The experts at the Air & Water Centre have devised an essential guide to air purification, giving homeowners everywhere the information they need to decide whether buying an air purifier is right for them.
The Basics
The average household is jam-packed full of airborne contaminantsand whilst we may not be aware of their presence, these contaminants can make everyday life a real discomfort, so how can an air purifier help?
Purifying devices essentially process air to remove dirt, dust, mould, tobacco smoke, pollen and other harmful particles that cause aggravation. The majority of these devices use HEPA filtration to draw in and filter air, churning out a more refined air quality with minimal contaminants. HEPA stands for ‘high-efficiency particulate air’ and the HEPA filter forces air through a fine mesh to trap harmful particles. On average a HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of impurities to ensure cleaner air around the home.
Ionization and Air Purification
Another method used in air purifiers is ionization, unlike HEPA filtration ionizing air purifiers are filter-less and instead use electrically charged ions to extract contaminants from the air. However, most modern air purifying appliances utilise both ionization and HEPA filtration to extract a high percentage of bacteria and other impurities. There are more advanced air purifying models available, these utilise ultra violet light to destroy remaining bacteria and reduce impurities even more effectively.
The Benefits of Air Purifying
So we’ve covered the basics in regards to the level of allergy reliefthat HEPA filtration and other methods of air purification provides, but as well as removing and destroying the harmful particles that aggravate allergies to dust, pollen, pet hair and dust mites, there are a number of other benefits to be found. Air purifiers also extract pesticides and solvents that may be harmful and remove odours that may create unpleasant conditions at home or at the office.
Some studies have also linked the use of air purifiers to the prevention of illnesses and diseases. People with existing health complaints, such as lung conditions like emphysema and COPD, may also benefit from investing in an air purification unit, with many patients reporting that their symptoms had been alleviated thanks to the unpolluted air produced during the purification process. As well as the healthy benefits of air purification, homeowners may also find that their property is easier to clean due to the reduced levels of dust and dirt.
Costs to Consider Before You Buy
HEPA filtering devices are great for people looking to relieve allergies, however, for individuals looking for all-round features (such as the removal of odours, mould and bacteria) more advanced models will be required, and generally these are much more expensive. Before you purchase consider why you wish to invest in an air purifier to find the right model for you.
As well as the cost of the unit itself, homeowners must also take into account the running costs of this useful appliance. Many models have particularly high wattage, whereby the higher the wattage the more effective the purification process is. Look carefully at the specifications of your shortlisted models and consider whether the running costs match the benefits. Look even further into the life of your air purifier and consider the cost of replacement filters in order to go into the purchase with your eyes wide open.
Are Air Purifiers Noisy?
The larger the air purifying unit is, the more noise it is likely to make due to the amount of air it will have to treat. There are a number of models that minimise noise pollution for quieter but equally effective operation. Either way make sure you are covered when choosing an air purifier to cater to your home, each model will have a recommended room size so take note of this to ensure you get optimum air quality output and the very best performance.
Air Purifier Maintenance
As you can imagine, air purifying models are a breeding ground for contaminants and need regular cleaning to keep them in tip top condition and good working order. The HEPA filter systems require periodic cleaning and should have their filters changed every six months to ensure the air that is produced is as clean as it should be!
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