Air Purifier for Construction Dust: How to Choose the Right One

Air pollution can be a real concern for people who work in construction or live near an active construction site, so you can use an air purifier for construction dust. Not only can it be unpleasant to have an active construction site nearby, but the dust that results from the building process can also be very harmful to your health over time. Thankfully, using an air purifier can help remove the most harmful particulates from the air before they ever get to you or your family members. This article will tell you everything you need to know about top models that you might want to consider buying immediately.

Finding a reliable air purifier for construction dust

The most important factor in choosing an air purifier is choosing one that will filter out construction dust and other pollutants. The EPA has established safety limits on many indoor pollutants and recommends using a HEPA filter to capture harmful particles like mold spores, chemicals, insecticides, and carbon monoxide. Research indicates that people living in homes with high levels of indoor pollution (such as pollution caused by renovations) are more likely to have problems with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory ailments.

Our Comparison Table

Our Top 3 pick

You must ensure your home is completely clean after a construction project before letting anyone else in. And even though vacuuming and washing are great ways to prevent dust, they aren’t 100% effective. To ensure that you get the construction dust out of your home and avoid it building up over time, it’s best to invest in an air purifier. Here are some of our favorite models of construction dust air purifiers.

Review of 5 best air purifier for construction dust

1. Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter

This model features three fan speeds. The air purifier runs quietly, so you can leave it on overnight without waking up your neighbors or family members. And while it doesn’t come cheap, we think paying a little extra upfront will be worth it if you use an air purifier long-term. So, you can use it as an air purifier after construction.

2. GermGuardian AC4825 3-in-1 Air Cleaning System

We liked that all the parts are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. That makes maintenance simple and ensures your system stays free of bacteria and mold spores over time. In addition, we appreciated that it has an automatic shutoff feature if something gets stuck in one of its filters—this prevents damage to your unit and saves energy by not having to run continuously when nothing is being cleaned!

3. Winix WAC9500 True HEPA Allergen Remover

This model uses a true HEPA filter (not just a HEPA-type filter) to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns (0.0001 inches). It also features three fan speeds, which help you control how much airflow there is in your room. And while it’s powerful enough to remove dust from construction sites or factories, it’s also quiet enough so you can use it overnight without waking up your family members or neighbors.

4. Alen T500 Tower Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter

We liked that its true HEPA filter captures 99% of airborne allergens and pollutants down to 0.3 microns—that means that even tiny particles like mold spores and pet dander are trapped before they can settle on surfaces in your home! The unit comes with an easy-to-clean pre-filter, and all of its parts are dishwasher safe, making maintenance simple and ensuring that you get years of use out of it before needing to replace any parts.

5. Honeywell HFD-120Q QuietClean Tower Air Purifier

This model is ideal if you’re looking for something inexpensive but effective. It has two fan speeds (high and low), so you can control how much airflow there is in your room or office space. And while it doesn’t come with a true HEPA filter, we found that its charcoal filters do an excellent job of trapping dust, dirt, pollen, smoke, and other particles from entering your room.

How air purifiers work to clean dust after construction

Air purifiers work to clean dust and other particles from your air. They do so using special filters, fans, and sensors. Air purifiers can be either mechanical or electronic. Mechanical ones use thick filters that trap larger particles from your air (dust, pet dander). In comparison, electronic ones use an electric charge on your air and electrostatic filters to trap smaller particles (like pollen). You can choose an air purifier for construction dust

In both cases, mechanical and electronic purifiers also need HEPA-type filters that can filter out at least 99% of micron particles from your air (these types of filtration are used in almost all HVAC systems). You should always buy an electrostatic version of a HEPA filter if you live near construction zones or with high pollution levels.

Prefilter captures large particles such as dust, lint, and hair

First-stage filters are commonly referred to as pre-filters and remove larger particles, such as dust, lint, and hair. These filters are relatively inexpensive and generally easier to clean than HEPA filters. It’s a good idea to inspect your pre-filter at least once a month for any clogs that may reduce its effectiveness. If you spot something obstructing airflow, take out your filter, shake it gently into an open garbage bag, and then return it without washing it.

HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger 

You must remove dust in your house before it settles on things for construction work. By installing an air purifier with a HEPA filter, you can capture up to 99.97% of dust particles 0.3 microns or larger. HEPA filters also capture allergens and viruses, so they’re ideal for keeping your home clean and tidy during renovation work.

An activated carbon filter removes strong odors.

When you’re cleaning up from a major renovation, an activated carbon filter can be an incredibly helpful way to remove strong odors like cigarette smoke or heavy perfume. After all, air purifiers work best when used after an event like construction or drywall work—when something specific in the air needs to be removed.

Ionizer enhances air quality by dispersing negative ions into the surrounding air.

Negative ions attach themselves to positively charged particles in our air—dust, allergens, and mold spores. Once joined with these particles, negative ions repel one another. The upshot is that negative ions form clusters around these harmful particles, making them easier to suck into an air purifier’s filters. This process can reduce indoor pollution by as much as 90 percent.

UV lamp sterilizes and destroys microorganisms such as bacteria, mold spores, and viruses. 

The UV lamp can be used as a sterilizer, cleaning agent, and disinfectant. It helps eliminate germs without using toxic chemicals. As it kills microorganisms by destroying their DNA, it doesn’t change or modify the chemical structure of substances, making them easier to break down in landfills than conventional cleaners. The UV-C also kills bacteria that cause health issues such as Legionnaires disease and tuberculosis.

An exhaust fan pushes harmful pollutants outside of your home.

When choosing an air purifier, look for one that includes an exhaust fan in addition to filtration technology. This is essential for preventing indoor pollutants from getting trapped inside your home. While some people are concerned about pollution and mold spores escaping through their windows, it’s more important to prevent these contaminants from staying indoors by using a high-quality exhaust fan with a HEPA filter.

The controller turns on automatically when pollution levels become unsafe

An air purifier with a sensor can switch on automatically when pollution levels become unsafe. This is done to save energy and prevent pollution from reaching dangerous levels. When you sleep at night, you don’t need your purifier working 24/7, so it makes sense to turn it off and conserve energy by using power only when needed.

Details of construction dust

Construction dust is a complex mixture of different types of dust. These types include cement dust, wood dust, metal particles, and other construction materials. The composition will vary depending on where you live and what type of project is going on at any given time. Not only does it vary by region, but also by project and building type. However, construction dust can be harmful if inhaled in large amounts or over extended periods (in some cases).

Harmful effects of construction dust

It’s no secret that construction work is a messy endeavor. When workers bust out their power tools and equipment, they kick up dust. Since dust is made up of tiny particles of dirt, concrete, wood, and other debris, it can get into nearly every nook and cranny in your home. The result? Airborne pollutants pose a significant threat to your health and well-being.

What Makes an Air Purifier Good

Many air purifiers use special filtration media, such as HEPA filters, that remove larger particles from a room’s air. Smaller particles, like those found in construction dust, still need to be removed often through negative ionization. For construction dust removal, look for an air purifier with three technologies: charcoal filtration systems; technology that removes germs and bacteria (such as UV lamps); and ozone generators.

Technologies

Air purifiers employ several technologies, such as carbon and HEPA filters, to purify construction dust. The choice of technology depends on how much pollution your environment already contains. If you live in a particularly polluted city, choose an air purifier with a high-quality HEPA filter. You’ll also want to look at how much electricity your model consumes. Most residential units use 220 volts; commercial or industrial cleaners require 380 volts or more.

Carbon filter

First and foremost, air purifiers use filters to capture pollutants in your indoor environment. The quality of these filters varies depending on the manufacturer, though most utilize some carbon filters. You’ll generally want to stick with filters that utilize a high-quality activated carbon material (such as those made from coconut shells or limestone). These filters are more effective than fiberglass and ionic options at capturing fine particulate matter from your indoor environment.

HEPA filters

The short answer is that HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. The long answer is a bit more involved and will help you decide which air purifier is right for your living space. Also, be aware that some air purifiers will have a combination of filters or multiple filtration methods. It’s best to understand how each filter works before purchasing an air purifier your choice may come down to price and technology.

Considerations Before Buying an Air Purifier

Keeping your indoor air cleaner can be difficult when living and working in a construction zone. 

You will want to take into account things like where you live.

If you live in a dusty area, your needs will be different than someone who lives in an urban environment where there are far fewer particulates. You will also want to consider what else is happening in your home if you have pets, kids, or allergies, all of which can be exacerbated by construction dust.

How much noise pollution is related to your building environment

Construction dust is an omnipresent, inescapable element of building construction. How much dust and time you’re exposed to it varies by locale, but if you live in a major urban area or are currently under heavy construction, the chances are that you’re at least partially exposed.

What kind of dust or fumes you might be exposed to

The kind of construction dust you are exposed to will determine which type of air purifier will be most effective in reducing your exposure. If you’re working with asbestos, silica, and other hazardous materials, you must invest in a more powerful machine. Otherwise, you might not experience great benefits from your investment.

Finding a Reliable Brand

Of course, once you find a brand that makes a product you like, it’s time to start finding an air purifier that meets your needs. It would help if you never bought an air purifier without first consulting a trained professional to identify dust particles and can give you feedback on the best filter options for removing different types of construction dust. 

Categories of dust pollutants

Whether you’re choosing an air purifier or HEPA filter, look at how it treats particles. That’s because not all particles are created equal. The two main categories of dust pollutants in construction dust are 1) Particulate matter (PM), which is a mixture of mineral and organic dust suspended in air; and 2) Gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc.

1) Particulate matter (PM)

PM is a term used to describe solid and liquid airborne particles that are small enough to remain suspended in the air. The smallest of these may be only one micrometer (μm) in diameter (one-fifth of a human hair). Particles include dust from construction sites, smoke from wildfires, pollen, mold spores, and exhaust fumes. For particles to cause health problems, they must be present in sufficient numbers and adhere or settle on living tissue.

2) Gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Not all airborne contaminants are made of solid particles. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gaseous pollutants from paints, solvents, cleaning agents, and other common products found in any office or home. Every time you open a can of paint or start a new bottle of Windex, you’re introducing chemicals into your environment; some of them will remain in your space indefinitely.

Precautions for using purifiers at the construction site

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible (since tiny dust particles can be inhaled). Consider an air purifier if you live or work in an area with high levels of construction dust.

1. Wash your hands often and never touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. 

While construction dust can be harmful, there are certain steps you can take to reduce your exposure. Always wear a protective mask and gloves when working with wood and other dust-producing substances. Wash your hands often after using any tools that generate fine particles.

2. Cover exposed skin when working on a dusty site.

The good news is that according to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), construction workers should be supplied with and must wear proper safety equipment when working on site. As a result, there’s less chance of inhaling dust created by power tools, cutting drywall, or drilling through wood and metal. Protect yourself from excessive exposure; cover exposed skin like your neck and face with clothing or sunscreen and wear protective gloves, shoes, and safety glasses when working on a dusty site.

3. Use an air purifier at home or work if you’re exposed to dust regularly.

You may feel like you’re unsure what an air purifier is or whether it’s worth getting one if you have clean-air needs. After all, breathing in dust isn’t great, but neither is spending money on something that might be a waste of time and money. If you’re exposed to dust regularly at home or work especially harmful construction dust—you should consider using an air purifier. Why?

4. Avoid smoking cigarettes and secondhand smoke, which can worsen respiratory symptoms caused by construction dust exposure.

In some cases, non-smoking workers may also be exposed to secondhand smoke. And, of course, smoking can cause various health problems. If you can’t quit altogether—which is certainly recommended if you’re exposed to secondhand smoke at work—take extra steps (such as using air purifiers in your home) to limit your exposure at home.

5. Use an air purifier at home or work if you’re exposed to dust regularly.

If you’re remodeling, constructing, or even working on construction jobs, your body is likely exposed to high dust levels. Over time, exposure to dust can cause health problems like asthma and other lung issues. To avoid these complications and others like them, use an air purifier at home or work if you’re exposed to dust regularly. Here are some things that you should know before choosing an air purifier…

FAQs

Get the answer to your questions.

Will I have to dust less with an air purifier?

If you have a large space, like an open-concept kitchen and living room or something, then an air purifier can definitely help. In fact, studies have shown that they can reduce dust by up to 90%. But if you live in a small apartment, don’t think that one of these will be able to eliminate all your dusting needs.

Will the air purifier clean drywall dust?

Yes, it will. Drywall dust is one of those substances that’s particularly difficult to capture because of its size. That’s why you should invest in an air purifier made with HEPA technology.

Does drywall dust stay in your lungs?

Drywall dust is one of many construction materials that can be harmful when inhaled. We’ll look at how it affects you and what risks are involved.

Summary

First, you need to understand how air purifiers work. Several different technologies and filtration methods purify dust in construction zones, including HEPA filters and ionizers. Here is a quick guide on selecting an effective air purifier for construction dust, along with some of your options.