Dr Harish Chafle, senior consultant, chest physician and bronchoscopist at Gleneagles Hospitals, elaborated that choosing the right air purifier is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially with rising pollution levels and poor indoor air quality. “Before buying a purifier, people should carefully look at a few key specifications that truly make a difference in performance.”

Why is the HEPA filter so important?

The HEPA filter decides how small a particle the purifier can trap. “In Indian cities, where pollution mainly comes from PM2.5, traffic smoke, incense sticks, firecrackers, and crop burning, a quality HEPA filter is essential,” stressed Dr Ladhani.

According to Dr Ladhani, HEPA 13 is ideal for homes. “It captures very fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to asthma symptoms, coughing, allergies, bronchitis, and long-term lung damage. HEPA 14 is even stronger but is usually reserved for hospitals; most homes don’t require it,” said Dr Ladhani.

Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Pixabay)

What role does the activated carbon filter play?

While HEPA filters remove particles, they cannot eliminate gases and odours. “This is where activated carbon comes in; it absorbs harmful gases, smoke, chemical fumes, cooking smells, and VOCs from paints or cleaning products. It is beneficial for homes near busy roads or industrial areas, and for families that use incense, mosquito coils, or engage in high-heat cooking. It improves overall comfort, particularly for children, seniors, and people with asthma or chronic lung issues,” said Dr Ladhani.

What is CADR, and how do you know if it’s the right one for your room?

The clean air delivery rate (CADR) indicates how quickly the purifier can remove dust, smoke, and pollen from the air. “A higher CADR ensures faster purification and better protection. It is also essential to match the purifier’s coverage area with the size of the room, because a small purifier cannot clean a large space effectively,” said Dr Chafle.

A simple rule:
Room size (in sq ft) × 2 = Recommended CADR.

Example

For a 150 sq ft bedroom, aim for a purifier with around 300 CADR. “If CADR is too low, the purifier may run for hours without adequately cleaning the air, especially during months with high pollution,” said Dr Ladhani.

A few simple but essential aspects:

Filter life: HEPA and carbon filters require regular replacement. A purifier with old filters functions more like a fan than a purifier.

Noise levels: Users in bedrooms should check decibel ratings, particularly for night mode.

Placement: Keep the device a few inches away from walls to ensure proper airflow.

Power consumption: Extended use in winter can raise electricity bills, so energy-efficient models are beneficial.

Real-time AQI display: This feature helps you see whether the purifier is genuinely improving air quality, said Dr Ladhani.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.