The Air Purifier Blogs

The proper place of air purifiers will depend on what type of cleaner you have, the size of the room you will place and air quality to be cleaned. We suggest, for room air purifier considerably more, even with fewer air pockets on the night of a living room where allergens and pollutants are more exposed. Placement of air purifiers in your room the better. However, some gases and particles diffuse rapidly in keeping with an equivalent distance between the particles and the air cleaner because of the number of particles is reduced during the air purifier. When propagating through the room, it will eventually develop in a vacuum that is created by the fan air purifier. Therefore, placing the air purifier on the ends or sides of a bedroom, the air purifier is able to capture and filter these tiny particles on the other side of the room.

If you suffer from allergies such as allergic to dust, the proper timing for your still air purifier in your bedroom. It is important to have clean air in your room and spend most of his life there. But if you are allergic to pet dander and animals, then you can put an air purifier in the room where your pets spend most of their time. It is always safer to keep their pets out of your bedroom. Always keep in mind that you should not put an air purifier in the corners of your room. Their air purifiers should be placed at least a couple of feet away from walls. Doing this with your air purifier supply maximum airflow. Here are some general guidelines on the proper placement of air purifiers.

• Turn your air purifiers close as possible sources of pollutants, allergens, particulates and pollution.

• Place air purifiers in a well ventilated room to help quickly and effectively clean air

• Keep your air purifiers away from curtains or anything that could get caught in the suction equipment.

• Keep away from anything that could cause interference

• Keep out of reach of children and pets to prevent the unit from accidentally being knocked over, or tripping over wires.

• Do not allow your air purifiers to other devices such as a fan, to fly directly to the plant

• If space is a real problem, you could try a compact purifier that plugs directly into the wall

It is very important for people with allergies and those with infants or disabled elderly at home to invest in an air purifier. An air purifier is to work well high marks for delivering clean air (CADRE). It is expressed in terms of cubic feet per minute, so 500 CADRE means that can release the air filter clean 500ft3 per minute.

Air purifiers use different ways to clean the air. Some techniques are more effective against some other pollutants. Here are some of them. Air purifiers use filters to remove airborne particles. A purifier with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air filter) sign means that you can remove even smaller particles. Note that HEPA enabled devices need to remove 99.97% of particles and many who otherwise would not be an accurate representation of what you’re looking for. If the ad says as a HEPA or HEPA type hat should not be buying.

Others use carbon filters. Carbon is highly porous and can absorb the chemical in the smallest way is why it is good for filtering water. Can be used with a HEPA filter. Some other filters use ultraviolet light. In sterilization, ultraviolet light is used to kill bacteria and can remove 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Another alternative is to use ultraviolet lamps which also sterilize indoor air. They should be replaced annually.

Ionizers are another breed of air purifiers. Producing ions that stick to air-borne particles that are then attracted to a collector plate charges electronically. Ozone is another way to clean the air in homes, but can only be used in rooms unoccupied. Ozone is a strong oxidant and can oxidize other chemicals and can eliminate the odor and smoke.

Other concerns for customers of air purifiers are the noise levels and all by-products produced by air purifiers. This level of noise can be easily obtained by testing the air cleaner at the store or call customer service. The cost of operating the air purifier is going to be a concern and this relates to the cost of replacement filters when you use or the amount of energy required for operation. The energy consumption to find an air purifier with the energy star symbol indicates that what is energy efficiency so use less than other brands that do not bear the sign.

Indoor air quality is a major health concern. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pollutant levels are two to five times higher inside the home than out. These pollutants include airborne particles and particulate matter such as allergens, lung irritants, gases, toxic chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Indoor air pollution contaminates the air we breathe every day. Since you draw about 9 out of 10 breaths indoors, it’s easy to see why indoor air quality is a top health concern. You typically inhale about two tablespoons of airborne particles a day.

These pollutants put stress on your immune system, which can lead to other health problems. The effects of poor indoor air quality on an individual can vary greatly based on age and relative health. However, in general, poor indoor air quality leads to allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, and weakened immune systems. Children are especially susceptible to the health risks of polluted indoor air since their lungs are smaller and they have to take more breaths throughout the day. If you experience allergy symptoms or asthma attacks in your home, you may have poor indoor air quality. Other sources of IAQ problems may include poor ventilation, lingering odors, environmental changes like recent construction, new furniture, water damage, or a new pet.

Solutions to Indoor Air Pollution

The EPA suggests three basic methods for improving indoor air quality:

1. Control the source of air pollution.

2. Improve ventilation.

3. Purchase an air purifier.

Your first step should be an attempt to control the source of air pollution. If the pollution stems from something like mold, smoke, or chemical off-gassing, it may be possible to remove it from your home; this is most effective and lasting method of improving indoor air quality. However, some indoor air pollutants, such as dust and pollen, are too pervasive, and you can’t always get rid of the sources.

Better ventilation will improve your indoor air quality if the offending pollutant is a chemical or gas. In this case, bringing fresh air into the home can be very helpful. However, many indoor air pollutants originate outdoors, so opening a window on a high pollen-count day or in a smoggy city may not be the best idea.

The third step suggested by the EPA is to purchase an air purifier. With so many types and brands of air purifiers on the market, it’s pretty easy to find one that is well-suited to your home’s particular situation. Quality air purifiers can work wonders on IAQ. However, some popular air cleaners on the market are not very effective, and many air cleaners actually exacerbate some of the very problems they are meant to cure.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Thousands of different chemicals and proteins may be polluting your air. The most common complaints for allergy sufferers involve airborne particles like pet allergens, pollen, dust, mold, etc. These common allergens range in size from 0.3 to 100 microns, and they are small enough to be inhaled, but they’re too large to be easily exhaled. HEPA air purifiers represent the best method of removing common allergens.

Many other common indoor pollutants are simply household odors and gases. These pollutants include things like cooking smells, tobacco smoke, pet litter, and indoor pesticides. Such chemicals and odors can aggravate allergies and asthma.

Chemically reactive gases and VOCs are also responsible for poor indoor air quality. They are found in common household products like paints, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, and new carpets. They are especially harmful for the young, the elderly, and the chemically sensitive, and they can be hazardous to your health if they are present at high enough levels, or if your home is poorly ventilated. VOCs can cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and throat irritation, and many VOCs are known carcinogens.

How Air Purifiers Improve Your Health

A good air purifier will rid your air of allergens, odors, chemicals, and many airborne disease-causing agents. Even if you’re not sick now, if you continue to breathe polluted air, you will experience detrimental health effects in the future. Many VOCs, for example, are known carcinogens that are likely to cause cancer after continuous exposure. When you purchase a quality air purifier, you will notice the difference. The air will smell fresher, and you will breathe better and sleep better.

Air Purification Technologies

HEPA Air Filters

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. A HEPA filter removes airborne particles like pet dander, mold spores, and dust, capturing 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns and larger. Out of every 10,000 particles that pass through the HEPA filter, only 3 can escape if the filter is certified HEPA. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends HEPA air purifiers because they’re highest current standard in air filtration. If you suffer from allergies, a HEPA filter is a necessary requirement for an air purifier. When looking at a HEPA filter, consider aspects like the size and quality of the filter medium. Top HEPA filter brands include Austin Air, Allerair, Blueair, Honeywell, IQAir, NQ Clarifier and Amaircare.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon removes gases, odors, and toxic chemicals. Carbon is “activated” by treating it with oxygen, which opens up millions of tiny pores, creating a surprisingly large surface area. (One pound of activated carbon can have a surface area of 60-150 acres!) Chemicals, gases, and odors stick to the carbon and are adsorbed by its huge surface area, bonding to the surface through chemical attraction. The more carbon there is, the more gases and chemicals it can adsorb. Impregnated carbon has been treated with an additional chemical, typically potassium iodide or potassium permanganate. These chemicals are known as chemisorbents, and they improve the carbon’s ability to handle VOCs and chemically reactive gases.

Electrostatic Filters

Electrostatic filters use some kind of electrostatic charge to attract pollutants. Electrostatic precipitators are air cleaners which charge particles as they pass over an electronic cell and trap the particles on oppositely charged collector plates. The advantage of electrostatic filters is that there are no filters to replace; the disadvantage is that the effectiveness of the air cleaner decreases very rapidly as the collector plates fill up with particles. Unless you are willing to wash them frequently, electrostatic filters may quickly become ineffective. Also, some electrostatic filters may generate unsafe levels of ozone, a powerful lung irritant. The Friedrich air purifier, previously ranked as the top air purifier by Consumer Reports, uses an extremely efficient electrostatic filter.

Charged Media Filters

Another type of filter which relies on electrostatic charge is the charged media filter. Charged media filters charge particles before collecting them in a traditional filter. They can trap very small particles, since they combine a filter and a charge. They can also run more quietly and economically, since the fan does not have to work as hard to draw the particles through the filter. However, like the example above, the charged-media filters lose their efficiency pretty rapidly, and some require frequent and expensive filter changes. These types of units can emit ozone, but the better ones on the market do not. If you are going to purchase this type of air purifier, make sure that it does not emit ozone. The best air purifier in this category is the ultra-quiet Blueair air purifier – and Blueair air purifiers do not emit ozone.

Ionic Air Cleaners and Ozone Generators

Ionic air cleaners operate by drawing in particles and ionizing them (giving them a negative charge). Then the particles are released into the room, where they are attracted to positively charged surfaces like walls and furniture. Since the particles are never really collected by a filter, they stick to surfaces and make your house dirty; moreover, the particles can be dislodged and re-enter the air by simple movements like walking or sitting. Most ionizing air cleaners generate ozone, which is a documented health hazard and lung irritant.

Another type of machine sold as an air cleaner is an ozone generator. Obviously, these types of machines are not recommended. The EPA has published several documents discouraging the use of ozone generators as air cleaners. Not only do they create a health hazard by emitting high levels of ozone, but they are also ineffective at cleaning the air.

If you need a dog day care air purifier, you’ll need one that will clean the air for your doggie clients, their owners, and for you and your staff. In order to effectively handle such big job, make sure it has the following 7 features.

HEPA Filter–A high efficiency particle arresting or HEPA filter is one that will eliminate dog hair and dander, and other airborne particulates that bacteria and viruses attach to in order to spread-pollutants such as dust, lint, atmospheric dust, mold and mildew spores, and pollen. It will eliminate these airborne pollutants as small as .3 microns and with 99.97% efficiency. This means that for every 10,000 airborne particulates, 99,997 of them are filtered out of the air.

Inner Filter for Urine Odor–The smell of urine odor can make or break your dog day care facility, and an inner filter that is specifically designed to remove urine odor is a must. Read carefully to make sure that this is a feature that the purifier you are considering has.

Substantial Warranty on the Purifier–Look for at least a 5 year guarantee. This lets you know that the manufacturer will stand behind the product, and that it has a track record that has proven to be effective.

Prorated Filter Warranty–A prorated warranty means that within a time period specified by the manufacturer, if your filter should stop being effective, the cost of your replacement filter is determined by how long you’ve owned the filter and you will only pay for the time remaining on the warranty.

High Capacitor Motor–The air in your dog day care needs to be filtered 24 hours every day to avoid any build up of odor, dander, or bacteria and viruses-any of which can make for a less than healthy environment for dogs and humans. A motor that is designed to run constantly is essential if it is to keep your air smelling fresh and clean.

Variable Speed Control–Being able to control the rate at which your air is filtered is a great feature to have. This means when accidents happen you can increase the rate that the air is cleaned, and when it’s business as usual you can reduce the rate. This gives ultimate control and saves you money by making the purifier more energy efficient.

Steel Construction–Purifiers made of plastic often off-gas odor as the motor heats up the plastic. The last thing you want to do is to pay money and then introduce another pollutant to your air. A purifier made of steel will insure that the only by-product produced day after day is air that is as clean and fresh as it can be.

Asthma is a disease that consists of two main components. These components are constriction and inflammation, both of which occur in the lung passageways. Constriction is when the airways narrow because muscles tighten around them and inflammation is when the airways get irritated and start to swell. When both of these actions occur together, they cause the symptoms of asthma such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the lungs. A person experiencing an asthmatic attack has difficulty catching his or her breath and is usually coughing or wheezing in order to try to breathe.

Asthmatic attacks can occur at any time. Some can be severe and some can simply seem like a shortness of breath. Due to this characteristic of the disease, some people are still unaware that they have asthma and need to treat it. If asthma goes untreated, a person may experience a decrease in lung function. The disease makes a person’s lungs work harder and without help or treatment from an outside source, a person suffering from asthma will have weaker lungs. Air Purifiers can help.

There are many contaminants in the air that can be asthma triggers. Some of the contaminants include pet dander, allergens, pollen, dust or chemicals. When these substances are breathed in, asthmatics are sometimes affected and can experience difficulty breathing. An asthmatic affected by seasonal allergies may also find that response to the allergies can lead to an asthmatic attack. The toxins found in indoor air can easily be filtered out of the air indoors with an air purifier.

There are simple things that can be done to prevent asthmatic attacks such as keeping pets outside, not smoking tobacco products in the home or dusting all furniture as much as possible. However, air purifiers are proven to be the most effective way to keep indoor air clean and safe. Most air purifiers are proven to remove 99.7% of all particles found in indoor air. Chemical fumes, tobacco smoke and dust can be absorbed into the filter of an air purifier. With these contaminants no longer present in the air, the probability of an asthma attack is very low for the sufferer.

The High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, or HEPA filters, that are used in air purifiers are effective in absorbing most toxins in indoor air that can be related to asthma attacks. They are able to remove 99.7% of all particles that are 0.03 microns and larger. These particles can include pollen and dust particles, which are the main cause of asthma attacks among sufferers. If indoor air pollutants are not removed from the air, they can circulate an indoor room with no escape. The pollutants are then breathed in and can cause a severe or minor asthmatic attack. With an air purifier, these particles and pollutants are absorbed and cannot be circulated throughout the air.

What is a ‘HEPA’ filter?

A ‘HEPA’ filter is a kind of mechanical filter that means it’s a ” high-efficiency particulate air” filter. HEPA was invented during World War II to prevent the escape of radioactive particles from laboratories. To qualify as a true HEPA filter, it must be able to capture at least 99.97% percent of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter, or larger, that enter it.

In a 1990 review of indoor air pollutants, published by The American Thoracic Society, it was stated that air purifiers containing the HEPA filter are able to remove a significant amount of particles from indoor air, making the air cleaner and safer to breathe. Asthmatics who use an air purifier in their home are less likely to have an asthma attack since the pollutants that trigger the attacks are no longer present in the indoor air they are breathing.

There is no known cure for asthma and people diagnosed with the disease will have to deal with it for the rest of their lives. However, with the help of air purifiers, people are finding their asthma attacks are becoming a scarce occurrence instead of a daily struggle. By eliminating particles in the air that trigger attacks, air purifiers are helping people with asthma to cope with their daily lives. Asthma may be an uncomfortable disease but people are finding relief in the use of air purifiers.

Ozone generators [not recommended - these types of "filters" are not reliable since their ozone levels usually exceed acceptable levels]. Although ozone technically clears the air of some particles, most groups do not recommend these. (Note: these are not ion-type filters; see “Electronic Filters” above.) These devices all exceed the acceptable level for ozone.

If you have concerns about any air filter you own or are planning to buy, remember to talk to your doctor first, to find out if air filtration — and what type — is best for you.