Air purifiers usually consist of a filter, or multiple filters, and a fan that sucks in and circulates air. As air moves through the filter, pollutants and particles are captured, and the clean air is pushed back out.
Traditional filters are paper, fiber or mesh, which need regular replacement to maintain efficiency. They also use a lot of electricity to pull the air through the filter.
So, a traditional HEPA filter machine, can cost 400 AED annually to run. (Unless you run an Airsafe Iris, which is 80% more efficient and costs around 80 AED annually to run! đ).
How frequently should you change filters ?
If youâre using HEPA-type filters in your air purifier, youâll need to change them every 2-3 months in Dubai. Filter replacements can cost up to 1,200 AED a year if you replace the leading brandâs filters every three months ( ButâŚif you have an Iris, it NEVER needs filter changes đ)
Imagine just buying the air purifier. And spending nothing else for the next 7-10 years.
What do air purifiers filter out?
Good air purifiers capture particles like dust, smoke and pollen, chemical vapours, TVOCs, and formaldehyde.
Just capturing particles is not enough. Indoor air pollution consists of many toxic substances and your air purifier should capture them. That needs more than a HEPA filter system.
Can air purifiers filter outdoor air ?
In Dubai polluted outdoor air gets into your apartment or villa through the AC system. Short-term, people get asthma, allergies or sinusitis, itchy eyes, Â stuffy nose and a cough.Â
The longer-term effects are much worse and include stunted cognitive development in kids, brain fog, depression, cancer, heart attacks and other very serious illnesses. Because the toxins get into your bloodstream and into your vital organs, including the brain.
Can air purifiers capture flu and corona virus?
Very good air purifiers can capture particulates the size of the coronavirus. However, as HEPA filters clog up over the weeks and months, they become less effective, and you need to buy replacements regularlyâŚif you can get them.
Electrostatic filters like the ones in Iris are washable, which means you can use it all the time.
What should I look for in an air purifier?
- CADR (clean-air delivery rate) rating. Above 400 cubic metres per hour is really great.
- Second generation electrostatic filtration. This method uses 80% less energy, has washable filters that NEVER need replacing, and can capture particles 30 times smaller than HEPA filters.
What are other ways I can improve the air quality in my home?
- Get your AC ducts properly cleaned. We call proper cleaning âclean round the bendsâ. This means cutting into the ceiling and the ducts, and not just cleaning what can easily be reached.
- Minimize the use of candles, and ban smoking inside the home. Use essential oils and diffuser reeds instead.
- Change your cleaning chemicals and stop using spray cans. Use âgreen techâ cleaning products. We got along fine before spray cans were invented. We can do that again, and maybe save the planet!
AirSafe and Iris Air Purifiers: Breathe easier