Effective Air Purifiers: Is Yours Doing Its Job?

If you suffer from seasonal allergies caused by pollen or have dust allergies or asthma, perhaps you’ve tried an air purifier in your home or office. These air-cleaning devices remove pollutants from the air indoors. This includes dust and pollen but also mold, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals too. However, choosing effective air purifiers is important. It must be powerful enough to provide air changes in the room where its needed. Also, air purifiers work best when you follow a few simple rules for placement at home and work.

Indoor Allergens

First, let’s look at why you should consider using air cleaning technology. Over 50 million people suffer from allergies in the United States. These allergies include hay fever (allergic rhinitis) as well as food allergies, and eczema. When air purifiers change the air indoors, they also trap allergens and prevent them from circulating. Allergens include mold spores, dust particles, and dust mites — even dead skin cells. Many viruses, including the one that causes COVID, spread through airborne transmission. Portable air cleaners used in homes and businesses limit the spread of viruses and create healthier indoor environments. That said, not every device is effective in every room and the type of filter used is an important consideration.

Room Air Changes on Effective Air Purifiers

Not every room has the same requirements for air changes. Commercial spaces differ from residential ones. The size of the room matters as does occupancy. HVAC technicians use ACHs to determine the correct device for a particular room. That stands for Air Changes Per Hour. It’s a measure of the number of times a complete air change is needed to maintain healthy indoor air quality. A school classroom may require as many as 20 ACHs. On the other hand, your living room might require 10 to fill the room with clean fresh air every hour. For warehouses and manufacturing facilities other factors come into play such as chemicals and contaminants. Contact a certified HVAC firm for a more precise determination. These companies also assist with choosing effective air purifiers.

HEPA Filters

ACHs are important as is the type of filter used in the most effective air purifiers. A HEPA filter provides the best protection against the spread of allergens. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is the standard for clean air. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter. It’s important to choose a true HEPA filter and not one labeled as “HEPA like” or “HEPA type”. This is marketing language and does not indicate a true HEPA filter.

Another marketing term to watch for is “efficiency”. While efficiency is important, you also want a device that is “effective”. An efficient machine moves air but if it does not use a true HEPA filter to remove particles, it is not efficient. If the goal is to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms, chose a device that is both effective and efficient.

Choose the Right Size

It’s also important to choose effective air purifiers to match the size of the room. Room size is based on square footage and ceiling height. A device such as the Aeramax 290 Air Purifier is an ultra-quiet machine designed for residential use in rooms from 300 to 600 feet. It’s perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. This model also features a carbon air filter that removes odors but also traps chemicals released by household cleaning agents. For offices, conference rooms, lobbies, and classrooms, size also matters. Consult with a professional IAQ firm for recommendations on the correct commercial air cleaner for a given room or building.

Most Effective Air Purifier Placement

Size and filter matter but so does the placement of effective air purifiers. For best results place the device close to the source of contaminants. For example, in the home, this could be a litter box or in a bedroom to remove pet dander. Portable air cleaners allow you to use them in different rooms as needed. That said, it’s important to keep them away from rooms with excess moisture such as bathrooms. They should not be used in tight areas that prevent sufficient air intake. The best placement is off the ground and used with windows and doors closed.

Get Expert Advice on Effective Air Purifiers

If you have questions about choosing the right air cleaner for work or home, give us a call at 727-572-4550. We also provide DIY screening kits to test for the presence of allergens and chemicals in homes and commercial buildings.