Even though your home may look spotlessly clean, the air in it could be contaminated with microscopic organisms that the eye can't see. Pollutant levels (airborne particles, gases, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds) are actually higher inside the home than they are outside. Poor quality indoor air affects people to different degrees, depending on an individual’s age and relative health. Indoor home air purifiers remove these microscopic organisms giving you pure, fresh air to breathe. There are different ways of protecting yourself and your loved ones against indoor air pollutants. Indoor air mold
One of the most common indoor air pollutants is air mold. Mold exists wherever moisture and oxygen are present. Molds can often be found in damp basements, closets, bathrooms, air conditioning systems, humidifiers, and any humid place inside your home. Here are some steps you can take to improve the quality of air in your home.
Improving indoor air quality
The first step in improving indoor air quality is to try to control the source of the pollutant. If the source stems from indoor air mold, smoke, or some type of chemical, you can actually remove it from your home through a thorough cleansing. On the other hand, some indoor air pollutants such as dust, pollen and pet dander are not so easily eliminated.
The next step is to improve the ventilation in your home. Bringing fresh air into the house by opening windows is not only helpful but also very simple. However, avoid opening those windows on a high pollen-count day or in a smoggy city as it will probably worsen the air situation in your home. Home air purifiers should be able to rid your home of a variety of contaminants including particles released during normal kitchen processes such as cooking and cleaning, tobacco smoke pollutants that remain suspended in the air, and air that gets stale and full of contaminants due to improper circulation.Lastly, the addition of a home air purifier can greatly improve the air quality in your home. There are numerous types of air purifiers on the market—be sure to buy one that is well suited for the dimension and uses within your home.
Types of Home Air Purifiers
All home air purifiers are designed to clean and purify the air people breathe. They are made to reduce odors and airborne pollutants that contribute to poor air quality, and filter common allergens such as pollen, mold and dust. Air purifiers can be portable, to add convenience, or permanently installed. The most common air purifiers available for home use are HEPA (High Energy Particulate Arrestance), ionic, and UV (Ultra Violet) based. HEPA certified air purifiers must rid 99.97% particles in the air that measure 0.3 micrometers. Ionic air purifiers give a negative ion charge to all suspended particles making them heavy and allowing them to settle on the ground. These particles can be vacuum cleaned. You can also find models available that trap these particles, allowing you to get the filter cleaned later. UV based air purifiers circulate the air through it, destroying all the airborne particles using ultra violet light. Air that comes out of the unit is pure and free of any suspended particles.
Things to Consider When Buying A Home Air Purifier
Area Coverage – Make sure the square footage recommended for the air purifier is capable of handling the square footage of the room where you intend to use it. The coverage listed should be at least as large if not larger than the room.
Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) – This number tells us how frequently the air purifier can exchange all the air in a given room in an hour. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you will probably want a higher ACH rating.
Filter Replacements – Filters have to be replaced on many types of air purifiers. Make sure to find out the cost of the filters and how often they must be changed. Even the lower-cost filters can become quite expensive, so it is a factor to consider over time. Regular maintenance in changing filters is crucial to clean air quality. A home air purifier which uses a filter to trap the pollutants will circulate these very pollutants if not cleaned or changed at the specified time.
Noise Level – Some air purifiers are very quiet, while others can be quite loud. A good idea is to ask for a trial demonstration of the unit before purchasing it.
Energy Usage –Air purifiers operate on energy and run continuously, so the amount of energy they consume will be reflected on your energy bill. Be sure you are aware of this increased usage charge before you make your decision.
Whatever type of home air purifier you choose, you can be sure you will be breathing cleaner, more pure air in your own home.
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