Even though airtight sealing improves comfort and energy efficiency, they can increase pollution levels within the home. Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, breathing air five to ten times dirtier than outside air. There has never been a time when high-quality air purifiers weren’t crucial to optimum health.
It can be frustrating and difficult to shop for an air purifier. Ozone is a potent lung irritant and can be especially dangerous for asthma sufferers, but some air purifiers on the market today contribute to air pollution. This shopping guide for air purifiers is here to help you learn more about them and select the most appropriate model for your home.
Familiar Sources of Indoor Air Pollution
Before purchasing an air purifier, it is crucial to determine the specific pollutants you wish to remove from your house, as different air purifiers are designed to deal with other irritants.
Most indoor allergies and asthma attacks are brought on by airborne particles such as pet allergens, dust mite allergens, pollen, plant spores, fungus, mold, and tobacco smoke. A HEPA air purifier is the most effective way to eliminate allergens in the air.
Common examples of toxic gases and odors in the home include food and pet waste, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, insecticides, and other indoor pesticides. Gases and smells that are too tiny to be captured by a HEPA filter can be easily absorbed by activated carbon filters. Adsorption is the process of chemically connecting substances; it is not a misspelling.
Paints, varnishes, cleaning solutions, disinfectants, glues and adhesives, and even new carpet and building supplies all contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Benzene, chloride, formaldehyde, ethylene, and toluene should raise suspicions. Eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and severe chronic health disorders like nervous system damage have all been linked to volatile organic compounds (VOC) exposure. VOCs are another factor that can make asthma worse.
Bacteria and viruses are two examples of microorganisms. These microorganisms cause common illnesses. In the realm of microorganisms, mold is included.
Types of Filters for Air Purifiers
Air purifier filters can be customized to address specific pollutants. The most common type of air purifier is the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) model. While it is effective at removing common allergens like dust, animal dander, and pollen, it is not as efficient at removing odors caused by chemicals or catching ultra-fine particles like viruses.
Because different technologies for cleaning the air have advantages and disadvantages, many current air purifiers use a combination of filters. The Austin Air Super Blend Healthmate, for instance, combines a HEPA filter with an activated carbon filter to combat unpleasant odors and gases. Let’s have a closer look at the various filter options:
When it comes to cleaning the air in a room, nothing beats a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. A HEPA filter, by definition, can capture 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The Atomic Energy Commission was responsible for developing HEPA air purifiers, which filter out radioactive dust. Only extremely minute particles can get past a HEPA filter. The filter collects allergens like pollen, animal dander, mold spores, and dust. The fact that you’ll need to regularly replace the filter on your HEPA air purifier is its biggest drawback. The primary benefit is knowing it performs appropriately because it earned the HEPA approval seal. Some HEPA filters are better than others. The more square feet a HEPA filter has, the more dust and other particles it can trap. The performance of an air purifier and the cost of its HEPA filter may be related to the filter media’s size, composition, and construction.
Charged particles (ions) are produced by ion and ozone generators, which are then released into the atmosphere. These ions attract airborne contaminants (such as dust), forcing them to settle on a nearby surface. Since ion generators don’t remove contaminants, they often leave unsightly marks on neighboring walls and floors because they induce contaminants to adhere to surfaces (much like static electricity causes a sock to stick to a shirt). The second most common form of air purifier is ion generator, although they both produce ozone. This potent lung irritant is especially harmful to those with asthma or other chronic lung disorders, young children, and the elderly.
While similar in concept to ion generators and ozone generators, electrostatic precipitators absorb pollutants rather than attract them to a surface. The Friedrich C90B Electrostatic Air Purifier is an example of an electrostatic precipitator, which uses electronic cells to charge particles within the purifier, causing them to be instantaneously trapped on collector plates. The collecting leaves in this model never need to be replaced, and maintenance is a breeze as they can be tossed in the dishwasher. Keep in mind that some ESPs produce ozone as a byproduct.
Similar to electrostatic precipitators, but using fiber filters to catch particles rather than metal plates, are charged media filters. Combining a filter and an electrostatic charge allows these filters to see particles so fine that their size is measured in microns. Although they start more effectively than HEPA air purifiers, charged media filters eventually lose effectiveness and may need to be replaced more often than HEPA units. However some models of these appliances may generate ozone, but the most effective ones on the market do not. Ensure the air purifier you buy does not release ozone into the air. The Blueair air purifier is the most excellent option available.
When cleaning the air, activated carbon filters are typically used with other filters rather than on their own. Smoke, chemicals, and fumes are all neutralized or absorbed by activated carbon and charcoal filters. It’s not a misspelling; “adsorption” describes how substances bind to one another by chemical attraction. The millions of pores in activated carbon were created when the carbon was treated with oxygen. Because there are so many tiny holes, the surface area of one pound of activated carbon is anywhere from sixty to one hundred and fifty acres. Its large surface area makes it effective in absorbing smells and gases. Even though these gases and chemicals are too tiny to be captured by a HEPA filter, they attach to the vast surface area of the activated carbon. The larger the carbon filter, the longer it will last and the more chemicals it can absorb. When it reaches capacity, it stops drinking and must be replaced. To remove contaminants such as volatile organic compounds, impregnated carbon filters use a second chemical (“chemisorbed”).
Filters treated with antimicrobial agents are effective against microorganisms. An example of an air purifier that uses a HEPA filter treated with chemicals to kill airborne microbes is the IQAir Clean Room H13 HEPA Air Purifier. Some air cleaners, like the AllerAir 4000 EXEC UV Air Purifier, use ultraviolet light to eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses. By emitting UV radiation, the lamp renders antigens and pathogens sterile and harmless as they pass over it. Hospitals, kitchens, daycares, and laboratories all benefit from using air purifiers with UV filters. When used in the home, they effectively prevent the growth of mold. If you frequently fall ill, an air purifier equipped with a germicidal filter may be the best way to protect your health and strengthen your immune system.
Nearly all models of air cleaners include a pre-filter installed to get rid of bigger particles before the primary filtration stage.
What Else Should I Think About Before Purchasing an Air Purifier?
Check the cleaner’s claimed coverage area to be sure it’s comparable to, or somewhat more significant than, the size of the space you intend to use it in.
The number of air changes per hour (or ACH) measures how often a particular air purifier can completely replace the air in a room. For instance, if the cleaner is rated at 6 ACH for a 20′ x 20′ room, it can completely replace the air in that space six times each hour. A score of 6 or 8 on the ACH scale is ideal for those with allergies and asthma.
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) – The CADR tells us how much air is filtered and how well it is purified. The AHAM Certified seal on tested air purifiers includes tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust CADR ratings. A higher CADR rating indicates that the air purifier is more successful at removing that pollutant. CADR ratings are determined unbiasedly and are recognized by the EPA and the American Lung Association.
Cost – Small room air purifiers can be purchased under $100, while high-powered whole-house models can cost $1,000 or more.
New Filters – Before purchasing a HEPA filter, it is essential to determine how much it will cost to buy new filters. If your equipment has both, you may need to replace the HEPA filter and the carbon filter or other combination filtration media at different times. Especially if they are inconvenient to get to, this can be a pain.
When running at total capacity, some air purifiers can be pretty loud, while others, like Blueair models, are virtually silent. Before purchasing an air purifier, it’s a good idea to see it in action if feasible.
Energy Consumption – Air purifiers have varying energy requirements like any other home device. Since air purifiers are always on, you should consider how much they will add to your electricity bill. If only the voltage and current are given, the wattage can be calculated by multiplying the two quantities. Most mechanical air filters have a power consumption range between 50 and 200 watts when operating at total capacity. A standard desktop computer consumes around 365 watts of power, while a standard bulb consumes about 60 watts.
Ozone pollution is a problem caused by some air purifiers; this is especially problematic for people with asthma, young children, and the elderly.
Bells & whistles are the additional features. They can simplify the process of operating your air purifier. On the other hand, they can charge a lot more for an air purifier that isn’t much better than the competition. It’s up to you to determine which extras are worth the cost and which are unnecessary for your needs. If you plan on moving your air purifier frequently, features like a filter change warning light and handles or wheels are essential.
Consider the manufacturer’s track record and previous client feedback as you choose. There is a reason why some brands and products enjoy widespread acclaim while others have not done as well. Read testimonials from satisfied clients to learn more about the status quo.
A decent warranty lasts for at least five years. A contract that lasts ten years is even better. Consider whether the warranty covers the motor, fan, and other electrical parts. Also, determine what client behavior can render the contract null and void. It can be problematic if you plan to run your air purifier less frequently than advised or if the air quality in your home is already above average because some manufacturers will void the warranty if the client does not purchase replacement filters during the required period.
Scott Smith of achooallergy.com is an authority in indoor air quality, asthma, and other allergic reactions.
Read also: The Benefits and Drawbacks of Cloud Computing
