Sometimes, yes: an air purifier removes particles such as dust and fine particulate matter from the air and can make an office or home workspace more pleasant. However, it does not replace ventilation, as the RIVM states that air purifiers are not a substitute for ventilation. So, first refresh the air and then use an air purifier for what remains.
What can an air purifier do at a workplace, and what can't it?
An air purifier draws in air and passes it through a filter. Particles such as dust, pollen, and skin flakes are trapped in the filter. What it does not do is refresh the air. The RIVM explains that air purifiers remove particles, but do not refresh the air. It therefore does not bring in fresh outdoor air, and moisture that you breathe out or that comes from cooking and showering does not disappear with it. The RIVM also advises ventilating with vents or windows and airing rooms regularly, for example between meetings or during breaks. If you have an office where there are always many people or a home workspace in a small room, start by ventilating.
When is an air purifier useful in an office or at home?
An air purifier can be useful if you suffer from dust, if there are pets in the house, or if your workplace is close to a busy road and you therefore prefer to keep the windows closed. It can also help filter particles from the air in a room with a lot of textiles, carpet, or paper. If you have a small room that you close off, you will be closer to the device and notice the airflow and noise more. Lung Foundation advises to ventilate continuously and ventilate extra when cooking, showering, doing home improvements, or when there are many people in a room. This advice also applies to a workplace. An air purifier works as a supplement to this.
What to look for in an air purifier for a workplace?
Look at the noise level, the size of the room, and the maintenance. At a workplace, you don't want a device that distracts, so a low setting or a quiet mode is important. Also check if the device fits the area of your room and how often you need to replace the filter. According to the European standard EN 1822, HEPA 13 filters capture at least 99.95 percent of the particles they are tested for. These are laboratory figures; in a real room, the performance depends on the airflow, the location, and how long the device runs. Place the air purifier freely, not behind a desk or against a wall, so that the air can flow properly. Read more tips in where to best place an air purifier in the room.
| Situation at the workplace | First step | Role of an air purifier |
|---|---|---|
| Stuffy air, many people | Ventilate and air out | Supplement for particles |
| Dusty room | Cleaning and vacuuming | Filters dust from the air |
| Pets in the house | Regular cleaning | Captures hair and skin flakes |
| Busy road outside | Ventilate on the quiet side | Can reduce fine particulate matter indoors |
Direct answer: an air purifier makes sense in an office or home workspace if you suffer from dust, pets, or busy outdoor air, but only as a supplement to ventilation. It does not refresh the air and does not remove moisture or stale air.
Dynter AirPure Plus PA244 for a study
The Dynter AirPure Plus PA244 is a compact air purifier with a 4-stage filtration system and a HEPA13 filter.
Coverage: suitable for rooms up to 55 m², CADR 260 m³/h
Noise: 28 to 60 dB, depending on the setting
Consumption: 45 W
Operation: touch display, three fan speeds, automatic mode, and a sleep mode with dimmed lighting; remote control included
Dimensions and weight: 25 x 25 x 36 cm, 4.5 kg
Filter: replaceable, 6 to 8 months
View the Dynter AirPure Plus PA244 air purifier, the matching HEPA 13 replacement filters, or the entire collection of air purifiers. Also read what an air purifier can and cannot remove from the air, how long you should leave an air purifier running, and the ten signs that your home is not being ventilated sufficiently.
An air purifier is not a medical device. If you have respiratory complaints or an allergy, talk to your general practitioner.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an air purifier run in an office?
Let it run as long as you are working in the room, on a setting that does not disturb you. An automatic mode can help with this.
Is an air purifier enough for stuffy air?
No. Stuffy air mainly needs fresh air. Open a window, open the vents, and air out in between; an air purifier only supplements this.
Where do I place an air purifier on a desk or in a study?
Place it freely in the room with space around it, not in a corner or behind a cabinet, and not directly facing you.
Does an air purifier make a lot of noise while working?
The noise depends on the setting. The Dynter PA244 produces 28 to 60 dB; on a low setting or in sleep mode, you will hear the device less than on the highest setting.