Use 4 Guiding Factors To Choose An Air-Purification System
While ratings from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other organizations help point you toward air purification devices available in Delaware, these ratings alone don’t always tell the whole story. To choose an air purification system that provides state-of-the-art air cleaning, let these four factors guide you.
1. Filtration of fine particles – Many air contaminant particles are smaller than 0.1 microns, yet the majority of filtration systems are rated for their ability to capture particles 0.3 microns or larger. If you want a system that filters the smallest contaminants, look for a HEPA (high-efficiency particle air) filtration system. A certified HEPA filter can trap at least 99.97 percent of air contaminants down to 0.3 microns, but it also catches smaller particles. For filtration of ultra-fine particles, you may need a filter with a MERV, or minimum efficiency reporting value, of 20—the highest efficiency rating available.
2. Filtration of odors and gaseous pollutants – If you want filtration that stops odor-causing particles or gaseous pollutants like chemical fumes, choose an air purification system that contains a gas-phase filter. These use materials like activated charcoal to pick up pollutant molecules. Although they may work against a variety of odors, they can stop only those gaseous pollutants for which they’re specifically designed.
3. Particle removal – An ionizer alone doesn’t remove particles. It only adds an electrical charge that causes particles to fall to the floor or cling to walls or other surfaces. These particles can re-enter your air later. For particle removal, choose a medium- or high-efficiency particulate filter or an electronic air cleaner. Electronic air cleaners ionize particles, then trap them on metal plates so the pollutants are held until you wash the collector plates.
4. Efficiency over time – Some lower quality air filters lose up to half of their efficiency within a few weeks. For long-term efficiency, choose a high-grade HEPA filtration system.
For more professional tips on how to choose an air purification system and other equipment to keep your home healthy and comfortable, contact Sobieski Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wilmington, Delaware and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).
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