The Pros and Cons of Owning an Air Purifier

Pet dander, dust, tobacco smoke, mold, and pollen are some of the most common indoor air pollutants that affect our air quality and may very well be in your home. These pollutants can exacerbate asthma, allergies, and other conditions that make breathing uncomfortable and difficult. Air purifiers can help relieve and improve some of these symptoms by cleaning your air, but are air purifiers best for you, and are there any downsides to owning one? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning an air purifier to help you determine whether having one is right for your home.

The Pros of Owning an Air Purifier

Simply put, air purifiers work by sucking in air, filtering out pollutants, and releasing clean air back into the room. Depending on the filter, these machines can remove extremely small molecules, picking up pollutants that other filters can’t. These particles and pollutants can promote mold growth, settle on surfaces, and worsen breathing conditions such as asthma and allergies. However, using an air purifier can remove dander, dust, and even pathogens from the air, improving the air quality in your home and your overall breathing.

Exposure to these air pollutants can disrupt sleep, making it harder to breathe and fully rest. Trapped pollutants on the skin often cause acne and blemishes. Choosing the right air purifier for you will help you improve your asthma and allergy symptoms, sleep quality, and skin health.

The Cons of Owning an Air Purifier

With all the benefits air purifiers offer, it may seem difficult to think of any downsides. However, air purifiers aren’t for everyone. First and foremost, air purifiers can be expensive to buy and maintain. A quality air purifier may cost you a pretty penny, and you must continuously change the filter to maintain your desired air quality. Additionally, some air purifiers ionize the air. While this is helpful, air ionization produces ozone, which can be a lung irritant, resulting in the opposite effect.

Air purifiers can also be very loud; if you want a quiet one, you’ll have to pay up to get it. Even the quiet ones aren’t so quiet, either. Some find the white noise soothing, while others find it difficult to sleep or focus. Plus, running an air purifier does cost money, and the more you run it, the more it adds to your energy bill.

Is Owning an Air Purifier Right for Your Home?

We know the pros and cons of owning an air purifier, but is it the right choice for you? If you don’t intend on running your air purifier all day, it may not be as expensive as you might think. Additionally, if you have a condition that impacts your breathing, you should seriously consider purchasing one. In truth, there is no right or wrong answer. It all depends on whether you’re willing to find the right make and model to meet your needs and if you have the resources necessary for upkeep.