Are air purifiers worth the money? After all, we’ve heard the news that the air in our homes tends to be more polluted than the air that’s outdoors. Why wouldn’t we want a device that offers relief from irritating substances such as dust, pet dander, insect particles, tobacco smoke, and mold? These substances, though not seen, can cause problems with our breathing and also tend to aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. It’s important to limit exposure to them. Is an air purifier the answer?
As with anything in the marketplace, a consumer needs to do due diligence and research how well a particular air purifier does its job. Just know that all air purifiers are not created equal. Some air purifiers do a better job than others.
The Best Air Purifier
The best job of air purification is generally done by whole-home appliances installed in the HVAC system. This might be an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation light installed in your HVAC equipment to treat the airflow for organisms such as mold, fungus, and mildew. These are known to work pretty well, but keep in mind that the bulbs are expensive and have to be replaced yearly.
For people with serious respiratory problems, a dense HEPA filter installed in HVAC equipment might be the answer. They can trap many of the particles mentioned above. The main drawback of HEPA is that they impede airflow, and the system must be drastically modified to allow air to flow properly.
Air filters may also be of the washable type; that is, they catch particulates on a plate with an ionic charge and must be cleansed of the particles occasionally in order to work properly. These washable filters are generally known for catching larger particles.
Some air purifiers that use ionization to trap particles give off ozone, a gas that is a lung irritant.
Another air purifier that is mainly used in homes where people smoke is an activated charcoal model, which absorbs odors.
Ask your HVAC consultant about the best type of air purifier for your home. For more information, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton.
