With the air pollution level increasing in leaps and bounds, it is high time to install an air purifier at home, not for luxury but as a necessity. Pollutants can enter through various sources such as pollen, dust mites, tobacco smoke, mold, carbon emission from vehicles, pet dander, etc. A minor investment in air purifiers can save you from a major expense in hospitality bills. But air purifiers are still a bit unpopular in various parts of the world because of certain myths surrounding its use. Therefore, such myths need to be nipped right in the bud to encourage people to understand the scenario and take preventive measures for their overall wellbeing and society as a whole. Some of the myths surrounding the use of air purifiers are as follows –

Myth-1: Use of An Air Purifier Will Remove All Traces of Dust from The Surroundings

Many people have a false belief that the use of an air purifier will eliminate dust from the surface of the furniture and accessories kept inside the room. Having an air purifier at home does not relieve you of your cleaning duties. The fan inside an air purifier is not strong enough to suck in all the dirt from the surrounding area. It only cleans the air of any pollution that might be harmful to humans to breathe.

Myth-2: Air Purifiers Are Capable of Destroying Viruses

Not all air purifiers are capable of eliminating viruses from the air. Certain air purifiers have the in-built capability of dealing with viruses and eliminating pathogens from the air. The HEPA filters are known to remove 99.97 percent of the germs, including pollen, tobacco smoke, and pet dander. There are also air purifiers that can release ozone gas for eliminating viruses and other pathogens from the air. So, it is recommended to make an informed decision.

Myth-3: Air Conditioners Are the Perfect Replacement for Air Purifiers

Air conditioning should not be confused with air purification. While an AC will absorb hot air from the room and release cool air using a compressor and a coolant, an air purifier is known to remove pollen and allergens. An air conditioner does not have any inbuilt HEPA filter making it impossible to remove impurities on a microscopic level.

Myth-4: A Good Air Purifier Should Remove Odor from The Atmosphere.

Not all air purifiers are equipped to eliminate odor and harmful gases from the air. Most filters are designed to trap particles and release clean air. For eliminating odor, purifiers with activated carbon filters should be used as HEPA filters do not remove odor. So, make sure that you are purchasing the right purifier if you want to remove odor from your room apart from cleaning the surrounding air.

Myth-5: Air Purifiers Work Only When the Doors And Windows Are Closed

While it is advisable to use an air purifier in a closed environment, it does not mean that an air purifier will not work in an open space. In some cases, such as when there is excessive smoke during cooking or smoking, you should open some doors and windows to release the carbon dioxide from the surrounding atmosphere.

Bottom Line

Before you take your first step to buy an air purifier, make sure you clear out any confusion that you have in mind. If possible, consult an expert to help you make the right choice.