An air purifier cleans the air by taking out dust, pollen, and bacteria. This helps make the air inside your home healthier. A combined air purifier and dehumidifier means you tackle damp, mould and condensation at the same time as purifying the air.
You may be considering an air purifier in your home for a number of reasons. Perhaps you or someone in your household is suffering from allergies which can make the spring and summer months difficult and uncomfortable.
Alternatively, you might live in a highly polluted area like an inner city or close to a major motorway.
It might be that you are a smoker and want to protect your family’s health.
It may also be that you’ve noticed signs of damp and mould, or perhaps even experienced respiratory problems caused by airborne bacteria, and are looking for a way to clean and dehumidify your home.
Or you may simply want to provide your family with the highest-quality air and a comfortable home environment.
An air purifier for your home is a great investment for many reasons. It helps clean the air, reduce bacteria and viruses, and remove allergens and airborne particles. As a result, you and your family can breathe cleaner, higher-quality air every day.
What does an air purifier do?
In the UK, air purifiers are becoming increasingly common in homes, as more people recognise the benefits they offer in improving indoor air quality. Designed to capture tiny airborne particles, they work by drawing in polluted air and releasing cleaner, filtered air back into your home.
Girl blowing her nose: Air Purifiers are a great solution to help with common allergies like hay fever.
The air in your home contains a wide range of particles. Different air purifiers and filters are designed to target different types of pollutants.
Some particles are extremely small, around 0.03 micrometers in diameter. These can include dust mites and allergens such as pollen. If you have pets, pet dander from fur and skin will also circulate in the air. Most air purifiers are designed to capture particles of this size.
Another category of pollutants includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are even smaller at a molecular level. VOCs are released during everyday activities and can come from aerosol sprays, cigarette smoke, paints, and household cleaning products.
If you live near a busy road, vehicle emissions can also affect your indoor air quality. Smoking indoors or carrying out DIY projects can further increase the level of airborne pollutants in your home.
There are a lot of things floating around in the air you breathe every day. Air purifiers are engineered to remove these particles and provide you with clean, purified air.
How does an air purifier actually work?
The general science is that an air purifier can remove these particles (microbes and VOCs) by filtering air through a series of filters. They disperse the cleaner air and improve your home environment. In doing so, you should see symptoms of airborne allergies and respiratory conditions reduced and your health improved.
Not all models work in the same way. Deciding which air purifier is best for you depends on a few factors, including the type of filter, any allergies you may have, the size of your room, and the level of air quality you want to achieve.
The more layers of filters and the higher their quality, the more airborne nasties your air purifier will remove. Look for a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter (or higher), as these meet the highest industry standard and can extract over 99.95% of particles.
In addition to different filters, many air purifiers use ionisers to help keep the air clean. These devices release negative ions that clump particles together, making them easier to capture. Ultraviolet (UV) light neutralises bacteria and viruses by breaking down their DNA. Together, these technologies enhance the performance of HEPA filters, reducing allergens, germs, and pollutants to create a healthier home environment.
What does a combined dehumidifier/ air purifier do?
A combined 2-in-1 unit packs all the technology of an air purifier with the benefits of a dehumidifier. Just as an air purifier passes particles through a series of filters, a combined dehumidifier also cleans the air. The MeacoDry combined Dehumidifier/ Air Purifiers feature a dust filter and either a medical-grade H13 HEPA filter or charcoal filter. Like standard air purifiers, the HEPA filters extract 99.95% of particles as small as 0.3 micrometres in diameter, while charcoal filters remove VOCs and unpleasant odours. This helps to freshen the air as well as clean it.
The key difference between a pure air purifier and a combined dehumidifier is the dehumidification element: the compressor technology. As air passes through, these units will also extract excess moisture which limits damp, mould and condensation.
For many households, this dual approach offers a form of preventative air care rather than simply reactive treatment. Excess moisture creates the ideal conditions for dust mites and mould spores to thrive, both common triggers for asthma and allergies. By controlling humidity and removing airborne pollutants simultaneously, a combined dehumidifier/air purifier addresses the root causes of poor indoor air quality, not just the symptoms.
Over time, maintaining a balanced humidity level (ideally around 55%RH) makes it harder for mould to develop, reduces dust mite populations and supports a healthier indoor environment overall. In other words, you’re not just cleaning the air temporarily — you’re actively managing and protecting your home’s air quality for the long term.
Plus, these combined units offer a variety of additional modes to help with everyday living. Take the Laundry Mode as example. You could dry your laundry in 6 hours and for less than half the price of running a tumble dryer. Learn more about The Meaco Way on Laundry: Dry Laundry Fast, Save Money.
What are the different air purifier filters available?
There are two main types of particles in the air that need to be filtered out — and correspondingly, two main types of filters.
Firstly, air is drawn into your unit and passed through an initial filter, often called a “dust filter,” which is usually located on the product casing. This filter removes larger particles such as dust and hair, helping to keep the unit running smoothly. After all, you don’t want dust getting into the internal components!
Secondly, your air purifier will likely contain a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are especially effective at removing allergens, including pollen and pet dander.
Some air purifiers will also contain other elements like Charcoal filters for cleaning out VOCs (volatile organic compounds like bad odours) or even ionisers to further clean the air as well.
HEPA filters are for air purifiers and combined air purifier and dehumidifier models. They can all look very different. We would recommend this if your allergies or air quality are very severe.
What are the different air purifier filters available?
There are different layers of filters in a combined Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier but they can still offer excellent air purification for homes. We recommend them for most families, as they can help with everything from hay fever to pet allergies, ultimately providing significantly cleaner air.
HEPA filters are for air purifiers and combined air purifier and dehumidifier models. They can all look very different.
HEPA filters are graded based on their efficiency in trapping microscopic particles. An H11 filter captures around 95% of airborne pollutants, making it effective at cleaning your room air. H13 HEPA filters are superior and medical-grade, trapping 99.97% of allergens, bacteria, and fine dust.
This higher filtration level is crucial for air purifiers, especially for allergy sufferers and those with respiratory conditions.
Read more about air purifiers for allergies on our blog.
Some air purifiers are also equipped with a Charcoal Filter. Air purifiers with carbon work by using activated filters to absorb gases, odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
Their porous structure catches harmful molecules. This helps reduce household smells, cigarette smoke and even chemical pollutants. It makes the air in your home cleaner and healthier to breathe.
The MeacoDry Arete® range can also be used with a charcoal filter, which is excellent at removing cooking smells, cigarette smoke, and pollution odours. Please note: you can only use either the HEPA or charcoal filter while running your dehumidifier — not both at the same time.
You can also buy replacement filters on our website. Shop for dehumidifier and air purifier filters.
Charcoal filters often have the same facing. They will be textured, here with hexagons, and made from a carbon compound to extract VOCs.
Air Purification Mode with a charcoal filter can help to reduce pollutants and bad smells in the home and improve health. This is the MeacoDry Arete® One Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier in the living room.
What are the differences between air purifiers on the market?
The main differences between the air purifiers available come down to how they purify. What kind of filters and other internal components they have. You may be considering:
- Sizes – you may be looking for a compact unit for a bedside or larger one offering higher performance
- Purification Rates – generally dictated by the size of the unit, you may be looking for an air purifier with multiple air changes per hour and therefore high performance
- Filters – depending on your needs, you may prioritise using an H13 HEPA filter over a charcoal filter
It’s important to pay attention to these differences and how they will solve your particular needs. Whether that is pollution, allergies or general air quality.
When should you use an air purifier or combined dehumidifier?
Air purifiers are incredibly versatile, they can be used all year around and will work well in most homes.
Anytime you’re concerned about the quality of the air in your home, for any reason, it’s worth considering an air purifier or combined dehumidifier. Clean, dry air offers numerous health benefits. It will certainly help to reduce the quantity of unfriendly particles in the air, giving you a fresher, cleaner air environment.
You don’t have to keep it switched on all the time – it’s easy to set up a routine.
Remember to keep doors and windows closed to allow your air purifier to work at the highest performance and clean the air in the room – not the air coming in from an open window.
By investing in a low noise, whisper-quiet and energy efficient unit, you can use your air purifier in the bedroom as well. Sleep easy with minimised hay fever symptoms.
Equally, if you don’t have an extraction fan and are looking to reduce bad smells coming from cooking, why not place it in or near the kitchen?
No matter where in your home you place your air purifier or combined dehumidifier, you can be confident that your family is sleeping well and breathing cleaner air. This is true even if you live in an inner-city or highly polluted area.
2-in-1 Air Purifier/ Dehumidifiers can help improve the air quality for you and your family.
Our Meaco models are superb air purifiers for allergies and can be placed anywhere in the home, in any season. Visit our blog for more specific information on air purifiers for allergies. blog for more specific information on air purifiers for allergies.
How long does it take for an air purifier to clean the air in a room?
The short answer is you want to find an air purifier which will clean your room multiple times an hour. The more air changes it can achieve, the cleaner your air will be.
The long answer is that the time needed for an air purifier to clean a room varies. And that’s down to a number of factors. It depends on the size of your room, the air quality you want, and the air purifier model you are using.
Most air purifiers are designed to filter the air in a room multiple times an hour, typically between 4-6 times, depending on their Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). A purifier with a higher CADR can clean larger rooms or clear air faster in a smaller room.
Room size plays a major role for how long it takes an air purifier to work.
For smaller rooms, it may take only 15 to 30 minutes to effectively clean the air. In larger spaces, it can take longer, usually between 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Additionally, the type of filter and cleaning mechanism (HEPA, activated carbon, etc.) affects how efficiently it cleans the air, especially when dealing with pollutants like dust, pet dander or smoke.
Another important factor is the air quality in the room when you start using the purifier. If the room is heavily polluted, it will take longer to bring the air quality to an acceptable level. After that, regular cleaning intervals will maintain the air quality.
When choosing a model, be sure to consider the following: specifications, room size recommendations, and CADR.
Combined, these factors will give you an air purifier which meets your expectations for air quality.
MeacoDry Low Energy Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier set up in the kitchen, purifying the air as it dehumidifies.
So, do air purifiers actually make a difference?
Yes! Air purifiers and 2-in-1 Combined Dehumidifier/ Air Purifiers can greatly improve your home’s air quality, supporting your health and overall well-being. They are particularly effective for individuals managing allergies or asthma, as they remove harmful airborne particles, allergens, and pollutants from the air. This helps with breathing problems and improves sleep quality.
Moreover, air purifiers help reduce pollution in the home and create a healthier living environment. With a variety of models available, there’s an air purifier to suit every home and lifestyle. The right model can improve comfort, support healthier breathing, and help your family enjoy a better quality of life.
Plus, they do not use a lot of electricity, meaning you can achieve a cleaner home environment at a minimal cost.
Knowing how air purifiers work from this blog, will hopefully help you choose the best air purifier for you and your family’s needs. Choosing the right model will make the greatest difference to your lifestyle and health.
Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what customers are saying about their experience with the Meaco 2-in-1 dehumidifiers and air purifiers:
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“Utterly trust Meaco. Overall, I have purchased three products and I am ultimately satisfied with them all. Game changer and great for my son’s allergies.”
MeacoDry Arete® Two 12L Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier, Meaco Customer since 2023.
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“Best thing I’ve bought all year 🙂 I thought for a long time about buying a dehumidifier as I wasn’t convinced it would be that good. How wrong was I!! This is the best thing I’ve bought in a long time, wish I hadn’t left it so long!”
MeacoDry Arete® One 20L Dehumidifier/ Air Purifier, Meaco Customer since 2024.
Recommended 2-in-1 Air Purifier Dehumidifier Solutions:
MeacoDry Arete® One (6, 10, 12, 20, 25L)
- Medical-grade H13 HEPA filter included, as standard
- Dedicated Air Purifier Mode
- Available in Charcoal & Warm Pebble
- Built to last: Free 5-year warranty
MeacoDry Arete® Two (10, 12, 20, 25L)
- Medical-grade H13 HEPA filter included, as standard
- Dedicated Air Purifier Mode
- Premium LCD ‘Chase’ Display
- Built to last: Free 5-year warranty
- Medical-grade H13 HEPA filter included, as standard
- Low-energy, low bills – from 4p / hour cost to run
- Ideal for medium-to-large homes, cellars and and archives
5 responses
Great breakdown of how air purifiers work and why they matter—really helpful for homeowners! As an HVAC technician, I often recommend air purifiers to clients with allergy or asthma issues, especially during spring and summer when indoor air quality can really take a hit. One tip: remember to check and replace your HEPA filters regularly—clogged filters reduce efficiency and airflow. Also, keep your HVAC system’s ducts clean so the purifier isn’t working overtime to compensate
Can you run a purifier at the same as running a dehumidifier?
Would running both at the same time compromise the efficiency of either or both devices?
Trevor,
Yes, you can run an air purifier and a dehumidifier at the same time without compromising the efficiency of either device.
A dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture from the air, helping to prevent dampness, mould, and condensation. An air purifier, on the other hand, focuses on improving air quality by capturing dust, allergens, and other airborne particles. Since they target different issues (moisture vs air purity) they do not interfere with each other’s performance.
For added convenience, the Arete dehumidifier includes a built-in air purification function with a HEPA filter, acting as a 2-in-1 solution. This means you can control humidity while also filtering out airborne particles, giving you both benefits in a single unit.
Hope that helps.
Omar@Meaco
If you have a dehumidifier with a hepa filter do you also need a purifier?
Sarah,
Thank you for your enquiry. A dehumidifier with a HEPA filter can help purify the air, that is reducing dust, allergens, and some airborne particles, but its primary purpose is to control humidity.
To decide whether you need both, it’s important to first assess your issue. If it’s mainly humidity-related, the dehumidifier will help, with air purification as an added bonus. If you’re dealing with allergies or pollutants in the air, you may need a separate air purifier to address those concerns more effectively.
I hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco