If you’re spoilt for choice over which air purifier to pick up for the home, here’s help!
The importance of clean air is a matter that has been drawing more attention in the last couple of years with the haze and the increasing number of pollutants in the air. If you’ve never thought about purchasing an air purifier, it’s about time you do! SmartParents spoke with Dr Lim Kai Hung, resident physician at Lifescan Medical Centre, about things to look out for when buying air purifiers:
1. Size and efficacy (which depends on the room/area targeted).
2. Clean air delivery rate.
3. Maintainence should be easy.
4. Noise level.
5. Cost.
For patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis or other chronic conditions, it would be ideal to get an air purifier with a HEPA filter as this ensures dust and pollutants are removed effectively. Keep these tips in mind when picking an air purifier that suits you and your family best.
Blueair Classic 403
FROM Parisilk Holland Village, $938
WHAT This product can effectively purify large rooms (up to 365sqft) like a living room or function room. It is able to capture 99.97% of the tiniest 0.1 micron particles, including allergy-provoking pollen, dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander just on the first setting,
PROS Comes with a convenient Change Filter indicator and is low on energy use
CONS Filters have to be changed regularly and may be noisy on high speeds
WHAT This product can effectively purify large rooms (up to 365sqft) like a living room or function room. It is able to capture 99.97% of the tiniest 0.1 micron particles, including allergy-provoking pollen, dust mites, mould spores, and pet dander just on the first setting,
PROS Comes with a convenient Change Filter indicator and is low on energy use
CONS Filters have to be changed regularly and may be noisy on high speeds
Honeywell 50250-S True HEPA Allergen Remover
FROM Qoo10, from $323, excluding shipping charges
WHAT Best used in a small area (36.2sqm) like the master bedroom or play area for kids, this air purifier is a popular choice among those who are prone to allergies. It removes at least 99.97 percent of common household particles as small as 0.3 microns from surrounding air. The carbon-activated pre-filter helps remove common household odors such as dust, pollen, mold spores, tobacco smoke, and pet dander while helping to extend the life of the HEPA filter.
PROS Long lasting, comes with a 5-year warranty and filters are easily replaceable
CONS Known to be noisy when set on high speed
Novita Puriclean 3-in-1™ Air Purifier NAP 001H
FROM www.tangs.com, $699
WHAT With all the features you could possibly need for clean air, this product is all-in-one package, an air purifier with an ioniser and humidifier.
PROS Its washable mesh filter traps large particles and the true-HEPA filter is able to remove up to 99.97% of airborne germs and allergens with nominal size of 0.3 micrometre to ensure fresh air quality. On top of all these features, it improves the relative humidity of surroundings for greater comfort and healthier living.
CONS For light sleepers, the hum of the fan may take some getting used to.
WHAT With all the features you could possibly need for clean air, this product is all-in-one package, an air purifier with an ioniser and humidifier.
PROS Its washable mesh filter traps large particles and the true-HEPA filter is able to remove up to 99.97% of airborne germs and allergens with nominal size of 0.3 micrometre to ensure fresh air quality. On top of all these features, it improves the relative humidity of surroundings for greater comfort and healthier living.
CONS For light sleepers, the hum of the fan may take some getting used to.
Philips AC4014
FROM Allergy Management Systems, $569
WHAT A basic unit that is able to cover a large space (approximately 55sqm). The VitaShield Intelligent Purification System effectively filters out pollutants that may be ultra-fine particles, allergens, bacteria and viruses that can harm your health.
PROS If things like changing filters often slip your mind, this may be the one for you. The unit stops functioning when the filter is full to avoid running with no effect. You’ll be reminded to change it instantly!
CONS Is more on the pricey side and comes with no remote control. It also does not have a function for it to resume in the case of an abrupt shut-down, like in a power failure.
Winix WAC-5500 True HEPA Air Cleaner with PlasmaWave Technology
FROM Isetan, $499
WHAT PlasmaWave™ Technology that attacks pollutants at a molecular level to neutralise viruses, bacteria, chemical vapors and odours, without producing harmful ozone.
PROS Its Long Life True HEPA Filtration captures 99.97% of airborne pollutants and allergens as small as 0.3 microns. It is Energy Star qualified so you get to save money on electricity bills as well as protect the earth. Coverage area: 33 sqm
CONS For light sleepers, the hum of the fan may take some getting used to.
Check out other product reviews here.
Main photo: iStock
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