Can air purifiers help you keep cooler? Some homeowners think so, while manufacturers make claims to that effect, but let’s look at the facts.
What Air Purifiers Do
There are several types of air purifiers, but when most homeowners think of them, the stand-alone portable model comes to mind. An air purifier typically cleans via ultraviolet sterilization, ionization, photocatalysis, or a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. HEPA filters trap airborne pollutants in a dense medium. An ionizer air purifier uses an electric charge that sticks to the pollutants as they move through the unit. These purifiers must be cleaned periodically so they work properly. Photocatalysis degrades air pollutants into nontoxic or less harmful forms using solar (or artificial) light. Activated carbon filters absorb gases and odors, such as cigarette smoke and fragrances.
Cooling Off with an Air Purifier?
Purifiers aren’t designed to cool off users, but most models (not all!) use a fan to circulate air, both by means of drawing in air and distributing it after it’s cleaned.
Just like a ceiling fan, the purifier will distribute air over your skin and make you feel slightly cooler. As sweat on your skin evaporates and the air moves over it, you cool off. However, most purifiers don’t draw air or circulate it with any great force like a ceiling or other type of fan, so you’ll feel only a slight breeze on your skin as air moves. What’s more, some models draw warm air down to occupant level so they’re only of use in the winter as far as changing comfort levels.
Opening Windows
What an air purifier will allow you to do is to fling open your windows in the spring and summer (if it’s not so hot that you need the air conditioner). Open windows and let in cooling breezes while letting out stale air. Furthermore, the air purifier will be improving indoor air quality by getting rid of dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollutants.
Want to learn more about air purifiers? Contact Ace Hardware Home Services, proudly serving the greater Dayton area.
