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With the growing attention to issues such as smog, pollen allergies, and indoor formaldehyde pollution, air purifiers have become a “health necessity” for many families. However, the market is flooded with a wide range of products with complex and incomprehensible parameters, and many consumers spend a lot of money but fail to achieve the expected results. How can we avoid misunderstandings in selection, use air purifiers correctly, and make them truly effective?
I. Core Selection Principles: Identify Key Parameters and Match Actual Needs
The core of selecting an air purifier is to “match it with actual needs”. Blindly pursuing high prices or multi-functions often leads to poor value for money. The following three parameters are crucial for judging product performance and must be focused on.
1. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR): The “Hard Indicator” Determining Purification Speed
The CADR value represents the volume of clean air that an air purifier can purify per hour, measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h). It is divided into particulate CADR and formaldehyde CADR, corresponding to the purification capabilities for solid pollutants (such as PM2.5 and dust) and gaseous pollutants (such as formaldehyde and TVOC) respectively. When selecting a product, the required CADR value should be calculated based on the area of the usage space. The formula is: Applicable Area (㎡) = CADR Value × 0.1 – 0.15. For example, for a 20㎡ bedroom, if the main goal is to purify PM2.5, an air purifier with a particulate CADR value of 133-200 m³/h is sufficient; if it is used to remove formaldehyde in a newly decorated house, the formaldehyde CADR value should also be considered, and it is recommended to be no less than 100 m³/h. It should be noted that some products may exaggerate their CADR values, which can be verified by checking test reports from authoritative institutions (such as the China Household Electric Appliances Research Institute).
2. Cumulative Clean Mass (CCM): The “Durability Indicator” Measuring Filter Lifespan
The CCM value represents the total weight of pollutants that an air purifier’s filter can purify before reaching the replacement standard, measured in milligrams (mg). Similarly, it is divided into particulate CCM (Levels P1-P4) and gaseous pollutant CCM (Levels F1-F4). The higher the level, the longer the filter lifespan and the lower the replacement cost. For areas with frequent smog or families with pets, where particulate pollution is severe, products with P4-level CCM should be prioritized; for newly decorated houses, where gaseous pollutants such as formaldehyde are released over a long period, F4-level CCM products are necessary to avoid increased expenses due to frequent filter replacements.
3. Filter Type: The “Core Component” Determining Purification Effect
Different filters target different pollutants, and a single filter cannot solve all problems. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters have a purification efficiency of over 99.97% for solid pollutants such as PM2.5, pollen, and bacteria, making them one of the core filters. Activated carbon filters remove gaseous pollutants such as formaldehyde and odors through adsorption. However, their adsorption capacity is limited and they need to be replaced regularly to avoid secondary pollution caused by saturation. In addition, some products are equipped with functions such as UV sterilization and negative ion purification, which can be selected according to needs but should not be regarded as core selection criteria.
II. Usage Tips: Avoid Misunderstandings and Maximize Purification Effect
Selecting the right product is only the first step; correct usage is equally important. The following common misunderstandings will directly affect the purification effect and require special attention.
1. Keep Doors and Windows Closed to Ensure Air Tightness
The purification principle of air purifiers is to circulate and filter indoor air. If doors and windows are open, outdoor pollutants will continuously enter, greatly reducing the purification effect. The indoor environment should be kept airtight when using the purifier. If ventilation is needed, it is recommended to do so when the outdoor air quality is good, and then close the doors and windows before turning on the purifier.
2. Place It Properly to Avoid Blockage
The air inlet and outlet of the purifier must be unobstructed. Avoid placing it against walls, furniture, or being blocked by curtains, as this will affect the air circulation efficiency. It is recommended to place it in the center of the room, at least 30 centimeters away from the wall, to ensure smooth air intake.
3. Adjust Air Speed as Needed and Replace Filters Regularly
When pollution is severe (such as smog days or the initial stage of formaldehyde removal in newly decorated houses), the high-speed gear can be turned on to purify the air quickly; when pollution is mild, switch to medium or low-speed gears, which can not only ensure the effect but also save energy and reduce noise. At the same time, the filter is the core of purification and needs to be replaced regularly according to the frequency of use and the degree of pollution. Generally, the service life of HEPA filters is 6-12 months, and that of activated carbon filters is 3-6 months. Specific replacement time can refer to product prompts or be judged by the air quality indicator light.
4. Combine with Other Measures for Comprehensive Pollution Control
Air purifiers are not “all-powerful tools” and need to be combined with other measures to improve indoor air quality. For example, after decorating a new house, measures such as ventilation, placing activated carbon, and growing green radishes should be taken first to reduce formaldehyde concentration, and then the purifier can be used in conjunction; families with pets need to clean pet hair regularly to reduce the source of pollutants; dehumidifiers can be used in humid seasons to reduce indoor humidity and prevent bacterial growth.
III. Summary
To scientifically select an air purifier, it is necessary to focus on the three core parameters of CADR, CCM, and filter type, and accurately match them with the usage area and pollution type. For correct use, details such as maintaining an airtight environment, proper placement, and regular filter replacement should be noted. Only by selecting the right product and using it properly can the air purifier truly become a “barrier” to protect indoor health and create a fresh and safe breathing environment for the family.
