Know Your Options With an Air Purifier
An air purifier is a portable device that removes airborne contaminants from the air within a particular room to enhance indoor air quality. These devices are most commonly sold as being effective for allergy sufferers or asthmatics, both of whom may suffer from allergies or asthma. However, they can also be used to reduce or eliminate other common irritants in the home, such as dust mites. Here’s a look at how these items operate and what they’re used for.
When an air purifier is used to reduce airborne particles, it uses one of several technologies that use ozone gas to reduce odors. One type of device uses ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms and airborne contaminants. Others emit ozone, a highly reactive gas containing oxygen. Ozone generators often feature a HEPA filter that captures large concentrations of pollutants, such as pollen and mold spores. Other technologies combine ozone and HEPA filtration to remove large particles, including microscopic dust mites.
When considering an air purifier for a room, it’s important to consider not only the purification process but also the frequency of use. If you frequently invite people over for a gathering – perhaps on a weekend when the weather is warm and humid – you’ll need an air purifier with a high ach rating. The ach rating measures the power of the fan and varies from -100 percent to +100 percent. The higher the ach rating, the stronger the fan’s ability to filter out pollens and dust mites, which are the principal irritants during gatherings.
Other features to look for include electronic ionization, germicidal UV lamps, and negative air pressure. All of these technologies can make the air purifier more efficient at removing harmful substances from the air and reducing the chances of an allergic reaction or other air-related problem. Electronic ionization works by producing negatively charged ions, which are then released into the air. As the particles become airborne, they bind to the negative ions generated by the ionization system. This process is similar to the body’s natural air purifying process, which also uses negative ions produced through breathing.
In order to get the most value and benefit from an air purifier, you should also consider purchasing a durable and effective ozone generator. An ozone generator has two key functions. The primary function is to help remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air, which are known to cause asthmatic reactions, headaches, asthma, and other respiratory issues. The second function is to act as a chemical ionizer, generating small amounts of ozone on contact with VOCs in the air. By providing an ozone layer in your home, you can drastically reduce your exposure to harmful substances and improve your indoor air cleaning.
Since many people do not want to install a large and bulky air purifier in their home, there are many smaller options available. Most air purifiers are available in either a stand-up unit or an attachment kit that can be installed on your existing air duct work. If you already have an existing duct system running through your home, you may only need to purchase an ozone generator or a prefilter designed to remove chemical vapors and odors. Both systems use activated carbon filters in order to reduce the amount of airborne pollutants in the air.
If you have an indoor air conditioner running in your home, it is possible to purchase an outdoor air purifier to clean the air indoors. These units are completely enclosed, making them the most energy efficient and versatile type of indoor air purifier. While an outdoor purifier cannot be installed directly under your ceiling, there is plenty of room-sized models available that can easily be hidden in your closet or basement. These units employ the same active carbon filters used in indoor air purifiers. Because they require less maintenance and space to store, they are typically more affordable options as well.
If you suffer from allergy symptoms such as hay fever, asthma and other pollen-based allergies, a light air purifier may be able to help you breathe easier. The best types of pollen and ozone generators work by removing microscopic particles that have been proven to trigger allergic reactions. Ozone generators produce ozone gas that is 10 times stronger than what is released from a standard asthma inhaler. This powerful ozone gas is able to lift the pollutants above the airway and out of the lungs, allowing you to breathe easier. However, because ozone gas is 10 times stronger than that found in a typical asthma inhaler, some of these machines are able to destroy microscopic particles in the air, so it is important that you keep this in mind when choosing an air purifier. In order to be sure that you are getting the safest ozone gas possible, you should always buy the “purist” brand.
