Do this thing to your air purifier before turning it on

If you have Air purifierYou probably use it in one of two ways: set it to turn on automatically, or turn it on manually when your allergies get worse, You are sick Or high pollution due to forest fires Or smog. However, if you do not perform one extra step before turning on your air purifier, you are not using it correctly.

To make sure this device can do its job, ask yourself: When was the last time I replaced my air purifier filter? If you can’t remember, it’s probably time to check the condition of the filter.

“If the filter is not replaced regularly, collected contaminants can build up and clog the filter,” he says. Dr. Carey Coylea pulmonologist and assistant professor of medicine at New York Medical College. “This leaves more pollutants in the air, and a dirty filter can release pollutants back into your home, making the air more polluted than if you had not used the air purifier at all.” OK.

To help understand when, why and how often you should change your air purifier’s filter, I consulted health experts for more information.

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Health consequences of not changing your air purifier filter

The purpose of an air purifying filter is to trap pollutants, preventing them from spreading through the air and entering your body. As Cowell mentioned, these contaminants build up over time and can clog the filter, reducing airflow and filtration efficiency. Not only will this leave more pollutants in the air, but the filter can also release the particles it previously collected back into the air, reducing your air quality.

“This may have respiratory, cardiovascular or allergic health implications,” he says. Dr. Lindsay Darrowan epidemiologist and professor of public health at the University of Nevada, Reno.

A dirty air purifier filter is also more susceptible to mold growth, and the air purifier can then circulate those mold spores into your home, Coyle says. “This can cause serious illnesses such as worsening allergies, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems,” she explains. “A dirty filter can lead to worse indoor air quality than if there was no purifier at all.”

In other words, by not changing your air purifier filter, you are creating the opposite effect. all Allergensviruses, BacteriaThe pollen and mold spores that you want your air purifier to catch can be pushed into your air, where you can breathe them in and get sick.

Energy use and cost consequences

Aside from the health effects of not changing your air purifying filter regularly, Darrow explains that a clogged filter will also require more energy to push air through it, thus increasing energy use and cost. Over time, this may shorten the life of your air purifier by wearing out the motor or fan, requiring you to buy a new one and spend more money.

“Continued stress on the engine can result in the need for repairs or replacement of the unit, which is more expensive than changing filters regularly,” notes Coyle.

The best type of air purifier filter

The gold standard filter recommended by most pulmonology and allergy specialists is the HEPA filter. “This is because it can remove the majority of air pollutants down to the microscopic level,” says Coyle. “This includes removing dust, pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and other allergens, as well as most bacteria and viruses.”

Be aware that a HEPA or HEPA-like filter is not the same as a true HEPA filter.

The US Environmental Protection Agency states that HEPA filters are usually removed At least 99.97% of airborne particles It is 0.3 microns (µm) in size. This is especially useful because, according to pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist Dr. Zachary Rubin, who was consulted exclusively for CNET Lab on… Best air purifiers for cold and flu seasonViruses such as influenza and coronavirus are carried in respiratory aerosols that are typically less than 5 micrometers in size, and many are less than 1 micrometer.

While HEPA filters remove many particles, chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, and odors are not among them. That’s why Quill recommends purchasing a HEPA filter with an activated carbon filter, which will capture these environmental pollutants. To remove volatile organic compounds and off-gases from products such as paint, cleaning materials and furniture EPA advises Using thick activated carbon filter.

There’s also a pre-filter, which Cowell describes as another layer of respiratory protection. It removes larger particles, such as lint, hair, and dust clumps, keeping them away from your HEPA filter and extending its life.

“If you’re concerned about airborne allergens, mold, or wildfire smoke particles, it’s important to have a HEPA filter,” Darrow says. “If you are more concerned with gases (including VOCs) or odors, an activated carbon filter should be more effective for this purpose.”

There are filterless air purifiers known as ionizers that claim to work by charging airborne particles, causing them to fall from the air or cling to other surfaces. However, Darrow says these devices can produce ozone, a gaseous pollutant known to be a respiratory irritant. This is why HEPA and activated carbon filters are safer.

Before purchasing a filter for your air purifier, make sure it is the one the manufacturer recommends, because you will need the right product for your specific model and room size.

How often should you change your air purifier filter?

Since there is no universally accepted recommendation on when to replace your air purifier filter, you should consult the manufacturer’s manual for your specific device. However, Darrow says it also depends on how polluted your air is and how often you use your air purifier.

“For example, if the manufacturer’s recommended replacement frequency for a HEPA filter is every 6 months, it may need to be changed more frequently if it is used during wildfire events or in homes with more allergens such as mold or pet dander,” Darrow says.

In general, it is recommended to change your air purifier filter every three to six months, depending on filter type, usage, and air quality. Coyle offers the following evidence:

• Main HEPA filters: Every six to 12 months.
• Carbon filters: Every three to six months, or when odors return.
• Pre-filters: Every one to three months.

But again, factors such as usage, smoke, high pollution, allergies, or pets may require changing your air purifier’s filter more often. That’s why you’ll need to look for signs — like decreased airflow, increased allergies, increased dust in your home, or lingering odors — that your filter may need to be changed.

Can you wash the air purifier filter instead of replacing it?

Most HEPA and carbon filters are disposable, and if you wash them, they can become damaged and ineffective — especially when it comes to capturing fine air pollutant particles like bacteria and allergens. If the filter is not completely dry before reinstalling it, it can also become a breeding ground for mold.

“It is always essential to check the manufacturer’s manual to see if your filter is washable, as cleaning non-washable types can compromise unit performance and air quality,” Coyle emphasizes.

Bottom line

Before operating your air purifier, check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you change the filter correctly and on time. Also note that if you have pets, live in a high-pollution area, or have been exposed to wildfires, you will likely need to change your filter more frequently. Finally, watch for a decrease in the performance of your air purifier, which may indicate that the filter needs to be changed.

The role of your air purifier is to purify the air you breathe in the name of your health. Not changing your filter can have the opposite effect. So, while a new air purifier filter every couple of months may be money you don’t want to spend, clean air and a clean health bill are priceless.