reducing sneezing if that’s an issue for you. This air purifier operates silently too so it shouldn't be much of a bother in your living room.
Get this if
- You want to try out air purifiers and have some cash to spare
What to know
Like its namesake, the Sharp KIN50LW air purifier comes with not just purification features, but also humidifying functions. It cleans thbe air with the power of Plasma cluster ions as well as 3 layers of HEPA filters to get rid of up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Of course it is capable of removing odours and smoke.
Other than those, the air purifier also utilises its Plasmacluster Ion Technology which helps to clean air more efficiently by releasing negative and positive ions into the air.
Key info
- Rate Power: n/a
- CADR: 60 -306 m³/h
- Noise level: 17 - 51dB
- Filter: Pre filter, Odour filter, HEPA filter
- Coverage: Up to 409 square feet (38m2)
- Filter recommended usage duration: Filters lasts up to 10 years
"In our experience" - Live ProductNation Reviews
The air purifier is great for its economic value anw low-fuss performance. During our tests, it was one of the fastest in clearing both smoke and odour (under 5 minutes, smoke smell was gone while the perfume took under 40 minutes), as well as dangerous particles in the air like VOCs and CO2.
While we could not access the complementary mobile app to control the air purifier (due to a technical issue), the buttons on it were intuitive albeit can be a little vague so it's still good to refer to the product manual.
Keeping it simple, the air purifier also has a dedicated "Haze" function which would focus on clearing up stronger smoke smell fast. You can also choose to run it at low, medium or high speed fan. In our experience, the air purifier runs at low noise most of the time.
[This air purifier was tested in a 111 square-feet room with an air quality monitor, a scented candle and perfume.]
More: Put Your Asthma At Ease with These 8 Best Air Purifiers
Unlike adults, babies will benefit highly from air purifiers as their immune system is not as strong as ours. While most babies would do okay without an air purifier, it's good to consider one as you'll lessen their chances of developing respiratory problems such as common flu (which occasionally causes a blocked nose).
Who is this for?
If there's a baby in your home whose health you are concerned about, the Prism+ Aura is a great starter air purifier with a sleek design and that it also blends well with most home decor, including your baby's room. Aside from its aesthetics, the air purifier offers adequate air-cleaning action as well as convenient smart features at an affordable price.
Get this if
- Your baby has breathing specialty needs and requires an air purifier all night long
What to know
As expected, the Aura utilises the standard HEPA H13 Filtration Technology, which consists of a medical-grade filter that can capture 99.97% of airborne contaminants. At this price point, it also has some smart features for your convenience such as an infrared sensor which works to monitors air quality in real-time, intended to provide accurate readings of pollution levels. When at optimum operation, the air purifier is as quiet as 30dB.
Through its smart app, you can also set custom routines, timers, and receive filter replacement notifications. You can also set what mode it should work on, which is Auto or custom. The former works to automatically adjust its fan speed should a sudden wave of airborne pollutant be present.
Key info
- Rated Power (consumption): 23w
- CADR: c/a
- Noise level: up to 30 db
- Filter: 3-step filter (True HEPA filter)
- Coverage: 182 ft² (recommended)
- Filter recommended usage duration: up to 12 months
"In our experience" - Live ProductNation Review
Having left the air purifier on auto mode all day and near the kitchen, as well as in the cat litter room, we found that it did eliminate smells quicker than usual which would usually linger quite awhile longer. Not only that, after using for a few weeks, we did find that there were less cumulation of dust over the following weeks.
The air purifier was also very silent, with its animated face the only indication that the air purifier was working, and from notifications on the app informing us when the air purifier was about to activate or deactivate.
Although this is overall a simple air purifier, its price point and necessary features for easy-use makes it great for most situations, especially for kids or babies given its design and silent operation.
[This air purifier was tested in two 200 square-feet room; one near the kitchen and one in a cat litter room.]
If you're constantly going to be travelling on the road with your car, having a clean space to drive with is just as important. Plus, the fact that your car is exposed to more traffic air pollution, the air purifier comes in handy for those sensitive to allergens, or for those who want to get rid of smoke.
Who is this for?
Due to its size, this air purifier is best used in an enclosed, small space rather than being all out in the open to reap benefits from it. That is why this air purifier is a worthy buy for car owners be it travelling far often or for families with kids who are concerned about their health. Aside from those, it can also clean surrounding moisture from developing harmful microorganisms.
Get this if
- You (and your passengers) want a car to feel as clean and comfortable as possible.
What to know
Panasonic's Portable Air Purifier NANOE X Generator is made to get rid of as many as 99.99% harmful microorganisms as possible. It essentially utilises nanoe™X technology which releases radicals in water molecules to viruses, bacteria, odours and allergens.
Aside from cleaning your air, the air purifier can remove smells too. Take, for example; it's designed to reduce strong cigarette smoke odour within an hour.
Moreover, you can refresh in your car as this purifier generates nanoe™X particles, which have an acidity nature that's similar to the human skin and hair. In short, the particles will attach to sebum and form membranes on the skin all the while improving the hair's keratin texture. Moisture is then restored to your surrounding area, bringing you well-hydrated skin and smoother hair.
Key info
- Rate Power: 3.5W
- CADR: 0.07m³/min
- Noise level: 36 dB
- Filter: nanoe™X technology
- Coverage: n/a
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Alright, if you're here to find out whether air purifiers target killing allergens, be it pet dander or so, in the air because you're sensitive, most air purifiers can do the job well. We think HEPA filters are best since they are usually hospital-grade (a place prone to lots of harmful allergens and viruses in the air).
Air purifiers that also have some Auto Mode functionality or more customisation and monitoring features should be a priority for those with respiratory issues.
Who is this for?
If you find yourself constantly struggling with nasal allergies or trying to get rid of pet dander at home, you might appreciate the LG PuriCare 360º Alpha PET Double.
With the advanced filtration system and suction feature, it's a clear winner for those who don't just want an air purifier for pets and children, but also want a house to stay as clean for as long as possible. Might we add that the filtration and suction happen all around the product at 360° direction?
Get this if
- Your house is constantly in a chaos so you need all the air-cleaning power you can get
- A set-and-forget air purifier is what you want
What to know
With an astounding multi filtration system, it can eliminate up to 99.9% of harmful particles such as bacteria, viruses, dust, allergen, and odor components. It can even suck up excess dust and pet dander from the floor. This is all thanks to its Photocatalytic filter, which is further boosted in efficacy by exposure to light, essentially combatting 55% more pet odors as well.
For your assurance, the purifier has also been tester for and certified by the British Allergy Foundation to reduce allergy-causing substances. It's also certified by the Korea Air Cleaning Association in the sense that it can eliminate 99% of five hazardous gas.
Key info
- Rate Power: 72w (consumption)
- CADR: n/a
- Noise level: 26 - 53 db
- Filter: Multistage filter including a pre filter, HEPA filter & harmful gas care filter
- Coverage: 104.0㎡ (approximately 1119 sqft)
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
"In our experience" — ProductNation Reviews
This air purifier is definitely a good option for big homes and offices due to its size. Having tested a unit in our studio space that's about 300 sqft, it was very responsive when a harmful substance was released into the air. For instance, when we used an adhesive spray can, the purifiers detected it right away, and cleared any residue within 5 minutes. In our records, this is very fast even among other notable competitors we've tried.
Moreover, while we missed the chance to try using the purifier with its complementary mobile app, the air purifier was still intuitive to use and understand. It gave adequate info about the air in the room, and that we can set its operating mode from just the display unit.
[This air purifier was tested in a 300 square-feet room with an air quality monitor, perfume and an adhesive spray.]
Who is this for?
Unfortunately, Malaysians are exposed to the annual haze season that is produced from forest burning done by neighbouring countries. For an air purifier to serve the purpose of cleaning air from smoke, this one is both budget-friendly and simple yet sufficient for small rooms. If anything, the purifier is most notable among the online community for its ability to clear off smoke like Haze, so you're in safe hands.
Get this if
- You are constantly suffering in a foul-smelling environment
- Someone is a smoker and you need a life-saviour
What to know
Despite being way cheaper than a lot of other models, the FPJ30LA from Sharp doesn’t compromise on its functionality. You don’t have to break the bank with this option available.
This device is capable of removing mould, dust, viruses, and allergens in the air. Notably, all thanks to its unique Sharp Plasmacluster® Ion Technology which can deodorise surfaces and objects and reduce static electricity. It is also able to eliminate airborne microbes and mould. As such, the function is useful for pet owners.
Users can set a timer on the device for 4 hours or 8 hours. They can also turn on Haze mode to get rid of the haze particles in the air. When the device is set to run at the lowest fan speed, it consumes very little energy at just 13 watts.
Key info
- Rate Power: 50W
- CADR: 180m³/h
- Noise level: 44dB
- Filter: 2 Stages Purification
- Coverage: 23m2 (recommended 270 sqft)
- Filter recommended usage duration: 24 months
"In our experience" - Live ProductNation Reviews
This air purifier would be great for those who want a fuss-free air purifier that's easy to use and maintain and also for those on a budget. Althought small in size, it was able to clear the air at an acceptable time (clears in 40 minutes after odour testers).
Plus, it's very intuitive in its usage since it doesn't need any mobile app access in order for you to get the most out of it. Its budget/value is also acceptable with filters only needing to be replaced after 2 years.
[This air purifier was tested in a 111 square-feet room with an air quality monitor, a scented candle and perfume.]
Who is this for?
The Blueair Classic 205 is a high-quality mid-range air purifier. Many approve of its efficient cleaning power and like how it is small in size and is thus suitable for rooms with limited space. Simply put, Blueair offers users clean, uncontaminated air without causing a fuss or spike in their electricity bills.
Get this if
- You want an air purifier to do its job all day
What to know
This purifier utilises a HEPASilent™ technology that allows for more quiet and efficient filtration than traditional HEPA filters. It removes harmful airborne particles and allergens with energy consumption as low as 20 watts, which is less than a lightbulb.
Apart from being compatible with the Blueair app, the device also works with Amazon Alexa for smart voice controls. Simply by connecting the device to WiFi, users will be able to control it remotely.
To note, some users do wish this air purifier had an Auto Mode for extended energy efficiency.
Key info
- Rate Power: 20-80W
- CADR: up to 340 m³/h
- Noise level: up to 56db
- Filter: Electrostatic and mechanical filtration (Blueair HEPASilent Technology)
- Coverage: 280 sqft - 510 sqft
- Filter recommended usage duration: n/a
Comparison Table
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| Product Name | Dyson TP09 Purifier Cool™ Formaldehyde | Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact | Panasonic F-PXJ30A | Acerpure Pro P3 Air Purifier | Sharp KIN50LW Air Purifier | Prism+ Aura Air Purifier | Sharp Air Purifier FPJ60LW | Panasonic Portable Air Purifier NANOE X Generator | LG PuriCare 360º Alpha PET Double | Sharp Air Purifier FPJ30LA | Blueair Classic 205 Air Purifier with Particle Filter |
| Specialty | Best air purifier overall - for home (especially for kitchen use) | Best budget air purifier | Best portable air purifier | Best air purifier for large spaces | Best air purifier for health | Best small air purifier-suitable for babies and kids | Best silent air purifier (low noise) | Best car air purifier | Best air purifier for allergies, pets and dust | Best air purifier for smoke | Best energy-saving air purifier |
| Filtration | HEPA H13 filter | HEPA | Composite Filter & Deodorizing Filter (With nanoe technology) | Pre-Filter + HEPA Plus Filter+ HEPA 13 Main Filter + Activated Carbon Filter, UVC LED Sanitizer | Pre filter, Odour filter, HEPA filter | 3-step filter (with True HEPA filter) | HEPA, Deodorization, Fine-meshed | nanoe™X technology | Multistage filter including a pre filter, HEPA filter & harmful gas care filte | 2-stage purification + Sharp Plasmacluster® Ion Technology | HEPASilent |
| Noise level (dB) | up to 60dB | 20dB (low mode) | 18dB - 44dB | 24db - 57db | 17 - 51dB | Up to 30dB | 15dB | 36dB | 26 - 53 db | 44dB | 32dB |
| Recommended coverage | 871 sqft (81m²) | 480 sqft | 215 sqft (20m²) | Up to 1184 square feet (recommended 789 square feet) | Up to 409 square feet (38m2) | 182 ft² (recommended) | 516 sqft (48m2) | n/a | 104.0㎡ (approximately 1119 sqft) | 270 sqft | 280 sqft - 510 sqft |
| Child lock | No | n/a | No | Yes | No | n/a | Yes | n/a | n/a | No | Yes |
| Where to Buy |
FAQ:
- Are air purifiers useful for dust, allergies and odour?
An air purifier works to filter the impurities in the air via a filtration system that traps small and large airborne particles and also helps to eliminate odour in the room. Even if you have no allergies, air purifiers are useful for everyone as they can also trap typical dust in the air which can cause flu-causing allergens.
You might also want to know that a bigger air purifier with a bigger filter is able to capture more dust and also clean in bigger spaces. At least, that's what Coway Malaysia said about their top air purifiers such as the Storm 2.
A cleaning tip we love: Use a crevice nozzle attachment head to quickly vacuum the dust off your air purifier's filter!
Struggle to get a Coway or Cuckoo air purifier? Don't worry, there's also a plethora of options in the market, such as Blueair, Levoit, and Philips. While top air purifier brands can be quite expensive for the average household to clean something invisible, it's still okay to try cheaper or smaller air purifiers. Just know that they might not be as effective in the long run.
- How To Choose the Right Type of Air Purifier?
Air purifiers are those 'mysterious' products where results aren't visible but can be felt after a while. To easily pick the best for yourself, you can look to pick one based on the filter it uses:
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters
The most popular out of the bunch, HEPA filters, are treated as a "necessary" type of filter as they can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. True to their name, they are highly effective in removing pollutants like dust, pollen, and pet dander from the air. However, they do not do much when it comes to removing gases and odours.
Pros:
- Great for removing allergens and particles
- Recommended for improving air quality when it comes to asthma or allergies issues
- Comes in most air purifiers; easy to find
Cons:
- Does not remove pollutants such as gases and odours
- HEPA purifiers can be noisy and may require frequent filter replacements.
Activated carbon filters
Designed to remove odours, these filters aim to clear volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other gaseous pollutants from the air. They basically absorb said pollutants and trap them onto the surface of the activated carbon.
Pros:
- Works to remove odours and gaseous pollutants
- Recommended for improving air quality if you have chemical sensitivities
Cons:
- May require frequent filter replacements if exposed to high levels of pollutants
UV-C Light Air Purifiers
By utilising ultraviolet light, air purifiers with this filter can kill bacteria and viruses that may be present in the air. These purifiers typically work in conjunction with HEPA filters or activated carbon filters.
Pros:
- Effective at killing bacteria and viruses, ultimately lowering chances of one catching a flu or cold
- Best for those with respiratory illnesses
Cons:
- UV-C light can be harmful to humans and animals if exposed directly
- Expensive initial cost
Ionic Air Purifiers
A relatively rare filter type, these purifiers use charged plates to attract and remove particles from the air. They are designed to create negative ions, then attach to particles in the air and then deposit (or trap) them onto a positively charged plate.
Pros:
- Silent operation
- No filters to replace
- Good quality ones can remove some types of pollutants like dust and allergens
Cons:
- Less effective at removing gaseous pollutants and odours
- May produce ozone, which can be harmful to human health in high concentrations
- It might not be effective at removing smaller particles and may even generate additional pollutants if not cleaned regularly
Related: Best Budget-Friendly Air Purifiers
- What are hospital-grade air purifiers?
You might have come across the label "hospital-grade" for air purifiers. While we put our trust into such a term due to the fact that it's automatically regarded as safe by professionals, that doesn't mean you should limit yourselves to these variants only.
It's just that these air purifiers have been tested to meet a certain standard quality and are therefore considered extra precaution and assurance for customers.
Here's what Sterra shared about 'hospital-grade' air purifiers:
- Hospital-grade air purifiers are those that meet certain stringent standards for air purification. These purifiers must be able to remove a high percentage of particles from the air, including those as small as 0.3 microns, such as bacteria and virus particles.
- Sterra air purifiers, classified as hospital-grade, are therefore deemed effective at removing these minute harmful particles from the air.
- Differences between HEPA air purifiers & Ionic air purifiers
While both HEPA air purifiers and ionic air purifiers serve the same purpose, they work rather differently.
The science behind air purifier filters
HEPA air purifiers use HEPA filters, which are physical filters that trap airborne particles. The air will be drawn into the device, then go through the filters, and finally, come out clean and contaminant-free.
An ionic air purifier, on the other hand, works by emitting negatively charged ions into the air to bind with the particles, which are positively charged. As they bind together, the particles will become too heavy to stay in the air and thus, fall onto the surfaces around them, producing clean air.
Some ionic air purifiers use electrostatically charged plates instead of ion emission to collect the airborne particles. As the air is drawn into the device, the particles will stick to the plates, which results in clean air.
Effectiveness of air purifiers
HEPA filters are known as the best technology in the air-filtration industry. They are highly effective “collectors” that can remove up to 99.97% of impurities in the air.
Ionic air purifiers are less effective than HEPA air purifiers as when the electrostatically charged plates become dirty, the harmful particles can pass through the plates and remain in the air — which doesn’t happen to HEPA filters. Also, ionic air purifiers that work by ion emission technically do not remove the airborne particles but rather just “move” the particles to the surrounding surfaces such as the floor, furniture, and even on clothes.
Maintenance of air purifiers and filters
HEPA filters need to be replaced from time to time as dust and mould collected through the filtering process degrade their air-cleaning performance while ionic plates do not. Instead, ionic plates are to be washed regularly.
Which filter-type is the best?
HEPA air purifiers are usually preferred over ionic air purifiers, especially for people who suffer from asthma and allergies.
Additionally, many air purifiers available on the market these days are a hybrid of both mechanisms: they are built with a HEPA filter and an ion generator. This combo delivers even better effectiveness and performance.
- Benefits of an air purifier
Of all the charms we have heard about an air purifier, we bet that most of you are familiar with its ability to produce cleaner air by filtering and trapping dust, smoke, pet fur, mould, dust mites, and germs from your surroundings. But an air purifier does more than just that. It benefits you in other ways that you may not even be aware of until today.
Improves sleep quality
Acknowledged by the fact that hazardous air particles are being removed from your home, air purifiers save you peace of mind and calm you down after a long day. The fresh filtered air keeps hay fever (which causes allergic symptoms like runny nose, sneezing or coughing) at bay, granting you a good night’s sleep.
Neutralises unpleasant odours and smoke
It is commonly known that inhaling secondhand smoke, be it tobacco smoke or cooking oil fume, can potentially lead to chronic respiratory problems as well as heart diseases. This is especially concerning if you have children or elderly people at home.
That said, air purifiers with High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) and activated carbon filters are effective in capturing chemicals, gases, smoke and also pet odour to circulate fresh air back in the room.
Eliminates hazardous indoor air pollutants
The tricky part when it comes to eliminating indoor allergens is that they are invisible to the human eye. These tiny airborne particles (dust, pollen, bacteria, etc.) or harmful external pollutants do not go away just by closing the doors and windows. You could constantly be exposed to the chemical toxins from your household cleaning agents, air-fresheners and paint products.
Leaving these pollutants suspended in the air is likely to cause breathing discomfort and trigger asthma attacks, not to mention the associated health issues in long term.
More: Enjoy A Fresh, Clean Home with these 10 Best Air Purifiers for Dust Removal
- How do air purifiers work?
Air purifiers consist of a fan and layers of filters. The built-in fan draws in air and directs it to the filters to get rid of the contaminants. The clean air is then released back into the room to maintain healthy indoor ventilation.
The marketed air purifiers are commonly equipped with HEPA filters which claim to capture pollutants as small as 0.3 microns – small enough to get past the tiny hairs (cilia) in our airway. However, there are other types of filters such as activated carbon, UV light, negative ion or ozone generators to suit your personal needs.
An average person takes 1,200 breaths an hour, 28,800 breaths a day and 10,512,000 breaths a year. Bearing in mind that you would not even drink unfiltered and dirty water, so why would you allow yourself and your loved ones to inhale stale and dirty air at home?
Conclusion
With all of that in mind, investing in an air purifier is ideal for a comfortable, refreshing ambience and your family’s health overall. Not only that, but clean air does make your living space much more comfortable to stay at, which keeps the mind and soul healthy too. Especially if you are prone to allergies, best to treat your nose with these nifty devices!