2021 ushered in over 20 new air purifier models that are now available on the market. Many of these models have introduced new technologies that most people haven’t heard about before. While these air purifiers might take you a step closer to kicking out all the allergens and VOCs in your home, it makes purchasing one a daunting task, especially if you have no idea where to start when shopping for an air purifier.
Well, lucky for you!
Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the world of air purifiers.
An Air Purifier- The Basics
Break down the words “air” and “purifier,” and you realise that an air purifier simply purifies the air.
However, the main question is how these systems work. Do they work through the miracles of science? Do you spin a wand, and ‘voila’ all pollutants in your home are gone? The answer is much more straightforward than you think.
Here’s the trick:
Well, according to EPA, air purifiers rid the air of airborne contaminants by trapping them in filters.
Dust, cigarette smoke, mould spores, dust mites, pet dander, chemicals, and odours are a few airborne contaminants that an air purification system can capture, so you can decide between ionic vs HEPA air purifiers. However, depending on the specific technology that the air unit uses, specific air purifiers are more adept and safer at capturing particles.
Types of Air Purifiers
#1. HEPA Air Purifiers
True HEPA1 filters entrap 99.97% of airborne particles up to .03 microns. Moreover, because of the technology used in hepa air cleaner, airborne bacteria and viruses can’t multiply in the filters and spread throughout your indoors. However, you need to beware of air systems that claim to have a True HEPA filter but instead have a HEPA-blend filter.
#2. Ozone Generators
Even though ozone generators are efficient in trapping odours, they release high levels of ozone, a common respiratory irritant. Most commercial industries and hotels use an ozone generator in their smoke-allowing rooms to entrap smoke odours, check this article air cleaner for allergies.
#3. Electrostatic Precipitators
Through charging incoming particulates with negative electrical charges, these negatively charged particles collect onto electrostatic plates.
Nevertheless…
Trying to maintain the electrostatic2 precipitators is challenging since the metal plates can become overrun with particles. Furthermore, with ozone as a by-product, this once highly sought-after filtration option has all but disappeared in homes.
#4. Ultraviolet Light Air Purifiers
By using radiation from UV3 lights, the UV Light air units get rid of particles like bacteria, viruses, and mould spores. They do this by passing these contaminants and killing them instantly. Unlike filters and plates that collect particles as they pass through, ultraviolet light purifiers penetrate the outer structure of a microorganism’s cell, altering its DNA permanently and averting replication and, eventually, cell death.
#5. Activated Carbon Air Purifiers
They work by involving a highly porous form of carbon that is heated to extreme temperatures to increase the surface area.
Let me tell you more:
Once the activated carbon has a surface area of 500 m2, the work begins. However, it’s vital to note that even though these purifiers don’t trap particulates, they’re instrumental at trapping chemicals, odours, VOCs, and off-gassing.
What Other Factors Are Vital When Choosing an Air Purifier?
When shopping for an air purifier, you need to ensure that you consider some essential features like the:
CFM: It stands for cubic feet per minute, and the number provides insight into the efficiency of the air purifier, namely how many cubic feet per minute this air purifier can scrub.
Therefore…
The CFM number mainly describes the amount of air that passes through the system at a certain point, and it’s usually measured as the air exits the air purification system. The higher the CFM count, the larger the home or office space, the air purifier can rid of pollutants.
To figure out how high the number of your air unit needs to be, you need to know the size of your home. A rule of thumb is that you require about 100 CFM for every 250 square feet of space. If you’re looking for a small air unit, for instance, you’ll need about 100 CFM. Most air purifiers typically have about 400 CFM.
Noise Level: When operating at high speed, air purifiers can be noisy. Therefore, be on the lookout for the lowest decibels possible. It enables you to have an undisturbed sleep, especially at night, when it’s all quiet.
Moreover…
LED lights are instrumental in communicating the status of the air. Nevertheless, they can, at times, be irritating to the eyes, especially at night. Hence, an air purifier with an LED on/off option or automatic dim feature would be the perfect option.
CADR, or Clean Air Delivery Rate: It’s a standard of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and is the clean air delivery rate. The CADR measures the cleaning speed of the air purifier for eliminating smoke, dust, and pollen. Be sure to look for a purifier with a CADR of at least 300, and above 350 for the best results.
Common Questions
True to its name, an air purifier is a device that captures pollutants roaming the atmosphere, thus leaving your indoor air allergen-free – purified.
The devices work by sucking in the air, passing it through various cleaning mechanisms (filters), and giving out clean air.
Learn More: What Is An Air Purifier?
An air purifier is an essential device to have in your home, especially with the degrading environmental concerns. They’re vital since they offer you:
- Better air quality in your home – they absorb dust and dust mites, meaning all that stuff that’s filtered in won’t be resting in corners or on your furniture
- Get rid of mould spores in the atmosphere
- They leave your home smelling better and fresh
- They absorb allergens
- They keep your family healthy – HEPA air purifiers, for instance, absorb airborne germs that cause colds and the flu
Learn More: What Is An Air Purifier?
The placement of an air purifier is one of the most significant factors you need to consider when buying an air purifier. You should place it in:
- Your bedroom – it’ll help get rid of allergens thus allowing you to have quality sleep
- The bathroom – helps keep the musty towel odour and shower funk under control
- The kitchen – helps in managing cooking odours
- In your car – it’s the one place that you must have an air purifier the highway is the source for most of the air pollution we see in our atmosphere
Learn More: What Is An Air Purifier?
Yes, most pulmonologists recommend sleeping with an air purifier on since it allows those with difficulty in breathing to breathe easier. However, you need to keep the fan speed at a low setting to prevent noise and ease your sleep.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter you’re up to because of allergies or insomnia. Your sleeping patterns might improve with an air purifier.
Learn More: Air Purifier FAQs
In Conclusion
There are several factors to consider when selecting an air purifier for your family. You can choose to consider the size of the unit and how it blends with your furniture and walls, or its convenience based on your home needs. And, luckily you have 5 types to choose from!