subject: Do Air Purifiers really work? [print this page] Air purifiers, or air cleaners,are devices that can remove particles in the air related to smoke,pet dander,or pollen.While air purifiers are said to help people with allergies,it's difficult to state that as fact.So,do they work and if so, how?
Air purifiers have many different cleaning technologies.
First, there's HEPA,which is a form of disposable filter that is effective at removing smaller particles.Secondly,there's Ozone,a gas that is deadly to humans in large doses,but in smaller portions kills off germs in air purifiers.There's also Ionization,designed to get dust out of the air.And there's Ultraviolet,which is a germ killer included in many air purifiers.
Which type of air purifiers are considered most effective in creating a healthy breathing environment? Before trying to answer that question,let's cover the types considered the least effective.
Ionizing and ozone air purifiers have garnered considerable scrutiny from consumer groups and publications as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Both of these types of purifiers release ozone into the air.Ozone is a type of deadly gas that can cause short and long term health problems such chest pain,shortness of breath and asthma.Ozone air purifiers in particular are designed for the purpose of increasing the presence of ozone in the air.
While there are no government regulations prohibiting their use,Ozone air purifiers do not appear on the EPA's list of recommended methods for controlling indoor air quality.
A filter system is considered one of the better types of air purifiers on the market,according to a howstuffworks.com article.Also known as air cleaners, these filters are a common component of furnaces and household heating and cooling systems.To get updated information and quality ratings of the various heating and cooling and furnace air filters on the market,check out www.cadr.org
There are also many other factors to consider when purchasing an air purifier.Consider the money you are willing to spendair purifiers that are less expensive are likely to do less work than ones that cost more money.Also consider where you want to put your air purifier.Is it for a smaller room or the entire house? You want to purchase one that is in proportion to the area you are trying to clean.Take a look at the air you're looking to clean-do you think it's highly polluted or average? The more polluted the air is, the longer it will take for you to notice a significant change in air quality.Compare models to see what is going to work for your needs.Also don't hesitate to contact your local HVAC contractor for suggestions about buying the best air purifier for your home.
If you're weary about buying an air purifier,there are also some old-fashioned methods you can apply to reduce the air containment level in your home.Prohibiting smoking indoors,removing mold build-up on or inside walls and allowing more outside air in your home by opening your windows are just some suggestions.
Using these tips should have some impact on the air quality in your home.
