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After the coronavirus pandemic, air purifiers have become a booming business, with sales increasing from US$669 million in 2019 to more than US$1 billion in 2020. And these sales show no signs of slowing down this year—especially now, as winter approaches, many of us spend even more time indoors.

But before the allure of clean air prompts you to buy one for your space, there are a few things to consider about these popular devices.

NBC survey and consumer reporter Vicky Nguyen joined today on Wednesday and talked with experts to help potential buyers make the best choice for themselves.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can capture 97.97% of mold, dust, pollen, and even some airborne pathogens. Tanya Christian from Consumer Reports revealed that this is the highest recommendation for any air purifier.

"It will capture small micrometers, dust, pollen and smoke in the air," she said. "And you know it is proven to be able to catch it."

Christian said: "There is nothing to say that they will definitely capture coronavirus particles." "We found that air purifiers with HEPA filters can capture particles smaller than the coronavirus, which means they may indeed capture the coronavirus. Virus."

If the purifier is placed in a room that is too large, its air purification capacity may be limited.

"On the box, they will all have a clean air delivery rate," Christian explained. "What this tells you is the square footage of these spaces you can use. This is important because you want a space that is specifically designated for the space you want to clean."

One designed for a small room but placed in a large space may cause inefficiency. Therefore, it is best to manufacture products according to the size of the room they will be placed in — or to install them by mistake on the side of equipment that promises to clean more space than needed. As Christian adds, “This will be more effective.

Air purifiers are expensive, so before making an investment, remember that they are not the only way to freshen the air in your home or office.

Linsey Marr, a professor at Virginia Tech who studies how viruses spread in the air, pointed out that as long as the windows are opened, air exchange can occur, allowing pollutants to leave the room and fresh air to enter.

But this does not mean that she will prevent anyone from adding an air purifier to their space.

"The air purifier is very helpful, especially when you have no other good way to draw outdoor air into the room," Marr said. "For example, if you are in a room without windows, an air purifier will be very useful."

If you are not sure, Marr will suggest that you try an air purifier.

"I think they are a very worthwhile investment," she said. "Even if you can open the windows, adding an air purifier does no harm. It can only help.

In this case, the price you pay is related to quality.

Nguyen points out: "Of course, you are looking for products with high clean air delivery rates and HEPA filters, but the price is really important. Generally, when they are more expensive, they are more effective."

Ree Hines is a freelance writer and editor responsible for covering popular culture, lifestyle stories and top news. She is also a member of Team Cat and Team Dog who loves soul music and is obsessed with coffee. Ree lives in Tampa, Florida and is a regular contributor to TODAY.com.