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PM2.5 Monitor Accuracy - Comparing 6 Temtop & Qingping Units - Snap Air

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PM2.5 Monitor Accuracy - Comparing 6 Temtop & Qingping Units

on Aug 20 2025
We’ve expanded our air quality monitor range to include Temtop. Like our existing models from Qingping, Temtop has a reputation for well-priced products with high levels of accuracy. Accuracy is non-negotiable for us, so we started with models that already have independent test results and used those as anchors in a simple, real-world comparison. We then co-located all six monitors (Qingping and Temtop) and aligned the data over several days. The curves moved together, and the typical gaps were small. That gives us confidence that the new additions sit in line with our verified units. Independent Testing Anchors Southcoast AQMD, based in California has a program where they compare air quality monitors with high grade reference equipment. This provides independent test data for dozens of models, from low cost ones like the QP Lite to ones costing thousands of dollars. For PM2.5, all the results are published here. Several of our units already have results available from Southcoast AQMD. All showed strong correlations with the reference equipment for PM2.5 measurements, and low mean errors - often beating monitors costing thousands of dollars!  Model Field R2 (Correlation) Field MAE (Absolute Error) Qingping Lite 0.85 to 0.93 1.8 to 3.6 Qingping Pro 0.86 to 0.90 1.8 to 2.3 Temtop LKC-1000S+ 0.91 to 0.92 3.1 to 3.6 Note, original model of Pro and Temtop LKC were tested, updated models used for our comparison testing. Why PM2.5 Matters PM2.5 are tiny particles that can reach deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream. When air pollution is talked about, it typically refers to levels of PM2.5, due to the serious health impacts. In New Zealand, indoor levels can often be higher than outdoors. Seeing the levels and changes in your home or workplace can help you decide if interventions such as ventilation or air purification is required.  What we tested   Models: Qingping Lite, Qingping Pro 2, Temtop M10i, Temtop M10+, Temtop S1+ and Temtop LKC-1000S+ 2nd. Environment: Same bench in an apartment (Christchurch), co-located and away from air vents. Period: 14 - 18 August 2025, hourly measurement results Objective: Check how closely the models track together in real conditions, using indepdently tested units as the benchmark Method and limitations Recording frequency: We aligned measurements to the unit with the lowest recording frequency (M10+), so all results are reported hourly.  Time adjustments: Not all units were recording exactly on the hour, so the closest recording to the hour was used. In some cases this was 5mins before or after the hour. Units plugged in: All units were plugged in to ensure regular readings and updating PM2.5 Exposure: Two spikes occured due to cooking with the frypan. No air cleaning was used, in order to keep levels high for longer. Results By the numbers Most pairs have correlations between 0.95 and 0.99, indicating very high levels of correlation Typical difference: Around ~1 µg/m³ when averaged over the period Mean reading: Small spread across devices, mean PM2.5 reading for the each device across the entire period was between 3.2 and 5.0 µg/m³. Variances observed during initial PM2.5 spikes, due to timing of readings. What this means for buyers We can confidently say the PM2.5 readings on our units are all accurate and reliable! Models we have which haven't got independent Southcoast AQMD reports very closely track those that do. This is as good as it gets for air quality monitors! If you're looking for affordable and accurate air quality monitors, look no further than our range of PM2.5 capable monitors! A note about PM10 One of the reasons we focus on PM2.5 is that PM10 numbers from low-cost optical sensors are generally less reliable than PM2.5. This is shown in the Southcoast AQMD results, where PM10 accuracies were always quite a bit lower than for PM2.5. This essentially boils down it it being more complex to measure for PM10 sized particles. If you'd like to learn more, there's a great writeup about this here.
How Cooking Affects Indoor Air Quality (Real World PM2.5 Test) - Snap Air

Clean Air Blog

How Cooking Affects Indoor Air Quality (Real World PM2.5 Test)

on Jun 14 2025
It's hard to beat the aroma of garlic or steak sizzling away on the frypan as it fills your kitchen with flavour. But under those delicious scents lies fine particles called PM2.5, that can travel deep into your lungs and affect your indoor air quality. In a test in a Christchurch apartment in May 2025, cooking on a front burner pushed PM2.5 levels throughout the apartment into the hazardous range, even with the rangehood set to full power. In this article we'll show you exactly how we measured those spikes, how bad it got and how much of a difference using Air Purifiers made. Armed with this information, you can ensure you keep your air clean, whatever you're cooking! Figure 1: Rough Layout of Apartment + Positions of Monitors and Purifiers First Test: Baseline (No Air Cleaning) This experiment actually started accidentally, after noticing the air quality as measured on my QP Pro units was at very concerning levels. It turned out that even at full power, my rangehood barely captured smoke from the front two hobs. This is definitely a bit of a surprise given this is a relatively new apartment.After frying for about 15 minutes, it seemed a little hazy and smokey inside. I checked my air quality monitors in both the lounge and separate bedroom, and both showed very high readings! With PM2.5 counts of over 300 µg/m³, you really want to limit your exposure to this. For perspective, this is about three times higher than the average pollution level in Delhi, and is well into 'hazardous' air quality levels.  If you stop cooking, you immediately remove the PM2.5 source. But on a chilly day with windows closed, those particles can linger for hours. While the rangehood extractor fan was used, it hadn't effectively drawn out the cooking smoke. Being a chilly day, no windows or doors were opened. Here is how the air quality looked over the evening: Figure 2: PM2.5 Readings in Bedroom and Lounge from Cooking Note: PM2.5 to air quality ratings sourced from EPA AQI breakpoints. As you can see, the PM2.5 levels shot up very quickly when the cooking started. For several hours the air quality was at or above unhealthy levels, even lingering at hazardous amounts for awhile! What does this mean? Basically the equivalent of smoking about 1.3 cigarettes! Definitely not something you want to be regularly exposed to. Especially if you have asthma or other breathing sensitivities. Second Test: With Air Purifiers This time, our accidental experiment was repeated with one key tweak, switching on air purifiers when the concentrations peaked. The apartment is well covered on that front, with a Smart Air Sqair in the bedroom and a Smart Air SA600 in the main living/kitchen area.You'll notice from the layout graphic earlier, we've also placed the purifiers away from the air quality monitors. This helps ensure the readings are representative of the actual air quality in the apartment, and not just the air quality around the purifier.Now the big reveal, how much of a difference can the air purifiers make? We allowed the PM2.5 concentrations to reach similar levels to our baseline test, and then turned both purifiers on at their max power settings. Figure 3: PM2.5 Readings in Bedroom and Lounge from Cooking, using Air Purifiers The outcome? In just 30mins, PM2.5 concentrations had dropped by over 90% - this is compared to between 25% and 29% when we didn't use them. Air quality reached the optimal 'Good' level within 45mins in the bedroom and within 1 hour in the main living area!Why are these air purifiers so effective at removing cooking pollutants and smoke? It's all thanks to the combination of HEPA filters and high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR).  The HEPA filters on both units are very effective at absorbing harmful particulate matter in the air, such as from frying and smoke. However, a good HEPA filter won't do much if the purifier isn't able to send much air through it. With CADRs of 315m³/hr and 500m³/hr respectively, the Sqair and SA600 are able to push significant amounts of polluted air through their filters. This makes them best in class when it comes to how effectively they purify air. As you can see, we can back this claim up with real data! Smart Air Sqair Smart Air SA600 Stylish, powerful and quiet at a great price. Perfect for the bedroom, or any space up to 43m². Dual inlets with filters on each side. Serious cleaning power for larger spaces up to 60m², while remaining quiet. Other air quality measures you can take: Ensuring your rangehood is working effectively will certainly help reduce the amount of PM2.5 in the air. Mechanical ventilation i.e. HRV/DVS etc if you have it. This will bring in air from outside or the roof space which should be much less polluted. Finally opening windows and doors to let a breeze through, even if for just a short while will also quickly help lower the amount of pollutants. A note around Gas stoves: This experiment was done with an electric hob. Gas stoves are known to release more PM2.5 as well as Nitrogen Dioxide as they combust - the same concerning compound released by car exhaust fumes (diesel particularly). It's even more important to ensure effective ventilation if you're cooking with gas! Wrapping Up These tests show cooking can spike PM2.5 into hazardous levels, and that a quality HEPA purifier (like our Sqair or SA600) cuts those peaks by over 90% in under 30 minutes. Combine purifiers with a properly positioned rangehood and some fresh-air ventilation, and you’ll keep your home’s air in the “Good” zone, even at dinner time. Want to test this yourself? Grab yourself one of our selection of affordable air quality monitors which can measure PM2.5, such as the QP Pro 2, and gain insights like this into your air quality!
What I Learnt From Monitoring My Air Quality - Snap Air

Clean Air Blog

What I Learnt From Monitoring My Air Quality

on Jan 04 2025
Like many Kiwis, I used to never give a second thought to the air I'm breathing. Our landscape isn't covered in polluting factories or coal plants and we're known for our (relative) clean air. However, after learning more about indoor air quality, I decided to start monitoring the air inside and was surprised by what I discovered! How do you Monitor the Air? While it's not an uncommon thing to do overseas, monitoring air quality is still something not many Kiwis are familiar with. While it's possible to pay professionals to come in and do a detailed report, there is a much easier (and cheaper) way. Enter the Indoor Air Quality Monitor, a device with sensors to measure air quality issues such as PM2.5, CO2, VOCs and more. For the past 2 years I've used a QP Lite, QP Pro and Smart Air CO2 Monitor to keep tabs on the air in my home. With an affordable price, high accuracy and data download ability, they're some of the best options on the market and we're pleased to stock them here at Snap Air. First Surprise: CO2 Levels While Sleeping Like many of us, I took it for granted that sometimes we'll wake up feeling groggy, tired and maybe with a bit of a headache. While there are many possible causes for this, have you ever considered CO2 might be behind it? Bedrooms are small spaces and if you close the door and windows, where does fresh air come from? As we breathe oxygen is converted to CO2 and without ventilation the levels can rise surprisingly fast! Especially if you have a partner in the same bedroom. CO2 levels are reported in parts per million, with outdoor air being around 420ppm. Once the air reaches 1000-2000ppm you'll typically experience drowsiness and from 2000-5000ppm headaches and other complaints can occur. I was very surprised to see the levels for my bedroom at night regularly reach over 3000ppm! Once I improved the ventilation, I noticed I'd wake up feeling less groggy and more alert.  Below is an example comparing relatively good ventilation in a bedroom (initially) then poor ventilation later in the week. You can also see just how quickly the CO2 levels drop when ventilation is introduced (opening the door) in the morning! CO2 Concentration Levels: Measured with Smart Air CO2 Monitor Second Surprise: VOC Levels in a New Apartment Having moved into a newly built apartment for a period of time in 2023, I found the 'new building smell' very powerful and I would often get headaches. Unfortunately this is a common experience for many new home owners, as the off gassing from paint, flooring and fabrics etc. produces VOCs like Formaldehyde and Benzene. These can cause symptoms like headaches, respiratory issues, dizziness and throat irritations. There was a sharp increase in average VOC levels reported on my QP Pro after moving into the apartment, compared to an older existing house.  Previously, measurements were around 0.3-0.4 mg of TVOC per m³. In the new building, it was 10 times higher and would be between 3 and 4mg per m³. This puts it in the potentially dangerous threshold. Luckily there is action that can be taken to help reduce these levels. The most effective measure is introducing fresh air by opening doors and/or windows. You can also achieve this with mechanical ventilation. If neither of these options are possible, consider an Air Purifier with Activated Carbon Filter. Here are some readings from the apartment showing the slow rise of VOC levels, then how quickly they get eliminated by opening windows and allowing a breeze through! TVOC Concentrations: Measured by QP Pro Air Quality Monitor Third Surprise: PM2.5 Levels from Vaping While there has been a surge in vaping in recent years, we're still learning about its potential impacts. Having lived with someone who vapes in their room, I've been able to see how it impacts on air quality - especially when ventilation is limited. While it produces a fine mist and sends chemicals into the air, the process of vaporising the liquid also sends particulate matter into the air, including harmful PM2.5. To learn more about PM2.5, see the below video: While I wasn't surprised to see vaping having an impact on air quality, I was surprised at just how high the PM2.5 levels would get - even while in a different room. We've had reports from some of our customers about being impacted by others in their household vaping, which isn't surprising given these results! On the plus side, levels do drop fairly quickly back to normal once the vaping stops. However, peak concentrations ended up at levels you'd see in the most polluted cities in the world, at their absolute worst! The below graph shows the levels of PM2.5 measured from an adjacent room to the one being vaped in. PM2.5 Levels: Measured with QP Pro Air Quality Monitor: Wrapping Up Ready to make your own discoveries in air quality? We've got you covered with accurate and affordable air quality monitors! Feel free to leave a comment below if you found anything interesting when you started monitoring your air!
New Home Smell Making You Sick? Tackle VOCs with These Tips - Snap Air

Clean Air Blog

New Home Smell Making You Sick? Tackle VOCs with These Tips

on Aug 10 2024
Whether it's moving into a new home or doing some DIY renovations, many of us will be familiar with that 'new home smell'. Unfortunately, behind that smell are a number of potentially dangerous chemicals or VOCs such as formaldehyde! For some this may cause headaches, dizziness and other health issues. This brings us to the question: How do you keep yourself safe from these VOCs and can an air purifier help? The good news is there are ways to mitigate these VOCs and the right air purifier can definitely help! Understanding VOCs and Their Sources VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. Common sources in new builds and renovations include: Formaldehyde: Found in building materials like plywood, particleboard, and adhesives. Benzene: Emitted from paints, glues, and cleaning products. Toluene: Present in paints, paint thinners, and adhesives. Health Impacts Exposure to VOCs can cause, amongst other things: Headaches Dizziness Respiratory issues Eye, nose, and throat irritation Monitoring VOC levels with an Air Quality Monitor Using an air quality monitor with a TVOC sensor, like our QP Pro 2 or the Temtop M10 can help you gauge VOC levels in your home. While you won't see levels of each specific chemicals, measuring the VOCs will help give a picture of baseline levels of VOCs in the air and can show the effectiveness of different tactics in reducing VOCs. Effective Strategies for Reducing VOCs Ventilation The most effective way to reduce VOCs is through ventilation: Mechanical Ventilation: Use exhaust fans or air exchangers like HRV systems. Natural Ventilation: Open windows and doors to create a strong cross breeze. Formaldehyde Cookouts These are a way to force more formaldehyde from building materials, furniture etc. in a shorter period of time. Note you should avoid being inside when the cookout is run. Smart Air have written a detailed guide here, however the basic process is: 1. Close windows/doors and increase temperature, through heating or naturally with sunlight. Aim for 30+ degrees if possible. 2. Keep the temperature up for a few hours, ideally 6-8 if possible. 3. When you return, open windows and doors to remove the formaldehyde from the air and return the space to a normal temperature. 4. Repeat this several times  Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon Filters An air purifier with a carbon (VOC) filter can provide additional assistance, especially when ventilation isn't possible. Key Factors to Consider: Amount of Carbon: This determines the amount of VOCs which can be filtered before the filter becomes saturated. Some mesh-style "carbon filters" may last only a few minutes in high VOC environments. Separate Carbon Filter: Allows for easy replacement when needed, as in high VOC situations the Carbon Filter will likely need replacing well before the HEPA filter. Our Recommended Purifiers: Sqair: 120g of activated carbon per filter. SA600: 140g per filter (2 per purifier). Blast Mini: 650g of activated carbon per filter (optional extra). Blast: 1.06kg of activated carbon per filter (optional extra). For additional VOC cleaning power, you can remove the HEPA filter and use multiple carbon filters in our purifiers.   Wrapping Up VOCs are an unfortunate reality in newly built or renovated homes. It's essential to tackle these to maintain good indoor air quality and health. Ventilation, both mechanical and natural, is the most effective strategy. Additionally, using air purifiers with plenty of activated carbon can provide assistance, especially when ventilation is not possible. Formaldehyde Cookouts are an additional tool to help lower the levels of formaldehyde being released.
The Best Indoor Air Quality Monitors in NZ: Qingping Pro and Lite - Snap Air

Clean Air Blog

The Best Indoor Air Quality Monitors in NZ: Qingping Pro and Lite

on Aug 24 2023
Note: The QP Pro has now been replaced by the QP Pro 2 - the same trusted accuracy, in an even better package! Air quality is an often overlooked yet important aspect of our daily lives, especially given that most of us spend the bulk of our time indoors. How do you measure and ensure the cleanliness of the air you breathe? Even in New Zealand, clean air is not always a given. Enter: indoor air quality monitors. In today's article, we'll delve deep into two standout models – the QP Pro and QP Lite. Why You Should Care About Indoor Air Quality Understanding the quality of the air within your living spaces is essential. Poor indoor air quality can lead to headaches, tiredness, and even respiratory problems. While we may consider ourselves an outdoorsy nation, the reality is we spend a significant amount of time indoors. Given this, it's important to ensure our air is clean and healthy for ourselves and loved ones. Poor indoor air quality doesn't just mean a bad smell; it poses real health concerns. Factors like poor ventilation, gas stoves, fireplaces, and even outdoor pollutants like pollen and dust can compromise the air we breathe indoors. Curious about the broader implications of air quality and its importance, especially in the New Zealand context? Dive deep into our guide on air quality to understand this topic in more detail. The Need for an Air Quality Monitor As mentioned in our guide on the Importance of Owning an Air Quality Monitor, these devices allow us to gauge indoor air quality, allowing you to take corrective actions when necessary. Air quality monitors measure the concentration of pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. The true value of air quality monitoring lies in the peace of mind it provides. Assuring you that you're breathing clean air, and avoiding potential health issues down the road. Moreover, when paired with an air purifier, an air quality monitor offers a comprehensive solution for to both monitor and clean your air. Understanding Key Pollutants: Particulate Matter, tVOC, and CO2 Particulate Matter (PM): These are tiny particles suspended in the air, and their potential health effects depend on their size. PM2.5 and PM10, for instance, refer to particulate matter with diameters of 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers, respectively. They can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing health risks. Total Volatile Organic Compounds (tVOCs): VOCs are organic chemicals that become vapors or gases at room temperature. They are emitted from certain solids or liquids, including paints, cleaning supplies, and even some air fresheners. High concentrations can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and more. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A natural component of the air, elevated indoor CO2 levels can indicate poor ventilation. While not directly harmful in usual indoor concentrations, high levels can cause headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and impaired cognition. Comparing the QP Pro and QP Lite While the choices in New Zealand for indoor air quality monitors are limited, luckily we have the QP Pro and QP Lite which are some of the most accurate air quality monitors in the world! QP Lite: A portable and lightweight monitor, it measures PM2.5, PM10, CO2, temperature, and humidity. It stands out for its long battery life and remote monitoring capabilities via the Qingping+ app. It also integrates seamlessly with Apple HomeKit or Mi home/Mijia for smart home automation. QP Pro: More than just a monitor, the Pro offers an HD Retina display and tracks a wider range of metrics, including tVOCs. It also provides outdoor environment data like weather forecasts, AQI, and UV index. Like its Lite counterpart, the Pro connects to Mi home/Mijia and offers remote monitoring via the Qingping+ app.   Accuracy Matters: Outstanding Test Results Both QP models come backed by Smart Air’s third-party tests, emphasising their reliability. Tests by Smart Air found the QP Pro and Lite to be impressively accurate for their budget-friendly price. In extensive testing, the QP Pro deviated by only 7.9 micrograms on average from official monitors, while the QP Lite was off by just 8.9 micrograms. Further validation comes from independent third-party tests conducted by the South Coast AQMD, part of the California Government's testing program. Both QP models earned a top 10 spot among 82 monitors tested, with accuracy rates reaching a remarkable 97%. Final Thoughts Considering the importance of indoor air quality, having a reliable and accurate monitor becomes an important investment for New Zealanders. The QP Pro and Lite are not only affordable but are also backed by robust testing, ensuring that we get accurate readings to make informed decisions about our indoor environments. Interested in enhancing your home's air quality? Explore our QP Air Quality Monitors and embark on a journey toward a healthier indoor environment. Stay informed, and breathe easy.
Boost Productivity: Top NZ Office Air Purifiers - Snap Air

Clean Air Blog

Boost Productivity: Top NZ Office Air Purifiers

on Jul 09 2023
Considering the hours we spend at work, maintaining a clean and healthy office environment is a necessity, not a luxury.  One might wonder, can an air purifier make a significant difference in the office? The answer is a resounding yes! Introducing the best office air purifier into your workspace can be a game-changer in enhancing the office air quality, thereby reducing the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 and flu, which is key in ensuring the productivity and well-being of the staff, especially those with allergies or respiratory issues such as asthma. Key Considerations for getting an Office Air Purifier: Preventing Illness: Air purifiers can significantly reduce the spread of airborne diseases like COVID-19, thereby keeping your staff healthier. Supporting Allergy Sufferers: They are great for staff with allergies or respiratory issues, making the work environment more comfortable & safe. Noise Levels: Choose a purifier with noise levels around or below 50dB to maintain a quiet work environment. Budget and Value: Consider not only the upfront cost but also the long-term expenses like filter replacements. Suitability: Ensure the air purifier’s CADR is suitable for your office size to get the most out of your investment. The Importance of Clean Air in Offices When we think of air pollution, it's easy to picture smog and outdoor emissions. However, the reality is, indoor air pollution often surpasses what we encounter outdoors, particularly in office environments. The very places we spend a large chunk of our days may harbor a cocktail of airborne pollutants, potentially harming our health and dampening our productivity. Mechanical ventilation systems in commercial setups are not always up to the task. Sometimes, they could be circulating, rather than eliminating, pollutants like dust, mould spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and allergens. This circulatory action of pollutants could lead to what is termed 'sick building syndrome,' where occupants experience an array of symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The impacts can be broad-ranging, affecting not just the health but also the morale and productivity of employees. Research underpins the importance of good air quality on cognitive function and overall productivity. This study highlighted that improved ventilation in office spaces could lead to an 8% boost in employee performance. That's a significant uptick, underscoring the important role of clean air in enhancing work efficiency and creating a healthy environment for staff. The drive towards ensuring clean air in offices isn't just a matter of adhering to health standards; it's about creating a space where employees can thrive, innovate and contribute to their full potential. Hence, aiming for better air quality in New Zealand offices isn't a luxury; it's a necessity which both helps workers and the business.  Choosing the Best Office Air Purifier: Factors to Consider Noise Levels When it comes to offices, a quiet environment is normally best for productivity. It's advisable to opt for air purifiers with noise levels around or below 50dB to ensure that normal communication and concentration aren’t hampered. Budgeting and Value An air purifier is an investment in health. While considering the cost, it's wise to look beyond the initial price. Evaluate the long-term expenses like filter replacement costs, availability, and lifespan. Our air purifiers boast long filter lifespans due to their large surface area, offering you better value for your money. Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) CADR is the key factor in determining the effectiveness of an air purifier. While it seems simple enough to look at the recommended room sizes provided by manufacturers, unfortunately these can often be misleading. The best way is to compare the CADR values, which provide a more accurate indication of the air purifier's capability. Top Picks: Tailored for Office Spaces Among the large number air purifiers on the market, the Smart Air Blast Mini and Smart Air Blast excel in office environments. With a proven track record, these air purifiers have been embraced by offices overseas, showcasing their effectiveness in enhancing indoor air quality. Now, they are available to improve the air quality in New Zealand offices too. Their performance stats are impressive, aligning with the diverse needs of various office sizes in New Zealand. Smart Air Blast Mini Mk II: Max Noise Level: 49dB Room Suitability: Up to 85m² CADR: 740m³/hour The Blast Mini provides a quiet yet efficient air purification solution, ensuring a comfortable and healthy workspace without disturbing the peace. Smart Air Blast Mk II: Max Noise Level: 43dB Room Suitability: Up to 130m² CADR: 950m³/hour Wrapping Up Investing in a high-quality air purifier is a great step towards creating a healthier and more productive office environment in New Zealand. By considering factors like noise levels, budget, and CADR, you can choose an air purifier that best fits your office needs. Explore our range and take a step towards a healthier, more productive workspace today!
What features matter when choosing an Air Purifier? - Snap Air

Clean Air Blog

What features matter when choosing an Air Purifier?

on Jun 24 2023
Breathing clean air is essential to maintaining our health, and the rising concern of air pollution has made air purifiers a common household item. However, the wide array of models and features can make choosing the right one quite challenging. This article breaks down the crucial features you should look for in an air purifier, such as HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), low noise, and durability. We'll also debunk some gimmicks that are often marketed but may not add value or may even be harmful, like negative ion generators, UV lights, and auto sensors. The Gold Standard: HEPA Filters HEPA filters are the pillar of effective air purification. They can trap microscopic particles smaller than 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, and pet dander, offering relief for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory issues. It's essential to select an air purifier with a genuine HEPA filter. Neutralise Odours: Activated Carbon Filters   In addition to a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter can enhance an air purifier's performance. This type of filter excels at trapping and neutralising odors and chemicals, providing a more comprehensive air purification solution when combined with a HEPA filter. Efficiency Matters: High CADR CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate, measures an air purifier's efficiency in cleaning air. A high CADR rating indicates an air purifier can filter a large volume of air per hour, which is a key factor to consider when choosing an air purifier. Quiet Operation: Low Noise     The noise level of an air purifier can affect your comfort, especially in quiet spaces like bedrooms. Choose a model with a low noise level, ideally under 55 decibels. Many purifiers offer a "sleep mode" for quieter operation during rest or quiet periods. Durability When investing in an air purifier, durability matters. For commercial-grade units, metal construction is preferable for its longevity. Our Blast and Blast Mini air purifiers are excellent examples of durable, high-quality air purifiers. Features to Be Wary Of While some features enhance an air purifier's functionality, others can be unhelpful or even harmful. Here are some to avoid: Negative Ion Generators/Ionisers These devices produce negative ions that attach to airborne particles, causing them to fall onto surfaces. Do you want these falling on your bed? Unless you're regularly cleaning every surface, we think it's much better if these particles end up in the HEPA filter of your air purifier! The reason these are included, is because it makes the purifier perform better in CADR tests. Particles falling to the ground still counts for these tests. So, if you don't use the ioniser, the CADR will actually be less than what's marketed. Negative ion generators can also produce harmful ozone as a byproduct. Especially concerning for younger ones, elderly or if you suffer from respiratory problems. We've seen these marketed for nurseries of newborn babies in New Zealand, which we consider extremely irresponsible and dangerous. None of our air purifiers include negative ion generators for this reason. UV Lights UV lights are marketed as a way to kill bacteria and viruses in the air, but they can be ineffective against many common allergens and pollutants. While UV lights can kill bacteria and viruses, the main issue is they require time to kill them. If air is quickly passing through the air purifier, the UV light won't have enough time to do its work. Remember as well HEPA filters can normally capture upwards of 99% of these anyway. Auto Sensors Auto sensors, while seemingly convenient, can be wildly inaccurate and may not represent the overall air quality of your space. Instead of relying on these, consider our QP Air Quality Monitors for a precise read on your indoor air quality. An Optional Extra: WiFi     WiFi-enabled air purifiers may seem appealing for those who enjoy remote control or smart home integrations. However, this feature may not be necessary for everyone and can add to the cost. Our range of air purifiers keep things simple and affordable, without WiFi connectivity. However, for those who wish to have this feature, a WiFi-enabled smart plug can be purchased separately at any electronics shop for a reasonable price. Wrapping Up When selecting an air purifier, look beyond the marketing hype and focus on the features that genuinely improve air quality and add value. Always remember that clean, breathable air is the ultimate goal. By making a wise choice, you can ensure a healthier and more comfortable living environment in New Zealand. Choosing the right air purifier can be a daunting task, but we hope this guide has made the process simpler. For more detailed information, don’t hesitate to check our comprehensive guide for Choosing an Air Purifier. And remember, we're here to help you breathe easier.
Improving Indoor Air Quality in New Zealand - Snap Air

Clean Air Blog

Improving Indoor Air Quality in New Zealand

on Jun 24 2023
Maintaining good indoor air quality is an important and often overlooked aspect for your health and well-being. With the right strategies and tools, you can significantly improve the air you breathe inside your home. Understanding Indoor Air Quality We've written a post which goes into detail about indoor air quality which you can read here. However for a quick reference, Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air within and around your home. Poor IAQ can lead to health issues such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. Common indoor pollutants include dust, pet dander, mould, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). Simple Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality   1. Ventilation: Open Windows: Regularly open windows to let in fresh air and reduce indoor pollutant levels. Exhaust Fans: Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture and pollutants. 2. Air Purifiers: HEPA Filters: Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture fine particles and allergens. Activated Carbon Filters: These are excellent for removing odours and VOCs. When it comes to selecting an air purifier, consider factors like room size, CADR and noise levels. We've detailed everything you need to know in a guide here. 3. Humidity Control: Dehumidifiers: Keep humidity levels between 30-50% to prevent mould growth. Houseplants: Certain plants can help maintain indoor humidity and filter air. 4. Regular Cleaning: Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to reduce dust and pet dander. Dusting: Frequently dust surfaces to minimize allergens. 5. Avoid Indoor Pollutants: Smoke-Free Home: Prohibit smoking indoors to avoid harmful chemicals. Natural Cleaning Products: Use natural or non-toxic cleaning products to reduce VOC emissions. Monitor the Air with an Air Quality Monitor Features: Look for monitors that measure PM2.5, CO2, temperature, and humidity. Smart Integration: Choose devices that connect to your smartphone for real-time monitoring and alerts. Accuracy: Research the accuracy, as the very cheap ones tend to be wildly inaccurate. By using high-quality sensors, air quality monitors provide accurate data to help you understand and manage your indoor air quality effectively.  We have a small selection of Air Quality Monitors chosen due to their accuracy and affordability, making it easier to maintain a healthy environment. Wrapping Up Improving your indoor air quality is a key for maintaining a healthy living environment. By adopting these strategies and using the right tools, you can ensure that the air in your home is clean and safe to breathe. Want to learn more about air quality, air quality monitors or air purifiers? Keep browsing our site or get in touch!