Air purifiers are the subject of some debate when it comes to improving indoor air quality. Manufacturers make claims that their purifiers use the latest technology to remove pollutants from the air, but consumers report mixed results. The truth is that air purification can help in some situations, although it’s always best to stop indoor air pollution at the source.
Filtration
While some manufacturers boast their filters were made for the space shuttle or the Manhattan Project, this doesn’t tell you what you need to know — the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating, a scale from one to 20 that indicates the size of particles air purifiers can remove. A higher rating means smaller particles are removed. The best air filters for residential use are generally in the five to 12 range, and these will filter out dust, pollen, pet dander and dust mites.
When you need filtration due to allergies or illness, your doctor can tell you what level of filtration you need. Be aware that the highest efficiency air filters may require modifications to your HVAC system.
Air Purifier Types
Types of air purifiers:
- Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) uses UV lights to target mold, bacteria, and viruses. As air passes by the purifier, the radiation kills these organisms or renders them sterile.
- Gas phase purifiers use a substance, such as activated carbon, to target various gases and volatile organic compounds. As these pollutants are absorbed by the carbon, they are turned into harmless substances.
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers use fiber mats designed to trap virtually all particles. HEPA filters are used where the highest levels of filtration are needed, such as in hospitals.
- Electrostatic air cleaners use an electric charge to trap particles. When the particles enter the filter, they are charged and then pulled into a plate that is oppositely charged.
For more information on how to improve indoor air quality, contact Aladdin Heating today. We’ve been proudly serving the southeast Michigan area since 1945 and would love to chat with you in our Warren or Lake Orion locations.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air purifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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