If you are looking for a device for improving the air quality indoors, you will definitely come across the terms air purifier and air washer – two devices which work in different ways and have different benefits. Both ensure an optimal indoor climate and improve well-being. Air purifiers are designed solely for purifying the air whereas air washers are hybrid devices which have the capacity to clean and humidify the air at the same time. Read on to find out whether an air washer is the right choice for you. Below we explain the differences between air purifiers and air washers and help you to select the right device.

Using a fan, HEPA purifiers begin by drawing polluted air into the device. From here, the air passes through a filter, usually made of fiberglass, where airborne particles become ensnared in a maze-like tangle of fibers. Some particles stick to the fibers (interception), some become embedded in the fibers (impaction), and some get bounced around by other airborne particles or even gas molecules (diffusion).

The last component, known as diffusion, is especially important for trapping particles smaller than 0.1 μm. Because these particles are quite small, they could just fly through the filter without sticking to any of the fibers. However, because their “flight path” is interrupted by other particles, their trajectory becomes zigzagged, increasing the likelihood that the particles will get trapped by the other two methods.

If you’re looking for a quiet and unfussy air purifier that will fit into smaller spaces, then the Blueair Blue 3210 is ideal. Perfect for bedrooms or a home office, the Scandi-style machine is super-easy to set up and use.

To get started, you simply need to plug in the air purifier and tap the top control until you reach your desired setting. These include an Auto mode that uses the in-built sensor to clean the air in a space optimally, Night mode (reducing noise, fan speed and LED brightness), Everyday mode and Boosted mode. These last two do what they say on the tin, quietly toiling away in the background or working a bit harder, respectively.

The light on the front changes colour to indicate current air quality, whether good, moderate or polluted. It will turn red when it’s time to change the filter, recommended around every six months.

Working in a room of around 17m2, the Blueair Blue 3210 will change the air in the space five times an hour, with this going down to about twice an hour in a room of 43m2. So basically, it should be placed in a smaller room to get the most out of the device. In return, it works very efficiently, using just 2W of power on its lowest setting (up to 10W).  Visit here to find more air purifier reviews.