You may be surprised to hear that indoor air quality is just as important as the air outside. Outdoor pollutants can get trapped in your HVAC system, so changing your air filter is essential. But other factors, like mold, dust, and dander, also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Investing in an air purifier can help reduce these indoor nasties.
What do Air Purifiers Filter?
Air purifiers are machines that clean the air by removing pollutants and allergens, including dust and pollen, mold, mildew, pet dander, and cigarette smoke.
How do Air Purifiers Clean the Air?
Household air purifiers work in various ways, depending on the type of device. For example, some use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters to trap airborne particles, whereas others use electrostatic technology to neutralize positive ions in the air. You can also buy purifiers that use UV light to destroy bacteria and viruses floating around your home.
How to Choose the Air Purifier Suitable to Your Needs
There are many different types of household air purifiers. However, some of the best air purifier types include:
- HEPA filters. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. These filters can remove 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns from the air.
- UV lights. Ultraviolet light breaks down molecules in organic compounds, which makes them easier to clean up with other methods like fans or filters.
- Electronic ionizers. Electronic ionizers introduce ions into the air to attract airborne pollutants. Built-in filters capture the pollutants or trap them inside electrostatic precipitators that reduce their charge. The contaminants fall out of the air instead of being recycled into new particles by electrostatic attraction to other surfaces in your home or office space.
Are Air Purifiers Effective?
Air purifiers are an excellent way to clean up your indoor air, but they can’t eliminate all allergens. Its efficiency depends on various factors, including the room’s size, the type of air purifier, and the amount of air pollution.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Air Purifier for Your Home
There are many different types of air purifiers, so it can be hard to decide which one is right for you and your family. Here are some things to look for when purchasing a home air purifier:
- Look at the filter. Some filters last longer than others, so it’s important to find one with an efficient filter that can catch dust, pollen, and other allergens without clogging up too quickly. Look for HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorption) filters, as they can trap even the tiniest particles and prevent them from being rereleased into the air.
- Check the size of the machine. Some air purifiers are bulky and take up more space than others. Check how much room it will take up in your home before deciding on one model over another. You also want something that won’t be too noisy when running – especially if you have children who will be sleeping near where it’s installed.
- Check how easy the unit is to maintain. You should also consider whether or not the filter is easy to use or clean. Some filters need special tools or chemicals to be cleaned properly. You can usually tell how good the filters are by looking at what type of material they’re made of – some units have carbon filters while others use ionic technology or charcoal.
How to Get the Most out of Your Air Purifier
You can do several things to get the most out of your air purifier.
- Regularly brush pets. If you have pets, you likely have a pet hair problem. And if you have a pet hair problem, your air purifier will likely have to work overtime to keep the air in your home clean.
- Schedule routine HVAC tune-ups. Your air purifier is an essential part of your home’s heating and cooling system. Therefore, you should keep the two systems in good working order by scheduling routine HVAC tune-ups at least once a year. An experienced HVAC technician will check the condition of all parts of your system, including the ductwork, blower motor, and coils.
- Vacuum regularly and change your bedding weekly. Vacuuming removes dust and pet hair from your floor, which can clog up your air filter. Changing your bedding weekly eliminates dead skin cells, dust mites, and bacteria from escaping into the air.
Following this advice will clean up your home’s air and help reduce allergies. Contact one of our experts today for more information on air purifiers and HVAC systems for your San Diego home.
