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Posted on January 23, 2015 by

How Does an Air Purifier Work? 

 

Most folks spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors. The air quality is often worse than it is outdoors. Indoor air quality affects every aspect of life.Those with asthma and other respiratory diseases, migraine headaches and eye and throat irritations suffer from microscopic particles in the air they breathe. An air purifier would benefit these sufferers.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Some machines include a HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. It works by using a fan to force particle-laden air through a grille. Contaminants include:

  • Mold
  • Dust mites
  • Smoke from cigarettes or cooking
  • Pet dander
  • Bacteria and germs
  • Pollen and dust

These particles are passed through a filter which traps them. The clean air is then re-circulated through another fan blowing out of the air purifier into the room. As extra protection, some air purifiers use ionization to clean the air.

This feature releases negative ions into the air which then bond to smaller positive ions from pollutants. The particles will then be big enough to pass through the filter to be trapped.

Are There Types of Purifiers?

Most air purifier brands offer machines in graduating strengths. For example, a top quality machine will remove 99 percent of mold and pollen, 98 percent of pet dander, bacteria, smoke and dust. The next strength in line will remove 98 percent of mold and pollen, 97 percent pet dander and 75 percent of smoke and dust and so on. For homeowners with no allergies or asthma, the least strength air purifier would be right. Whole house air purifiers will protect heating and cooling units.

How Does It Help My Family and Home?
Portable air purifying units are right for certain jobs like spring cleaning or when remodeling dust will be in the air. Whole house units attach to the HVAC system. They can be adjusted as circumstances warrant. Portable air filters need to be changed once in three months. Whole house filters only need to be changed once per year. Homeowners will notice a decline in dry itchy eyes, nose and throats, headaches and breathing problems.

Anything Else I Should Know?

If your home needs bacteria and germ protection, a unit with UV technology would work for you. If odor control is your only problem, seek a HEPA filter with carbon odor control. A HEPA filter in the air purifier will control and eliminate most other contaminants.

Want the fresh purified air in your Albuquerque home? Call Daniel’s Heating & Air at (505) 898-8860 and breathe in the purified air you deserve.