Air purifiers are primarily marketed for people with certain types of allergies and those with chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, as these devices purify the air by removing dust particles, allergens, smoke, and other pollutants. Buying a home air purifier is a good investment, especially for people who live in densely populated areas where smoke, smog, and other pollutants fill the air. If you are looking for an air purifier, it is best to get an idea of the different types available for home use. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing home air purifiers:
Independent VS Fixed Types
Air purifiers are designed to be standalone units or stationary units. The advantage of freestanding units is that they can be moved from one area to another where fixed units are installed in an HVAC unit so that they can work in conjunction with a heating or air conditioning system to purify the air. Fixed units generally cover larger areas and are ideal for commercial establishments, healthcare facilities, and industrial facilities. The freestanding units are suitable for home use because they come in different sizes, ideal for various room sizes. These units are also cheaper because they are designed for smaller areas.
Filtration system type
Air purifiers can reduce the amount of allergens in the air, including dust particles, dust mite feces, mold, and pollen, which is why these units are recommended for allergy sufferers. They also help contain the spread of lung diseases and infections.
The efficiency of an air purifier at removing allergens and pollutants will largely depend on the type of filter it comes with, as different filters are designed to target different particles in the air. The most common types for home use are those that come with HEPA filters. High-efficiency or HEPA particulate air filters can remove 99.97% of particulates from the air. Since these filters can target even particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, they are the best choice for homes, especially those with severe allergies and those with asthma. HEPA filters need periodic changes; as they trap allergens such as animal dander, mold spores, dust, and pollen. Air purifiers generally come with HEPA filters, as they address most air pollution problems in homes.
If you are looking for a specialized type of air filter specifically designed to kill bacteria and microorganisms in the air, then an antibacterial and germicidal filter might be more suitable for you. As the name suggests, these types of filters are designed to kill germs and bacteria, preventing the spread of diseases and viruses. Some types use UV lamps to kill germs, while others use a special type of HEPA filter to get rid of airborne bacteria.
Another common type of filtration system is called Ion Generators, which is the second most widely used filter in air purifiers alongside HEPA filters. These work by releasing ions into the air to collect dust and other allergens. However, instead of sucking particles in the air, the ions emitted by the unit force these particles to adhere to nearby surfaces such as walls. The downside to this is that it can cause discoloration on the walls and can be a terrible sight if it is not cleaned from time to time. It’s also worth noting that this type of filter emits ozone, which can irritate the lungs and can worsen conditions like asthma and lung disease as a result.
So if you are thinking of buying air purifiers for your home, the best option is to choose one that is equipped with a HEPA filter, as it is the most efficient and safe option available on the market.
Coverage and energy efficiency
When choosing air purifiers, you should also consider how much area it can cover. If you intend to use it for a particular room in your home, make sure it is compatible with the size of the room. To be convenient for you, choose a unit with coverage slightly larger than your room size so that you can move it from room to room when needed.
As with the purchase of any other appliance, you need to make sure that the air purifier you buy has a decent energy efficiency rating. Most units display the number of watts they use, so be sure to check the label to see how much electricity it will consume.
Air purifiers can significantly improve your health and that of those around you, so be sure to choose the one that is best for you and your family.