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

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 PM2.5 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 (PM2.5), 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 (CO2) had a limited effect. In addition, window opening often increased indoor PM2.5 under prevailing outdoor air quality conditions, with mean concentrations rising from 2.73 µg/m3 (closed) to 3.45 µg/m3 (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.