Air purifiers are marketed primarily for people who suffer from certain types of allergies and chronic inflammatory conditions like asthma, as these devices purify the air by removing dust particles, allergens, smoke, and other pollutants. Buying a home air purifier is a good investment, especially for people who live in densely populated areas where the air is filled with smoke, smog, and other pollutants. If you’re looking for an air purifier on the market, it’s best to get an idea of the different types available for home use. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing home air purifiers:
Standalone VS Fixed Rates
Air purifiers are designed to be freestanding units or stationary units. The advantage of free-standing units is that they can be moved from one area to another where fixed units are installed in an HVAC unit so they can work in conjunction with a heating or air conditioning system to purify the air. Stationary units typically cover larger areas and are ideal for commercial establishments, healthcare facilities, and industrial facilities. Freestanding units are suitable for home use because they come in different sizes ideal for various room sizes. These units are also more economical because they are designed for smaller areas.
Filtration system type
Air purifiers can reduce the amount of allergens in the air, including dust particles, dust mite feces, mold, and pollen, so these units are recommended for allergy sufferers. They also help contain the spread of lung diseases and infections.
How efficient an air purifier is at removing allergens and pollutants will largely depend on the type of filter it comes with, as different filters are designed to attack different airborne particles. The most common types for home use are those that come with HEPA filters. High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of particles from the air. Since these filters can attack even particles as small as 0.3 microns, they are the best choice for homes, especially those with severe allergies and those who suffer from asthma. HEPA filters need periodic changes; They trap allergens like animal dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen. Air purifiers usually come with HEPA filters, as they solve most air pollution problems in homes.
If you are looking for a specialized type of air filter designed specifically to kill airborne bacteria and microorganisms, then an antibacterial and germicidal filter might be more suitable for you. As the name suggests, these types of filters are designed to kill germs and bacteria, preventing the spread of diseases and viruses. Some types use UV lamps to kill germs, while others use a special type of HEPA filter to get rid of airborne bacteria.
Another common type of filtration system is called an ion generator, which is the second most used filter in air purifiers next to HEPA filters. These work by releasing ions into the air to collect dust and other allergens. However, instead of absorbing airborne particles, the ions emitted by the unit force those particles to adhere to nearby surfaces such as walls. The downside to this is that it can cause discoloration on the walls and can be a terrible sight if not cleaned up from time to time. It’s 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 are thinking of buying air purifiers for your home, the best option is to choose one that is equipped with a HEPA filter, since it is the most efficient and safest option available on the market.
Energy Efficiency and Coverage
When choosing air purifiers, you also need to consider how much area it can cover. If you intend to use it for a particular room in your home, make sure it is compatible with the size of the room. To make it convenient for you, choose a unit with a coverage slightly larger than the size of your room so you can move it from room to room when necessary.
As with buying any other appliance, you need to make sure that the air purifier you buy has a decent energy efficiency rating. Most units display the number of watts they use, so be sure to check the label to find out how much electricity it will use.
Air purifiers can significantly improve the health of you and those around you, so be sure to choose the one that best suits you and your family’s needs.
