If you live in Delhi, you’ve probably asked this at some point: “Should I buy an air purifier—or is it just expensive placebo?” The honest answer is: an air purifier can help some allergy and irritation symptoms, but only when it’s the right type, sized correctly, placed well, and used consistently. It also won’t solve everything: it can’t “purify Delhi,” fix moisture/mold, or replace cleaning and ventilation.
This guide explains what an air purifier for allergies can realistically do for indoor air quality Delhi homes, what it won’t do, and how to choose and use one properly. You’ll also see a practical way to measure whether it’s helping you—by tracking symptoms for 7 days in the AllerAid+ App.
What an air purifier helps with (the realistic benefits)
1) Removing airborne particles that trigger allergies
A “True HEPA” filter is designed to capture particles like dust and pollen very effectively. The U.S. EPA notes that HEPA filters can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles at 0.3 microns (the “most penetrating particle size”), and even higher efficiency for larger/smaller particles. (US EPA)
So, HEPA filter allergy benefits are most relevant for:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet dander (if applicable)
- Some mold particles floating in air (not the mold source itself)
2) Reducing indoor exposure to fine particulate pollution (PM2.5)
Delhi’s worst months are often driven by fine particulate pollution—PM2.5—which can irritate airways and worsen allergic rhinitis and asthma-like symptoms. The EPA notes many portable air cleaners and HVAC filters can reduce indoor particle pollution including PM2.5 (though they cannot remove all pollutants). (US EPA)
This matters because many “allergies” in Delhi are actually a mix of PM2.5 allergy symptoms + dust + irritants.
3) Potential (modest) symptom improvements for some people
Evidence is mixed—but the EPA notes that studies using portable HEPA air cleaners have found improvements in some allergy/asthma symptoms, though not always major and not across all symptoms. (US EPA)
Best use case: a purifier in the bedroom, running consistently, especially if night/morning symptoms are common.
What an air purifier does NOT help with (common misconceptions)
1) It will not eliminate all indoor pollutants
“No air cleaner or filter will eliminate all of the air pollutants in your home,” per the EPA. (US EPA)
Think of filtration as a supplement—not a complete solution.
2) It will not fix mold problems at the source
An air purifier may remove some mold particles from the air, but it does not solve moisture and mold growth. The EPA is explicit: to solve mold problems, you must remove the moisture source and clean up mold. (US EPA)
3) Most purifiers don’t meaningfully remove gases/VOCs unless they have substantial carbon
Many air cleaners are designed to filter either particles or gases, and CADR ratings are for particles only. For gases/VOCs, the EPA suggests choosing an activated carbon filter and notes effectiveness depends on having a large amount of carbon; there’s also no widely used performance rating for gas removal like CADR. (US EPA)
Translation: a standard “HEPA-only” unit may be great for dust/pollen but not for odors and gases.
4) It won’t protect you outdoors (commute exposure still matters)
If your symptoms spike mainly after commuting or outdoor time, a purifier won’t prevent that exposure. It can still help you recover at home—especially in a clean-air bedroom.
5) Avoid ozone-generating “air cleaning” tech
The EPA warns against air cleaners that intentionally produce ozone, because ozone is a lung irritant. (US EPA)
If a device emphasizes “ionization” or “ozone,” be cautious.
How to choose the right purifier for best air purifier Delhi pollution needs
Step 1: Prioritize “True HEPA” for particle removal
If your goal is allergy support and lower indoor PM2.5, a HEPA-based purifier is the core. (US EPA)
Step 2: Use CADR to match your room size (this is where most people go wrong)
CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) indicates how much filtered air a unit delivers; higher CADR = faster cleaning for that room. AHAM explains CADR has separate scores for smoke, pollen, and dust, and higher numbers mean faster filtration. (AHAM Verifide –)
A practical rule of thumb:
- CADR should be at least 2/3 of your room’s area (in square feet). (AHAM Verifide –)
Example: 150 sq ft room → aim for ~100+ CADR.
EPA also provides a sizing approach and notes higher CADR covers larger areas and filters more particles. (US EPA)
Pro tip for Delhi: If you’re buying only one purifier, prioritize the bedroom (most time spent + symptom recovery).
Step 3: Decide if you need carbon (gas/odor) support
If you’re buying for “smoke smell” or VOCs, look for a purifier with an activated carbon filter—and understand that gas filtration performance is harder to compare and depends on carbon quantity. (US EPA)
Step 4: Plan for filter replacements (real cost of ownership)
Filters need regular replacement; overloaded filters won’t work well. (US EPA)
When comparing models, don’t just compare purchase price—compare filter cost and replacement intervals.
How to use an air purifier so it actually helps
1) Placement: where you spend the most time
The EPA recommends placing a portable air cleaner in rooms you spend the most time in, ensuring airflow isn’t blocked, and keeping it away from curtains or objects that restrict intake/outflow. (US EPA)
2) Run time and fan speed matter (a lot)
Higher fan speeds and longer run times increase how much air gets filtered. If you run it only occasionally, results will be limited. (US EPA)
A practical routine:
- Run overnight in the bedroom
- Run higher speed for 1–2 hours after cleaning/dusting
- Keep doors/windows managed during severe outdoor pollution days (so you’re not constantly pulling in polluted air)
3) Keep doing the basics: source control + smart cleaning
The EPA emphasizes the most effective indoor air improvements are reducing pollutant sources and ventilating with clean outdoor air—filtration is a supplement. (US EPA)
So keep: wet-dusting/wet-mopping, reducing indoor smoke/fragrance irritants, and managing dampness.
The only way to know if it’s working: track for 7 days in the AllerAid+ App
Because symptoms can fluctuate with weather and exposure, one “good day” doesn’t prove anything. Here’s a simple, measurable method:
Days 1–3: Baseline (same routine, purifier OFF or not yet used consistently)
Log in the AllerAid+ App:
- Symptoms (sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, cough, headache) severity 1–5
- Timing (morning/afternoon/night)
- Exposure notes (commute, dust, cleaning, smoky air)
Days 4–7: Intervention (purifier ON consistently in bedroom)
Keep everything else similar.
Log the same symptoms + timing + exposure notes in the AllerAid+ App.
What you’re looking for
- Better sleep / fewer night symptoms
- Reduced morning congestion/sneezing
- Lower “baseline irritation” on indoor days
If there’s no change, the most common reasons are: wrong room size/CADR, inconsistent usage, clogged filters, or the main trigger is outdoor exposure.
When to see a doctor (safety)
Get medical advice if you have:
- Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness
- Symptoms that persist for weeks and disrupt sleep/work
- Frequent asthma flare-ups or increased rescue inhaler use
- High fever or worsening illness symptoms
FAQs (SEO-friendly)
Does an air purifier for allergies help in Delhi?
It can—especially a properly sized HEPA purifier used consistently in a bedroom. It helps most with particle triggers (dust, pollen, PM2.5), but it won’t eliminate all pollutants. (US EPA)
What should I look for in the best air purifier Delhi pollution context?
True HEPA + a CADR appropriate for your room size; consider activated carbon if gas/odor removal is a priority. (US EPA)
Will it remove gases and odors?
Only if the unit has an activated carbon filter with enough material; performance is harder to compare because there’s no widely used gas-rating system like CADR. (US EPA)