There are several technologies that are effective in providing real improvement to indoor quality. HEPA air purifiers and electrostatic air cleaners typically feature activated carbon and sometimes UV purification. We offer the best air purifier models that employ these technologies at affordable prices from Alen,Allerair, and Austin Air.
The brand of air purifier and technology that is best for you must be researched, because each solution targets a different problem. HEPA filters effectively remove 99.97% of all particulates, such as pollen and dust, that pass through the filter, returning purified air to your home or office. HEPA filter technology is the best technology available for air cleaners. It is a highly effective system that relies on regular filter maintenance to remain efficient. HEPA alone removes particles, but not chemicals and odors. To address this need, room air purifiers must also have some form of activated carbon, from as little as a thin mat to as much as 15 pounds. UV can also be employed in a HEPA air purifier to eliminate microorganisms.
Whether your needs are for allergy air purifiers or an air purifier to address cigarette smoke, we will help you find the right one. Investing in an air purifier is an important decision. When you buy from AirPurifiers.com, we make sure that your order ships on time and that you have access to our product expert team post-purchase. We take the needs of our customers seriously and work hard to ensure 100% satisfaction.
Each of our air purifier units is intended to serve a slightly different requirement, from allergy arresting to addressing MCS, as well as serving different room sizes. We do our best to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each air purifier we carry to make your search easier.
Air Purifier Technology
Air purifiers employ what seems to be simple technology on the surface. An effective air purifier draws air from the room with a fan, cleans the air, and sends it back out into the room. There are a number of ways cleaning is performed while in the actual system. First, there is adsorption. Adsorption involves a media like activated carbon or zeolite. These medias are porous so that the airflow is exposed to relatively large surface area. As the chemical contaminates come in contact with the media, the chemicals combine with the media and are thus removed from the room. Adsorption will remove chemicals and some tobacco smoke and odors, but it has little impact on particles.
The second approach for an air purifier is mechanical filtering, much like your furnace filter. In this case, the room air is cleaned of particles through a very fine screen. An example of a very fine screen is a HEPA filter that removes particles as small as 0.3 microns. While an air purifier that uses HEPA will remove particles like pollen and mold spores, they have less effect on chemicals; this technology is typically used in combination with some form of adsorption filter.
The third air purifier technology is electrostatic, also known as electronic. An electrostatic air purifier uses charged plates to give particles a charge of one polarity (positive or negative) and a set of collecting grids or plates that have the opposite electric charge. As the charged particle nears the collecting grid, it is drawn there by the opposite charge on the collecting plate. As the particles build on the collecting plates the charging voltage will start to arc, causing a popping sound. This is when you know it is time to clean the air purifier plates.
Ultraviolet light (UV) is a complementary technology that kills microorganisms, such as bacteria and mold spores. UV is always used in conjunction with other air purifier technologies instead of on its own.
Many high-end air purifier models use some type of pre-filter, in addition to the filter elements mentioned above. The purpose of a pre-filter in an air purifier is to extend the life of the fine filter, such as a HEPA element, by removing large particles before they can get to the HEPA filter. You will typically find visible dust, hair, and lint in the pre-filter. By keeping the pre-filter clean, you can dramatically extend the life of your HEPA filter and improve the overall efficiency of your air purifier.
We focus on effective systems and specifically ignore air purifier technologies that use or produce detectable levels of ozone or other non-fan based technologies that may be considered hazardous.
Efficiency of Home Air Purifiers
Efficiency refers to the amount of air that is actually passed though the filter system of an air purifier. While a high grade air purifier HEPA filter will remove 99.97% of the particles that are 0.03 micron and smaller, this only takes place in the flow that actually passes through the HEPA filter. In a typical store brand air purifier, a significant percentage of the airflow slips by the filter system and is propelled back into the room without being cleaned. Unfortunately, manufacturers are not required to state their air purifier efficiency. We carry only the most efficient and highly-rated brands on AirPurifiers.com, based on test results and feedback from our customers.
Applications for Home Air Purifiers
The key to addressing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues is the removal of the source of the pollutant or irritant, if possible. If you are allergic to mold spores, your first step is to determine the source of the mold, and if possible, to remove it. Secondly, it is important to make sure that your system is well-maintained and that the filter is high quality and changed regularly. Read real customer case studies and air purifier applications.
Asthma Air Purifiers
This is a tough medical condition with many triggers, and we will only address the asthma that is induced by poor air quality. The asthma irritant may be either a particle, such as pollen or a chemical, or smell. Therefore, we must utilize both mechanical and adsorption air purifier technologies. This translates to HEPA and activated carbon air purifier media. Our top recommendations are the Alen BreatheSmart, Alen A350, Austin Air Healthmate, and AllerAir 5000 Exec. Read more about the best air purifier for asthma.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) or Chemical Allergies
We recommend the elimination of the source of your chemical sensitivity. While air purifier units will help, the constant irritant will increase your sensitivity. After you have addressed the source, the air purifier technology that will be of primary importance is adsorption. There are a number of models that specifically address MCS, including the AllerAir 6000 Exec air purifier and the Alen A375 air purifier.
Pollen, Dust, and Mold Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common concerns that can be addressed by a home air purifier. All of these pollutants can be classed as particle pollution and can be handled by the air purifier technologies available on AirPurifiers.com. If smells or odors also tend to trigger your allergy, then you should consider using air purifiers to address your symptoms. Read more about the best air purifier for allergies.
Pet Allergies
Cleaning your pet’s bedding, toys, and play gyms is paramount prior to installing an air purifier. Doing so reduces the amount of pet dander, the source of pet allergies, in the air. Cats in particular clean themselves by licking their fur. This leaves a very fine film of saliva on their fur that dries and then goes airborne as a very fine dust. This is the primary cause of most pet allergic reactions. While this represents a mechanical pollutant and would indicate that a HEPA air purifier technology be used, we have found that our customers are happiest if chemicals or odors are also addressed with activated carbon. Read more about the best air purifier for pet dander.
Tobacco Smoke
The smoke from cigarettes is a mixture of gasses and particles. It is particularly hard to address with a room air purifier; because the source is so active, it constantly releases pollutants. Even if all of the indoor air went through the air purifier 6 times per hour, a cigar will still overwhelm the air purifier until it is extinguished. Luckily, if you are unable to convince the smoker to go outdoors, there are several home air purifier units that manufacturers have specifically designed to address tobacco smoke and the multitude of pollutants it contains. AllerAir air purifier models are designed to address this problem. When tobacco smoke is involved, general cleaning is also recommended to reduce the odor. For example, wipe down the light bulbs in the room. Light bulbs attract smoke when they are hot, and the chemicals settle on the bulbs. Read more about the best air purifier for smoke.
Bacteria or Virus
An air purifier is often used to address bacteria and virus concerns in cases where there is an ill person in the home. It is useful when trying to protect others from infection or as a preventative for those who are susceptible to infection. UV light can be helpful for an air purifier to be effective in addressing these issues. Allerair Exec UV air cleaners all contain a 10 watt UV bulb designed to destroy bacteria and viruses, and also feature HEPA and adsorption media.
Maintenance of Home Air Purifiers
As with any high quality mechanism, maintenance is key to the life of the air purifier, its efficiency, and effectiveness. Filter elements must be changed, or in the case of electronic systems, cleaned on the schedule provided by the manufacturer. However, to really maintain your air purifier at top efficiency, the pre-filter should be cleaned on a regular basis. Regular cleaning allows your air purifier to breathe more easily, thus translating to many benefits for you. First, regular cleaning will lower the noise level, as the airflow will not be constrained. Second, the main filters will last longer because the pre-filter will be more efficiently protecting it. If you prefer, replacement pre-filters are very inexpensive and are the best investment you can make to maintain your air purifier. While you are changing or cleaning the pre-filter, we advise wiping down the rest of the air purifier with a slightly damp rag. Your high quality unit from AirPurifiers.com will last for years and keep your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) high.
Air Purifier Reviews and Ratings
All of the manufacturers that we represent produce quality air purifier models and deliver them in a timely manner. They are steps above those offered at home improvement, drug, and discount stores. Moreover, none of the air purifier products found on our site present a danger to your family. Our air purifiers use proven technology that works. The top air purifiers we offer are made by Alen, AllerAir, and Austin Air. All brands feature simple controls and quality engineering. Austin Air models offer a very long filter life, while Allerair air purifiers offer all-metal construction and powerful smoke removal units. Alen offers the best value, featuring excellent filtration and the only Forever Guarantee. If you are not sure how to begin your search, please call us to discuss your specific needs. We offer great prices and free shipping, and we love to help our loyal customers every day of the year.
