What is the Best Air Purifier "System" for You?

Types of Air Purifier "Systems"

HEPA-Filter Air Purifiers
HEPA filters use a cloth-type filter which will trap 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns or larger in size, and a fan to move air through the machine. HEPA filters can be very effective in clearing out almost any harmful particles from the air in a room. These air purifiers usually have a replaceable filter that can last several years depending on how filthy the air gets in your home. Although people don’t like the noise level of a HEPA purifier, this type of air purifier can usually remove more pollutants than an ionic air purifier.

Advantages: Allergens are captured...and trapped for good.
Disadvantages: Does not eliminate chemical fumes, gases, cigarette smoke, or odors.

Ozone Air Purifiers
Ozone is a highly reactive oxidant that destroys certain bacteria, chemicals, bacteria and chemicals. Although ozone is very effective against strong odors, there is some warning you should keep in mind.

When ozone reacts with substances in the air, the substances are broken down into other materials that are also pollutants. This is where the controversy lies with ozone machines. You can run ozone machines on low, if adjustable, which manufacturers often advise. Nevertheless, if you are clearing a room from smoke or odors, you can run it on high, while keeping people out of the environment altogether. After the cleaning process, turn the machine off and open windows to clear out the ozone.

Advantages: Extremely effective against odors.
Disadvantages: Not effective on allergens and most chemicals.

Carbon Air Purifiers
Activated carbon air filters consist of a system of pores that are tiny in size. These pores are highly "adsorbent", chemically reacting to particles that pass through them and the particles and odors actually bond with the carbon.

This is the most "absorbent" filter on the market today. Therefore, it is extremely effective in capturing certain types of particles. Note that most carbon-activated air purifiers also include HEPA technology, and so, combine the advantages of both types of technology.

Advantages: Highly effective with chemicals, gases, smoke, and odors.
Disadvantages: Not effective with allergens and micro-organisms.

Ionic Air Purifiers
Ionic air purifiers do not have a cloth filter like the HEPA machines. They work by "ionizing" the air, causing particulates to gain a positive or negative charge. Why charge the particles?
The charge is necessary for two reasons. The air ionizer contains collection plates that have an opposite charge from the particles in the air, so the particles are drawn to the collection plates (these are referred to as “capture” ionic purifiers). Plus, the particulates can be attracted to other particles that have an opposite charge. When this happens the two particles with opposite charges wind up sticking together and falling out of the air (these machines simply release ions into the air without capturing them on plates). FYI... many people like ionizers, because they are very quiet compared to most HEPA air purifiers.

Advantages: Can remove extremely fine particles anywhere in a room; even several feet away from the machine.
Disadvantages: Not effective on odors; doesn't kill germs but removes them from household air.

Ultraviolet Light Air Purifiers
Ultraviolet (UV) lamps are known to sterilize micro-organisms that pass through it, including germs, viruses, bacteria, and mold, therefore, microorganisms, after treated with this light, don't reproduce and grow, especially when UV light is used in an ample dosage and a sufficiently long period of time to do its job.

When used in an air purifier, does the UV light have enough time to perform and sterilize correctly while air is moving through it, possibly at a brisk rate of speed? There is an innovative approach that uses UV lamp combined with a HEPA filter, so particles trapped in the filter can be treated with UV light for an effective amount of time.

Advantages: Helps destroy microorganisms that cause disease.
Disadvantages: Not effective on allergens, smoke, odors, or chemicals.

Hydroxyl Air Purifiers
Hydroxyl radicals are powerful cleansing agents that occur naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere. They are created when oxygen atoms pull a hydrogen atom from water vapor, which then form the radical. Hydroxyl radicals are 1,000,000 times faster at destroying pollutants in the air than ozone. They are the most powerful method of neutralizing mold, bacteria, and viruses.

New proprietary technology has combined hydroxyl radical technology with ultra-violet light and negative ions, resulting in an air purifying system that neutralizes every category of pollutant in your home, including odors, without the need for filters!

Advantages: Removes every category of pollutants when combined with negative ions and UV light technologies. No filter needed; inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Only available from one manufacturer.

There are some very good air cleaners by  Honeywell,  Austin,  Airgle,  Alen, Hunter,  IQAir,  Blueair,  Electrolux,  3M, and WhirlPool, but you must understand the technical differences among these purifiers and take an inventory of your home's indoor air quality before you can find one that's right for you.

Air Purifiers, Ozone Emissions... and Outgassing

Ozone emission, which can be toxic in great amounts, is not desirable, regardless of whether you have allergies, asthma, or a multitude of  chemical sensitivities.  However, the effects are usually worse for people afflicted with these conditions.  To start off, ozone is an irritant to the respiratory system.  It becomes progressively irritating as concentration levels increase. Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not monitor the ozone levels. 

"Out-gassing", which can occur from the silicone used for the gaskets and glues used to attach the filter media to the housing, can out-gas and cause a reaction, especially for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.  If you belong in this class, you should look for an air purifier where the pre-filter and Hepa filter come before the gas filter in the housing, so any out-gassing that could otherwise occur, will be removed by the activated carbon.  Remember also that it is best that there be some type of filter after the carbon gas filter, to remove any carbon particles that may fall off as the air passes through it.

A good air cleaner for those with multiple chemical sensitivities is the IQ Air HealthPro series or the Allerair series.

Top 10 Air Purifier Questions

1. Do I really need an air purifier in my home?

It depends on several factors, including your own level of comfort and your home's indoor air quality.  There are several factors to take into consideration.

First of all, realize that indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality.  In fact, for many people, indoor allergens and irritants, such as dust, smoke and pet dander, may be two to five times as bad in their homes as outdoors.

Second, several indicators will help you decide, if you will benefit from an air purifier in your home.  Top reasons to get an air purifier include:

    * Allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes and runny nose
    * Mold or mildew in your home
    * Itchy, dry skin or frequent skin rashes
    * Being or living with a smoker
    * Asthma or other breathing problems
    * Owning indoor pets 


2. Do all Air Cleaners Remove the Same Kinds of Contaminants from the Air?

No. Even though every type of air purifier cleans certain particulates from the air, there are differences in what and how they clean. Some purifiers remove dust and particulates, such as pet dander and smoke very effectively, while others will actually eliminate bacteria, viruses and molds and mildew. But very few will do all of these things.  In my opinion, the IQ Air HealthPro Series of air purifiers come closest to meeting all these requests from an air purifier.
 
3. What Size Air Purifier do I Need for My Home?

Most air purifiers are designed for individual room use rather than for the whole home.  Unless you have an air purifier or air filtration system that has been installed on your heating or air conditioning unit, you should get separate units for each room or living space.

You need separate units for each room is because effectiveness is affected by air flow, and walls mean no air circulation.  Each room will need its own unit.

To determine what size you need, look for the CADR number.  This number indicates the Clean Air Delivery Rate, which should always equal at least 2/3 the total square footage of the room you will be using the air purifier in.  For example, a 10' X 12' room has 120' square feet, and needs a purifier with a CADR number of at least 80.


4. What Ozone level is Safe for Indoors?

Ozone is a tasteless, colorless gas, found in the upper atmosphere and is naturally produced by thunderstorms during electric discharge.

It is perfectly safe indoors, if kept at acceptable levels (between .02 and .05 parts per million).  This is just like many other type of naturally occurring gasses that aren't harmful to us at certain levels.  Ozone air purifiers have been developed to produce the correct amount of ozone to purify the air without reaching harmful levels.

5. How frequently do  I need to Change or Clean the Filter in my Air Purifier?

Depending on the area of the room and what type and size of air purifier you have, that will tell you how often cleaning and replacement is needed.  Some will need to be changed or cleaned monthly, others more often.

It is very important to check your filter regularly and follow the recommended schedule the manufacturer suggests, since the efficiency of the air purifier relies on proper maintenance.

6. What is a Micron?

A micron is a measurement of the size of a particulate in the air.  One micron is 1/25,400 inch (roughly 100 times smaller than a single strand of hair).  Obviously, a micron is far too small to be seen.  For the purpose of choosing an air purifier, most types are considered very efficient if they can filter airborne pollutants to .3 microns.

7. How Much should I Expect to Pay for an Air Purifier?

This is difficult to determine.  Price doesn't always guarantee quality.  I'm sure you'll be willing to spend enough to get a high-quality product, however,  protect your investment, by making sure your air purifier comes with a warranty.  When buying an air purifier, also take into account the cost of any replacement filters and the electricity to run the unit.

8. How Much Noise Will the Air Purifier Make?

An air purifier with a fan in it will have some noise.  HEPA filters, for instance, have fans to pull the air through the filter itself, although improved casings and quieter fans have been developed for noise abatement.

Ionic and ozone air purifiers don't usually have a fan, because they use an electrostatic charge or ozone, so they are completely silent.  If they combine their technology with a filtration system or a fan to boost air circulation over the plates, there will be some noise, but this will be minimal, and these fans may be shut off when you wish.  In general, the noise level of even an air purifier with a fan is low enough that it isn't intrusive.  You'll be surprised in the fact that you will get used to the "noise", just as I did.


9. Where do I Place the Air Purifier?

The rooms you use the most, or any area where pollutants linger, are the most important rooms for air purifier use.  Your living area, such as a family room or den, should have an air cleaner, especially if you have allergies or pets that are in the room daily, or if you have smokers in your family.

Bedrooms are also a good idea, since allergies and irritants can disturb your sleep. Clean, fresh air has been proven to produce more restful sleep and reduce night breathing problems.

Also, consider getting an air purifier in the bathroom, where odors, mold and mildew are prone to linger.  An air cleaner in the bathroom can  make it fresher and more pleasant, and also reduce the amount of mold and mildew in the air, so that your bathroom will be less of a breeding ground for germs.

10. Where Do I Position the Air Purifier?

It is most important to position it near the most traffic flow or activity in order to get plenty of air circulation around the air filter.  This will increase the air exchange rate and make the air cleaning more efficient.

With a HEPA filter, it is best to position  it near an open area, to ensure air movement all around.  For an ozone air purifier, try to position the air purifier higher, rather than lower, since ozone molecules are heavier than oxygen and will tend to drift downward.  The same planning goes for ionic air purifiers, which release charged particles into the air.

If your air purifier unit is easily portable and you have a heavy smoker in the room, move the air purifier a bit closer to him, if possible and acceptable. Occasionally, you may also want to move the air purifier to a specific room, when a particular odor needs to be banished as soon as possible.
 

What "System" of Air Purification is Right For Me?

Choosing the right air purification system can be challenging.  Here are a few suggestions to start you off:

Since they are more affordable and just as effective as larger units, "portable" home air filtration systems...a.k.a. air purifiers, are the most widely sold variety.  This type of home filtration system is generally of equal or better quality than a "built-in unit", since it "concentrates" on one area at a time.  However, it cannot filter air throughout an entire home, such as a built-in unit.  If you plan to use a portable air purification system, you may need more than one unit – such as for one, or a couple of rooms, placing them especially where you may have the most severe indoor air pollutant sources.  Portable units are light enough, to move from one place to another, as you move about your home.

Ion air purifiers, when used in conjunction with filters, are also a popular home air filtration system choice. These filters emit negative ions into the air, which neutralize pollutants and allergens.  Ion air purifiers may be more costly than traditional filter varieties, although they are generally more effective at destroying microorganisms than other types of air purifiers.

If someone in your family suffers from asthma or another chronic lung condition, you must be aware of how much, if any, ozone your air sterilization system emits. When inhaled, ozone can aggravate the lungs and cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the body’s ability to fight respiratory infections.  If you need the power of an ion generator, be sure to select one with additional filters when making your purchase.

In order to rid all of the toxic pollutants from your home quickly and safely, you should set the machine you have to work at full power, while you are away from your home. If it has an extra feature, such as a timer, set it for a couple of hours with an automatic shut off. This will allow the air sterilization system to work without interference.  Even removing the smallest portion of the toxic organisms and bacteria from your home can benefit your health.  Odors will start to dissipate quickly and you will be able to breathe easier.  Sterilization is a good way to stay healthy by avoiding illnesses.

Where Should You Place the Air Purifiers?
Every area of your home has different contaminants.  Your kitchen, for example, has lingering odors that are not harmful. Meanwhile, in a bathroom, you have aerosols and various offensive odors.  You've got a lot of chemical impurities in the garage, while damp basements can harbor mold growth. Carpet is the one contaminant source related with many allergies and other problems,since it harbors irritants.

Notice how open your house is. Obviously, air needs to move throughout your home and exchanged with fresher outdoor air.  But remember, opening windows and doors will also bring in outdoor pollutants.  Generally, one unit will do the job in a one-level  home.  However, if you live with a smoker or in a multilevel home, you may need two or three units.

7 Unsuspecting Air Pollutants in Your Home

1.The Kitchen Stove
Did you know that your kitchen stove is the main contributor of excess nitrogen in your home?  Yes!...when you're cooking, especially if it is a gas stove, your stove can bring you in contact with  really unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide. Too much nitrogen dioxide is bad for the respiratory system, increasing the risk of asthma attacks and other respiratory illness. You can prevent this from happening by properly ventilating your stove. 2.Ozone-Generating Air Purifiers
We use air purifiers in our homes to purify the air but the fact of the matter is that they sometimes can do just the opposite. Purifiers that emit ozone, a harsh and respiratory system irritant and the main ingredient in smog, can cause you health problems and possibly health damage. Ozone, in excessive amounts, can scar lung tissue, bring on asthma attacks, cause you to have bouts of coughing and lead to permanent damage that could shorten your life.  I recommend that you don't buy an air purifier that emits ozone. See EPA...for more on "ozone-generating machines.
3.Cockroaches 
The droppings, body parts, and saliva of cockroaches can be asthma triggers. Certain proteins, called allergens, are found in cockroach feces and saliva and can bring on allergic reactions, or trigger asthma symptoms, in some people. Traditional pesticides can pollute our ground water, our eco-system as well as the air we inhale. Why not try and keep the house cleaner, making sure that no food is left out in the open , to attract bugs.
4. Laser Printers 
Some type of laser printers used in offices and homes release tiny particles of toner-like material into the air that could pose a pulmonary health threat to office workers, if inhaled. These particles are minute enough to enter the lungs, causing damage equal to inhaled cigarette smoke. Instead, why not print less, or if you do have to print, ventilate the area.
5.Drapes 
Dust mites are the number one reason for indoor allergies and asthma.  Drapes attract dust mites.  Dust mites are related to spiders and ticks but are microscopic, naked to the eye. An easy solution to eliminate, or even reduce dust mites, would be to install window blinds instead of drapes, as this switch would cut down on dust mites' habitat. 
6.Incense
Burning incense emits airborne contaminants as well as benzene and carbon monoxide, two dangerous gases.  Studies show a link between heavy exposure to incense smoke and cancer, asthma, and skin irritation. It's best either to stop totally stop burning incense, or make sure that you  ventilate the room when you burn incense.
7.Spackling
If your spackling compound used for filling holes in walls  has been stored around the house, it may  contain asbestos, says the American Lung Association.  You can find many home-building asbestos products are you home, including roofing and flooring materials, wall and pipe insulation, spackling compounds, cement, coating materials, heating equipment, and acoustic insulation. These products are a potential problem indoors only if the asbestos-containing material is disturbed and becomes airborne, or when it disintegrates with age.  If your home was built before the mid-80's, it could contain asbestos.  You can either hire professional asbestos abatement contractors to investigate or consider installing ¼-inch drywall over the existing ceiling.  This is less expensive, but will require that the old ceiling be well sealed so as to avoid the risk that it will become friable in the future.