Air Purifier

Is it okay to open your windows? Should you keep them sealed tight? There’s a lot of conflicting advice online. For instance, opening your windows in humid regions may raise your home’s relative humidity too much and make it a breeding ground for mold. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, experts encouraged us to keep those windows open to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of respiratory infection. Then, there’s the added complication of having an air purifier running at home. Looking for some concrete answers? Read on to learn more about using an air purifier with open windows. 

What happens when you run an air purifier with the windows open?

There are a few things that happen when you run an air purifier with the windows open, such as:

• Decreased air purifier efficiency. One study in the Building and Environment journal examined using an air purifier with an open window in a nursery environment. The air purifier had a particulate reduction rate of 63% with the window closed and a 46% particulate reduction rate with it open.   

• More pollutants to filter. The study above also looked at the environment. One window was right next to a parking lot, increasing the indoor air pollution in the room when the windows were open. Another study in the Science of The Total Environment journal found that using an air purifier with closed windows kept additional outdoor pollutants at bay.   

• Potential increase in health risk. If you’re using an air purifier to clean the air of allergens or asthma triggers, opening the window could invite these health hazards in. The EPA encourages to keep windows closed if it poses a health risk to people with asthma. 

What’s the advice from air purifier manufacturers?

Advice from air purifier manufacturers varies. Some say you can open a window for a limited time or just one window at a time. Others have a hard no-open-window stance. Below are some nuggets of advice from major brand manufacturers.  

“The windows have to be closed when the purifier is in use. This way, outdoor pollutants won’t affect the effectiveness of the purifier and in turn, increases the HEPA’s lifespan. For ventilation, the windows can be opened for 15-20 minutes so that the air in the house will be changed once. After closing the doors and windows, the air quality will quickly return to the safe range when the purifier is in use.”

— Smart Air

“While our purifiers work best in rooms with closed windows, we never want to discourage you from opening your windows for a short time to get some fresh air! However, it is important to keep in mind that if outside air has a high level of pollutants, it may hamper the ability of the purifier to reduce the ambient level of particulates and gases in your space.”

— Alen

“Operate your Mila in an enclosed area. Close all doors, windows, and other openings connecting to the outside of the room.”

— Mila

“Even if an air cleaner is present in a room, it is important to ventilate. This increases the amount of oxygen in a room, but when too much air enters from outside, the Air Purifier may have trouble removing all impurities. Our tip is, therefore, to keep one open window or door at a time so that the air purifier can maintain its airflow.”

— Winix

“Your air purifier works most efficiently in a sealed environment – opening the windows can allow more pollutants to enter the air in your home, which means your machine will take longer to work.”

— Dyson

The do’s and don’ts of running an air purifier with the windows open

Sometimes, it can be necessary to air out your home and get some fresh air in there, especially if you believe there are pollutants present. If you need a (literal) breath of fresh air, below are some tips for having the windows open while the air purifier is running. 

In general, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Don’t open the window too much, if at all, and avoid opening the window during bad air conditions.  

Wrapping up

You might feel confused because general advice about whether you can open a window while running an air purifier varies. To put it simply, opening a window can reduce the efficiency of the air purifier, as it may now be working against incoming outdoor pollutants. If you do want to open a window, have only one open for no longer than 20 minutes. Never open a window if it might cause issues for someone with allergies or asthma or if air quality is bad.       

Animals have been companions to humans for millennia. However, the place they occupy among us has changed considerably through the years. In the last century, for example, they have gone from being distant protectors who live in the backyard to family members who spend their lives under our roof and sometimes even sleep in our beds. 

These changes in our relationship, especially the physical proximity to our pets, are causing more people to have allergy symptoms. 

It turns out that allergies to dogs and cats affect 10% to 20% of the population worldwide and 12% of the U.S. population.

I get it, though: despite being sensitive to pet allergies, you may want to indulge in the joys of sharing your life with a furry friend. Enter hypoallergenic pets. 

However, are these the real thing? Well, it’s complicated. So, to answer this question, we’ll need to understand allergens better, review some of the most common misconceptions surrounding pet allergies and debunk a few myths.

The biggest myths and misconceptions about pet allergies

Let’s look at the facts behind the myths:

Myth #1: Pet allergies are triggered by shed fur and hair

There is some truth to the fact that pet hair can collect outdoor allergens like pollen, mold and other debris. This could potentially lead to the fur causing allergy symptoms. 

But the reality is that actual pet allergies have nothing to do with fur and hair.

Pet allergies are triggered by proteins found in pet dander (dead skin cells), saliva and urine. These proteins are very sticky and can cling to walls, carpets, furniture, bedding and clothes. Pet dander can linger in a home for up to six months, worsening allergy symptoms. 

Myth #2: Only mammal pets trigger allergies

Most people are familiar with allergies to furry pets —which makes a lot of sense, as dogs and cats are Americans’ most common choices for pets. 

Other mammals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and mice are also part of the hairy group whose proteins can trigger allergies. Less known, probably, is the fact that birds produce dander, too.

Bird dander is a combination of beta-keratine particles (the protein feathers are made of), bird dust and dirt particles that are released into the air each time a bird grooms itself, ruffles its feathers or flaps its wings. Plus, some parrots and other bird species are known as “Powder Down Birds” because they produce a whitish powder to protect and waterproof some of their feathers. Bird dust can also wreak havoc on your allergies.

Myth #3: If you are allergic to a specific pet, you’ll be allergic to them all

Each animal species produces different proteins —thus, allergens vary from one to another. 

For example, dog allergens are called Canis familiaris (Can f 1 and Can f 2 are the most common ones), while cats’ are Felis domesticus (being Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 the most prevalent ones). 

One person could be allergic to cats (or Fel d 1) but not dogs (Can f 1). 

What’s more, each particular pet produces different amounts of allergens. As a result, someone could be allergic to one cat and not another, depending on their sensitivity to the Felis domesticus allergens.  

Myth #4: Ongoing exposure to pets can help with pet allergies

This is a dangerous myth, as being constantly exposed to allergens can put the immune system under serious stress. For allergic people, unsupervised exposure can worsen symptoms and make them chronic. 

On the other hand, some studies have found that early childhood exposure (preferably before a child’s first year) to animals, including cats and dogs, may lower the risk of developing allergies later in life. Pets introduce certain microbes into the home environment that boost children’s immune system as it develops. 

However, for those with an already established pet allergy, exposure with no backing treatment or guidance from an allergist won’t desensitize them. On the contrary, keeping a pet at home shouldn’t be something to take lightly. 

Myth #5: There are hypoallergenic breeds of dogs and cats

This is simply not true. 

While the misconception about pet fur triggering allergies made people believe that shorthaired breeds that shed less were hypoallergenic, all cats and dogs produce allergens to some extent. 

Besides, research shows no direct link between low-shedding dogs and low levels of Can f 1 (dogs’ most prevalent allergens) present in their homes. On the contrary, even some alleged hypoallergenic dogs, such as Poodles, show higher concentrations of Can f 1 than other non-hypoallergenic breeds.

And yet, despite many scientific findings, some dog and cat breeds are still marketed as hypoallergenic:

There are those who claim that hypoallergenic breeds produce lower levels of allergy-triggering proteins. But protein levels vary from one animal to another more than among breeds, so there’s no guarantee that a specific breed will prove to be universally allergy-safe.

Buying a purebred dog or cat can be pricey, and many pet friends await adoption in shelters. If you want to share your life with a dog or a cat, your best option is to consult an allergy specialist, learn as much as possible about your specific triggers and then decide which pet would suit your needs best.

The most allergy-friendly pets

If you got to this point in my article, you will know that there isn’t just one perfect pet for people with allergies. 

That being said, there are some alternatives to cats and dogs that could fit the bill in allergic households:

1. Reptiles and amphibians (herptiles)

These exotic pets are becoming more and more common, being chosen by 6.0 million U.S. homes. Popular reptile pets are lizards, including bearded dragons, geckos and chameleons, while favored amphibians are axolotls (they actually look like a Pokémon), salamanders and frogs. 

While reptiles have dry and scaly skin and amphibians have smooth, slimy skin, neither of them produces the proteins that trigger pet allergies. 

However, they have very specific environmental and dietary needs and require proper husbandry. Reptiles can also carry salmonella in their digestive tract, which can be contracted by people touching them or their environment. Plus, they need specialized veterinary care. 

2. Fish

Fish are diverse and colorful pets that don’t produce the animal proteins furry ones do. In addition to this, fishkeeping can unlock the wonderful universe of aquarium hobbies; people can get really creative at this. 

Keeping fish as a pet requires a fair amount of research upfront because there is a learning curve where mistakes can be made. But after understanding fish needs and routines, maintenance becomes easier. Plus, according to this study, watching your fish swim across the aquarium can reduce stress levels and anxiety.

3. Small mammals and rodents

More exotic mammals could be an option, depending on the proteins that trigger your allergies. 

For example, the most prevalent allergens found in rabbits (Ory c 3) and guinea pigs (Cav p 1) have been proven to differ from those produced by dogs and cats. So, finding out what exactly someone is allergic to is a good starting point for finding the right furry pet. 

Five things you should do before you bring a pet home

Avoiding pets is not always possible, and not everybody is ready to make that choice.

The good news is there are some things that can make life much easier when it comes to preparing your home to receive a pet. Here are five suggestions to design a home environment that helps reduce allergic reactions to a minimum. 

1. Visit an allergy expert

A lot of people with allergies decide to live with their pets, and they manage. Discuss your specific needs and options with an allergist. They will help identify the things you are allergic to and advise on the best approach. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a widely used treatment; medications like antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms. However, do not self-medicate. Always consult with the expert.

2. Create pet-free spaces in your home

Designate some areas where the new furry member of the family won’t be allowed to enter. Ideally, the allergy sufferers’ bedroom, but pet-free rooms could also include the home-office room, playroom or the areas where allergic ones spend most of their time. This will provide an allergen-free refuge for them and, in the case of their room, a smooth night’s sleep.

3. Invest in a HEPA filter air purifier

A true HEPA filter can remove over 99% of airborne particles, including pet dander and any other allergens. It will help a lot to reduce symptoms. A good idea is to place one in every room, but getting at least one for the designated pet-free room will make a huge difference.

4. Consider replacing carpets with hard surface flooring

Carpets (and rugs) accumulate a lot of dust, debris and, of course, pet dander. Even if you vacuum regularly, pet allergens are sticky stuff and easily cling to carpet fibers and padding. Hard surface floors, on the other hand, are much more straightforward to clean and keep allergen-free. 

5. Declutter your home

Try to reduce soft goods and upholstery around the house to a minimum —more so if you cannot replace carpet floors. All fabrics tend to collect pet allergens; dusting, vacuuming or moving around the house can stir them back into the air.

Common questions about pet allergies

Wrapping up

After debunking some myths and right-doing popular misconceptions about pet allergies, it’s safe to say there’s no such thing as hypoallergenic pets. However, not all hope is lost. Knowing your allergies and understanding what triggers them could help you choose a suitable animal companion to live with.

Just one last tip: if you are serious about adopting a pet, a good way to test your sensitization to that specific animal is to spend some time with them before making the big decision. See how your body reacts to them. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Winix has a great range of air purifiers. We’ve bought a few ourselves and put them through their paces, like the 5300-2, 5500-2 and A231.

So we know as well as anybody that when a red light starts flashing on your Winix unit, it usually indicates that something’s wrong. This probably leads you to read through the manual (if you still have it) to determine what it means (if you can find it)… Cue the Indiana Jones theme song.

Well, you can put that hat and whip down because, in this guide, I’ll take you through what it means when a red light pops up on your Winix unit and how to fix it with little to no tools, no manuals and, best of all, no hassle.

What does the red light mean on my Winix air purifier? 

A Winix air purifier has a few possibilities of what a red light means. Modern Winix units usually come with an AQI (Air Quality Indicator) that displays the air quality in your room using a color bar.

If the color bar is red, it means your air quality is poor, and you’ll need to increase its fan speed so it works harder at cleaning airborne pollutants.

Another red light you are likely to find on a Winix air purifier is the indicator that warns you when the filter inside needs a little TLC.

Whether it’s replacing the filter completely or conducting a little maintenance, the red light will soon vanish like the harmful pollutants your Winix unit is removing from the air in your home.

Here are my top tips on fixing that pesky red light.

5 steps to fix the Winix air purifier red light warning

Before you try any of these steps, always remember to turn off your air purifier first and unplug it from the wall.

Step 1: Make sure the filter is installed correctly

Your Winix air purifier may think it needs a new filter, but sometimes, your filter might be installed incorrectly.

Simply 

1. Open up the filter compartment (this differs from unit to unit)
2. Remove the filter
3. Put the filter back in, making sure it’s installed correctly and fits snugly

Step 2: Check for blockages

You may be unaware of how much dust and dander your air purifier’s filter removes from your air, but it becomes clearly visible when you take a look at the filter itself. 

If the filter is blocked up with contaminants, it won’t work effectively and may cause your unit to think it needs a replacement.

While there, check to see that the fan is clear of blockages. This is the perfect time to give your air purifier a little clean so your air purifier can run smoothly.

Step 3: Clean your air purifier thoroughly

Sometimes, instead of replacing the filter when the red light comes on, you can get more life out of it with a little spring cleaning.

You must be gentle because if you damage the pleats in the filter, it will no longer work.

Step 4: Replace your filter with a new one

If the previous steps don’t work, it’s time to bite the bullet and buy a replacement filter.

Unfortunately, HEPA filters don’t last forever, so when they are filled with particles, they become ineffective. The lifespan of a Winix filter is usually 12 months, but this can differ depending on how hard the filter is working.

Replacing a filter on your Winix air purifier is easy and painless:

Step 5: Reset the filter indicator light

After each step, you must reset the filter indicator so the air purifier knows you have fixed/attempted to fix the issue. 

1. Find the filter reset button (this is sometimes labeled, sometimes not, check the manual to find out)
2. Press and hold the button for 5 seconds using a small object like a paperclip
3. Release the button

If the red light comes back on, try another step on the list.

Common questions about the red light in Winix units

Final thoughts

A red light popping up on your Winix air purifier may seem scary but don’t worry, you don’t need to scramble through the trash looking for that manual (nobody keeps them anyway).

This is the most common fault on an air purifier and can be fixed with one of these five easy-to-follow steps.

90% of the time, the light indicates that the filter needs replacing, as all HEPA filters do periodically.

Remember, if none of these solutions work, contact Winix directly, as it may be a fault with the electrics in the air purifier.

Most of the time, you may see cigarette smoke described as a stinky nuisance. However, for some people, cigarette smoke can be so much worse. The minute you get a whiff of that distinctive smell, your sinuses start clogging up, and you may even find yourself sneezing. One study, in fact, found that 34% of healthy nonsmoking adults surveyed said they reported one or more nasal symptoms around cigarette smoke.  

If you are one of those people who find yourself sensitive to cigarette smoke, you may wonder if you could possibly be allergic to cigarette smoke. Rest assured, it’s not your mind playing tricks on you. Cigarette smoke is linked to allergic responses and nasal symptoms, which we’ll explore more below. You can also learn ways to avoid and treat cigarette smoke allergies or sensitivities.  

Is there such a thing as a cigarette or tobacco allergy?

Yes, you can be allergic to tobacco and even just plain old sensitive to cigarette smoke. Even more, for people who already have respiratory issues, cigarette smoke could also make the problem worse. You might also just be sensitive to cigarette smoke. 

One study suggested that people can have an allergy to tobacco itself. Even dating back to 1933, skin tests published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed some sensitivity to tobacco extract. The study also stated it was theorized that people might have allergic reactions to tobacco proteins. 
Today, studies continue to look at cigarette smoke allergies, and people report a wide range of health symptoms around secondhand smoke.    

Cigarette smoke may also make you more sensitive to allergens overall. In another study in the European Respiratory Journal, 39.5% of a passive smoking (or secondhand) group and 58.2% of an active smoking group had bronchial activity after being exposed to histamines. This suggests that even passive smokers may be affected by heightened allergic sensitivity.  

Further, a report from the CDC stated that skin prick tests found more allergen sensitivity among secondhand smoke-sensitive people. Allergen sensitivity was at 70% for the smoke-sensitive group, compared to 27% for the non-sensitive group.   

A test on mice in Frontier in Neuroscience showed that administering a cigarette smoke solution increased allergic responses. The study suggested that patients who already had allergic rhinitis and were exposed to cigarette smoke could experience worse rhinitis symptoms from the cigarette smoke. 

You can also have allergy-like symptoms from smoke without actually being allergic to it. According to the Mayo Clinic, cigarette smoke may even cause non-allergic rhinitis. That’s when the mucus membranes in your nose become swollen and cause symptoms like a stuffy nose or sneezing, but it’s not caused by allergies.  

One study found that cigarette smoke can actually cause rhinitis symptoms, which can lead to nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itching. However, the study found those symptoms were independent of allergic sensitization.   A study listed in the National Library of Medicine also stated that increased contact dermatitis is associated with smoking.

What you can do to alleviate tobacco smoke allergies 

Below are some ways to avoid or treat smoke allergy as listed by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 

1. Avoid exposure 

The most direct way to not be triggered by cigarette smoke is to of course avoid it. For instance, if you know where the smoking areas of certain buildings are, you might plan your walking route accordingly to avoid those areas.  

2. Use air purifiers in the home 

Air purifiers remove contaminants from the air, including smoke particulates. Out of more than 50 air purifiers we have tested in the past 12 months, our top pick for cigarette smoke is the Levoit EverestAir — outstanding performance all around in a beautifully designed unit for those with $500 to spend. If you’re on a tighter budget, then you should consider the Core 300S for solid air cleaning and odor removal for small rooms of up to 219 sq. ft.

3. Try nasal rinses 

You might try rinsing your nose out with a Neti pot or similar product. This can help remove any allergens you inhaled from your nasal passages.  

4. Look into at-home medicines 

There are also medicines you can take, like nasal corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the nose, antihistamines or decongestants, as a few examples. Talk to your doctor before starting any new medicines and find out which might be best for you.   

5. Ask your doctor about immunotherapy 

Some treatments with the doctor can help target the problem on an immune system level. For instance, with allergy shots, doctors give shots that have the allergen in them and increase the dose over time to make the body less sensitive to that allergen.  

6. Serious cases might require an epi-pen

In worst cases, an allergy can cause life-threatening reactions called anaphylaxis. If you have a severe allergy to tobacco, carry an epinephrine pen to administer in an emergency and then call 911.  

Final thoughts

The long and short is that, yes, you can have an allergy to tobacco smoke. 

Some studies suggest allergic reactivity to tobacco. Others show that cigarette smoke can make already present allergy symptoms worse. It’s also possible that you may just be sensitive to cigarette smoke and it causes you to have non-allergic rhinitis that causes the characteristic stuffiness, runny nose and sneezing.  

The only way to know for sure if it is an allergy is to have an allergy test performed by a doctor. Whether you’re sensitive to smoke or allergic to it, you have a number of options for clearing up the symptoms, from avoiding the smoke to air purifiers for removing smoke from your home to nasal rinses to medical treatments.   

In simple terms, ionizers emit negative ions into the air, which can bond with positively charged ions (including certain types of particles) to create heavier charged particle that will drop to surfaces in your home or within the ionizer device itself, allowing you (or the device) to clean them up.

Here is a handy graphic for those of you who are visual learners:

Now you know how it works, let’s go through it in more depth:

There are invisible molecules made of ions in the air around us. Ions contain electrical charges, which are either positive (cation) or negative (anion) charges. When anions gain an electron, they become negative charges, but when cations lose an electron, they become positive charges.

So, the idea behind air ionizers is that they produce and release negative ions into the atmosphere, which are then attracted to and able to attach to positive particles in the air around you. This includes things like tobacco smoke or odors.

When negative and positive ions are attracted to one another, this creates an electrical charge, and the particles become stuck.

The stuck particles are then too weighty to remain in the atmosphere, so they fall onto positively charged surfaces around your home and stay there. This includes ceilings, walls, floors, tabletops, curtains, carpets and rugs. The particles can then be cleaned from these surfaces, removing them from your environment.

Some models of ionizer devices have metal plates built into them that collect these particles. These can then be wiped away from the plates.

As you can see, this is quite different from what mechanical filtration air purifiers do.

Understanding the disadvantages of using an ionizer

As we’ve already discussed, while ionizers can effectively remove certain particulate matter from your environment, there are many more disadvantages.

1. Ionizers are not effective for removing larger particulate matter. This includes dust, pollen and pet dander. All these are known to be triggers for those with allergies or asthma.
   
2. Ionizers can cause asthmatics to suffer from increased symptoms, making them especially dangerous for people with asthma.
   
3. Ionizers cannot remove gasses and odors (including VOCs) and can even increase the presence of certain VOCs when running. VOCs can be extremely harmful to your health. In addition to various symptoms, including eye irritation, nose and throat, they have even been known to cause cancer.
   
4. Due to how ionizer devices work, they emit ozone as a side effect. While ozone has been shown to potentially help remove viruses from your environment (particularly from water), it has many detrimental qualities that could negatively affect your health.

The potential risks far outweigh whatever good could come from running ionizers in your home — especially if you have members of your household who are higher-risk individuals.

HouseFresh doesn’t recommend ionizers

“Ionizers have been proven to generate a lot of Ozone and Nitric Oxide, which can cause many health problems. We do not recommend air purifiers that use this technology as default and don’t offer options to turn it off.”

— Danny Ashton, HouseFresh Founder & Senior Writer

Final thoughts

Ionizers are an alternative device to air purifiers that work by emitting negative ions into your environment. This allows them to become attracted to certain positive ions, including various pollutants, causing them to fall from the air onto surfaces around your home.

While they can be effective (especially in water filtration systems and larger rooms exceeding 25 m³), there are many more negative health considerations with ionizer devices. 

This is because they are ineffective at removing larger particles and also emit VOCs and ozone as a side effect. If you’re considering an ionizer in your home, conduct thorough research beforehand and carefully weigh the pros and cons. 

While it’s tempting to buy into the rhetoric that ionizer device distributors are pushing, the science tells us that this is still a relatively low-researched field regarding the potential positive outcomes.

Between increased wildfire smoke throughout 2023 and COVID-19, many people want to know how they can at least make the air in their homes purer. Enter the idea of house plants. 

Easy to place around, inexpensive to purchase and an immediate uplifting addition to any décor style, it’s easy to see why the belief of house plants cleaning your air would be an appealing one. 

Plus, there’s the idea that since they take in carbon and produce oxygen, maybe they’d clean the air in other ways, too. Unfortunately, plants do not clean air, and we’ll explore why. 

Why does everyone believe plants clean the air? 

It’s a common statement that house plants can clean your air. 

The origins of this belief can be traced back to a 1989 NASA study. It looked at using different types of plants to reduce air pollution in combination with a type of carbon filter.  

The study did state: “Low-light-requiring house plants, along with activated carbon plant filters, have demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air in energy-efficient buildings.” 

Just by reading that statement, you may be able to see how easy it is to assume house plants can be of some benefit. 

The biggest misconceptions of the NASA Clean Air Study

There are a number of problems with taking this study at face value. These include: 

1. The study wasn’t for home use  

The NASA study looked at improving air breathability in large-scale work settings. Simply placing plants in your home and expecting them to clean the air is an apples-to-oranges situation. 

2. It’s an old study

It’s important to reiterate that the NASA experiment was a decades-old study from 1989. A further memo from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 stated that someone would have to put 680 house plants in their home to meet the same results of the NASA study, which happened in a test chamber. 

3. The study used carbon filters 

That’s right, the study used carbon filters in addition to the plants. 

The study went on to state: “Activated carbon filters containing fans have the capacity for rapidly filtering large volumes of polluted air and should be considered an integral part of any plan using house plants for solving indoor air pollution problems.”

In short, even by the measures of this study, placing plants in your home is not the way to magically get perfect, clean air.  

4. At best, results are modest

One study only found that house plants had a 0.9 – 9% to indoor ozone removal effectiveness.   

5. Other studies outright suggest plants cannot remove VOCs

A literature review in Nature from 2020 discussed how someone would need to place 10-1,000 plants per square meter to equate to the same VOC removal that already happens when outdoor-to-indoor exchange happens in modern buildings. 

Another problem with the NASA study is it looked at increasing air quality in old energy-efficient buildings from the 1970s, where air quality was already remarkably poor.  

6. It would take genetically modified plants to clean the air 

A startup called Neoplants wants to grow genetically modified plants specifically with the purpose of being able to clean harmful chemicals from the air. 

6 science-backed benefits of indoor plants (beyond cleaning the air)

None of this means you should throw the fern plant from grandma’s estate out the window.  There are very real emotional, mental and health benefits to house plants.

1. House plants may make you healthier

One study suggested that house plants can even improve diastolic blood pressure.  

2. House plants can help improve your grades

The same review as above also found that house plants may help with academic achievement. Another study found that adding indoor plants to classrooms helped improve self-reported attention and well-being.   

3. The most beautiful house plants create the most well-being 

Research found that the more beautiful the plant was to those surveyed, the higher the participants rated their subjective well-being. Some of the most popular plants were bright, leafy specimens like palms, Ficus plants and Epipremnum.

4. Greenery even helped people feel better during lockdown 

Another study looked at how house plants or green window views helped students at home during Covid-19. Greenery both indoors and outdoors helped support the mental health of the participants.  

5. House plants can improve your mindfulness skills

One study looking at Chinese adults suggested that those who care for indoor house plants reported more mental well-being and had a greater mindfulness trait.  

6. You may feel physically better with house plants

In addition to reporting increased positive emotions and less negative feelings, one study found that house plants helped reduce physical discomfort in participants. 

Final thoughts

It turns out that, no, house plants are not magical little air purifiers straight from nature. This assumption has its origins in a 1989 NASA study that sought to use house plants in conjunction with carbon filters to clean up the air in 1970s energy-efficient work buildings. That doesn’t mean house plants are useless: they may make us healthier, happier, help with grades, reduce discomfort and even make us more mindful. Yet they’re still not air purifiers.  

If you want truly clean indoor air, you’ll still need to use a mechanical air purifier. An air purifier works by forcing dirty air through a series of filters to remove large particles like dust, odors and even bacteria and PM 2.5 particulates. You can see the process here:

As beneficial as your house plant may be, it’s no match for a HEPA filter. You can review some of the best air purifiers we have tested to date.

Levoit is one of the biggest air purifier manufacturers on the market, having sold millions of devices around the world. 

The reason why Levoit units are so popular is because they managed to produce low-cost air purifiers with high performance and good quality materials. Knowing this, it’s no surprise why some of the best air purifiers we’ve tested came from Levoit, including the EverestAir, the Core 600S and the Vital 200S.

But, like any electrical appliance, issues can sometimes occur. In this article, we’ll look into the dreaded red light you will sometimes find flashing on the control panel of your Levoit. 

What does the red light mean in a Levoit unit? 

If the red light appears on your Levoit air purifier, you may as well throw it in the trash right now. 

Just kidding!

This warning light is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s one of the most common issues Levoit users face, and there is usually a super simple solution.

The most common reason why there might be a red light on your Levoit right now is because the filter has reached the end of its lifespan. As Levoit uses mechanical filters, they will become saturated with particulate matter and, over time, lose efficiency.

However, you may also experience the red light if your filter is broken or incorrectly installed. And I’ve also encountered the red light after installing a new filter due to an internal glitch. 

Four steps to fix the Levoit air purifier red light warning

Getting rid of the Levoit red light should be an easy fix. Follow these simple steps to get rid of it:

Step 1: Open the filter compartment

First things first, disconnect your device from the power source. 

Once it is safe to proceed, open the filter compartment. The filter compartment will vary between models but is usually located inside the purifier chamber, which you access by twisting the casing or top/bottom of the device. Alternatively, it may be a simple hatch door located at the rear. 

Step 2: Remove the filter from the unit

Levoit filters usually need to be replaced every 6-8 months. If you can’t quite remember the last time you changed yours, take a peek inside to check its condition.

Filters will display a deteriorated condition over time as they capture polluting particles such as hair, dust and smoke. If your filter resembles the one above, it’s time to clean the pre-filter.

Step 3: Change your filter

Whether your filter is clogged with pollutants or has broken entirely, you will need to replace it to continue cleaning the air effectively.

Start by carefully removing the old filter and disposing of it appropriately. Next, remove the outer plastic wrapping on your new filter and slot it into place before reassembling the purifier.

Step 4: Hit reset

Some users may find that the red light is still illuminated after you’ve changed the filter. If this is the case, you’ll need to manually reset the filter change timer.

To do this, hold down the filter change button for 3-5 seconds. After that, the light should disappear until it is time to replace the filter again. 

Common questions about the red light in Levoit units

Final thoughts

The Levoit red light is one of the most common issues users face and, in the vast majority of cases, will be straightforward to rectify. Remember that red lights on Levoit air purifiers serve as filter warnings, so nine times out of ten, all you need to do is replace the filter. 

If none of the solutions above worked for your Levoit red light issue, there may be an internal fault with the appliance. In this case, I recommend getting in touch with Levoit’s Help Center directly.

You may have heard of the dangers of ozone in passing. Ozone carries vaguely sinister connotations of threats to our breathing and our planet. You may have even heard it contributes to the haze we can sometimes see out in the distance. 

But what is ozone, what does it smell like, and how do you even recognize it?

So, what does ozone smell like?

Ozone has a distinctive smell. The California Air Resources Board reports that people say it smells like chlorine bleach. There are those who have described the smell of ozone as an electrical smell or even as a strange, sweet smell of burning plastic.

Whether you can smell it can depend on your own sensitivity levels. Some people can smell ozone when the levels are as low as 0.05 ppm (parts per million). And there are those who can even smell it during electrical charges or after lightning strikes.  

8 serious health effects of ozone pollution

Ozone can cause a wide range of average effects on the body. The risks, as listed by the American Lung Association and the EPA, include:  

1. Breathing problems 

Greater obstruction in the airways can happen when breathing ozone, according to the EPA. Some noticeable immediate breathing problems include shortness of breath, wheezing, pain in the chest when taking a deep breath, coughing, throat irritation, chest tightness, asthma attacks, increased respiratory infection risk, pulmonary inflammation and increased hospital trips for those who have lung diseases like COPD.    

2. Metabolic disorders 

Research carried out by the School of Public Health in Taiwan has suggested that there is an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes if you breathe ozone for periods longer than eight hours for days, months or years, defined as long-term exposure.    

3. Nervous system issues

Studies by Mexico’s National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery have shown that long-term ozone exposure can lead to headaches, decreased cognitive response, disturbances in the sleep-wake cycle, decrease in motor activity, neuronal dysfunctions, cell degeneration, and neurochemical alterations.

4. Reproductive issues

Research by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology suggests breathing high levels of ozone could affect women’s ability to conceive. Other male and female fertility problems and poor birth outcomes are also linked with long-term ozone exposure. 

5. Cancer

Different types of cancer can come from long-term ozone exposure, as well:

• A study by the University of Washington Center for Clean Air Research suggests ozone exposure increases the risk for lung cancer. However, the carcinogenic effects of ozone are not fully understood, but it is known that ozone can damage DNA and proteins in lung cells, leading to cancer. Ozone can also increase the risk of lung infection, which in turn, can lead to cancer.
• Research shows a correlation between ozone depletion and increased skin cancer incidence. This is likely because more harmful UV radiation can reach the Earth’s surface when the ozone layer is depleted, increasing a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. UV radiation is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer.

6. Cardiovascular mortality