Allergy Air-Purifiers

Posted by Bertha W. Mathias on November 8th, 2017

Millions of Americans develop breathing/respiratory problems if they breathe in air containing a variety of particulate (organic) matter (allergens) such as dust, pollen grains, fungal spores, mite, fibers, or pet hair) in our homes. According to BedtimeDeal, it's important to have a air purifier in every home. 

More distressing is the fact that more children under five have become more prone to respiratory problems caused by allergies/asthma. The EPA, the American Lung Association (ALA) and even the Institute of Medicine, appreciate and recommend air filtration for people with allergies and asthma, not as a solution, but for alleviating the distressing symptoms of allergy/asthma.

When we speak of allergy air-purifiers, we are talking of airborne allergens such as: dust, pet hair, fungi/molds, mite allergens, fibers, etc. There are many air-purifiers designed especially to tackle these allergens. So, which one will you choose? Knowing the source of your allergy helps a lot. If you are unsure, consult your doctor. If you plan to rid your home of allergens, you can choose from HEPA, ionic, activated charcoal and UV air purifiers/filters. A high percentage of allergy healthcare specialists recommend HEPA allergy air-purifiers.

HEPA Air-Purifiers

HEPA filters were first developed for NASA’s space shuttle. HEPA is an industry standard in air-purification. An air-filter with HEPA certification means it must be 99.97% effective at removing airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. Many companies sell HEPA air purifiers, some much better in quality than others. The best have 5-10 year warranties on the machines themselves. HEPA filters must be periodically changed for optimum performance and longevity of your air purifier.

Ionic Purifiers (Ionizers)

Standalone Ionic air-purifiers do not need their filters replaced. When particulate matter comes into a stream of negatively charged ions emitted by an ionizer, the particles become negatively charged and cling to curtains, walls, or fall to the floor, away from the air you breathe. Though they don’t eliminate all allergens from the air, ionizers are noiseless and cheap.
*Note: You are advised to keep away from Ionic Purifiers (for indoor air-purification) that use ozone in their systems.

Electrostatic (Electronic) Air-Cleaners

Electrostatic precipitation air-purifiers are available as portable and whole-house models. The latter are installed by connecting them to the cold-air return plenum on your home-heating furnace. They are quite efficient and remove around 95% of dirt and 85% of microscopic particles. You can get further details of whole-house electronic air cleaners from domestic central-heating contractors. Installing electrostatic air-cleaners costs between 0 and 0, depending on the features you choose.

UV Air-Purifiers

If you have a problem with mold or bacteria, a UV air-purifier is an appropriate choice. These air purifiers emit UV light, which kills microbes such as mold, fungus, bacteria, and even viruses. UV air-purifiers cost from for a single-room appliance, to ,200 for an advanced air-purifier that covers a large area by combining five filters - HEPA, Activated Carbon, pre and post filters and four UV lamps.

Activated Carbon Filters are great in absorbing chemical pollutants. They change contaminants from gases to solids. Activated carbon is porous, and can adsorb volatile chemicals that are molecular in size, but not larger particles.

Ozone Air-Purifiers

The only absolutely safe use of ozone generating air-purifiers is in uninhabited rooms.

Summary

In conclusion, a carefully chosen HEPA or its combination with other filtration systems is your best bet to tackle a majority of pollutants and toxins in the air you breathe.