What Do Air Purifiers Do? Your Complete Guide to Cleaner Indoor Air
Take a deep breath. Now imagine doing that 20,000 more times today–because that's exactly what you'll do. Plus, if you're reading this indoors, each of those breaths contains up to five times more pollutants than the air outside. Yes, even in your meticulously cleaned home.
But dust bunnies under your bed are just the tip of the iceberg. Your indoor air is a silent cocktail of invisible particles, from last night's cooking adventures to that mysterious "new furniture" smell scientists keep warning us about (spoiler: they're called VOCs, and we'll get into why they matter).
Enter the air purifier. Let's explore how these devices work and what they can do for your space.
Understanding Indoor Air Quality
The air in your home is a complex mixture of particles, gases, and microorganisms. From pet dander and dust to cooking fumes and airborne bacteria, these invisible invaders can impact your health and comfort. According to Yale School of Public Health research, household dust can harbor harmful "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from everyday items.
But that's just the beginning. Studies have also found that even your shower curtain can release VOCs into your bathroom, and the simple act of making your bed in the morning can launch millions of microscopic particles into the air. Even more surprising? The EPA has found that a gas stove can release carbon monoxide levels that would be illegal outdoors.
All of these invisible particles are constantly floating in your home's air, affecting every breath you take.
So, How Do Air Purifiers Factor In?
While the list of indoor air pollutants might seem overwhelming, there's a solution that can help tackle these invisible threats. Just as modern medicine has evolved to fight disease, air purification technology has made dramatic advances in combating indoor air pollution.
The Filtration Process
Modern air purifiers work through sophisticated multi-stage filtration systems. Here's how our advanced technology at Coway tackles indoor air pollution.
- Pre-Filter: The first stage captures large visible particles like pet hair and dust. This washable pre-filter protects and extends the life of the filters that follow.
- Activated Carbon Filter: Specially treated carbon contains microscopic passageways that trap VOCs and absorb gases that cause unwanted odors from cooking, pets, and other sources.
- Green True HEPA™ Filter: The core filtration stage that can capture and remove over 99.997%2 of airborne contaminants down to 0.01 microns in size - far smaller than most bacteria and viruses.
- Upgrade with Custom Filtration Options
Select Airmega models like the Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH and 200M support custom filters tailored to all of your air care needs. The Pet Filter features enhanced dander capture and odor control for pet households, while the Allergen Filter targets seasonal allergens, pollen, and dust mites.
3 Tips For Choosing the Right Purifier
When selecting an air purifier, you’ll want to consider three key factors.
1. Match Your Space with the Perfect Purifier
Shopping for an air purifier isn't one-size-fits-all. Your space deserves a perfect match. The Airmega 100 efficiently covers rooms up to 810 square feet, while the Airmega Aim handles spaces up to 492 square feet.
Moving into larger territories? For medium to large spaces, consider the powerful Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH , which covers up to 874 sq. ft., or the versatile Airmega 250, designed for up to 930 sq. ft. For even bigger areas, the Airmega ProX offers impressive coverage of up to 4,253 sq. ft.
You can also check out our newest additions, the versatile Airmega 350 and the Airmega 450. Each features our advanced HyperVortex filtration system and customizable filter options.
Be sure to review each model's specific coverage ratings to find the right fit for your space. Whether you're outfitting a cozy bedroom or an open-concept living area, knowing your room size is the first step to breathing cleaner air.
2. Personalize Your Purification to Your Needs
Different homes face different air quality challenges. Pet owners might battle dander and odors, while city dwellers might focus on smoke and pollution. Our Airmega purifiers adapt to your specific situation with advanced filtration systems that tackle everything from common dust to microscopic allergens. Whether you're managing seasonal allergies, cooking odors, or urban pollutants, Airmega models are designed for your unique needs.
3. Keep in Mind the Noise Level
Clean air shouldn't come with a soundtrack. That's why we've engineered our Airmega series to work quietly in the background of your life. The Airmega 100 whispers at just 20 dB(A) in sleep mode - softer than a gentle rainfall. Even our most powerful models, like the ProX, keep things hushed between 23-46 dB(A). Finally, you can enjoy pristine air quality without choosing between clean air and quiet spaces.
4. Smart Placement Means Better Performance
Your air purifier's location can make all the difference. For optimal performance, position your Airmega where air circulates most, typically in high-traffic areas or rooms where you spend significant time. Keep doors and windows closed when possible to maintain the clean air environment you've created. And remember, regular maintenance is key. Stick to the recommended filter replacement schedule to keep your Airmega performing at its best. These simple steps help ensure you're breathing the cleanest air possible in your home.
For advice on filter replacement, check out our in-depth blog.
What Are The Benefits of Clean Air?
Regular use of an air purifier can lead to noticeable improvements in your daily life. By removing pollen, dust, and pet dander, air purifiers can significantly reduce allergy symptoms. Clean air promotes better sleep quality, especially when sleep mode is designed for nighttime use. Additionally, removing harmful particles and gases creates a healthier space for everyone, particularly children and elderly family members.
Invest in Your Air Quality Now
When you’re choosing an Airmega air purifier, you're investing in cleaner, healthier air for your home. With features like real-time monitoring, auto airflow adjustments, and whisper-quiet operations, our advanced air purifiers work continuously to protect your indoor environment.
Ready to breathe easier? Explore how Coway's air purification technology can transform your home's air quality and take the first step toward a healthier indoor environment.
Sources:
American Lung Association - Clean Air Indoors
Yale School of Public Health - Study identifies potentially harmful substances in household dust
Disclaimers
1Coway air purifiers have been proven to trap dust, pollen, dander, viruses and bacteria in the air based on KCL (Korea Conformity Laboratories) testing.They have been tested in a 30㎥ size chamber according to the Korea Air Cleaning Association standard (SPS-KACA 002-132:2022 Modified) to measure the 0.01㎛ size of particle removal rate. It was tested on maximum airflow speed in normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The performance may vary in the actual living environment of customers.
→ Tested with Airmega Aim, 100, 150, 160, AP-1216L, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 200M, Icon, IconS, 230, 240, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 350, 400, 400S, 450, ProX
299.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi and pollen were verified to be removed from the air for Coway air purifiers which have Green True HEPA™ filter applied based on the Japan Food Research Laboratories(JFRL) testing according to JEM 1467 standard.
→ Tested with Coway Airmega AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 250, 250 Art, 250S, 300, 300S, 400, 400S
→ All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
All tested by JFRL and received above result within below time.
- Virus: Tested with Escherichia coli phage ΦX174 NBRC 103405, 60 minutes
- Bacteria: Tested with Staphylococcus epidermidis NBRC 12993, 60 minutes
- Fungi/Mold: Tested with Penicillium citrinum NBRC 6352, 60 minutes
- Pollen: Tested with Cedar Pollen extract, 60 minutes
3Aerosol test conducted in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory with two Coway air purifier models, Coway Airmega 250 and 400 for removal of SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol by US based MRI Global, a not-for-profit laboratory and partner of US Department of Defense. The test was conducted in a 13.1ft3 chamber. Virus was aerosolized for 15 minutes and the product was turned on high for 2 minutes. Result showed each product effectively removed over 99.98% of the SARS-CoV-2 in 2 minutes. This is a result from a laboratory experiment condition and result may vary in different conditions. This result does not imply it kills SARS-CoV-2 or prevents the transmission of Covid-19. Coway Airmega 250S and 400S are identical to the tested models and has equal performance with an additional mobile connectivity function.
4The concentration of ammonia, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were proven to be removed within 30 minutes by FCG Research Institute, Inc. Human Life Science Lab. It is not a demonstration result in the actual use space. Not all odors and gases may be supported. → Tested with Coway Airmega 150, 160, AP-1512HH, AP-1512HHS, 400, 400S
5The coverage area of the air purifier is based on an area where the air cleaner can make two air changes per hour (ACPH). An air change per hour translates to how many times an air purifier can clean an area, assuming the height of a ceiling to be 8 ft, in one hour. Therefore ** means two air changes per hour means that the cleaner can clean the area once every 30 minutes and * means air changes per hour means that the air purifier can clean the area once every 60 minutes.
10Terms and conditions apply. Discounts, including promotions, coupons, bundle discount and subscription discount, cannot be stacked on top of other coupons. During promotional periods, discount codes will not be able to be applied to orders. Promo codes may apply to products only—filters, accessories, and new products within 3 months of the release date are not included.
