What Is an Air Purifier and How Does It Work?

Imagine coming home after a long day, hoping to relax, only to be met with air that feels heavy, stale, or slightly off. Despite regular dusting and cleaning, the discomfort persists, your sinuses feel irritated, or your child’s asthma flares up. This is where an air purifier becomes essential. A smart appliance that silently works to keep the air in your home clean, fresh, and breathable.

Indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air, with less visible sources like pet dander, dust mites, cooking fumes, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The good news? Unlike outdoor pollution, indoor air quality is something you can take control of, starting right at home.
 

An air purifier for the home is a practical solution to reduce these pollutants and improve the overall air quality, especially in cities where outdoor air quality is already compromised.
 

So, what is an air purifier, and how does it function?
 

What Is an Air Purifier?
 

An air purifier is an appliance designed to remove contaminants from the air in a room, making it cleaner and safer to breathe. It draws in air, filters out harmful particles such as dust, pollen, smoke, and bacteria, and then circulates purified air back into the room.
 

These devices are especially useful for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. However, with rising awareness about pollution and health, air purifiers are becoming a household essential even for healthy individuals seeking cleaner air.
 

How Does an Air Purifier Work?
 

Air purifiers generally work using a multi-stage filtration system that may include:
 

1. Pre-Filter
    

   This is the first line of defence. It captures larger particles like hair, dust, and pet fur, helping to extend the life of the other filters.
    

2. HEPA Filter
    

   The HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is one of the most crucial components. It captures 99.97% of particles of size as small as 0.1 microns, including pollen, smoke, and fine dust, making it a must-have in any high-quality air purifier.
    

3. Activated Carbon Filter
    

   This layer helps neutralise odours, gases, and VOCs (like those released from paint or cleaning agents), improving the overall smell and chemical safety of indoor air.
    

4. Plasma Filtration
    

   Some advanced purifiers also include UV light or plasma ionisation to kill airborne bacteria and viruses.
   The device pulls in the contaminated air, passes it through the filters, and pushes out purified air, effectively reducing pollutants from your indoor environment.
    

Benefits of Using an Air Purifier
 

Using an air purifier isn’t just about combating pollution; it’s about upgrading your lifestyle and protecting your health. Here are some key benefits:
 

1. Improved Respiratory Health
    

   Air purifiers reduce allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander, making breathing easier, especially for asthma or allergy sufferers.
    

2. Odour Control
    

   Cooking smells, cigarette smoke, and musty odours can be unpleasant. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters neutralise these smells quickly.
    

3. Better Sleep
    

   Cleaner air promotes better sleep by reducing snoring, congestion, and nighttime breathing difficulties caused by allergens.
    

4. Enhanced Productivity
    

   Clean indoor air helps improve focus, energy levels, and mental clarity, great for home offices or study areas.
    

5. Protection Against Airborne Germs
    

   Advanced models can eliminate bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of infections, especially in homes with kids or elderly members.
    

All About Forbes Smart Air Purifiers
 

If you're considering buying an air purifier for your home, Forbes offers options that combine design, filtration efficiency, and smart features.
 

1. Forbes Smart 355 Surround 360° Air Purifier
 

This model is perfect for medium-sized spaces. It comes with:
 

• 360° Air Intake for faster purification
• True H13 HEPA filter for medical-grade particle capture
• 4-stage filtration system including Activated Carbon and Plasma Purification
• Smart WiFi Control and PM2.5 display for real-time monitoring
• Auto Mode and Sleep Mode for convenience and quiet performance
   

Its compact size and sleek look make it a seamless addition to modern homes while providing high-efficiency purification.
 

2. Forbes Smart 500 Surround 360° Air Purifier
 

For larger spaces, the Smart 500 is ideal. It includes:
 

• Higher CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for faster air cleaning
• Plasma Ion Technology for added protection against bacteria and viruses
• True HEPA H13 Filtration and Activated Carbon for wide-spectrum pollutant removal
• VOC Indicators to show air quality levels
• Child Lock, Sleep Mode, and Smart Connectivity
   

With smart automation and WiFi-based control, it’s designed to deliver convenience, clean air, and peace of mind.
 

Tips to Clean Air Purifier Filters
 

One of the questions that arises when purchasing an air purifier is how to clean the filters. Always refer to your user manual to avoid damaging the unit during cleaning. Here are some tips to ensure that your air purifier is cleaned right-
 

• Avoid washing filters with water; instead, clean them gently using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
• Maintain a 5–10 mm distance while vacuuming to avoid damaging the filter surface.
• If the filter starts to emit a foul odour, it may be time for an early replacement.
   

Conclusion
 

With rising levels of indoor pollution, having an air purifier is becoming necessary. Whether you're living in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, clean indoor air contributes to better health, restful sleep, and overall comfort.
 

From understanding what an air purifier is to choosing the right model for your space, investing in a good-quality device can transform your home's environment.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

1. How often should I run my air purifier?
    

   For optimal results, it's recommended to run your air purifier continuously, especially in polluted cities or allergy seasons.
    

2. Can air purifiers help with pet allergies?
    

   Yes. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are excellent at removing pet dander and hair, which are common triggers for allergies and asthma.
    

3. How to clean air purifier units effectively?
    

   Clean the pre-filter regularly by rinsing it, and replace HEPA or activated carbon filters as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Smart models from Forbes will alert you when it’s time for maintenance or a filter change.