In recent years, with increasing awareness of air pollution and the importance of indoor air quality, air purifiers have become an essential appliance in many households and workplaces. These devices work tirelessly to clean the air we breathe, helping to reduce viruses, bacteria, allergens, traffic pollutants, and harmful gases and chemicals. The effectiveness of an air purifier, however, largely depends on the quality of its filters. While it might be financially tempting to opt for cheaper non-genuine filters, doing so can have significant disadvantages and potential bring about significant risks.
In this post, we will explore the drawbacks of using non-genuine filters in your air purifier, shedding light on why investing in genuine, high-quality filters can be vital for both the efficiency of the device and its possible impact on your health.
Inferior Filtration Performance
Air purifiers are designed to capture and remove a wide range of airborne particles, including viruses, dust, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and even traffic soot. Genuine filters of a high-quality air purifier are engineered and tested to meet strict performance standards, ensuring optimal filtration efficiency. A HEPA air purifier, for example, should have a filter that meets the EN1822 standard. On the other hand, the non-genuine filters we have seen do not meet any of the expected standards. If so, they will however not meet the same level of filtration, allowing harmful particle and gas contamination to escape into the air you breathe.
Reduced Airflow and Energy Efficiency
Air purifiers are engineered to work with specific filter designs and materials to ensure proper airflow. Non-genuine filters may not fit properly and/or use the appropriate filtration materials, which can lead to several unwanted side effects. One might be reduced airflow through the purifier. When the airflow is compromised, the device's effectiveness in cleaning your room is reduced. Moreover, decreased airflow can cause the purifier to work harder, leading to higher energy consumption, possible over-heating of the fan, and potentially shortening the device's lifespan.
Increased Health Risks
Using non-genuine filters in your air purifier could pose a direct health risk for you and your loved ones. Inferior filtration due to low quality filter media, will be less effective at capturing and retaining harmful contamination. This can exacerbate allergies and asthma, and negatively impact respiratory health, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Voiding Warranty and Damaging the Device
Most air purifiers come with a warranty that covers any defects or malfunctions that might occur during normal use. However, using non-genuine filters will normally void any warranty, leaving you responsible for any repairs or replacements. Additionally, non-genuine filters might not be designed to fit perfectly in the device, potentially causing damage to the purifier itself or even rendering it inoperable.
Uncertain Source and Safety Concerns
When purchasing non-genuine filters, it is very challenging to confirm how good or bad they actually are. Some third-party filters may not meet safety standards or could be made from very low-grade material, which might emit harmful chemicals or particulates into the air. Genuine filters, on the other hand, undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for use and compliant with industry standards.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a cost-saving measure initially, using non-genuine filters in your air purifier can lead to a range of disadvantages and potential health risks. Investing in genuine, manufacturer-approved filters not only ensures proper filtration performance but also guarantees the longevity and efficiency of your air purifier.
As your health and well-being are the priority, our suggestion is to opt for genuine filters from reputable sources. The filters should be replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain the optimal performance of your air purifier. After all, the air we breathe profoundly impacts our health, and taking this crucial step can make all the difference in creating a clean and healthy indoor environment for you and your family.
HEPA filters were developed as part of the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos during World War II. The US government was searching for a way to filter radioactive particles from the air in the production of atomic bombs, leading to the development of HEPA filters. The technology was later adapted for use in air purification systems for medical and manufacturing environments, general buildings, and domestic homes.
