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Seasonal Variation of Air Purifier Effectiveness and Natural Ventilation Behavior: Implications for Sustainable Indoor Air Quality in London Nurseries

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  • Shuo Zhang

    (School of Architecture and Environment Art, Shanghai Urban Construction Vocational College, Shanghai 201415, China
    Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • Didong Chen

    (Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • Xiangyu Li

    (Department of Electronic Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

Abstract

This study investigates the seasonal effectiveness of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers and window-opening behaviors in three London nurseries, using continuous indoor and outdoor PM 2.5 monitoring, window state and air purifier use, and occupant questionnaire data collected from March 2021 to February 2022. Of the approximately 40–50 nurseries contacted, only three agreed to participate. Results show that HEPA purifiers substantially reduced indoor particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), with the greatest effect observed during the heating season when windows remained closed for longer periods. Seasonal and behavioral analysis indicated more frequent and longer window opening in the non-heating season (windows were open 41.5% of the time on average, compared to 34.2% during the heating season) driven by both ventilation needs and heightened COVID-19 concerns. Predictive modeling identified indoor temperature as the main driver of window opening, while carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) had a limited effect. In addition, window opening often increased indoor PM 2.5 under prevailing outdoor air quality conditions, with mean concentrations rising from 2.73 µg/m 3 (closed) to 3.45 µg/m 3 (open), thus reducing the apparent benefit of air purifiers. These findings underscore the complex interplay between mechanical purification and occupant-controlled ventilation, highlighting the need to adapt indoor air quality (IAQ) strategies to both seasonal and behavioral factors in educational settings.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuo Zhang & Didong Chen & Xiangyu Li, 2025. "Seasonal Variation of Air Purifier Effectiveness and Natural Ventilation Behavior: Implications for Sustainable Indoor Air Quality in London Nurseries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:7093-:d:1717975
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brett Munckton & Priyadarsini Rajagopalan, 2024. "Interaction between Thermal Conditions and Ventilation in Kindergartens in Melbourne, Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Alicia Alonso & Jesús Llanos & Rocío Escandón & Juan J. Sendra, 2021. "Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort of Primary Schools in Winter in a Mediterranean Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-17, March.
    3. Gaetano Settimo & Luciana Indinnimeo & Marco Inglessis & Marco De Felice & Roberta Morlino & Annalisa di Coste & Fabiana Carriera & Cristina Di Fiore & Pasquale Avino, 2024. "CO 2 Levels in Classrooms: What Actions to Take to Improve the Quality of Environments and Spaces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-15, October.
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