Picking the best air purifier is a very difficult decision
since the need of each allergy or asthma situation has different needs. Adding to this tough task is different
allergens and different types of home pollutions are removed in different
ways. Below are some comparisons of some
of the more popular type of air purifiers.
Air Purifiers with HEPA (High Energy Particle Arresting)
filters were originally developed for the atomic energy commission and are used
in commercial clean rooms to remove particles of dust and other airborne
pollution. This is a paper or polymer sheet with very tiny holes that allow
airflow to pass though the material but not very much else. The holes are so
small you need a lot of surface area for a reasonable amount of airflow to pass
though the material. It is because of
this that the medium is always folded in an accordion or zigzag fashion to get
a lot of surface area in a small area. There is also a mixed version of the
technology that one manufacturer uses where the holes in the HEPA filter are
slightly larger to promote more airflow but the air is charged with
electrostatic wands. Which then attracts
any of the smaller particles that get thru the holes. HEPA Filters work well in
the home for trapping particulates. The disadvantage
is that the filters must be changed regularly (every 6-months to 5-years
depending on the manufacturer). Before
purchasing you would also want to review how much air by-passes the filter, fan
noise, how long the filter is good for and finally price of both original unit
and replacement filters. The review of
any HEPA unit depends on the efficiency (how much air by-passes the filter),
fan noise, filter life and price.
UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light in the right intensity
destroys the DNA of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. The disadvantage of a UV air purifier is
that removes very few gas pollutants and no air particles. It would be necessary then to purchase a UV
air purifier along with another type or one that combines with another filter
system.
Ion Generator Air Purifiers are small air purifier devices
that put out a stream of negatively charged Ions. These ions charge particulate pollution and
when the particle bumps up against something it sticks due to the electronic
charge. These devices are used on US
submarines and in the poultry industry to keep the feather dust down.
These air purifiers do what they say but there are some very
distinct disadvantages. Particulates end
up on your walls so your walls turn black near the device. Secondly, since they typically do not have a
fan they only work in a localized area.
They also do nothing for gas pollution and some may put off some
dangerous Ozone.
You can see just with the 3 examples above there are
differences in air purifiers. Research
and comparison shopping is necessary to find the right purifier for your
specific case. Do not allow promotional
hype to sway your judgment, picking the wrong air purifier is as bad as not
having one at all.
