Air Purifiers

So you made the wise decision to invest in an air purifier. It’s very likely you have some questions about how best to operate it. You may also be wondering about the various features they offer, and many of these appliances come with fairly terse manuals. So here’s a brief overview of things to consider.

Where should you install it? Firstly, you’ll want to have it near the living areas of your home, like the bedroom or living room, to get the most out of it. Some fan units can make a fair amount of noise, so bear that in mind when choosing a location. One option is to have it run on a twelve-hour cycle. You could run it during the day if it’s in your bedroom or vice versa if it’s in your living room.

Place it in an area where there’s plenty of ventilation, not too close to the wall. An uncarpeted floor is also best. Don’t put it in a damp area, such as near the shower, since the humidity will interfere with it’s operation. Also avoid placing it near electronics, which might attract dust particles due to the operation of the fan and ionizer. Make sure the electrical circuit you are using is not overloaded with other appliances as well, as air purifiers can use a fair amount of power.

Many air purifiers come with multiple features. The essential feature is usually a HEPA filter which is fed by a fan. Many also include a charcoal filter which removes smells and toxins from the air. More elaborate units also include an ionizer. This feature uses a static electrical charge to scrub the air and give it the feeling of outdoor air after a rain. This feature is probably optional, if your unit includes a decent filter and you replace it regularly. Another optional feature that manufacturers sometimes add is a fragrance cartridge. Since the purpose of the filter is to clean the air in your home, this is not really necessary, and is really just adding unnecessary chemicals to the air. Unless you live near a fish processing factory, don’t bother with it.

Also, make sure you know when to replace the filters, since running an air purifier with dirty filters can be harmful to the unit. Better air purifiers come with indicator lights to tell you when you need to replace them. Some come with a dial that must be set manually in order to work. If your unit lacks these features, you will have to rely on visually inspecting the filters. Make a note on your calendar to do this regularly, according to the schedule your manual recommends.

Tweet This Post

Who thought air could be so complicated? Anyone who’s shopped for an air purifier has had to come to terms with the various technologies used to scrub dangerous particles, microbes and chemicals out of our air. Each technology has its benefits and drawbacks. Here is a brief overview so you can decide which best suits your needs.

The simplest air filter purifier uses a fan to draw air through a filter. We’ve all heard the term HEPA filter used enthusiastically by advertisers. HEPA, which stands for high efficiency particulate air, is a government regulated standard for air filters that remove virtually all of the very small particles that contribute to allergy symptoms. HEPA-like means a filter that is very efficient, but not as effective as the real thing. This may or may not be important depending on your sensitivity to air pollution and allergens.

Some air purifiers also use a charcoal or carbon filter, also called a prefilter. These attract and neutralize volatile chemicals, thus reducing odors in the home. They work at the molecular level, and so are not effective for larger particles.

Some air purifiers also use ultraviolet or UV lights to kill bacteria and viruses. This is particularly useful for the elderly, families with small children and those who suffer from frequent colds and other illnesses.

An ionizer contains metal elements that electrically charge the air, attracting particles to a metal collection surface. These air purifiers come in fan and fanless models. Some of these devices produce significant amounts of ozone, a chemical component of smog. This is something to be aware of when shopping for an ionizing air purifier.

Tweet This Post