Air purifiers and filters remove harmful bacteria, pollen, pet dander, dust, and pollution particles from the air. They use a system of internal fans that suck air through the filter layers to clean it before expelling back into the surrounding environment.
Cleaning the air in your house with an air purifier is important when considering that the air indoor can be between 2 and 10 times dirtier than the air outside. How you and your family will benefit from cleaner air are many, ranging from allergy reduction to increased general health.
Here is a list of just some of the many reasons you should think about investing in a quality air purifier or filter today:
- Air purifiers remove some of the most harmful pollution particles from the air. The best models use HEPA filters to remove up to 99.97% of tiny 0.3-micron particles that are known to cause lung cancer and other chronic respiratory illnesses. Air purifiers ensure your lungs are given a rest when you are at home, especially if you live in an area with bad air quality.
- Air purifiers do more than clean the air. They are also efficient at eliminating lingering odors from cooking, pets, cigarette smoke, and smoke from an open fire. This helps ensure that your house stays smelling fresh enough to invite guests around without dealing with anxiety about any embarrassing smells.
- Air filters can alleviate allergy symptoms by removing allergens from the air. If you are someone who suffers from allergies, either because of pet dander, mold, or seasonal pollen, turning an air filter on for an hour or two in the day and before bed can provide significant relief.
- Air purifiers trap the vast majority of harmful airborne pathogens like viruses and bacteria. These pathogens cause your family to get sick when the seasonal cold or flu comes around every year. An air purifier can reduce the risk that bacteria and viruses expelled by coughing and sneezing will infect anyone else, helping you and your family stay healthy.
- Air purifiers reduce dust. It does not matter how stringently you clean your living space; you will never manage to stop dust from accumulating. An air purifier will suck in and trap dust particles before they have the chance to settle, cutting down on the amount of dusting you will need to do to keep your house clean.
The Best Filter Type for Allergy Sufferers
Only if you have suffered the constant irritation caused by pet dander, pollen or dust will you understand how truly debilitating allergies can be. Sometimes, the nonstop discomfort of itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, and continual bouts of coughing and sneezing can leave you feeling frustrated and quite hopeless.
If this sounds like you or any other member of your family, there is something you can do other than doping yourself up with piles of antihistamines. With just a few strategically placed air filters dotted around your house, you can help clean the air of allergens, allowing you to get on with your life.
When buying an air purifier or filter for your air conditioning unit, be aware that there are several different types. Each type offers a slightly different level of protection, so you should make sure to look for one proven to be effective at eliminating the allergens to which you are sensitive.
True HEPA Filters
Air purifiers that use replaceable True HEPA filters are proven to remove 99.97% of particles from the surrounding air. As well as the HEPA layer, the vast majority of HEPA filters also have a layer of activated carbon, which adds to their overall effectiveness. This combination makes True HEPA filters a great choice if you or any member of your family suffers from allergies. Among the particles that True HEPA filters are efficient at trapping are pollen, smoke, dust, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.
True HEPA/UV–C Filters
True HEPA/UV–C filters offer the most protection of any HEPA filter. While they may cost more than simple True HEPA filters, True HEPA/UV–C uses a powerful germicidal UV light to remove 99% of airborne pathogens in addition to the 99.97% of particles trapped by a standard True HEPA filter.
HEPA-Type Filters
If you are allergic to anything other than pet dander, it is probably wise to steer clear of HEPA-Type filters. While they are effective at trapping smoke, dust, lint, odors, and pet dander, they will not remove mold spores, pollen, or dust mites from the air in your house in the same way as True HEPA filters.
Activated Carbon Filters
The minuscule pores on the surface of activated carbon react with chemicals contained by pollutants and smoke, joining with them and sucking them out of the air. However, allergens and dust do not cause this same chemical reaction, meaning that activated carbon filters on their own are not a great choice to alleviate allergy symptoms.
Ionic Air Purifiers
Ionic air purifiers do not purify the air per se. Instead, they give particles and dust a negative ionic charge, making them heavier and causing them to sink to the ground. On falling, they are then attracted to surfaces in a room, most of which tend to hold a positive charge. Since these accumulated particles are liable to become airborne again when disturbed, ionic air purifiers may not be suitable for people looking for allergy relief.
The Verdict
Spring is currently in full swing in Florida and across the Southern States. The type of filter that you choose to purify the air in your Pensacola property will largely depend on the level of protection that you are looking for.
If you are investing in a filter or air purifier chiefly as a means of gaining allergy relief, you should not look at anything below a True HEPA-grade filter. These are the only filters with the capability of removing dust mites, tiny pollen particles, and mold spores from the air in your living space.
Call Air & Energy of NWFL today to arrange a free quote.
This article was written by:
Nathan Noa
Co-Founder & Home Comfort Specialist