A Guide to Purchasing Air Purifiers - By: Todd Clark

An effective air purifier can make a huge difference in the quality of life for you and your family. Although you take every precaution to ensure your home is clean and sanitary, airborne particulates can be present, and may cause a host of health problems.

Microscopic bits of bacteria, dust, mold spores and smog can easily invade your home. During allergy season, pollen particulates may be abundant, initiating allergic reactions even if you remain indoors. Even though you love your pets, dander from their coats may also become airborne, making you and your family miserable. Babies and young children may be especially vulnerable to airborne matter, as their developing immune systems may not be ready to fend off a respiratory ailment or asthma attack.

An air purifier can be of significant help in reducing the amount of airborne particulate matter, thus helping to ensure the best indoor air quality possible. There are many types and brands of air purifiers available, so purchasing the right product can often be confusing.

HEPA Helps
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers set the standard for effective removal of airborne particles. The air filtration systems were invented in the World War II years, with an initial purpose of taking radioactive particulate matter out of the air in the Manhattan Project facilities. There are several grades of HEPA filtration units, including medical, industrial and commercial. A medical-grade HEPA air purifier is capable of removing 99.97 percent of matter that is larger than .3 microns.

Beware of products claiming to be comparable to HEPA. Marketing language can be deceptive, so be sure you are not misled into buying anything less than a genuine HEPA medical-grade product.

Activated Carbon Filters Mean Better Air Quality
Some HEPA air purifiers also include activated carbon filters as part of their systems. Activated carbon provides additional benefits in capturing pollutants. For carbon to be activated, it must undergo a treatment with oxygen, allowing microscopic pores to open on the surface of the carbon. In turn, the pores grab particulate matter and take them out of the air. If you are in an environment plagued by tobacco smoke, chemical fumes and gases, consider an air purifier equipped with activated carbon filters to help eradicate these toxic pollutants.

Pre-Filters Create More Efficient HEPA Filtration
Because HEPA filters trap such huge quantities of pollutants, much of their capacity is taken up by larger pieces of particulate matter. For this reason, a number of HEPA air purifiers are equipped with “pre-filters” that absorb materials such as pet dander and dust. When these larger elements are removed, the HEPA filter can be more efficient in picking up the microscopic ones. Pre-filters also prolong the life of each HEPA filter, reducing expenses in HEPA filter replacement.

Ozone-Free Operation is Essential, not Optional
Although they have been popular for several years, ionic air purifiers actually release ozone as one of their operational byproducts. According to organizations such as the Environmental Protection Association and the American Lung Association, ozone is a recognized pollutant. Per information supplied by the Mayo Clinic, lung irritation may be a consequence of breathing ozone. Air purifiers should not generate a reverse consequence of pollution, so ensure that any purifier you buy is a genuine HEPA model.

Details Truly Matter
Inspect any unit carefully before buying. Consider the durability of the construction and material, the rate of air flow, as well as how it might perform over a period of years. Less expensive models may be constructed from flimsy materials, and they may emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.

Evaluate the air flow rate of any air purifier you are considering buying, and make sure the rate is not exaggerated by the manufacturer. You may also see claims that certain air purifiers have ultra-low penetration air (ULPA) filters. These filters are inferior in efficiency as compared to HEPA filters.

Buy From a Knowledgeable, Trustworthy Retailer
Many retailers and discount stores sell air purifiers. However, it is important to purchase from a company with superior product knowledge. Clean Air Plus is the top supplier of medical-grade HEPA filters. Manufacturers such as Austin Air, IQAir and Amaircare trust Clean Air Plus to sell their air purifiers.

About the Author

Todd Clark specializes in air purifier and air filtration technology in San Diego, California.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Todd-Clark/78939

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