If you have allergies, choose an air purification system.
Air quality can have a significant effect on a person's health and well-being, so air purification is a top priority.Since the 1940s, air purifiers have been used to clear indoor environments of air pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold and more.With so many purifiers on the market, it is important to know how to find one that will help you and your family breathe easier.
Step 1: Choose a room that has an air purification device.
If your home doesn't have forced-air heating or cooling, this is the only option for an air purifier.These range in weight from 10 to 20 pounds, have a handle for moving, and can be used in a room of your choice.They are usually less expensive than whole-house models, ranging from $60 to a couple hundred dollars.The room air purifiers need to be replaced every year.This expense can approach the cost of the air cleaner over time.Some newer models have high-efficiency particulate air filters.You can buy air purifiers and filters at your local hardware store.
Step 2: A flat, whole-house air filter is the best option.
This option works with your house's built-in heating and cooling unit.You replace the furnace's filter with a different one.There are four different types of filters: flat, extended media, electronic and ultraviolet.There is a requirement for a replacement every 3-6 months.As long as the fan is running, the system continuously filters the air in your home.A flat filter is used to protect your furnace from large particles of dust.It's better to replace it with a pleated filter.They should be replaced every 3-6 months.
Step 3: An extended media filter is a good option.
A whole-house filter is piled in the shape of an accordion.It is more effective than fiberglass filters.Professional installation is required for the filter to be built into your ductwork.The media filters range in price from $400-$600 and should be replaced annually.The pile of filters is more effective than the flat fiberglass filters.
Step 4: Consider the role of electrostatic precipitators in the environment.
The electronic filters put a high voltage charge on particles to attract them.It costs anywhere from $600 to $1000 to install a electrostatic precipitator in your home.The collector plates need to be washed in soapy water every few months.Ionization can cause lung irritation and create trace amounts of ozone.The electric charge can cause allergies.
Step 5: There is a dedicated ozone generator.
Ozone generators emit small amounts of ozone by design.Dust, smoke, pollen and mold can be reduced by the byproduct.Studies have shown that the claims are inaccurate, that packaging is misleading, and that ozone can cause health problems.The sale of ozone generators has been banned by the state of California.Ozone generators are usually purchased for places where ozone is needed.They shouldn't be used to remove allergens.
Step 6: Think about the size of the purifier.
You have to consider the size of your home or office when choosing an air purifier.Some air purifiers take up a lot of space, while others are small and portable.It is always a good idea to get a space that is slightly larger than yours.This will help to make sure that the machine will be able to emit fresh and clean air.
Step 7: A high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is a good choice.
The most effective way to capture air pollutants is to use a high-efficiency particulate air filter.99% of the contaminants are completely covered by the HEPA filter.Doctors recommend this model the most.The HEPA filter can be vacuumed, meaning that it only needs to be replaced every 5 years, instead of every few months.It's important for people with allergies to avoid buying a vacuum cleaner.Check the particulate size on the box to make sure you are buying a true HEPA.
Step 8: Make sure it has a service indicator.
The indicator tells you when it's time to clean or replace your filter.Make sure your air cleaner has a service indicator to make sure it works well.
Step 9: Search for a system that doesn't make noise.
The setting on which most manufacturers test their devices can make air purifiers noisy.If you want a system that will clean better even at slower speeds, choose a model that is designed for a larger area.
Step 10: There are easy- change filters.
There is no need to remove the air purifier for cleaning or replacement.Look for a system that has a pop-out door that is easy to pull out.The difficulty or tediousness of the task may cause the average person to put off changing a filter.
Step 11: The air change rate or the airflow rating is what you should look for.
The rating is in feet per minute.A measurement of the air change per hour is called the airflow rating.You should look for a purifier that has 3-6 air exchanges per hour or once every 15-20 minutes.The maximum operating speed is used to calculate the manufacturer's ACH rate.A noisier air purifier is usually required for running on maximum speed.If you want to run your machine at a lower speed, you should buy more than you need.
Step 12: The AHAM gives an efficiency rating.
The clean-air delivery rate is the volume of air delivered by an air cleaning system.It measures how quickly it can remove pollutants.The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers is a certifying organization.A system with a CADR above 350 is excellent, while anything below 100 is poor.The system's ability to remove smoke, dust, and pollen is measured.Smoke ranges from 10-450, dust from 10 to 400, and pollen from 25 to 450.The faster the machine, the higher the number.
Step 13: You can find an Allergy and Asthma Friendly certification.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation's endorsement is a new one.This certification shows that the air purification system will actually reduce pollutants.The air cleaner must reduce bio-allergen levels as a result of removal in order to meet the specifications of the program.The Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification was started in 2006 and tests consumer products.The Asthma and Allergy Friendly Program has a list of certified devices.
Step 14: Consumer reviews can be found here.
Online consumer reviews can help determine whether a product is effective.Some features that may not be discussed by the manufacturer such as lifespan, ease of changing the filter, effectiveness towards specific allergies, and more can be addressed by reading consumer reviews.Consumer Reviews is a website that provides reviews and buying guides for consumers.