Air quality through air purification

What is breathable air? And why is it so important?

On average, we breathe in and out about 10,000 liters of air every day. So, indoor air quality is something we should be concerned about.

How does indoor air quality affect the air we breathe and our well-being?

On average, we breathe in and out about 10,000 liters daily . The air we breathe consists primarily of nitrogen (about 78%), oxygen (about 21%), and a small amount of carbon dioxide and other gases. Indoors, however, the air we breathe can be contaminated with pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mold spores, and allergens. Since we spend about 90% of our time indoors, the quality of this air is crucial to our well-being and health. Therefore, it is important to purify the air we breathe indoors.

Why is indoor air quality often worse than outdoors?

About 10 to 100 percent of indoor air pollution consists of outdoor air pollution that has entered the indoor air.

Air purifier

The following 6 tips can improve indoor air quality

1. Ventilate properly

Ventilation : Open all windows wide for 5-10 minutes several times a day to ensure complete air exchange.

Cross ventilation : Open opposite windows to create a draft.

Avoid tilt ventilation : It is ineffective and can lead to mold growth.

2. Plant houseplants

Certain plants improve air quality:

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) : Filters pollutants and increases humidity.

Aloe Vera : Binds dust and produces oxygen.

Ivy : Reduces mold spores in the air.

3. Use an air purifier

Modern air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters can:

Remove fine dust, pollen and pet hair .

Filter viruses and bacteria from the air.

Neutralize odors .

4. Regulate humidity

Optimal humidity : Between 40% and 60%.

Air that is too dry : Can irritate mucous membranes.

Air that is too humid : Promotes mold growth; regular ventilation and, if necessary, the use of dehumidifiers is advisable.

5. Use natural cleaning products

Avoid harsh chemicals : They can release VOCs.

Home remedies : Vinegar, baking soda and citric acid are effective and environmentally friendly alternatives.

6. Remove dust regularly

Vacuuming : At least once a week with a machine that has a HEPA filter.

Wet wiping : Binds dust particles better than dry wiping.

Pets : Regular grooming reduces allergens.

Frequently asked questions about breathing air purification

FAQ block

Indoor spaces accumulate pollutants such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), particulate matter, mold spores, and allergens. Sources include furniture, building materials, cleaning products, cooking, pets, and inadequate ventilation.

Poor indoor air quality can be identified by a stuffy smell, increased humidity, fatigue, headaches, or irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. A CO₂ meter can indicate the exact condition.

Ventilate regularly (2-4 times a day), minimize sources of pollutants (smoke-free rooms, low-pollutant materials), place plants, and occasionally filter with an air purifier.

Yes, plants like peace lily, ivy, or snake plant slightly improve air quality by reducing pollutants and regulating humidity. However, their impact is limited and does not replace thorough ventilation or air purifiers.

Air purifiers suck in room air, filter it through HEPA filters (removes fine dust and allergens) and activated carbon filters (binds odors and VOCs) and return the purified air to the room.

Devices with HEPA H13 or H14 are ideal because they reliably remove over 99.95% of the finest particles, such as pollen, house dust mites or pet hair.

Devices with HEPA H13 or H14 are ideal because they reliably remove over 99.95% of the finest particles, such as pollen, house dust mites or pet hair.

An air quality sensor is useful because it measures CO₂, particulate matter, or VOC levels and tells you directly when you need to ventilate or when the air purifier should be operated more intensively.

No, air purifiers do not remove oxygen or CO₂. Regular ventilation is necessary to provide fresh air and reduce CO₂.

Most appliances consume between 10 and 70 watts. At low power, this equates to approximately CHF/EUR 10–30 per year; when used continuously at the highest power level, it costs significantly more. Automatic modes help save energy.

Many modern air purifiers have a quiet night mode with noise levels below 30 dB (comparable to a whisper). This is especially important for bedrooms or children's rooms.

Older buildings often have natural ventilation (leaky windows), but more frequently have moisture problems (risk of mold). New buildings are airtight and require targeted ventilation (e.g., controlled living space ventilation), but often initially emit harmful gases.

Depending on usage and manufacturer's specifications, this usually occurs every 6–12 months. Regular maintenance is important to ensure optimal cleaning performance.

Yes, many models offer smart home integration via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This allows you to control devices automatically and monitor air quality at any time via the app.

How can I remove bad odors?

I've written a report on everything from cigarette smells to the insider tip of cat litter for odor elimination to aroma diffusers and essential oils.

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Expertise & Author

This article was created in collaboration with Stylies , the Swiss manufacturer of high-quality air conditioning units, and Daniel Gwerder.

Daniel Gwerder , CDO of Tavora Brands AG, has been an expert in health and indoor climate for over 20 years and shares his knowledge in a well-founded, understandable and everyday manner.

You can find out more about Daniel on LinkedIn

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