Breathe Easy with the Right Type of Air Purifier
Spring pollen, city smog and cold viruses abound around the Delaware and Maryland area. However, not all of these contaminants are of equal concern to everyone.
Because different air purifiers target different contaminants, the type of air purifier that’s best for your home depends largely on which air pollutants you want to eliminate. Higher-efficiency filters Flat panel or pleated air filters with MERV ratings between 7 and 11 are highly effective at removing pollen, mold spores and other lung-irritating particles.
They’re economical, and you can install them yourself, making them a good choice if you’re managing mild allergies or asthma. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters These filters remove 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns or smaller. This includes some of the smallest contaminants, such as smoke particles, bacteria and viruses. Whether in a portable air cleaner or in a professionally installed HVAC system, these are ideal if you have more severe allergies or other respiratory problems.
Electrostatic precipitators This type of air purifier captures particles by imparting them with an electric charge, so they stick to a metal plate inside the cleaner. Filters rely on dense materials for efficiency, but if the material is too dense, it will impede airflow.
Electrostatic air purifiers don’t use filter material, allowing them to remove very small particles without impeding airflow. UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) systems The UV (ultraviolet) lights in these air purifiers shine on air passing through your ducts, neutralizing biological contaminants, including mold spores, viruses and bacteria. As a supplement to your air filter, they reduce risk of mold growth and help you avoid catching the flu and colds.
Adsorbents
Most of these purifiers contain activated carbon that absorbs odors and certain types of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), potentially harmful fumes given off by carpeting, paint and other household materials. Consider these air cleaners if your goal is fresh-smelling air or if you’ve recently remodeled or redecorated your home.
At Sobieski Services, Inc., our goal is to help our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey learn more about energy and home comfort issues – especially HVAC and plumbing issues – so that they can save money and live in healthier, more comfortable homes.
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