Air Purifiers: Worth It in Indian Homes?

How HEPA filters perform against Indian household pollutants.

What is actually in your indoor air?

Even when the windows are shut, indoor air can contain fine outdoor pollution, cooking smoke, dust, pollen and particles from cleaning or burning incense. Indoor air quality depends on your home, activities and outdoor conditions. [1]

What does a HEPA filter do?

A well-designed HEPA air purifier captures airborne particles as air passes through its filter. It can reduce fine particulate pollution such as PM2.5, smoke particles and some airborne allergens. But it cannot clean every corner instantly or remove particles already settled on furniture. [1,2]

What about smells and gases?

HEPA is for particles, not most gases. Cooking fumes and odours may require an appropriately designed activated-carbon filter, plus source control and ventilation when outdoor air is cleaner. A purifier cannot fix damp walls, mould growth or a smoking habit indoors. [1]

How do you choose the right machine?

Look for a credible clean air delivery rate (CADR) suited to the room size, a genuine particle filter, affordable replacement filters and tolerable noise at the speed you will actually use. A purifier for one bedroom will not necessarily clean an entire flat. Keep its inlet and outlet clear. [1,2]

Is it worth buying?

It may be useful in homes exposed to high outdoor PM2.5 or indoor particles, especially where a family member has allergies or respiratory problems. Benefits vary, and an air purifier is an addition to — not a replacement for — reducing pollution sources, cleaning and sensible ventilation. Avoid devices that intentionally generate ozone. [1,2]