Air purifiers are marketed primarily for people who suffer from certain types of allergies and those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases like asthma, as these devices purify the air by clearing out dust particles, allergens, smoke, and other contaminants. Buying an air purifier for one's home is a good investment, especially for people who live in densely populated areas where smoke, smog, and other pollutants fill the air. If you are in the market for an air purifier, it is best to have an idea of the different types available for home use. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing air purifiers for the home:
Stand-Alone VS Fixed Types
Air purifiers are either designed to be stand-alone units and fixed units. The advantage of stand-alone units is that they can be moved from one area to another where fixed units are installed to an HVAC unit so they can work together with a heater or air conditioning system in purifying the air. Fixed units typically cover larger areas and are ideal for commercial establishments, health facilities, and industrial facilities. Stand-alone units are suitable for home use because they come in different sizes ideal for various room sizes. These units are also cheaper because they are designed for smaller areas.
Type of Filtration System
Air purifiers can cut the amount of allergens from the air including dust particles, the feces of dust mites, mold, and pollen, which is why such units are recommended for allergy sufferers. They also help contain the spread of illnesses and pulmonary infections.
The efficiency of an air purifier in eliminating allergens and contaminants will depend largely on the type of filter it comes with, as different filters are designed to target different airborne particles. The most common types for home use are those that come with HEPA filters. HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters can remove 99.97% of particles from the air. Since these filters can target even particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, they are the best option for homes, especially for those who have serious allergies and those who are suffering from asthma. HEPA filters need periodic changing; as they trap allergens like animal dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen. Air purifiers typically come with HEPA filters, as they address most air pollution problems in homes.
If you are looking for a specialized type of air filter designed specifically for killing airborne bacteria and microorganisms, then an Antibacterial and Germicidal filter might be better suited for you. As the name suggests, this type of filters are designed to kill germs and bacteria, preventing the spread of illnesses and viruses. Some types use UV lamps to kill germs where others use a special type of HEPA filter to get rid of airborne bacteria.
Another common type of filtration system is called Ion Generators, Which is the second most used filter in air purifiers next to HEPA filters. These work by releasing ions to the air to collect dust and other allergens. However, instead of sucking in airborne particles, the ions that the unit emits force such particles to stick to nearby surfaces like walls. The disadvantage of this is that it can cause discoloration on walls and can be a terrible sight to look at if not cleaned from time to time. It is also worth noting that this type of filter emits ozone, which can irritate the lungs and as a result, can worsen conditions like asthma and lung disease.
So if you're thinking of buying air purifiers for your home, the best option is to choose one that is equipped with a HEPA filter, as it is the most efficient and the safest available option in the market.
Energy Efficiency and Coverage
When choosing air purifiers, you should also consider how much area it can cover. If you intend to use it for a particular room in your home, then make sure that it is compatible with the room size. To make it convenient for you, choose a unit with a slightly bigger coverage than your room's size so you can move it from room to room when necessary.
As with buying any other appliance, you should make sure that the air purifier you buy has a decent energy efficiency rating. Most units show how much wattage they use so make sure to check out the label to find how much electricity it will use up.
Air purifiers can significantly improve your health and those around you so make sure to choose one that is best suited for you and your family's needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment