airfree

Airfree is a brand of residential air purification devices marketed internationally. Originating in Brazil in the 1990s, the company markets room air purifiers that claim to reduce airborne microorganisms, including bacteria, mold spores, and some viruses, without the use of filters or chemical additives.

Airfree devices operate by routing room air through a sealed ceramic core that is heated to a high temperature. As air passes through the core, microorganisms are purportedly inactivated by heat, after which the air is cooled and recirculated back into the room. The devices are designed to be compact, operate with a low noise footprint, and have no replaceable filters; maintenance typically consists of occasional cleaning and ensuring adequate clearance for air intake and exhaust.

Effectiveness on indoor air quality is disputed. Independent evaluations have reported mixed results: some tests observed reductions in specific microorganisms under controlled conditions, while other assessments found little or no impact on overall airborne particle counts in typical rooms. Critics caution that heat-based sterilization does not remove dust, pollen, or volatile organic compounds, and that results can vary based on room size, air exchange, and environmental factors. Health agencies commonly describe such devices as supplementary to, rather than replacements for, comprehensive ventilation and filtration strategies.

Airfree products are marketed for various room sizes and emphasize low ongoing costs due to the absence of filters and filter replacements, and lack of ozone generation. Users are advised to follow manufacturer directions for room size suitability and safety. See also related topics such as air purifiers and indoor air quality.