Common Questions Regarding Air Purifiers

What are the common household air pollutants?

Before you decide which air purifier to buy, you have to recognize the different kinds of indoor pollutants so that you can effectively eliminate all of them. One of the pollutants is classified under the airborne particles. They include pet dander, dust mite allergen, pollen, cigarette smoke or mold. All of these are commonly found in most households and they are the main causes of allergy, asthma attacks or other breathing problems. There are also various household odors and gases such as pesticides and cooking odors that contribute to the indoor air pollution. Volatiles Organic Compounds (VOCs) are another group of contaminants found in household very often. Cleaning supplies, disinfectants, paints, glues and adhesives are all part of the VOCs. They are able to cause irritation, headache, nausea or even more severe health conditions such as asthma attack. Viruses and bacteria are micro-organisms that will make a person fall ill. All of the above pollutants should be eliminated from the air and surroundings using air purifiers.

What are the different types of air purifier filters?

Different kind of purifiers comes with different air filters. HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) purifiers use HEPA filters and they are well-liked by many. They can remove an extremely large amount of very small particles such as pollen, animal dander, mold or dust. Activated carbon filters are usually used together with the other filters in a unit. They are good for absorbing chemicals, gases and odors. The carbon is activated and treated with oxygen, the pores in the carbon will then open up and they absorb the gases and odors from the air. Similar to the HEPA air purifier, the larger the filter surface, the better results produced. Electrostatic filters work by attracting pollutants and trapping them on the collector plates. These plates must be cleaned regularly so as to maintain its effectiveness. One disadvantage of such filters is that they emit ozone which is harmful for people with asthma or allergies. Charged media filters work the same way as an electrostatic filter. The difference is that charged media filters collect the particles on fiber filters instead of plates. When compared with a HEPA air purifier, these filters have to be replaced more frequently as they lose their efficiency quite fast.

Where and how should you use your air purifier?

If you are of those who suffer from allergies or asthma, the recommended place to put the purifier is your bedroom because when you are at home, the place where you spend most of your time will be the bedroom. If you keep pets at home, you may consider leaving the purifier at the area where your pets hang out often. Avoid placing the purifier at an isolated corner of your home. This defeats the purpose of the air cleaner. The air cleaner should be somewhere with more air flow and it should be switched on at all times for best results.