A large number of us are aware that we need to take steps to improve the air quality in our homes and offices. After all, many studies have been completed showing that the air quality inside is typically much worse than the air quality outside. If you live in an area where smog, traffic emissions, and other outside pollutants are common, this can be a frightening thought. Even for those of us living in areas of the country where the population is scattered and the air is fairly clean, the idea that the air in our homes is filled with pollutants is disturbing.
There are a number of different steps we can take to improve the quality of our homes, such as improving the ventilation of fresh air throughout the rooms and reducing the amount of pollutants we track into our homes. In addition to these steps, we can also look for the best air purifier you can afford. These devices can be particularly effective in the homes allergy and asthma sufferers. However, there are some types of air purifiers which may do more harm than good, so make sure that you know exactly which purifier you really want.
To understand how air purifiers with HEPA filter technology work, let’s break down the acronym first of all. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. The filters work when air is forced through them. With a very, very fine mesh, the filters trap pollen, dust mites, pet dander, tobacco smoke, and other particulates which get carried into the home.
Some filters claim to trap particles which are much less than 0.3 microns. Since many of the allergy and asthma-causing particles are much smaller than this, a high-quality HEPA filter is the only filter which can really be effective.
The air purifiers using HEPA filters are often sized for a single room and should be chosen so that the size of the filter is appropriate for the size of the room.
While HEPA filters can be effective when used according to directions, they also need to be replaced regularly and the price of this can add up eventually. Although, some air purifiers have chosen to go with filters that are washable, reducing the maintenance costs of using the HEPA filter air purifiers.
Many industries use UV lights to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms. The application is used to disinfect food, air, and water. UVGI is the use of ultraviolet radiation which destroys the nucleic acids in organisms and disrupts the DNA. The organism is then no longer able to function at a cellular level. UVGI is commonly used in medical and other sterile facilities.
PCO cleaners involve the use of UV lamps and a catalyst which converts gaseous pollutants into harmless materials. Any particulate pollutants may not be removed from the air.
Many air purification systems today take advantage of the ability of UV-C lights to kill germs, molds, and micro-organisms. Sometimes the technology is used in conjunction with your existing air handling system.
UV-C light can be harmful if you are exposed to it directly. It can damage the tissues of skin and eyes. However, when properly installed and used, this air purification technology may be one of the most effective on the market.
It may take a long time and intense exposure to the UV light before molds are completely eradicated.
Air ionization is undoubtedly an effective way to purify the air. Through the use of high voltage, negative ions are created which attract airborne particles. The new combination is too heavy to stay in the air, falls to the ground, and can then be picked up by a traditional vacuum cleaner. These air purifiers are effective against pollutants in particle, gas, and biological form.
Ozone generators make use of a UV light or electrical discharges to create ozone. This ozone reacts with the pollutants in the air to decrease their presence. However, the amount of ozone necessary to actually clean the air exceeds the public health standards established by the EPA.
The concerns regarding the use of ionic filtration and ozone generators center around the creation of ozone. According to the EPA, the risks associated with producing ozone in order to clean the air are not worth the amount of purification which results. Ozone can cause lung irritation among other health hazards, will damage plants, and may damage several different types of materials.
In order to determine which type of air purification system is most appropriate for your home, you should answer a couple of different questions.
There are many different concerns to bear in mind. People suffering from allergies and asthma can often relieve their symptoms with the appropriate air purification system. Other people may want a purification system to address the use of chemicals in the home or to reduce the presence of microbes, mold, and odors. The presence of pets or secondhand smoke can prompt the use of air purifiers, as well.
There are some handy features available on commercial air purification systems that may influence your choice of systems. These include an air quality sensor, the amount of noise which the purifier creates, the presence of a timer, or the availability of a remote control.
Once you have answered these two questions, you’ll want to choose the machine which bests fits your specific requirements within your budget.
However, a purification system which provides the germ-killing properties of a UV-C light and the filtration abilities of a HEPA system would seem to produce the best results. The UV-C light may keep the HEPA filter clean and free of the mold, etc. to prompt greater efficiency in addition to its own air purification properties.