Yes, an air purifier helps with dust after a renovation, but only against fine dust that is suspended in the air. Coarse dust that settles on floors and furniture should simply be cleaned up, and you only get fresh air by ventilating. So see an air purifier as a supplement to vacuuming, damp dusting, and airing out.
What does an air purifier do with construction dust?
During and after sanding, drilling, sawing, or plastering, dust of all sizes is released. The coarse part settles down fairly quickly. The fine dust remains suspended longer and ends up everywhere, including in cabinets and bedrooms. An air purifier draws in air and passes it through a filter. This allows it to remove some of those suspended particles from the room.
Longfonds emphasizes in Spreekuur: ventileren en luchtreinigers that an air purifier does remove dust particles, but not the stale air, and that ventilation is always necessary. You will therefore get the best result by combining both.
What to pay attention to during a renovation
Firstly: an air purifier is not a substitute for ventilation. The RIVM states that air purifiers are not a replacement for ventilation, because they filter particles but do not refresh the air. So open windows during and after a renovation to allow air to flow out.
Secondly: the filter. With a lot of dust, a filter becomes contaminated more quickly than with normal use. Therefore, check the filter after a renovation and replace it when necessary. You can read more about this in when you replace the HEPA filter of an air purifier.
Thirdly: during demolition work where you are not sure which materials are released, have an expert assess what is safe. An air purifier is not a protective device and does not replace professional advice.
How to deal with dust after a renovation
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open windows and ventilate | Fresh air dilutes fine dust and removes stale air |
| 2 | Vacuum and damp dust | This removes coarse dust from surfaces |
| 3 | Turn on the air purifier in the middle of the room | Fine dust that remains suspended is filtered |
| 4 | Close the door of the work area | Prevents dust from spreading throughout the house |
| 5 | Check the filter | A full filter works less effectively |
Direct answer: an air purifier with a HEPA filter removes fine dust from the air, but you must also ventilate, vacuum, and damp dust to complete a renovation dust-free.
Product in the spotlight: Dynter AirPure Plus PA244
The Dynter AirPure Plus PA244 air purifier works with a 4-stage filtration system with a HEPA 13 filter. According to the European standard EN 1822, a HEPA 13 filter captures at least 99.95 percent of particles under the test conditions of that standard. In practice, the result depends on the room and how long the device is turned on.
Range and capacity: suitable for rooms up to 55 m², CADR 260 m³/h.
Operation: three fan speeds, automatic mode, and touch display.
Noise and consumption: 28 to 60 dB, 45 W.
Filter: replaceable, according to the product page every 6 to 8 months. An extra HEPA 13 filter for the AirPure Plus is easily kept on hand.
You can read more about the right place in where you can best place an air purifier. You can find an overview of the models in the air purifiers collection.
Frequently asked questions
How long should an air purifier run after a renovation?
Let it run for the first few days after the work in the room where you spend the most time, and combine that with ventilation. Stop as soon as you no longer see or smell dust.
Can an air purifier prevent dust on furniture?
Not completely. It removes particles from the air, but dust that has already settled should be removed with a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth.
Is an air purifier enough during sanding and drilling?
No. It is better to work with dust extraction and in a sealed room, and to ventilate. An air purifier is a supplement.
Should I replace the filter after a renovation?
Check the filter. If it is visibly dirty, replacement is advisable, even if the recommended period has not yet passed.
Is an air purifier good for my lungs after a renovation?
Longfonds says that there is no hard evidence that an air purifier leads to better health in the case of lung disease. If you have complaints or a lung disease, discuss this with your general practitioner or lung specialist.