If you live in an apartment, you may have wondered about the air quality in your building. Unlike single family homes, apartment buildings share HVAC systems between units, meaning that air quality issues in one apartment can affect others nearby. Here’s what you need to know about air purifiers for apartments and which ones we recommend.
Why Should You Be Using an Air Purifier in Your Apartment?
If you’ve lived in an apartment for any length of time, it may not surprise you to learn that multi-unit buildings often have very low air quality. A number of different factors play into this, but poor circulation and distribution of fresh air seems to be the main culprit. Because fresh air is distributed unevenly within a building, certain units are more prone to low air quality than others. Specifically, units on the lowest floors are susceptible to the buildup of contaminants because of stagnant air. Lower units also tend to accumulate humidity, raising the risk of mold growth.
In addition to circulation issues, apartment buildings multiply the sources of indoor air pollution you’re being exposed to. If your building features gas stoves, for example, you’re potentially being exposed to the fine particulate matter produced by every stove in your building, not just your own.
As you can see, apartments have some unique issues when it comes to air quality. As a result, it’s usually a good idea to use an air purifier in your apartment. Even if you live in a smaller building that isn’t as prone to these problems, a good air purifier can increase your air quality and help you breathe cleaner, healthier air every day.
What Kind of Air Purifier Is Best in an Apartment?
Because apartments can be exposed to so many different kinds of contaminants, it’s best to use an all-purpose air purifier. This means a unit that is equipped with both HEPA and carbon filters, as these will capture particles and harmful gases, respectively. It’s also best to choose an air purifier with a relatively high air flow capacity, since this will allow it to cycle the air in your apartment through more times per hour.
Best Air Purifiers for Apartments
Airpura R600
Airpura’s all-purpose workhorse model, the Airpura R600 is a great choice for almost any kind of residential use. The R600 is rated for spaces of up to 2,000 square feet, making it a good fit for use in larger apartments. If your apartment is smaller, though, this model is still an option you should consider.
Amaircare 3000 VOC
Featuring both HEPA and carbon filters, the Amaircare 3000 VOC is well-equipped to handle gases, odors and particulate contaminants in your apartment. This model features all-metal construction, relatively quiet high-efficiency fans and a convenient filter change reminder light on its dashboard that takes the guesswork out of filter maintenance.
Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0
Although there are many air purifiers that are great for use in apartments, not all of them will necessarily look good with your existing home decor. That’s where the Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 comes into play. This air purifier is designed specifically to fit in with almost any modern design style. In addition to looking good, the BioGS 2.0 is a fairly powerful unit equipped with both HEPA and carbon filters. It also features an ultra-quiet setting, making it a good option if you need an air purifier in your bedroom.
While your building may have low overall air quality, using an air purifier in your apartment can help you protect yourself from the worst indoor air contaminants. Have more questions about air purifiers for apartments? We’re here to help! Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we’ll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations.