Clean air is the best gift you could give yourself or your family. Think of your air purifier as an ally in your charge against air pollutants in your home. Standard airborne particles in most homes may include mold, pollen, pet dander, dust mite allergen, plant spores, and fungus. You may also have to contend with gases and odors from indoor pesticides, aerosols, cooking, pet litters or tobacco. Watch out for VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds that are found in paint, cleaning liquids, glues, and carpets: a quick look at their ingredients may indicate the presence of benzene, chloride, formaldehyde, etc- they have been associated with many health problems. There are also the standard threats of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, antigens, and pathogens that are germs that can bring on illness.
Next, think about where you will want to have the air purifier(s) located. Are there spots in the house that are likely to have a high concentration of pollutants- like a living room with pets- or are you going to focus on purifying the air in the bedrooms, since that’s where you spend most time at home. A portable air purifier can be used anywhere dry in your home. If you’re going to be moving it around often, you may want a model that is compact or portable. Coverage areas will make a difference to the performance of your air purifier, so be sure to take into account the dimensions of your rooms. Do buy as per the recommended coverage area or even higher.
Choose the right filter for your needs. Look for air purifiers with multiple filtrations for better performance. More filters mean better screening for pollutants and increased removal. Most popular air purifiers come with HEPA® filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Arrester) that can clean up 98% of airborne particles. Additional carbon filters can help with odors. Some purifiers use UV light, electrostatic technology or electronic filtration to target the smaller polluting particles. Purifiers with ion or ozone generators can emit ozone, which can be a risky irritant for people with chronic lung problems. Make sure to look at the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) on the product. Purchase only air purifiers with sealed systems that prevent dirty air from leaking. Also, keep an eye on consumer reviews for white noise levels generated by purifiers.
You will need to maintain and replace parts like filters, so make sure to factor in the cost and availability of these parts when you choose a model. Do find out what the warranty on the product will cover and keep aware of any consumer action that may void the warranty (like not purchasing replacements in the stipulated time period). To make the best of your air purifier, you will have to run it continuously. The better air purifiers are energy efficient, but there will be an impact on your energy bills nonetheless.
A little smart exploring and voila! You’re well on your way to hitting the purchase button for clean air in your home. Educate yourself reading indoorbreathing.com blog.
