Guides In Selecting For Best Air Purifiers

These days, filtered drinking water is now a standard in American homes. Contaminants, chemicals, bacteria such as e-coli and other disease causing organisms have been found to be swimming in tap water that enters the faucets of city and suburban homes. Today, water pollutants are not just the only things that bother experts and environmentalists. It now includes the air that we breathe. Carbon monoxide, fumes from bio wastes and burnt plastics, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants are polluting the air. That is why having an air purifier at home is becoming a necessity. If you are contemplating on having your own air purifier at home, read on so you would how air purifiers work and which type is the best for you.

Air purifiers, primarily, target three problem areas in the air: (1) air particulate, (2) odors and fumes and (3) bacteria and viruses. These problem areas are provided with different solutions by home air purifier makers. To trap or collect air particulates such as dust, sand, fibers and pollens, the most used filtering technology are HEPA filtration system and ionizer. HEPA or Highly Efficient Particulate Air Filter collects small particles through manual filtration. It is made of durable fibers that allow the air to pass through except the particles that goes along with it. It can ensnare even the smallest mold pores and pollens and other particles that can only be seen through a microscope. Ionizer, on the other hand, uses the principle behind electrostatic energy. This means that a plate is charged to produce ions that can attract air particulate towards it.

Odors and fumes in air are swallowed in by either a (1) activated carbon or (2) ozone. Activated carbon draws into its black, nearly weightless mass odors, smoke and fumes that float in the air. It is actually a charcoal, only more powerful. Ozone on the other hand, releases 03, a chemical by-product which is normally produced in open air during thunderstorm. Ozone is the thing that is responsible for the fresh and crisp scent during rainy season. Air purifiers with ozone apply the same principle. The only difference is that the ozone produced by air purifiers are less concentrated and are released in small amounts only. Ozone when inhaled in large amount are said to be dangerous for the respiratory system. As for bateria and viruses, it can be killed with a UV or curing light. These type of filtering system is a must in hospital and biomedical settings.

These are the basic filtration technologies used in most air purifiers. Mostly, the combination of filtration system are arranged into this: (1) HEPA filter + Activated carbon + UV light and (2) Ionizer + ozone oxidizer + UV light. More people prefer number one over number two. Many users believe, and even some environmentalists and experts, that ozone oxidizer should not be used as air deodorizer because of the harm that it may posed to humans. Activated carbon is much prefered because of its natural way of fighting off odors and smokes.