In a nutshell, it all depends on what you are trying to accomplish or alleviate. For those with serious allergies, HEPA filters can help capture pet dander and other larger allergens. If you're just looking to freshen up the air, the cost may not be worth it. In other words, air purifiers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Pleated filters are made from folded cotton or polyester fabrics.
They can filter dust and other basic contaminants, but only offer low filtration. More folds provide more coverage for contaminants such as dandruff and mold, but reduce airflow. When it comes to knowing if you need a new air filter, don't trust your eyes; trust your calendar. Air purifiers look great on paper, but are they really worth it? The answer is yes. Air purifiers are a must for any home.
Every particle of pollen, dust, dander, hair, mold, bacteria or mold that a filter traps is one less thing that you and your family breathe. Every time you clean a dirty air filter, remember that everything it traps could have ended up in your lungs. The best ways to improve indoor air quality are to eliminate any source of pollution and ventilate with clean outdoor air. When those methods aren't possible or aren't enough, portable air purifiers can help reduce indoor pollution. HVAC air cleaners are installed in return air ducts right before the air handling unit or furnace.
Most are washable, but it's a hassle you might not want. An air purifier eliminates allergens by circulating household air through a filter. This traps airborne contaminants so they no longer irritate the eyes, nose and throat. With fewer allergens in the air, daily activities such as cooking and cleaning will be easier. You'll also be more comfortable and you can relax. Air and HVAC filters are designed to filter out contaminants or pollutants from the air passing through them.
Air cleaning and filtration can help reduce pollutants in the air, including particles that contain viruses. Air filtration systems keep these hazardous compounds out of the air and away from children, pets, seniors, and other family members. In addition, there are other factors happening in your home that can affect effectiveness, such as ventilation (windows open or closed) and new particles that constantly emerge, so the air may not be as filtered as the claims lead you to believe. Models that include germicidal UV lamp technology to irradiate bacteria and mold spores into the air stream or filter cost even more; however, once again, there is a lack of research to show that they work. With an air filtration system installed in the building, people who breathe indoor air will have fewer asthma attacks and a better quality of life.
The EPA does not recommend the routine use of DIY air purifiers as a permanent alternative to products of known performance (such as commercially available portable air purifiers). Air purifiers usually consist of a filter, or several filters, and a fan that sucks in and circulates the air. As air moves through the filter, contaminants and particles are captured, and clean air is returned to the living space. The downside of a combined PCO or PCO filter is the higher cost of the air filter and the cost of electricity for its operation. As a rough estimate, the HEPA and activated carbon filters should be replaced every 8,760 hours when the air cleaner is turned on.
In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that the functionality of air purifiers is limited in terms of filtering gases and that you should replace filters frequently for optimal functionality, usually about every three months or more. When used correctly, air and HVAC filters can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a small building or space. The EPA, ASHRAE and CDC recommend upgrading air filters to the highest possible efficiency that is compatible with the system and verifying filter fit to minimize filter air bypass. Because they filter airborne particles such as dander and pollen, air purifiers may work better for people with animal allergies who have a dog or cat or who leave doors and windows open, Singla says. UV air purifiers do not filter the air and remove harmful particles in the air; instead they neutralize airborne biological pollutants. There have been questions about whether DIY air filters can be effective in reducing virus particles indoors.
