STACK #239 September 2024

TECH FEATURE

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What size? Measuring the size of the room where you want to place an air purifier is crucial in helping you choose a suitable model. An underpowered unit won’t cut it in a large space, while an overpowered one will just guzzle power. Most manufacturers display coverage rates in metreage for each of their models. To determine the required metreage, the formula is room length multiplied by width, which will give the total area. So, if a room is five metres long and four metres wide, then the total area is 20 square metres, or 20m2. Keep in mind that it’s better to buy an air purifier that can cover a slightly larger area than required.

Spring is the sneezin’ season, and air purifiers can bring sweet relief. But what are they and how do they eliminate airborne nasties? We’re here to help! Words Bec Summer AIR CARE

Good to know Many of us have smart home setups now, so a smart enabled air purifier can be handy. For example, ours is set to turn on when our air quality falls below a certain point – like whenever we’re frying onions. Apps can also offer info about the pollutants collected and adjust speeds accordingly. Some models can double as a heater when it gets cold,

Filter facts

What’s it all about?

The filter is the most essential part of the air purifier – without one, it’d just suck in the same old air and blow it back out. The filter catches those aforementioned nasties and prevents them from recirculating. There are different types –

and a fan when it’s hot. Others may feature an oscillating head for greater room coverage.

Put simply, an air purifier is an electronic device used to filter the air in a room. It uses a fan to draw the air in through either one or a series of filters. These filters trap any airborne pollutants that enter the unit, such as dust mites, viruses, bacteria, pet dander, smoke, gases, chemicals, and mould spores. Clean air is then blown back into the room, and the process is continually repeated.

Light sleepers should look for an air purifier that features either a quiet mode or a special sleep mode for overnight operation.

HEPA, carbon, ozone, and UV being popular examples – and each offers various advantages over their key role, which is zapping those nasties. Unless regularly replaced, the filter’s effectiveness will reduce over time as it gets clogged. So, it’s important to

follow the manufacturer’s advice on how frequently they need to be changed. Some models have filters that can be washed and reused, which helps both the environment and your bank balance.

THE LATEST AIR PURIFIERS

Breville The Smart Air Viral Protect Max Purifier Need to clear the air in a large space like a living area? Breville to the rescue! Ready to take on up to 138m2, this smart-enabled unit boasts an advanced, four-stage

Philips Pure Protect Mini 900 Series Smart Air Purifier It may be compact, but the Mini 900 is a little gremlin zapping powerhouse! Ultra-quiet, it can purify the air of a 20m2 room in just 12 minutes and is effective in areas up to 65m2. Three- layer HEPA filtration captures 99.9% of allergens and 99.7% of airborne particles, and it’s tough on germs, including those that trigger COVID-19, too. With

Philips Pure Protect 3200 Series Smart Air Purifier Purify a large area – up to 135m2 – quietly, and effectively, with this new app-supported Philips model that packs serious punch, but without a lot of noise, and without a massive footprint. Long lasting three-layer HEPA filtration traps 99.7% of even the smallest airborne particles, while 99.99% of allergens

purification process featuring a pre-filter for dust and pet dander, HEPA for viral particles and allergens, activated carbon for smoke and smells, and a Microbe Shield light for bacteria and viruses – they don’t stand a chance! Add a visual air quality indicator, plus Wi-Fi and voice control, and breathe easy.

a long-lasting filter, the unit’s

are no match for the unit. It also traps odours, and effectively reduces viruses including flu from the air. And all with lower power consumption than an old school light bulb!

app support means that you can either leave it to take care of business,

or you can get super-involved control-wise.

34 SEPTEMBER 2024

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