Many people in Singapore have lived under grey skies for several weeks as the region tries to catch its breath amidst the hazy conditions. As households pay closer attention to the fluctuations in air quality, some might be wondering just what they can do to breathe a little easier indoors.

That’s why some are turning to air purifiers to help reduce dust particles for better air quality. While this home appliance might currently be the region’s most welcomed addition this season, it’s worth noting that its usefulness extends beyond the haze. Regardless of what the sky looks like outside, the right air purifier can make the indoor environment more comfortable for your household. If you’re trying to pick one for your home, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Advanced Purification System

Filtration is a key function of air purifiers and with different sizes and types of particles present in the air, a multi-layered system is crucial to effectively capture and remove dust. The Samsung Smart Air Purifier SmartThings for instance, comes equipped with a multi-layered high efficiency purification system. Larger dust particles are first trapped by a washable pre filter, while harmful gases^[1] are removed by an Activated Carbon Deodorisation Filter. Finally, with an electret dust-collecting filter, it captures up to 99.97%^[2] of ultrafine dust.

2. Anti-bacterial capabilities

Beyond capturing foreign particles in the air, filters that have anti-bacterial properties can also offer additional protection from certain types of bacteria and virus. The dust-collecting filter on Samsung’s air purifiers contain zinc oxide, which can reduce bacteria on the filter by up to 99.9%^[3], and inactivate up to 96.3%^[4] of the H1N1 virus – which can cause respiratory illness – on its surface. This added capability can provide your household with more peace of mind as you enjoy cleaner air together at home.

3. Stay informed on the room’s air quality

While the presence of an air purifier can provide some reassurance that your household is getting clean air, it always helps to stay informed. Equipped with a 4-Color Indicator, the Samsung Smart Air Purifier SmartThings allows users to intuitively check and monitor air quality in real time.

4. Convenience and connectivity

As with other home appliances, ease of use and convenience can play a big part in the overall experience of owning an air purifier, while power consumption is another common concern. With SmartThings connectivity, Samsung air purifiers can be remotely controlled through the SmartThings App^[5]. Users can easily check room pollution levels, as well as turn the device on and off through their mobile device. To save energy use, you can turn the air purifier off when the house is empty, and switch it on when you’re on the way back, ensuring that you return to a home filled with clean air.

Other features like Auto Mode can also help to reduce manual effort needed and energy consumption. By sensing the room’s air pollution levels, it enables the air purifier to automatically adjust power and fan speeds accordingly to deliver and maintain optimal air quality.

5. Easy maintenance

Maintenance of household appliances is a dreaded chore for many but keeping your air purifier clean and well-maintained is critical to keep it working at its best. If you don’t want to add yet another burdensome task to your household to-do list, pick an air purifier with simple maintenance needs – look out for filters that only require periodic cleaning, are easy to replace, and purifiers that trigger alerts for when it’s time for a clean or change.

Home Care – which is part of the SmartThings app – helps users monitor filter usage and receive guidance on when to change, replace, or clean your appliance.

During this hazy season, air purifiers can provide valuable respite. But it’s important to remember that while the smoke might soon give way to clear skies, the need for clean air doesn’t end. Activities in everyday life, like cooking or cleaning, can also affect air quality in your home. By picking the right air purifier, your household can look forward to enjoying clean and fresh air all year round.

_{^[1]  Tested by the Korea Conformity Laboratories on the AX32BG3100Gxxx for formaldehyde, ammonia, acetaldehyde, acetic acid and toluene gases.}

_{^[2] Tested by the Korea Conformity Laboratories. The electret filter media has over 99.97% dust collection efficiency, based on a particle size of 0.3㎛.}

_{^[3] Tested on the zinc oxide dust collecting filter media for Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352) and it reduced bacteria up to 99.9% in the FITI Testing & Research Institute of Korea.}

_{^[4] The filter media reduces Virus (H1N1) by up to 96.3%. Tested in the Yonsei University Office of Research Affairs and University – Industry Foundation.}

_{^[5] Available on Android and iOS devices. Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account are required. Depending on the country, the service may be limited.}