While we often think of our homes as a refuge from the pollution outside, in reality, the air inside contains more pollutants and irritants than the air outside. This can cause respiratory problems for anyone, but is particularly bad for those with allergies or other respiratory conditions. A whole home air purifier can help improve the air quality in your home and thus, improve the health and well-being of your family.
The filters in an air purifier can be of several different types. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are filters that prevent things like dust mites, mold spores, and pollen from circulating by forcing air through a filter through which those particles are too large to pass. Charcoal or carbon filters work in a slightly different way, adsorbing chemicals by attracting them chemically to bind to its surface. Charged media filters use static electricity to attract and capture particulates in the air. You can also find electrostatic precipitators, ion generators, and antibacterial or anti-germ filters.
These filters work best against different types of pollutants. For example, activated charcoal works best with chemicals and gases while charged media filters can collect tiny particles like tobacco smoke. Many air purifiers will use more than one kind of filtering system in a single unit.
Another consideration when shopping for a single room air purifier is size. Whole-house purifiers connect to your forced-air system and are good for overall protection, but room purifiers and small space purifiers are also available and effective when used properly. Portable air filters are often rated for certain sized spaces. While getting one that is meant for a smaller room isn’t a good idea, getting one for a slightly larger room can be better than getting one for the exact size of the room. If you do this, you can run the filter at a lower setting, thus reducing the amount of noise it makes, while still getting the best results.
If you’re getting an air purifier to remove irritants, be aware that some purifiers actually create a common irritant called ozone. Ozone is used to purify air in extreme circumstances, such as after a fire, but it is meant to be used in uninhabited spaces. Check the label on any purifier you are considering and avoid those that produce ozone, and never use ozone generators in your home.
While an air purifier is a good investment, it shouldn’t be your only line of defense against pollutants in your air. Minimize or eliminate the use of smoke producing things in your home, such as wood-burning stoves, cigarettes, and fireplaces. Make sure your chimneys, vents, and filters are clean to allow more clean air in. Finally, reduce the amount of large allergens such as pet dander and dust by vacuuming and cleaning regularly. This not only removes some of the irritants from your air, it will also prolong the life of the filters in your purifier. For more ideas about air purifier, click here.
Ideas About Air Purifiers 