Air Purifiers And Their Usefullnes In The Home

Air purifiers can be an asset to your home in many ways. Whether you have allergies or perhaps you want to rid the air of an offensive smell, you may want to invest in one that will help your situation. The problems we experience from smoke can also be a reason to invest in a quality air purifier.

 

The filter used in an air purifier can be made of paper, fiber, fiberglass, or a mesh and is most effective when changed on a regimented schedule or when the cleaner indicates. Because of the number of filter changes, this can be an additional cost to you as you operate your air purifier. The purifier works best if it is constantly running, so you can expect to spend $50 - $100 or more annually for replacement filters. Some filters are reusable, but they need meticulous maintenance, and because of this, their effectiveness can diminish. UV (ultraviolet light) filters claim to destroy biological like mold and bacteria, but they often require high wattage, and some bacteria are known to be UV light resistant. Some purifiers use ionizers like static to attract the particles and then remove them from the air. If you go with the ionizer, you need to ensure that the purifier does not produce ozone because that can be an irritant.

 

Air purifiers are often rated effective in removing dust, smoke, and pollen particles. Still, they are not often rated for removing gaseous pollutants like VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) or radon, usually associated with paints and adhesives. So, when you research an air purifier, you need to know the unit's primary purpose. You will often see ratings on the devices of their effectiveness, but you need to take these ratings with a grain of salt since most of the testing these machines go through is in controlled situations with often optimal conditions. In turn, that will also dictate how well they will work in the situation in which you use them.

 

An air purifier is not a cure for allergens in your home. There is very little medical evidence that air purifiers have a direct link to alleviate symptoms or have a direct impact on your health. Saying this does not mean using an air purifier is a total waste. The previously mentioned HEPA filter helps remove particles that are known irritants to allergy and asthma sufferers, so in most cases, every little bit can help.

 

The decision to purchase an air purifier to help with your air quality is a choice you should make with the most information possible. Do your research and make sure that you are purchasing a unit that is adequate for the space you need it for, uses the HEPA filters, has an adequate CADR (clean-air delivery rate) rating of at least 300-350, and has the approval of entities like Consumer Reports and the like. The internet is a wealth of information, but you can also talk to your friends and family and see if they have suggestions or negative interactions with specific makes and models