Air Purifiers

The type of air purifier, and the amount of air purifers required in a commercial space, will depend on a number of variable factors. Please refer to the product speficifation of each air purifer for further information about its range of effectiveness

True HEPA filters capture airborne particles at the size range associated with virus-carrying respiratory droplets. When used as part of a layered approach, alongside ventilation, surface cleaning, and hygiene measures, HEPA air purifiers reduce airborne pathogen concentrations in enclosed spaces. They are not a standalone solution but are a recognised component of infection risk reduction in healthcare and high-occupancy settings. Please refer to the product specification of your chosen air purifer for current information.

HEPA filters in continuous commercial operation typically require replacement every 12 months. Pre-filters (which capture larger particles and extend HEPA filter life) should be checked monthly and cleaned or replaced every 3 months. Activated carbon filters exhaust more quickly in high-VOC environments and may need replacement every 6 months. Follow the manufacturer schedule for your specific unit.

No. Air purifiers recirculate and clean room air but do not introduce fresh air or remove CO₂. Adequate ventilation (either mechanical or natural) is essential for occupant comfort and cognitive performance. Air purifiers complement ventilation by cleaning recirculated air, which is particularly useful in buildings where increasing fresh air supply is constrained by energy costs or building design.

Noise output varies considerably by unit and fan speed setting. Most commercial units specify noise levels in decibels at different fan speeds. At low or medium speeds, most units operate at 35–50 dB, comparable to a quiet office environment. High-speed settings used during cleaning cycles are louder. For noise-sensitive environments such as meeting rooms, specify units with a low-speed dB rating below 40 dB.

Position units where they can draw in air from occupied areas and distribute cleaned air effectively. Avoid placing against walls or in corners where airflow is restricted. For open-plan offices, central placement or positioning near high-occupancy areas (meeting clusters, hot-desking zones) gives the best coverage. Follow the manufacturer guidance on minimum clearance distances from walls and furniture.

HEPA-filtered air purifiers capture airborne dust particles, reducing the rate at which they settle on surfaces. In practice this means less frequent dusting requirements and improved air quality for staff with dust allergies or respiratory sensitivities. The effect is most noticeable in buildings with older ventilation systems or near high-traffic entrances where outdoor particulates are tracked in.

Look for units with independently tested and certified HEPA filtration to EN1822 standards. For healthcare applications, check for compliance with HTM 03-01 (ventilation in healthcare premises) guidance. UKCA or CE marking confirms the unit meets relevant electrical safety standards. Some units carry additional certifications for specific pathogen reduction claims, verify these are from recognised independent testing bodies.