You might be wondering exactly how air purifiers work. They operate much like fans but, rather than simply circulating air, they pull it in and move it through a series of filters that collect (or trap) different sizes of airborne particles, before recirculating the air. The air pollution particles - everything from dust to microscopic particles such as smoke, pollen, odors, and germs - are then trapped in the layers of the filter cartridge, reducing the pollutants in your home. And if you're wondering how to clean your air purifier, it's worth noting that even with the best air purifier, over time (and with use) these filters require maintenance, if they’re not reusable or washable, they’ll need replacing fairly regularly for the air purifier to continue to function efficiently.
Most air purifiers recirculate the air discreetly, so there’s no cooling breeze like that of a fan. However, you can buy air purifiers that have extra cooling functions, which are useful for the hotter summer months - we've included two above. It's also worth noting that in the air purifiers vs dehumidifiers debate, dehumidifiers are more useful for ridding your home of winter condensation than an air purifier.
Air purifiers vary in how they filter and purify your air though. Some air purifiers are small and simple - you just turn them on to your chosen setting and leave them to clean the air in your room. Others are known as ‘smart’; they contain a sensor that measures air quality in order to choose their own setting accordingly, and can also be connected to an app on your phone so you can control them remotely. Additionally, these apps usually allow you to keep track of air quality ups and downs. The best air purifier for you depends on personal preference, but it's worth noting that smart purifiers tend to be more expensive.