Air purifier vs ventilation: Which works best and for what?

The indoor climate plays a decisive role in our health and well-being. However, many experience problems with poor air quality, especially in dense buildings where ventilation can be limited. Therefore, the question arises: What is the best way to improve the air quality in our homes and workplaces? Should we rely on technologies like air cleaners or is manual venting enough? Let's dive into the two methods and their pros and cons to find out which works best.

What does an air purifier do?

An air purifier works by filtering particles and pollutants from the air in a room. Air purifiers are particularly effective at removing dust, pollen, smoke and other airborne particles, making them a valuable solution for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. Some air purifiers can also reduce the amount of harmful gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from furniture, cleaning products and building materials.

The advantage of air purifiers is that they can filter the air continuously without depending on outdoor air quality, which is an advantage in urban areas with high air pollution. However, they have their limitations. They do not remove CO2, which builds up in the air when we breathe, and they cannot supply fresh air. In addition, many air purifiers require regular maintenance in the form of filter changes to maintain their effectiveness.

Advantages of manual venting

Manual ventilation simply involves opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate in a room. This is the most natural and direct way to renew indoor air and reduce CO2 levels, which can become too high if a room is not adequately ventilated. Fresh air from outside helps to remove both pollutants and unpleasant odors, making ventilation an effective method of improving the indoor climate quickly and at no cost.

A disadvantage of manual ventilation is that the air quality outside is not always optimal, especially in areas with high pollution or pollen. In urban areas, ventilation can actually lead to more pollutants entering the home, which can worsen the indoor climate. In such situations, air cleaners or mechanical ventilation systems may be a better solution.

Air Purifier vs Venting: Comparison

It is clear that both air purifiers and manual ventilation have their advantages and disadvantages, but which method is best for improving your indoor climate? Here is a comparison based on several factors:

1. Removal of particles and allergens

Air purifiers are very effective at filtering particles such as pollen, dust and animal hair, making them a good solution for people with allergies or asthma. However, manual ventilation can also help reduce the concentration of these particles, especially if the air outside is clean and free of pollen.

2. Removal of CO2

Venting is clearly better at reducing CO2 levels. When we stay in a closed space for a long time, the CO2 level rises, which can lead to headaches, fatigue and reduced concentration【9†source】. Air purifiers cannot remove CO2 as they simply circulate and clean the existing air.

3. Air quality in urban areas

In urban areas with high air pollution, manual ventilation can lead to harmful particles and gases entering the home. Here, air purifiers can be a better solution, as they can capture many of these particles and improve the indoor air quality.

4. Energy consumption

Air purifiers use electricity and can therefore incur additional costs in power consumption, especially if they run continuously. Manual venting requires no energy, but in the winter months it can increase the need for heating as the cold air flows in. However, this need can be significantly reduced by making a short-term draft.

5. Long-term maintenance

Air purifiers require regular filter changes and maintenance to function effectively. Filter systems can become clogged over time, reducing efficiency and causing the units to become ineffective. Ventilation requires no maintenance, but it can be difficult to maintain a constant flow of fresh air during the winter months or on days with bad weather.

What works best for you?

The best choice between air cleaner and manual ventilation depends on your needs and environment. If you are in an area with good outdoor air quality, manual ventilation may be sufficient to maintain a healthy indoor climate. This will help reduce CO2 levels and bring fresh oxygen into the home with no extra cost for power consumption or maintenance.

If, on the other hand, you are in an area with high pollution, or if you have specific needs, such as reducing allergens in the air, an air purifier may be a better solution. A combination of both methods – where you ventilate when possible and use an air purifier as a supplement – ​​can be the most effective way to ensure healthy and comfortable indoor air.

By choosing the right solution for your home, you can achieve a significant improvement in your air quality, which contributes to better health and well-being for you and your workplace.

A combination for the complete solution

In conclusion, it can be a great advantage to combine an air purifier and manual ventilation to achieve a more complete and optimal indoor climate. By utilizing both methods, you get the best of both worlds: Ventilation ensures that fresh air is supplied, which reduces CO2 levels and vents harmful gases, while an air purifier can effectively remove small particles, allergens and harmful substances that may be present present in the indoor air.

This combination makes particular sense in urban areas where the outdoor air may be polluted, but where fresh air is still needed to maintain a healthy environment. By opening the windows regularly and supplementing with an air purifier, you can ensure a constant flow of fresh air while filtering out any particles that may come in from outside. This creates a balanced indoor climate that both reduces the amount of indoor pollutants and ensures that CO2 or other harmful gases do not accumulate.

In doubt about what is in your indoor climate?

ÅBN has developed a simple sensor, SKYEN, which gives you insight into six indoor climate factors that can affect your health and productivity. The sensor measures, among other things, CO2 and TVOC, which can tell you about your need for ventilation and air purifiers. Contact us or read more about the SKYEN indoor climate meter here

Sources: