Air Purifiers

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.

Featured Products
Hunter HEPAtech 30378	Oreck Air Purifier	Ionic Pro Turbo	Air Healthmate	Honeywell Compact HHT

Many people understand the importance of investing in quality home air purifiers. But it makes no sense to spend that money unless you intend to clean and maintain it regularly. This is not only to keep your air purifier working without problems, but to maintain its efficiency and ensure you receive the maximum benefit for your health.

If you own an air purifier that uses an air cleaning filter as part of its cleaning process, you will no doubt need a replacement at some point. Most manufacturers will tell you to replace it within a certain time frame in their operating manual. However the actual time when it needs replacing may vary widely, depending on just how dirty the air in your house actually is, and how often you need it. A visual inspection of the filter can help to show if it’s really in need of changing. Make sure when buying an air purifier that you can access the replaceable parts without having to deal with a Japanese puzzle box!

While filterless systems eliminate this particular problem, there will, nevertheless be some maintenance involved. Ionic air purifiers employ electrically charged collection plates which require occasional wiping down in order to maintain their effectiveness. If you have an air purifier with a UV element, you may need to clean the light to allow it to sterilize the surrounding air properly.

It’s not just the working parts that need cleaning, however. Don’t neglect dust that gathers on the inside of your air purifier that can transfer to the filters and elements. Needless to say, you don’t want to use harsh cleaners on your air purifier. A damp cloth should be all that’s necessary in normal circumstances. For hard to reach sections, use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to force the dust out.

Making the maintenance of your air purifier a matter of routine, along with your other household cleaning tasks is the best way to ensure the effective operation of your unit. Just remember that it’s much easier to clean an air filter than it is to clean your lungs!

A clean air filter helps to maintain your home.