2020 started on a low and has continued to steer ominously towards disaster. From choking bushfire smoke to the lingering threat of airborne viruses and bacteria, we are now acutely aware of our home’s air quality. The risk of ‘bad air’ has been acknowledged for decades, with most office blocks fitted with filtration systems to keep everyone’s sinuses happy.
Now we can ensure that the air is clean in our homes with the rise of portable air purifiers. Air purifiers use a fine filter to trap nasty particles, with some being more effective than others. The best air purifiers use HEPA filters to trap minuscule particles like those found in bush fire smoke, and it’s worth paying more for a HEPA equipped air purifier.
There is a satisfying range of air purifiers on the market, with some doubling as electric heaters or coolers. Some are designed for light duties, and some are designed to purify large rooms continually. With so much choice, you must choose the best unit for your needs. Here are some things you need to consider:
How “pure” do you want your air?
Several different technologies can remove harmful particles from the air; the most efficient way is through an aforementioned HEPA filter. High-efficiency particulate air filters must meet a standard, and trap 99.97% of airborne particles. HEPA Filters are the most effective technology for keeping viruses, mold, and even cigarette smoke out of your home.
For those who are more sensitive to VOC’s like the vapors emitted from particular carpets or house paints, an activated carbon filter can be used to scrub the air clean. Activated charcoal panels are best when combined with HEPA filters to trap not only particles but odors too. For those who suffer from asthma, an air purifier with an activated carbon panel will help you breathe easier.
With the latest wave of pandemic induced paranoia gripping the world, a demand for even more extreme methods of filtering out viruses and bacteria from our homes has emerged. Some high-end air purifiers not only scrub the air of microscopic particles but destroy any germs by blasting them with ultraviolet light.
How much air?
For most people, a HEPA filter equipped air purifier is enough to improve their home’s air quality noticeably. Just as important as how an air purifier cleans your air is how much air it can clean. Air purifiers are rated at a max capacity of room size, so match your requirements with this rating to ensure your purifier isn’t being overworked.
If you want to keep your home fresh and comfortable a multifunction purifier can keep electricity costs down. Units like this Dyson purifier fan can not only clean the air with a HEPA filter but can heat or cool your space. Match a purifier’s capacity with your needs; there is no benefit in going larger.
Do I really need one?
The last question is, do you need an air purifier? Do they really work as claimed? Well, happily, an air purifier with a HEPA filter will indeed clean your air from small and potentially harmful particles. If you suffer from allergies, a high-end air purifier will make your home life more comfortable. Whether or not you need it is another question.
While its true most homes are awash with unseen particulate, most aren’t harmful to a healthy human. Nasty particles can be kept out of our homes by regularly cleaning and allowing air to circulate freely. If you have a modern air conditioning system, your air filtration should be adequate.
There is a very real benefit to adding an air purifier to your home. Keeping your family safe is easier with a combination of regular cleaning and a good quality air purifier like a Dyson. Selecting the perfect air purifier is easier when you understand your needs. For large homes, a large unit is required, and for those with special requirements would do well to invest in an activated charcoal panel equipped purifier.
What ever method of air purification you chose, keep in mind that regular cleaning, as well as practicing good hygiene will not only your air purifier do its job, but help you stay safe outside of your home. It’s a dirty world out their folks, keep it clean.