New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- Cities across India have turned winter into a season of thick haze, long pollution alerts, and rising demand for air purifiers. Sales have soared as households try to protect themselves from dust, smoke, and allergens. The only problem is that the rush to buy these machines has also created a maze of misinformation. Marketing promises sound loud, online opinions overlap, and buyers often feel lost. This guide clears the air by unpacking five myths that refuse to disappear.

Many people expect an air purifier to turn on and refresh the entire room within minutes. Real purification takes time. Filters trap pollutants gradually as air cycles through the machine. Clean Air Delivery Rate, fan strength, and room size all i...