If you’re in the market for an air purifier, you may be realizing that some brands are spouting lots of claims. And most of those claims could feel too good to be true. So, it’s only typical that you might be questioning are air purifiers a waste of money.
They’re worth it, according to the EPA, as they’re an excellent method to better your Pacheco home’s indoor air quality. Today’s houses are securely sealed and thoroughly insulated, which is fantastic for energy efficiency, but not so good for indoor air quality.
As modern houses don’t naturally allow in as much outside air as aging homes, contaminants such as dust, pet dander and cleaning products can accumulate in your home. The outcome? Air that’s more contaminated than the outdoors, which is a problem if you have allergies, asthma or are vulnerable to respiratory irritation.
Our indoor air quality professionals at Clean Air HVAC can help you cut through the clutter and choose the best home air purifier. Just contact us at 925-233-6238 and we’ll be happy to assist you. Meanwhile, discover more about how air purifiers operate, their perks and our recommendations to help you select the right air purifier.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Most home air purifiers rely on a fan to collect air. Then, the air passes through one or more filters to catch pollutants before being recirculated.
These filters might include a charcoal filter, to remove odors, and a HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filter. A HEPA filter is at least 99.7% effective at filtering tiny particles as little as .3 microns, like dust, pollen, mold and some bacteria.
An air purifier can be movable and used to purify a single area. Or they can be added to your HVAC system, providing strong filtration for your entire residence.
The EPA says you should be aware that air purifiers can’t eliminate every contaminant from your house’s air. But when used in tandem with a better filter for your HVAC system, they can considerably reduce the level of indoor air pollution.
4 Perks of Air Purification
Getting an air purifier for your house can offer lots of good health advantages. Here are just a few of them.
1. Decreases Allergy and Asthma Triggers
Air purifiers decrease pollutants in your residence, such as some of these standard triggers:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mold
- Volatile organic compounds, such as cleaners, air fresheners and personal care products
2. Alleviates Other Symptoms Related to Poor Indoor Air Quality
Even if you or someone in your household doesn’t experience allergies or asthma, an air purifier can reduce other symptoms related to poor indoor air quality. These involve:
- Scratchy throat, eyes, nose or skin
- Headaches
- Sneezing and coughing
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
It can be tricky to identify symptoms related to indoor air quality, because they can be caused by many other illnesses. However, if you’re aware that you feel better after you leave home, your indoor air quality is probably causing a problem.
3. Removes Odors
Odors that hang around, like cigarette smoke or cooking smells, can be tricky to get rid of. If you having problems with eliminating heavy smells in your home, our professionals suggest purchasing an air purifier with a charcoal or activated carbon filter.
4. Can Decrease Your Probability of Getting Sick
An air purifier can remove some bacteria and viruses under certain airflow conditions, keeping you and your family in better health especially during cold months. To take total advantage of this benefit, our pros advise a UV air purifier. Disinfecting ultraviolet light gives an additional layer of protection against airborne pathogens.
Air Purification Systems to Avoid
You’re better off without some air purifiers. Here are a few styles to stay away from when choosing a system for your home:
- Produces ozone. Some air purifiers create ozone, which can irritate your lungs. The EPA advises skipping ozone air purifiers.
- Doesn’t include HEPA filters. For the best filtration, you’ll want a HEPA air purifier. Regarded as the gold standard for healthy air, HEPA filters are used in most healthcare settings, including hospitals.
- Only purifies an individual room. We recommend getting a whole-house air purifier, which cleans the air across your home. This solution works in tandem with your home comfort system.
When you work with the indoor air quality professionals at Clean Air HVAC, we make it simple to select the best air purifier for your residence. Give us a call at 925-233-6238 to begin breathing healthier air now!