Smoke, VOCs, pollen, and pet dander are only a few of the impurities that could be floating through your home or office. Air purifiers target different impurities, particulates, or contaminants, removing them from a room\u2019s breathable air for a cleaner atmosphere.<\/p>\n
However, not all air purifiers do the same thing. Different types of filtration and purification systems target different types of particles and contaminants.<\/p>\n
If you have allergies, you\u2019re probably already well aware of common allergens. Yet, there is a wider range of airborne particles that affect your lungs and air passages. We put together a list of common air pollutants that affect indoor air quality and the health issues they can cause.<\/p>\n
Different types of air purifying systems remove different types of air contaminants. You can determine the right purification system for you based on where you live and any medical conditions you may have like asthma. For example, some areas of the country are richer in certain types of pollen than others. Clean air starts by knowing the kind of purifier and filter system you need.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re probably more familiar with mechanical filters than you realize. These air purifiers pull air through a filter made of densely woven fibers arranged in an accordion shape. The fibers capture air particulates, removing them from the air. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or true HEPA filters are some of the most powerful mechanical filters, removing 99.97 percent of all particulates down to those that are .3 microns in diameter. That level of filtration not only removes pollen and dust and some gasses and odors.<\/p>\n
Mechanical filters eventually get saturated and need replacement. Some filters are washable and reusable, while others are disposable. Washable filters save you money over the lifetime of the air purifier.<\/p>\n
Activated carbon (or carbon activated) filters absorb substances into open pores between carbon molecules rather than trapping them like a mechanical filter. The activated carbon has thousands of tiny pockets that absorb odors and some gases. Unfortunately, they don\u2019t absorb all gases. For example, they can\u2019t absorb fumes from ammonia or formaldehyde, so they\u2019re useful as long as you know their limitations.<\/p>\n
Activated carbon filters are often coupled with other forms of filtration to increase the air purifier\u2019s efficiency. That may include negative ion technology, ultraviolet light technology, or a HEPA filter.<\/p>\n
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, sometimes called UV technology, works by killing bacteria, viruses, and mold spores with ultraviolet light. The UV light must stay in contact with the contaminant for minutes to hours, which many air purifiers cannot accomplish. While this type of air purification can kill some harmful substances, alone it doesn\u2019t entirely remove unwanted pathogens.<\/p>\n
UVGI purifiers can also emit potentially dangerous ozone. Ozone molecules have three oxygen atoms and can cause shortness of breath and lung irritation.<\/p>\n
PCO purifiers combine ultraviolet rays with a photocatalyst to oxidize gaseous pollutants with hydroxyl radicals. This chemical reaction removes some pollutants but can have a harmful reaction and produce ozone.<\/p>\n
Negative or positive ionizers produce charged particles that attach to smaller particles. The ions\u2019 added weight either causes the particles to attract to a plate on the air purifier, or they fall to the floor or onto furniture, where they can be picked up with a dust cloth or vacuumed. These air purifiers also have the potential to create ozone.<\/p>\n
Ozone generators emit ozone molecules that change the chemical composition of certain substances, which removes them from the air. But they are not a recommended air purifier for various reasons. Ozone is one of the main components of smog. Introducing it into an indoor area can actually decrease the air quality and cause breathing problems.<\/p>\n
Whole house purifiers connect to the HVAC system, removing impurities and contaminants as air circulates through the home. These systems are expensive but are a good option for those with severe allergies or asthma. They don\u2019t remove germs but make a big difference in the home\u2019s overall air quality rather than affecting only a single room.<\/p>\n
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can remove VOCs. But they cannot remove all VOCs, only lower the amount in the home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) certifies and verifies the air purity claims of manufacturers. Particle size, percentage of particles removed, and volume of air moving through the purifier are all used to determine the air purifier\u2019s CADR. The higher the CADR, the better and more effective the air purifier. A good baseline is that the CADR should be twice the fan speed\u2019s power. If an air purifier uses 50 watts at the highest speed, it should have a CADR of 100.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Air purifiers work better under certain conditions. Because many air purifiers have an exhaust fan, they need to have plenty of space between them and walls and furniture for the best air circulation. They should also be placed away from other electronic devices<\/a>, interrupting how the air purifier functions. Be careful to put the air purifier where it won\u2019t interfere with the room\u2019s traffic pattern as well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nConclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n