Air purifiers are essential for maintaining clean and healthy indoor air, especially in homes with allergens, pets, or pollution. However, purchasing an air purifier is just the first step—it’s crucial to know if it’s performing effectively.
Testing your air purifier’s effectiveness can help ensure it’s working as expected and providing the clean air you need. Here’s a simple guide on how to test if your air purifier is effective.
- Check the Air Quality Indicator
Most modern air purifiers come with an air quality indicator. This feature helps you assess the quality of the air before and after the purifier runs. The indicator typically uses colours to show the air quality levels. Before using the air purifier, check the air quality in the room, then let the purifier run for an hour or so. If the indicator shifts to another colour, your purifier is effectively improving the air quality. The Real-time PM 2.5 digital display in Forbes air purifier comes with colour indication.
- Test With Air Quality Monitors
For a more accurate reading, you can use a dedicated air quality monitor. These devices measure different airborne particles such as dust, pollen, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and CO2 levels. With Forbes Air Purifier 355 Surround 360° you don’t need to place a monitor. Equipped with a real-time PM 2.5 digital display with colour indicators, it removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.1 μm and displays it on a screen.
It also features advanced Surround 360° Air Intake Technology, efficiently capturing bacteria, dust, allergens, and odours from all directions for cleaner, fresher air. It can purify 90% of a room’s air in just 10 minutes under standard conditions. Its 4-stage filtration system includes a Pre-filter, Activated Carbon Filter, True H13 HEPA filter, and Plasma filtration. Additional features like Auto-Sense Mode and Sleep Mode ensure effortless and quiet air purification.
- Visual Check for Dust or Particles
A simple, low-tech way to test your air purifier is by observing the amount of dust or visible particles in the room over time. Place a piece of dark-coloured cloth or a surface in the room to collect dust. Run the air purifier for several hours and check if the amount of dust on the cloth decreases. While this isn’t a scientific method, it can give you a visual sense of whether the purifier is improving air quality by capturing airborne dust and particles.
- Use a Smoke Test
A popular test for air purifier effectiveness is the smoke test. Light a match or a candle in the room (without causing any fire hazard) and let the smoke fill the air. Then, turn on your air purifier and monitor how quickly the smoke dissipates. The faster the smoke clears, the more effective the purifier is in removing smoke and airborne pollutants.
- Check the Filter Condition
The filters in your air purifier are the core components that trap dust, dirt, allergens, and other particles. Over time, these filters will fill up and become less effective. Check the condition of the filters periodically. If the filters are dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace them. You should follow the manufacturer’s guidance for this. A well-maintained filter ensures optimal performance and the best air filtering efficiency.
- Test the Purifier’s Noise Levels
Some air purifiers, especially those designed to filter out very fine particles, might be noisier at higher speeds. Run your purifier on different settings and notice any changes in noise levels.
- Regularly Clean and Maintain the Unit
Lastly, make sure to keep your air purifier clean and well-maintained even from outside. Even the best models will underperform if not properly cared for. Clean the air intake and exhaust vents regularly to ensure optimal airflow.
Conclusion
Testing your air purifier’s effectiveness is a simple process that can be done with a few simple steps. Whether using an air quality monitor, checking the filter, or observing the impact of clearing the room, there are various ways to ensure your air purifier is working well. Consistent upkeep is essential for maintaining its durability and peak performance.
