Here’s How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Indoor air should be clean and allergen-free.

Yet furry friends, damp basements and dry winter climates can affect your home’s air quality. Fortunately, properly used air cleaners, air purifiers, humidifiers and dehumidifiers can clear the air so you can breathe easy year-round. Here’s what to look for.

Here’s How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Air Quality Solutions Factors to Consider Product Features

Air Quality Solutions

For optimal air quality, your home may benefit from one or multiple solutions. Air cleaners and air purifiers filter your air to varying degrees, while humidifiers and dehumidifiers optimize moisture levels for comfort and cleanliness.

Factors to Consider

Whether you are choosing an air cleaner, air purifier, humidifier or dehumidifier, here are some factors to consider when searching for the right product.

Room Size

Using the right size air cleaner, air purifier, humidifier or dehumidifier is critical when it comes to getting good results. Measure the room/area the machine will be operating in, and then check product specs to find a model capable of handling that square footage.

Season

A premium air purifier is well worth the investment if you’re using it year-round. For a humidifier that’s only used in winter, or a basement-located summer dehumidifier, you may want to save money by opting for basic models.

Lifestyle

Don’t overlook space, noise level and design. Many compact units can fit on to a table or desk, while tower units are slim and space-saving. Some machines operate more quietly than others, and designs range from utilitarian to sleek and modern. For kids’ rooms or pets, cool mist is the safer humidifier choice.

Product Features

Look for performance features that can help you get more – and save more – from your air cleaner, air purifier, humidifier or dehumidifier.

Energy Savings

Energy Star models use less energy than standard models

Programmable Timer

Run your machine only when you need it to cut energy use (and costs)

Air Quality Sensors

Air purifier sensors monitor the air for pollutants and adjust settings accordingly

Automatic Shut Off

Turns a unit off when water reservoir needs filling or emptying

Indicator Lights

Alerts user if unit needs filter change or other maintenance

Castors or Handles

Improved room-to-room portability for larger units

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FAQs

What does an air purifier do?

An air purifier uses a fan to pull in air from a room and cleanse it of unwanted particles via a system of internal filters. This usually includes a pre-filter, HEPA filter and charcoal filter. A good air purifier can remove up to 99.7% of dust, pollen, pet dander, mould, viruses and other airborne particulates.

Does an air purifier remove smells?

Yes. Bad smells are also present in the form of airborne particulates and can be effectively removed with an air purifier or cleaner. This includes odours from food, pets, smoke, garbage, and soiled baby diapers.

What does a humidifier do?

A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home. In Canada this can be a great benefit in winter where the air is typically much drier than the other three seasons. Humidifying the air can help alleviate dry skin, nose, and throat irritations. It can also offer relief for some allergy, cold, and flu symptoms.

How does a dehumidifier work?

A dehumidifier does the opposite of a humidifier by removing moisture from the air. It works by drawing in moist air and passing it over a cooling coil that condenses the water vapour into water. The water is collected in a tank inside the unit for easy removal.

Does a dehumidifier cool a room?

No. A dehumidifier does not lower the actual room temperature; however, the removal of moisture can create a cooling effect and make the room feel less warm.