Air Purifier is likely one of the few affordable and comprehensive air purifiers available. With four distinctive purification stages, Air Purifier has an air purifying efficiency up to 99.97%. Air Purifier has five speed levels; standby function of up to eight hours; and can be dimmed to give you the good night’s sleep you need.
HOW SAFE IS THE AIR IN YOUR HOME?
We breathe in an average of 14,400 litres of air daily and we spend 90% of the time indoor. Indoor air quality is a growing concern as modern homes are built to be airtight for energy efficiency. When ventilation is restricted, indoor air quality deteriorates. Bad air can trigger coughing, nasal and chest congestion, sore throat, watery or itchy eyes, shortness of breath and asthma attacks. No matter how much we clean our homes with ordinary devices, we cannot rid the air completely of allergens and other airborne irritants that are trapped in carpets, curtains, furniture and upholstery.
HEPA Air Purifiers
Developed in the 1940s, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) technology was made popular by use in medical cleanrooms, and it is still the most reliable and effective technology used. Air purifiers equipped with a HEPA air filter absorb up to 99.97% of all particles, like allergens, pollen, dust, dander, and others that are 0.03 microns and larger in size; harmful indoor air particles that cause allergy and asthma symptoms are measured to be about 0.03 microns or larger. Air purifiers like Alen and Blueair use HEPA in combination with electrostaticity, which allows an electrical charge to trap particles traveling in the air stream. As a result, more particles are gathered and the charged particles are brought directly to the HEPA air filter which captures them. Bacteria, dust, and pollen and other microscopic particles are absorbed by HEPA air filters, so the air that re-circulates in your home is clean, fresh, and scarce of harmful contaminants.
Developed in the 1940s, High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) technology was made popular by use in medical cleanrooms, and it is still the most reliable and effective technology used. Air purifiers equipped with a HEPA air filter absorb up to 99.97% of all particles, like allergens, pollen, dust, dander, and others that are 0.03 microns and larger in size; harmful indoor air particles that cause allergy and asthma symptoms are measured to be about 0.03 microns or larger. Air purifiers like Alen and Blueair use HEPA in combination with electrostaticity, which allows an electrical charge to trap particles traveling in the air stream. As a result, more particles are gathered and the charged particles are brought directly to the HEPA air filter which captures them. Bacteria, dust, and pollen and other microscopic particles are absorbed by HEPA air filters, so the air that re-circulates in your home is clean, fresh, and scarce of harmful contaminants.
Electrostatic Air Purifiers
An electrostatic air purifier is very similar to HEPA air purifiers, except they do not use air filters. Electrostatic air purifiers use an electrical charge to trap particles traveling in the air stream. As a result, the charged particles stick to the sides of the internal filtration system on collection plates, but only about 30% of particles are removed from your indoor air. Electronic air purifiers are low maintenance and only require cleaning of the collection plates for optimal efficiency. However, like with the Ionic Breeze air purifier from Sharper Image, electronic air purifiers were found not to take in all the air in an enclosed room. It was measured to have left about 5% of the contaminated air in the room to circulate without it ever being absorbed by the purifier. Consumer Reports gave the Ionic Breeze air purifier a "poor" rating. Although they are readily available, consumers who research air purifier technologies before making a purchase are sure to avoid Ionic Breeze and electrostatic models.
An electrostatic air purifier is very similar to HEPA air purifiers, except they do not use air filters. Electrostatic air purifiers use an electrical charge to trap particles traveling in the air stream. As a result, the charged particles stick to the sides of the internal filtration system on collection plates, but only about 30% of particles are removed from your indoor air. Electronic air purifiers are low maintenance and only require cleaning of the collection plates for optimal efficiency. However, like with the Ionic Breeze air purifier from Sharper Image, electronic air purifiers were found not to take in all the air in an enclosed room. It was measured to have left about 5% of the contaminated air in the room to circulate without it ever being absorbed by the purifier. Consumer Reports gave the Ionic Breeze air purifier a "poor" rating. Although they are readily available, consumers who research air purifier technologies before making a purchase are sure to avoid Ionic Breeze and electrostatic models.
Ozone Generators
Ozone generators are air purifiers that intentionally produce ozone. Not all are effective, but some are not even appropriate for home use, like ozone generators. Ozone generators are not effective air purifiers for your home; they can be harmful to your family and can cause health problems, including respiratory tract irritation and breathing difficulty. Historically, ozone generators have been used in commercial applications to purify the air and remove airborne particles, chemicals, mold, viruses, bacteria, and odors. However, ozone is not effective at cleaning the air except at extremely high, unsafe ozone levels.
Ozone generators are air purifiers that intentionally produce ozone. Not all are effective, but some are not even appropriate for home use, like ozone generators. Ozone generators are not effective air purifiers for your home; they can be harmful to your family and can cause health problems, including respiratory tract irritation and breathing difficulty. Historically, ozone generators have been used in commercial applications to purify the air and remove airborne particles, chemicals, mold, viruses, bacteria, and odors. However, ozone is not effective at cleaning the air except at extremely high, unsafe ozone levels.
Technologies That Complement HEPA Style Filtration
The best technology to pair with HEPA style filtration in air purifiers really depends on your concern. There are many different technologies that are used in air purifiers with HEPA style filtration, such as activated carbon, pre-filters, ultraviolet light, and ionizers. Choosing the best air purifier with the most efficient technology can be easy with some research and comparison. While searching through many air purifiers to find your perfect solution, be aware that the technology used is the most important factor you should consider.
The best technology to pair with HEPA style filtration in air purifiers really depends on your concern. There are many different technologies that are used in air purifiers with HEPA style filtration, such as activated carbon, pre-filters, ultraviolet light, and ionizers. Choosing the best air purifier with the most efficient technology can be easy with some research and comparison. While searching through many air purifiers to find your perfect solution, be aware that the technology used is the most important factor you should consider.
Use the Air Purifier Buying Guide to Know What to Consider First
Learn about what to consider when choosing an air purifier. Use our Air Purifier Buying Guide to read about air purifier features, technologies, and recommended brands.
What does an air purifier do?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks we currently face. The best way to address the risk of breathing polluted indoor air is to eliminate the source of pollutants with ventilation and filtration.
An air purifier can reduce the concentration of airborne pollutants and allergens in a designated area. The amount of pollutants removed by an air purifier will differ, depending on the specifications of the particular unit.
An air purifier can reduce the concentration of airborne pollutants and allergens in a designated area. The amount of pollutants removed by an air purifier will differ, depending on the specifications of the particular unit.
What should I consider when choosing an air purifier?
To find the best air purifier for you, consider what kind of solution you are seeking, as well as which air purifier technologies may work best for your needs. Read to learn more about what you should keep in mind before purchasing an air purifier.
What affects the real price of a system |
To find the best air purifier for you, consider what kind of solution you are seeking, as well as which air purifier technologies may work best for your needs. Read to learn more about what you should keep in mind before purchasing an air purifier.
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Additional Air Purifier Features and Technologies
Pre-filter
The pre-filter is a removable filter layer that captures larger particles, such as dust and hair, helping to extend the life of the main HEPA filter. Pre-filters are typically designed to be washable or vacuumed. Replacement costs are relatively low.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon neutralizes odors and traps chemicals and gases. It is commonly combined with zeolite or potassium iodide in air purifier filters to optimize toxin removal.
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light (UV) can be used to neutralize bacteria that accumulate on air purifier filters. The key to effectiveness is exposure time, so benefits will vary depending on the specific air purifier model.
Ionizer
Ionizers charge airborne particles, causing them to clump into larger particles. This technology complements HEPA filtration, as it allows the larger particles to be more easily captured. However, ionizers are considered ineffective without HEPA filtration, as it does not remove a significant amount of particles. It is important to also note some ionizers emit ozone, and only ozone-safe ionizers should be considered for residential use.
Filter Life Indicator
A filter life indicator is a digital display on your air purifier that notifies you when your filter is full and requires replacement. Filter life indicators are often based upon a manufacturer’s recommended filter life. In some higher end units, the filter life indicator reflects actual usage and filter capacity.
Shut-off Timer
Some air purifiers feature a built-in timer, which can be set to automatically shut off the unit after a designated amount of time.
The pre-filter is a removable filter layer that captures larger particles, such as dust and hair, helping to extend the life of the main HEPA filter. Pre-filters are typically designed to be washable or vacuumed. Replacement costs are relatively low.
Activated Carbon
Activated carbon neutralizes odors and traps chemicals and gases. It is commonly combined with zeolite or potassium iodide in air purifier filters to optimize toxin removal.
Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light (UV) can be used to neutralize bacteria that accumulate on air purifier filters. The key to effectiveness is exposure time, so benefits will vary depending on the specific air purifier model.
Ionizer
Ionizers charge airborne particles, causing them to clump into larger particles. This technology complements HEPA filtration, as it allows the larger particles to be more easily captured. However, ionizers are considered ineffective without HEPA filtration, as it does not remove a significant amount of particles. It is important to also note some ionizers emit ozone, and only ozone-safe ionizers should be considered for residential use.
Filter Life Indicator
A filter life indicator is a digital display on your air purifier that notifies you when your filter is full and requires replacement. Filter life indicators are often based upon a manufacturer’s recommended filter life. In some higher end units, the filter life indicator reflects actual usage and filter capacity.
Shut-off Timer
Some air purifiers feature a built-in timer, which can be set to automatically shut off the unit after a designated amount of time.