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Why Do You Need an Air Purifier?
Most people overlook the air they’re breathing when considering their health and assume that the air we’re breathing in our homes is clean. Unfortunately, this assumption is a false one as many houses have built up mildew and mold in them, without us ever knowing. Given that we spend about 80% of our time indoors, ensuring clean air becomes paramount and an air purifier is, therefore, a great solution to prioritize breathing the cleanest air possible, especially as we sleep.
The Dangers of Mold
Mold spores, which typically range between 2 and 40 microns in size, and are often carried along the house via dust can significantly affect our health.
Short-term health risks include respiratory issues like coughing and wheezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, etc while prolonged exposure to mold spores may exacerbate asthma symptoms and lead to more severe respiratory problems. Additionally, certain types of mold produce mycotoxins, which can cause allergic reactions, headaches, fatigue, and even neurological issues in some individuals.
Fortunately, most air filters on the market today can filter out up to 0.3 microns and capture 99% of the harmful air particles we wouldn’t have otherwise been aware of. For perspective, a hair follicle on your hair is 17 microns.
For a video discussing the other things in your house that may be making you sick, watch the video here.
What You Need to Know?
When shopping for an air purifier, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you get the right one for your needs. Let's break down some of the abbreviations and vernacular so you know what you're buying:
Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR)
The CADR indicates how quickly and effectively an air purifier can remove pollutants from the air. The higher the CADR the better, as I’d personally look for a model with a CADR of at least 250 CFM (cubic feet per minute) for optimal performance - especially for those of us who live in larger homes.
Filter Type: True HEPA
A True HEPA filter, short for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is a type of air filter that can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with a high-efficiency rate, typically around 99.97%. When choosing an air purifier make sure it uses a True HEPA filter and is truly efficient in removing mold spores, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
Additional Features To Be Aware of:
- Charcoal filters - Used to eliminate odors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Ultraviolet lights - UV lights are said to sterilize mold and mildew particles.
- Ionizers - By attaching electrons to air molecules, ionizers can magnetize the dust so that it falls and can be vacuumed later on. I personally try and avoid ionizers as they are said to potentially emit a little bit of ozone, a toxic gas that can damage the lungs.
The Coway Mighty Air Purifier
After doing tons of research on the best air purifier for my bedroom and reading countless articles, I kept crossing paths with the Coway Mighty (The New York Times Wirecutter Top Pick for 9 years). So a year of using it, I wanted to provide a comprehensive review of all its features, its costs, and how to best replace and maintain it.
Price
The Coway Mighty is priced at around $200, with filter replacements starting at $25 on Amazon. I wholeheartedly believe that for the quality you are given, it's a great price and very much worth the money. If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive, super-efficient, and easy to maintain Air Purifier the Coway is the best device on the market, especially for people who have had mold issues or are concerned with mold.
Compact Design
Despite its small size, the Coway Mighty is a beast and packs a punch when it comes to air purification. Its compact design makes it ideal for bedrooms and smaller spaces, with air being pulled in from both horizontal sides, vertically at the bottom and centrally within the large circle on its face. Its sleek design comes in three colors black & white, black and bronze, and white and silver.
Triple Filtration System
Equipped with a washable pre-filter, activated carbon filter, and True HEPA filter, the Coway Mighty effectively captures large particles, odors, and microscopic airborne contaminants. The filters are very accessible and easily replaceable, with the circular face unlatching with ease to allow access to the three filters behind.
* Coway recommends washing and cleaning the pre-filter every 2-4 weeks and replacing the deodorization and HEPA filter every 12 months.
Quiet Operation
Unlike many 250 CMF air purifiers on the market, the Coway Mighty operates at a maximum noise of 53.8dB, ensuring a peaceful environment conducive to restful sleep. The air is taken in through the three filters and is pushed out the larger vent behind them.
How To Use It?
With its energy-efficient design, the Coway Mighty consumes minimal power while delivering exceptional air purification performance and boasts real time air quality monitoring. To use it, make sure the air filters are in place and the latches are securely fastened before simply pressing the power button.
You will then be able to select one of 5 fan speed settings : Auto, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 or Eco. Auto will set the fan speed based on the air quality reading within the room, with blue indicating good, purple moderate and bed an unhealthy air quality.
The device also has an ionizer setting, a timer of 1, 4 or 8 hours and a light to inform customers if the HEPA or carbon filter needs to be replaced.
It is important to note that the small lights on the display can’t be switched off, so may need to be covered with tape for those planning on using the air purifier in their bedrooms.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, investing in a high-quality air purifier like the Coway Mighty can significantly improve the air quality in your bedroom, and promote better health and well-being at a low effort cost. By following proper maintenance procedures and considering the above key factors when choosing an air purifier, you can create a cleaner and healthier living environment for yourself and your family.
For the full Coway Mighty review and filter replacement tutorial, watch the video here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are air purifiers expensive to run?
Air purifiers vary in energy consumption depending on factors like size, filtration technology, and fan speed settings. Generally, they're not overly expensive to run, especially compared to other household appliances like air conditioners or heaters. Choosing an energy-efficient model such as the Coway and following manufacturer guidelines for filter maintenance can help minimize operating expenses.
Can air purifiers help with allergies?
Yes, air purifiers with HEPA filters can help alleviate allergy symptoms by removing allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores from the air. For individuals with allergies, using an air purifier can lead to cleaner air and a decrease in allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion.
Can an air purifier help reduce mold and mildew?
Yes, an air purifier equipped with a true HEPA filter can effectively capture mold spores and mildew particles present in the air, helping to reduce their concentration indoors. By continuously filtering the air, an air purifier can help maintain cleaner indoor air quality, potentially mitigating the growth and spread of mold and mildew in your home. However, it's essential to address the source of moisture and humidity that contributes to mold growth and the source of the mold directly.
How often should I replace the filters in my air purifier?
It's recommended to replace the filters in your air purifier every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and environmental conditions.
Are ionizers safe to use in air purifiers?
While ionizers can help capture dust particles, some people may be concerned about the ozone they emit. Some argue that the levels of ozone emitted by ionizers are too low to cause significant harm, while others recommend avoiding them altogether to minimize potential health risks. It's best to choose an air purifier with a toggleable ionizer feature for added flexibility.
Can air purifiers improve sleep quality?
Yes, air purifiers can potentially improve sleep quality by removing airborne pollutants such as dust, allergens, and mold spores from the air. Breathing cleaner air can lead to fewer disruptions during sleep, resulting in a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
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