As Delhi NCR struggles with air pollution, here are 7 tips to choose the right air purifier for your home and office
Delhi-NCR is struggling for clean air. In this climate, air purifiers have become an essential tool for survival. Here are seven practical tips that will help you choose an air purifier that is right for your space and keeps the air inside your home breathable.
Delhi-NCR is once again battling hazardous air quality this winter. AQI levels are reaching above 999, making it difficult to breathe indoors and outdoors due to pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10. People living in this region are practically living inside gas bubbles and in order to breathe clean air, air purifiers have become an essential tool for survival.
Air purifiers not only help filter out harmful outdoor pollutants, but also help deal with indoor pollution, which is often considered even more harmful. A good purifier can improve filtration against PM2.5, allergens, and toxic gases, bringing relief to families, office workers, and anyone who stays inside for long periods of time.
But which one should you choose? With dozens of models on the market, choosing the right air purifier can be overwhelming. From room size and filtration technology to long-term maintenance, buyers need to look beyond flashy marketing claims and focus on the features that really make a difference.
So, to help you out, here are seven practical tips that will help you choose the right purifier for your home or workplace.
1. Start with the size of your room
The most important step before buying an air purifier is to check the size of the room where you plan to use it. Each purifier is designed for a specific coverage area, and an underpowered model will do nothing to improve your air quality.
For bedrooms or studies around 150-200 square feet, look for a clean air delivery rate (CADR) of at least 250 cubic meters per hour. Large living rooms or shared office spaces may require a CADR of 400 or higher for efficient cleaning.
2. Check for correct HEPA filtration
At this level of pollution, a true HEPA filter cannot be compromised on. This type of filter captures 99.97 percent of particles up to 0.3 microns, including dust, smoke and pollen.
Experts also recommend choosing purifiers with multi-layer filtration setup. Along with the HEPA filter, a strong activated carbon layer is essential to trap gases like nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are commonly found in Delhi’s air.
Many brands now use confusing terms or “HEPA-like” labels. Don’t fall for these marketing tactics – make sure the machine actually includes a true HEPA filter.
3. Look at the air changes per hour (ACH) rating
Along with the filter type, check the air changes per hour (ACH) rating. ACH tells you how many times the purifier can completely clean the air inside the room in an hour.
For everyday households, 4-5 ACH is usually sufficient. However, if you have senior citizens, children or anyone with asthma or respiratory problems in your home, a higher ACH of 6-8 is recommended – especially on days with severe pollution.
4. Understand filter lifetime and maintenance costs
Some brands claim to have long lasting filters, but real world conditions in Delhi often cause them to wear out within 3-6 months. Before buying, check the cost of replacement filters, their availability and after-sales support of the brand.
A purifier may seem economical at first but may prove costly later if the filters are expensive or difficult to find. Strong warranty terms and reliable customer service are always a win-win.
5. Smart features are nice – but not a priority
Smart features like app control, voice support, real-time AQI display, and scheduling can be convenient, especially for busy families or office setups.
However, these should remain secondary. Coverage area, filtration efficiency and ease of maintenance matter much more than digital extras. Always prioritize a powerful, effective purifier first, and if smart features are included consider them a nice bonus.
6. Don’t ignore the noise level
Air purifiers often run for hours – even overnight – so noise levels can affect day-to-day comfort.
You can look for models that offer quiet mode or sleep mode, preferably operating below 30 decibels. This is especially important for bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices, where constant humming can be distracting.
7. Match the price to your needs
Higher price does not always mean better purification. Many mid-range purifiers with true HEPA and activated carbon filters perform great for small to medium rooms.
Instead of focusing on premium branding or fancy add-ons, choose models that give you reliable filtration, reasonable coverage, and affordable maintenance.
And if you need more than one purifier at home, your budget will naturally play a big role, so choose wisely and prioritize efficiency and power.
