Have you recently noticed that your nose feels particularly uncomfortable, whether you're indoors or outdoors? 

Maybe your nose feels dry or irritated when you wake up, your throat feels a little scratchy, or you start feeling uncomfortable after spending some time outside.

Then you look outside and notice the hazy sky. So you close the windows, stay indoors and think: “If I’m staying inside, does that mean I’m protected from the haze?”

Not necessarily.

While staying indoors and reducing outdoor exposure are important during haze, indoor air isn't automatically clean just because the windows are closed.

During haze season, it is important to pay attention not only to the air outside, but also to the air we breathe inside our homes.

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Windows Closed — Does That Mean Indoor Air Is Clean?

This is probably one of the most common assumptions during haze season.

“The haze is outside, so if I close my windows, I'm fine.”

Closing windows and doors when outdoor air quality is poor can help reduce the amount of outdoor pollution entering your home.

However, indoor air doesn't automatically become clean just because the windows are closed.

Outdoor pollutants can still enter through gaps, doors and other openings.

And there's another thing many people overlook:

Indoor activities can also affect air quality.

For example:

🍳 Cooking & frying → can generate fine particles
🚬 Smoking indoors → releases various pollutants
🕯️ Burning candles or incense → can generate particulate matter
🧹 Cleaning & movement around the home → can stir up settled dust and particles

So while haze may be an outdoor problem, indoor air quality deserves attention too.

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Can an Air Purifier Actually Help During Haze?

This is probably the biggest question:

“Does an air purifier really work against haze?”

The short answer is:

A properly selected air purifier can help reduce airborne particulate matter indoors.

Air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency particle filtration, such as HEPA filters, are designed to capture fine particles from the air, including particles such as PM2.5.

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What Should You Look For When Choosing an Air Purifier?

If you're considering one for your home, especially during haze season, here are some important things to look at.

① Check the Filtration System

If your main concern is fine particles such as PM2.5, look for an air purifier with a high-efficiency particle filtration system, such as a HEPA filter.

Different filters are designed to handle different types of pollutants. Understand what each filter is designed to capture.

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② Check the CADR / Air-Cleaning Capacity

CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) is one of the factors that can help you understand an air purifier's air-cleaning performance.

Bigger doesn't always mean better.

What matters is choosing a purifier with an air-cleaning capacity that is appropriate for your room size.

A small purifier operating in a very large room may not be able to clean the air as effectively as a properly sized unit.

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③ Consider Your Room Size

Before buying an air purifier, check the recommended coverage area.

Think about where you plan to use it:

• Bedroom
• Living Room
• Home Office
• Study Room

A purifier suitable for a small bedroom may not necessarily be the best choice for a large living room.

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④ Don't Forget About Filter Maintenance

One common mistake is thinking:

“Once I buy an air purifier, I can just leave it running and forget about it.”

Over time, filters can accumulate dust and particles. Depending on the type of filter and the manufacturer's recommendations, they may need to be cleaned or replaced.

A cleaner filter helps your air purifier continue to perform as intended.

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How Can You Improve Indoor Air During Haze Season?

An air purifier isn't the only thing you can do. Here are some simple habits that can help:

When outdoor air quality is poor:

✔ Reduce unnecessary outdoor activities

✔ Keep windows and doors closed where appropriate

✔ Use an air purifier suitable for the room

✔ Reduce indoor sources of particles

✔ Keep your home clean

✔ Maintain your air purifier

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Breathe Easier, Starting at Home

Haze may be outside, but taking care of your indoor air matters too. From understanding PM2.5 to choosing the right air purifier for your space, small steps can make a difference.

Looking for the right air purifier for your home?
👉 Shop online or visit your nearest ESH outlet and let our team help you find the right one for your space and needs.