Your home is your safe haven, and its air should be clean, healthy, and comfortable. Unfortunately, research has shown that indoor air is five times more polluted than outdoor air (Fresh-Aire UV). This is especially true if your home does not have sufficient ventilation, meaning the indoor air is circulated repeatedly without being replaced by fresh air. If so, you may need an air purifier for your home.
Indoor air quality is essential because the average American spends 90% of their time indoors, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That means most of the air you breathe is susceptible to the contaminants that enter your home or office daily.
Air purifiers do what their name implies – purify the air. The question is, do they actually work, and are they worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, but their effectiveness depends on the type of purification technology. This post will discuss what air purifiers do, how they work, their benefits, and whether they suit your home.
DO AIR PURIFIERS REALLY WORK?
Air purifiers do an excellent job of purifying the air in your home by removing harmful pollutants, including allergens and bacteria.
In fact, air purifying technology can revolutionize indoor air quality and enhance your ecosystem’s health (IAQ Works). Think about the various contaminants that reside in your home. These might include:
Air purification works by pulling air into a device, then targeting and removing these air pollutants using purification technology. It then releases the clean air back into the room.
There are several types of purifiers, all with various technologies, so let’s dive deeper into some examples.
- Cooking residue
- Odors from trash
- Pet dander
- Dust
- Aerosol products
- Cleaning chemicals
- Pollen
- Mildew
- Bacteria
- Viruses
Air purification works by pulling air into a device, then targeting and removing these air pollutants using purification technology. It then releases the clean air back into the room.
There are several types of purifiers, all with various technologies, so let’s dive deeper into some examples.
While some devices are designed to target just one type of pollutant, others combine these technologies to provide comprehensive air purification.
TYPES OF AIR PURIFIERS
Air purifiers are portable devices that can be moved from room to room or as whole-home units that connect to your HVAC system.
The portable kind is designed only to target one room at a time. Their strength is measured in terms of the “clean air delivery rate,” or CADR, expressed in cubic feet per minute (EPA).
On the other hand, whole-home purifiers work in unison with your regular HVAC cycle, purifying the air as it is circulated through the vents. This means the air is cleaned every time your HVAC unit turns on, refreshing the entire home (IAQ Works).
As previously mentioned, the effectiveness of the purification process depends on the type of technology.
- Ozone: The EPA recommends avoiding using ozone in purification since this can be a lung irritant.
- Activated Carbon: A activated carbon filter is the best solution for targeting gasses and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (EPA).
- UV Light: UV light is an excellent defense against mold and other biological threats, which works by killing airborne microorganisms (Fresh-Aire UV).
- Electrostatic Precipitators & Bipolar Ionization: Both work by giving an electric charge to airborne particles so that they are attracted to collection plates or easily captured by HVAC filters (EPA).
SIX BENEFITS OF AIR PURIFIERS
Since the primary function of air purifiers is to remove unhealthy particles and reduce contaminants in your home, they provide several benefits for your family’s health and comfort. Here are some examples:
- Reduces mold and mildew growth from excess moisture
- Prevents furniture cracking from excess moisture
- Reduces the presence of harmful chemicals
- Kills bacteria and viruses that lead to illness
- Reduces allergens that cause sinus problems and skin irritation
- Keeps home cleaner by reducing dust and dirt
- Improves comfort by providing cleaner, less stuffy air
DOES YOUR HOME NEED AN AIR PURIFIER?
Anyone can enjoy the benefits of air purification, but they may be especially advantageous in specific households. For example, if you notice odors, stuffy air, frequent dust accumulation, or worsening allergy symptoms, this can be a sign that your air quality is poor.
Your air quality should be paramount if you have existing respiratory conditions or suffer from severe allergies. Air purification may also be a worthwhile investment if you work from home since you spend both your work time and your free time in the same environment.
While air purification can provide many standalone benefits, it is most powerful when paired with adequate ventilation. If your home lacks sufficient ventilation, consider installing a whole-house fan with an attic fan or an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation System).
SHOP AIR PURIFIERS
If you want to shop for air purifiers or learn more about their benefits, contact Eagle Air Conditioning. Our experts can help you determine the most functional solution for your home. We also provide free quotes on new product installation.
Get started by calling us at 925-443-2665 or contacting us on our website!
