STACK #256 February 2026

TECH FEATURE

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From pollen and smoke to everyday household odours, an air purifier helps keep things fresh indoors by quietly cleaning the air in the background. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right one for your home. Words Bec Summer Breath easie a hom

T hrowing open the doors to let in fresh air sounds great in theory – until the sneezing starts. For many Aussies, hay fever is the reason air purifiers enter the home. But allergies are just one aspect... We spend most of our time indoors, and the air inside our homes can hold onto more unwanted guests and nasties than you’d expect. Dust mites, pet dander, smoke, mould spores, and chemical fumes can all linger, especially in well-sealed modern houses and apartments. An air purifier can quietly improve the air you breathe every day.

What can they capture? What an air purifier can capture depends on the quality of the unit and the filters inside it. There’s a wide range of models available at different price points, and performance scales accordingly. Entry-level air purifiers are ideal for smaller rooms or lighter use, while higher-end models are built for faster cleaning, larger areas, and more advanced monitoring. With the right filtration, air purifiers can help reduce common airborne irritants such as pollen, pet dander, dust mite debris, smoke, mould spores, bacteria, viruses, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by cleaning products, furniture, and paint.

How do they work? Air purifiers are designed to clean the air in a single room. They use a fan to pull air in, push it through one or more filters, and then release the purified air back into the room. This cycle repeats continuously while the unit is on. Over time, this process can reduce airborne particles and help maintain better indoor air quality. It’s important to note, however, that air purifiers only deal with what’s floating in the air – they won’t remove dust from surfaces or fix mould problems – but they can significantly reduce what’s being inhaled.

How to use an air purifier correctly For best results, keep your air purifier running while you’re home. Close doors and windows so it’s not battling outside air, position it where airflow isn’t blocked by furniture, and stay on top of filter maintenance to keep performance strong.

32 FEBRUARY 2026

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