The tight seals that keep your home cozy and energy-efficient can pollute the air within. As many people spend most of their time indoors, the air inside their homes is five to 10 times dirtier than the air outside. Air purifiers of high quality have always been necessary for good health.
It can be difficult and frustrating to choose the proper air purifier. Some air purifiers on the market today pollute the Large Air Separation Unit with deadly quantities of ozone – a potent lung irritant that is toxic to asthmatics. With this buying guide of air purifiers, you can learn about air purifiers and pick safe, effective equipment that meets your needs.
Common Air Pollutants And Large Air Separation Unit:
Different air purifiers target several pollutants, so before you buy one, make a list of the pollutants you wish to get rid of in your home.
Airborne Particles:
Some common examples of airborne particles are:
- Pet allergen
- Dust mite allergen
- Pollen
- Plant spores
- Fungi
- Mold
- Tobacco smoke
These are the most prevalent cause of indoor allergy and asthma attacks. The best way to get rid of airborne allergens is to use a large air separation unit.
Household Gases:
Examples of household aromas and gases include:
- Cooking odors
- Kitty litter
- Tobacco smoke
- Different poisons
- Gaseous pollutants
Activated carbon filters are excellent for adsorbing gases and odors that are too tiny for a HEPA filter to capture.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
You can find VOCs in a wide range of typical household products, including:
- Paints
- Varnishes
- Cleaning materials
- Disinfectants
- Glues and adhesives
- New carpet and building supplies.
- Ingredients to avoid include:
- Benzene
- Chloride
- Formaldehyde
- Ethylene
- Toluene
Microorganisms:
Examples of microorganisms include:
- Antigens
- Pathogens
- Bacteria
Types of Air Purifier Filters:
HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air):
These are the gold standard in air filtration. A HEPA filter eliminates at least 99.97% of all particles smaller than 0.3 microns. The Atomic Energy Commission first developed HEPA air filters to catch radioactive dust particles. Only the tiniest particles can pass through HEPA filters. The allergens that the filter can catch are:
- Pollen
- Animal dander
- Mold spores
A major disadvantage of the HEPA air purifier is that you have to change the filter. The biggest benefit is that if it is HEPA certified, you know it will function well. The size of the HEPA filter matters as the more square feet it has, the more pollutants it can remove.
Ion Generators and Ozone Generators:
Ion generators and ozone generators produce charged particles released into the atmosphere. These ions react with airborne contaminants, causing the pollutants to attach to a nearby surface. As a result, ion generators leave dirty areas on neighboring walls and floors because they do not remove impurities.
Ion generators are the second most popular form of air purifier, but they produce ozone, a potent lung irritant that is harmful to those with:
- Asthma
- Other chronic lung disorders
- Children
- The elderly.
Electrostatic Precipitators:
Electrostatic precipitators function on the same electricity principle as ion generators and ozone generators, but instead of causing contaminants to attach to an exterior surface, they collect them. The precipitators use electrical cells to charge particles inside the purifier and capture them on collector plates right away. The collector plates on this sort of air purifier never need to be replaced; they can be readily washed. Keep in mind that some electrostatic precipitators produce ozone as well.
Charged Media Filters:
Charged media filters work similarly to electrostatic precipitators, but instead of plates, they gather particles on fiber filters. These filters have the advantage of being able to gather extremely minute particles, as small as 0.1 microns, using a combination of a filter and an electrostatic charge.
The disadvantage is that, like electrostatic precipitator filters, charged media filters lose their performance quickly. They are frequently replaceable as well. These units can produce ozone. The better ones on the market are not. If you are going to buy an air purifier like this, make sure it doesn’t produce ozone.
Activated Carbon Filters:
Carbon Activated Filters are rarely used to purify the air on their own, but they are frequently used in combination with other filters. Adsorbing odors and gases, and neutralizing:
- Smoke
- Chemicals
- Fumes
- Activated carbon
- Charcoal filters excel.
After being treated with oxygen, activated carbon develops millions of holes. It is good for adsorbing gases and odors due to its large surface area. These chemicals and gases are too tiny to be captured by a HEPA filter, yet they bind to the activated carbon’s massive surface area. The larger the carbon filter, the more chemicals it can absorb and the longer it can continue to function. When it is full, it can no longer absorb and must be replaced. Certain compounds are eliminated via impregnated carbon filters, which include an extra chemical.
Antibacterial and Germicidal Filters:
Filters that are antibacterial and germicidal kill bacteria and germs. When antigens and pathogens travel through the lamp, ultraviolet radiation is emitted. In sterile facilities such as:
- Hospitals
- Kitchens
- Daycares
- Labs
Air purifiers with UV filters are commonly used. They are excellent for mold control in the home. If you are likely to get sick, an air separation plant with a germicidal filter could be exactly what you need to enhance your immune system.
Pre-filters:
These are composed of practically all air purifiers, remove big particles before primary filtration.
Factors To Consider Before Buying:
Area Coverage:
Make sure the air purifier’s listed square footage is roughly equal to or slightly greater than the square footage of the room where it will be used.
Air Changes Per Hour (ACH):
The ACH rating shows us how often the air purifier can exchange all the air in a room. For example, if the purifier has an ACH rating of 6, it can exchange all the air in a 20’ x 20’ room 6 times each hour. You want an ACH rating of at least 4 and preferably 6 or 8 if you have allergies or asthma.
Filter Replacements And Large Air Separation Unit:
When purchasing a HEPA filter, don’t forget to inquire about the cost of replacement filters. If your machine has a HEPA filter and a carbon filter or another type of combined filtration media, you will need to serve or maintain them individually so that they can last for long.
Noise Level:
While some air purifiers are quiet, others, when operating at maximum power, can be rather loud. Before purchasing an air purifier, if feasible, get a demonstration.
Energy Consumption:
Air purifiers consume varying amounts of energy to operate. As air purifiers run continually, unlike most equipment, you should think about your utility expense before purchasing one.
Air Pollution:
Some air purifiers emit ozone, a potent lung irritant that is harmful to asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
Manufacturer’s Reputation:
The reputation of a manufacturer, and the experiences of previous customers, should be taken into consideration while making your decision. Certain firms and goods are well known in the business for a reason, and the same can be said for less well-known products. Look at customer reviews to get an idea of the company’s reputation.
Warranty:
A five-year warranty is a fantastic thing to have! Even better, a ten-year warranty! Consider the warranty’s scope. Does it cover the motor, the fan, or the electrical components? Check to see whether any consumer activities will void the warranty. Some manufacturers can void a warranty if the customer does not purchase replacement filters within the required time frame. This can be difficult if you plan to use your air purifier less frequently or if your home’s air quality is better than usual.