Is it worth getting an air purifier?

Whether an air purifier is “worth it” really depends on your specific circumstances, concerns, and expectations. They can be very effective tools for improving indoor air quality, but they’re not a magic bullet and come with some considerations.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Pros: When an Air Purifier is Likely Worth It

1. Allergies and Asthma Relief: This is one of the most common and effective uses. Air purifiers with True HEPA filters can significantly reduce airborne allergens like: pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores.
2. Pet Owners: If you have pets, an air purifier can help manage pet dander and odors making the air feel fresher and reducing allergens for sensitive individuals.
3. Smoke (from wildfires, tobacco, cooking):
   • Wildfire Smoke: In areas prone to wildfires, a good air purifier (especially with a HEPA filter) can make a significant difference in filtering out harmful particulate matter from outdoor smoke that infiltrates your home.
   • Tobacco Smoke: While quitting smoking is the best solution, air purifiers can reduce some of the particulate matter from tobacco smoke. However, they won’t remove all the gaseous chemicals.
   • Cooking Smoke/Odors: Activated carbon filters are excellent at absorbing cooking odors and some of the associated airborne particles.
4. Odor Elimination: Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are very effective at removing a wide range of household odors, including those from cooking, pets, garbage, and even VOCs from new paint or furniture.
5. General Dust Reduction: While you’ll still need to clean surfaces, an air purifier can help reduce the amount of airborne dust leading to less dust settling on furniture.
6. Improved Sleep Quality: By removing irritants and allergens from the air, a cleaner indoor environment can contribute to more restful sleep for many individuals.
7. Protection Against Airborne Illnesses: HEPA filters can capture very small particles, including some bacteria and viruses. During cold, flu, or pandemic seasons, this can offer an additional layer of protection, though it’s not a substitute for proper hygiene and ventilation.
8. Living in Polluted Areas: If you live in a city with high outdoor air pollution, close to a busy road, or industrial areas, an air purifier can help mitigate the effects of external pollutants entering your home.

CONS: When an Air Purifier Might NOT Be Worth It

1. Cost:
   • Initial Purchase: Good air purifiers can range from $100 for a small room unit to several hundred or even a few thousand for whole-home systems.
   • Filter Replacement: This is a recurring cost. HEPA filters typically need to be replaced every 6-12 months (or more frequently in very polluted environments), and activated carbon filters also have a limited lifespan. This can add up.
   • Electricity Usage: While generally energy-efficient, running an air purifier 24/7 adds to your electricity bill. Most consume between 20-100 watts, similar to a light bulb or a small fan. For example, a 60-watt purifier running 24/7 might cost around $5-$15 per month, depending on your local electricity rates (which are currently around $0.17/kWh in Michigan, so it could be on the higher end of that estimate).
2. Doesn’t Address the Source: An air purifier filters airborne pollutants, but it doesn’t eliminate the source of the pollution. For example, it won’t fix a leaky pipe causing mold or completely remove lead paint dust that’s embedded in surfaces. Source control and good ventilation are always the primary strategies for good indoor air quality.
3. Doesn’t Remove Settled Particles: Once dust, dander, or mold spores settle on surfaces (furniture, floors, fabrics), an air purifier cannot remove them. Regular cleaning (vacuuming with a HEPA filter, dusting with a damp cloth) is still essential.
4. Limited Effectiveness for All Pollutants:
   • While great for particles (dust, pollen, dander, smoke), not all purifiers are effective against gaseous pollutants like VOCs, radon, or carbon monoxide unless they specifically include activated carbon filters for those.
   • Ozone Generators/Ionizers: Be wary of purifiers that specifically claim to generate ozone, as ozone is a lung irritant and harmful to health. Reputable purifiers use technologies that either don’t produce ozone or produce it below harmful levels.
5. Noise: Some air purifiers, especially on higher fan settings, can be noisy, which might be disruptive in bedrooms or quiet living areas.
6. Sizing and Placement: An air purifier needs to be appropriately sized for the room it’s in (check the CADR rating – Clean Air Delivery Rate). Proper placement also matters for optimal air circulation.

The Bottom Line

If you or someone in your household experiences:

• Allergies or asthma
• Has pets
• Deals with noticeable odors
• Lives in an area affected by wildfire smoke or high outdoor pollution

…then a True HEPA air purifier (ideally with an activated carbon filter) is very likely a worthwhile investment for improving health and comfort.

If your primary concern is just a little bit of dust or if you already have excellent ventilation and no specific health sensitivities, you might not notice a significant “game-changing” difference.

Ultimately, an air purifier is a valuable supplement to good indoor air quality practices, not a replacement for them. Prioritize source control (e.g., proper ventilation when cooking, not smoking indoors, fixing leaks) and regular cleaning.