Since the pandemic, the sales of air purifier have been increasing steadily. Prior to Covid-19, air purifiers were a necessity for a specific group of people. Ranging from those who had allergies to those living in more polluted areas. However, the gap is slowly bridging. But how do you choose the right air purifier for your home? Where do you place it, and how many do you really need?
Dr Benjamin Low, the Resident Doctor at DTAP Clinic Group, advises, “When choosing an air purifier, it is extremely important to choose one that has a High- Efficiency Particulate Air filtration technology. The HEPA filter is effective in removing pollutants and microbial contaminants. We may not have much control over our external environment but air quality within indoor spaces can be controlled.”
How do you choose the best location to place the air purifier in your home?
Air purifiers need to be strategically placed to achieve optimal performance. For example. if a common problem is pet dander then the best location will be where your pets spend the most time. They work best when placed in an open area that has free airflow from all sides. In such a position, an air purifier can pull the air from all directions and work at the best performance.

How often should filters be replaced for maximum efficiency?
Pre-filters can be washed. However, washing HEPA filters compromises its performance and it is not recommended to do so. HEPA filters should be replaced once due. Depending on your filter, they need to be changed within the bracket of every six months to three years.

How many air purifiers does one home need?
According to Mr Nicholas Lee, the Personal Health Leader at Philips ASEAN Pacific, “It is recommended to have one in the enclosed rooms where you spend the most time. Ideally one for the living room, one for the kitchen, and one for each bedroom. These devices should be tested on their CADR (clean air delivery rate) specifications. That way you make sure each air purifier has the capacity to move and filter all the air in each room.”