The haze is back in Singapore and, unfortunately, for the first time since October 2023, the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) has entered the Unhealthy range. As a result, since 4 September, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has been providing daily haze advisories, including 1-hour PM2.5 concentration levels and a 24-hour PSI forecast for the coming days. At the same time, the Ministry of Health is ensuring that healthcare institutions like public hospitals, polyclinics and nursing homes are well equipped with air purifiers and fans to address the impact of the haze.
While the health impact of the haze depends on each person’s health status, the PSI level, and the duration and intensity of exposure, families may want to consider getting an air purifier or an air-purifying fan for their homes, just in case the haze worsens.
What Does An Air Purifier Do
Air purifiers clean indoor air by removing pollutants. Haze particles, particularly PM2.5, are so small that they can seep into homes even when the windows are closed, raising health risks. A purifier equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can trap these fine particles. Running a purifier continuously in an enclosed room can help anyone feeling unwell or developing respiratory problems from the haze.
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These are tiny enough to lodge deep in the lungs or even enter the bloodstream. These micro-particles are the dominant pollution found in smoke haze from Indonesian forest fires. Because PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream, long-term exposure is linked to asthma, lung damage, heart disease, and stroke.
Do You Already Have An Air Purifier
If you recently bought an air purifier because of the COVID pandemic, it’s probably still effective at combating the effects of haze. Just make sure you clean the filters regularly and replace them every six to twelve months. A clogged filter makes the air purifier less effective because it reduces airflow. Make sure the air intake vent and outlet aren’t blocked.
What Should You Look Out For In An Air Purifier
When combating haze, a mechanical air purifier with a HEPA filter is ideal. These use mechanical air filters to trap airborne particles. Look out for the clean air delivery rate (CADR) specifications to narrow down the most suitable air purifier for the room you are placing it in.
The minimum smoke CADR should be at least 5 to 7 times the room volume. That means for an HDB bedroom of 30 cubic metres, the CADR should be 150 to 210 cubic metres per hour (cmh). That said, there is nothing wrong with choosing an air purifier with a higher CADR, as it simply means faster, more effective air cleaning and will be especially useful during times when the haze is more severe.
Price Guide For Air Purifiers 2026
Here is a non-exhaustive list of air purifiers, their CADR, and their current price. This guide covers some of the types of air purifiers on the market today and does not represent a recommendation or endorsement.
| Air Purifier Model | CADR (m³/h) | Price |
| EuropAce W2 Smart Bionic Air Washer | 200 | $299 |
| Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Compact | 230 | $119 |
| Xiaomi Smart Pet Care Air Purifier | 230 | $149 |
| Philips PureProtect Mini 900 Series Smart Air Purifier | 250 | $314 |
| EuropAce W3 Smart Bionic Air Washer | 300 | $499 |
| Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite | 360 | $179 |
| Novita Air Purifier A5i | 400 | $180 |
| Philips PureProtect Quiet 2200 Series Smart Air Purifier | 420 | $359 |
| Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 | 443 | $249 |
| Novita Air Purifier A11i | 500 | $268 |
| Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Pro | 500 | $369 |
| Philips PureProtect 3200 Series Smart Air Purifier | 520 | $555 |
| EuropAce W5 Smart Bionic Air Washer | 520 | $799 |
| Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Elite | 600 | $479 |
| Mijia Smart Air Purifier 6 Plus | 810 | $499 |
| Novita Air Purifier A18i | 870 | $458 |
| Novita Air Purifier A6 | 950 | $498 |
| Mijia Smart Air Purifier Max | 1006.5 | $599 |
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