HEPA Air Purifiers
True HEPA filters will trap 99.97% of airborne particles up to .03 microns. Also, due to the technology used in HEPA filters airborne bacteria and viruses will not multiply in the filters and spread. Beware of air purifiers that claim to have a true HEPA filter, but instead have a HEPA-blend filter.
Ozone Generators
Although effective at trapping odors, ozone generators release high levels of ozone, a respiratory irritant. Many hotels will use an ozone generator in smoke allowing rooms to trap smoke odors, but due to the high levels of ozone, many rooms cannot be entered until 24 hours have passed.
Electrostatic Precipitators
By charging incoming particles with negative electrical charges, these negatively charged particles collect onto electrostatic plates. Maintenance is very high as the metal plates can become overrun with particles. Also, with ozone as a by-product, this once popular filtration choice has all but disappeared in homes.
Ultraviolet Light Air Purifiers
By using radiation from UV lights, particles, such as bacteria, viruses and mold spores that pass through the light are killed. Unlike filters and plates, that collect particles as they pass through, the purpose of ultraviolet light is to penetrate the outer structure of a microorganism’s cell and alter its DNA, permanently preventing replication and causing cell death.
Activated Carbon
A highly porous form of carbon that it heated to extreme temperatures to increase the surface area. One activated carbon has the surface area of 500 m2. Although it will not trap particulates, activated carbon is very effective at trapping chemicals, odors, VOCs and off-gassing.
10 Functions of Air Purifiers
1. Ensure your family is breathing clean air.
The EPA estimates that indoor air is two to five times dirtier than outdoor air — and sometimes up to 100 times dirtier. A good air purifier keeps you healthy.
2. Remove unpleasant odors.
You love to cook, but your weekly fish fry makes the house smell like, well, fish. Air purifiers don’t only clean the air, they also help get rid of unpleasant and burnt food odors (not that you ever burn your food!).
3. Trap airborne allergens released by pets.
You may love your pet, but your furry friend releases pet dander, fur and other airborne allergens into the air in your home — not to mention the smells! Air purifiers help combat these allergens by trapping them before they settle into your home.
4. Help neutralize smoke.
Smoke stinks. Whether it’s a family member who smokes or your love for a roaring fireplace making your home smell dingy, an air purifier can help trap smoke before it ends up in your upholstery.
5. Trap dust.
There will always be dust. No matter what you do to keep your home clean, dust accumulates. An air purifier helps trap dust before it has the chance to settle, reducing build-up and leaving you with less to clean.
6. Remove up to 99 percent of airborne bacteria.
Small airborne particles like pollen, mold spores and other bacteria float around in the air, causing your family to get sick. By cycling the air in the room repeatedly through internal filters, an air purifier helps remove up to 99 percent of these airborne pollutants.
7. Combat seasonal allergens.
Seasonal allergies are a problem for many people. Air purifiers help keep the allergens that make breathing uncomfortable out of your home.
8. Stop sickness and germs from spreading.
Worried about catching your children’s flu? Your spouse’s cold? True
HEPA air purifiers with UV bulbs capture and neutralize up to 99.97 percent of the airborne germs that you want to avoid.
9. Keep your lungs healthy.
Consistent exposure to dust, pollen, dander, and other airborne particles can cause long-term breathing and health issues for you and your family. Using an air purifier in your home gives you the confidence that your lungs will be healthy for years to come.
10. Air purifiers fit everywhere.
They come in a variety of sizes and have a variety of features that will keep the air healthy in any room of the house.
4 things to consider before buying Air Purifiers
