Clearing the air: research, tips and best practices

Curious about air purifiers? Wondering if they actually work? Discover the impact of air purifiers on your indoor environment. These devices can clean indoor air by eliminating dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers, they can significantly improve your home environment and help you breathe better. When choosing one, consider factors like filter type, room size, noise level, and energy efficiency to ensure it meets your specific air quality needs effectively.

How do air purifiers work?

Air purifiers are devices designed to improve indoor air quality by removing various contaminants from the air. They function by drawing in air using a fan and passing it through one or more filters. This process traps particles and pollutants before releasing purified air back into the room, resulting in cleaner indoor air. These filters can be made of different materials, such as paper, fiberglass, or mesh. The effectiveness of an air purifier depends on the quality of the device, the type of filter used, and the volume of air it can handle.

The most efficient filter for particles is the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, which can capture at least 99.5% of particles in the air that are 3 microns or smaller. In addition to HEPA filters, some air purifiers use electrical attraction to trap particles, like electrostatic precipitating cleaners, electret filters, and negative ion generators. Adsorbent filters can help mitigate odors, while UV purifiers use ultraviolet light to eliminate bacteria and mold on HVAC indoor cooling coils. However, their effectiveness can vary based on the specific model and design of the air purifier.

The Renew air purifier stands out for its effective 4-stage filtering approach to clean the air effectively. The outer pre-filter captures large particles like pet hair and dust. Inside, the washable pre-filter handles smaller particles such as pollen and dust. The heart of the filtration lies in the HEPA-13 filter, which removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. Lastly, an active charcoal filter absorbs gasses (VOCs) and odors from sources like smoke and cooking. This layered approach results in cleaner air, improved sleep and peace of mind.

What do air purifiers filter?

Air purifiers can effectively filter out a wide range of airborne pollutants and contaminants from the air, including:

• Dust and dust mites
• Pollen and other allergens
• Pet dander and hair
• Mold and mildew spores
• Smoke particles from cigarettes, wildfires, and other sources
• Bacteria and viruses
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products, paints, and other household items

The choice of the air purifier and its filters can influence their effectiveness in removing these particles from the air. Products with a layered filtering system, such as the Renew, effectively capture a wide range of particles in various sizes, ensuring an effective purification of indoor air.

Can air purifiers filter the outdoor air that enters your home?

Air purifiers can help reduce the amount of indoor air pollutants present in your air, whether they come from indoors or outdoors. To minimize the entry of outdoor contaminants and improve indoor air quality further, you may consider additional measures like sealing gaps and cracks in your home, using weather stripping, and installing screens on doors and windows. For personalized advice on improving your home's air quality, consulting a professional can provide insights into other potential measures tailored to your specific needs and environment.

Are air purifiers worth the money?

Whether an air purifier is worth the investment depends on your specific needs and circumstances. They can be valuable in the following circumstances:

• Health issues: If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or respiratory problems, an air purifier can help alleviate symptoms by reducing indoor air pollutants.
• Location: Living in an area with high air pollution or experiencing frequent wildfires can make air purifiers more worthwhile, as they can help mitigate the effects of outdoor pollutants.
• Comprehensive approach: Air purifiers work best in a broader strategy for maintaining healthy indoor air. This includes monitoring the air in every room, reducing sources of pollutants, ensuring adequate ventilation, and making improvements to your heating and cooling systems.
• Costs: Consider the initial purchase price, operational costs, and filter replacement expenses. Energy-efficient models with Energy Star certification can help reduce ongoing costs.

What does the research say?

Research shows that purifiers with a HEPA filter have been shown to benefit individuals with allergies and asthma, as well as support cardiovascular health. However, the research also suggests that air purifiers may not be particularly useful for certain pollutants, such as mold, nicotine, gaseous contaminants, animal dander, cockroach allergens, some VOCs, and larger, heavier allergens like dust mites. It's essential to understand the limitations of air purifiers and consider them as part of a broader approach to maintaining clean indoor air.

What should I look for in an air purifier?

When choosing an air purifier, consider the following factors:

• Filter type: Look for models with HEPA filters for effective particle removal.
• Clean Air Delivery Rate: Select an air purifier with an appropriate capacity for the size of the room.
• Noise level: Consider the noise generated by the device, especially if it will be placed in a bedroom or living area.
• Energy efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient models, indicated by certifications like Energy Star.
• Maintenance: Evaluate the ease of filter replacement and the associated costs.
• Additional features: Some air purifiers offer features like timers, air quality sensors, and remote controls, which can enhance convenience.