Over the last decade, there have been many news reports related to air pollution and its impact on our health. Recent studies conducted by reputable universities and medical institutions have proven the link between breathing dirty air and the development of health problems. Most shocking is the recent revelation that indoor air quality is considerably more polluted than the air outdoors. Because most indoor spaces have poor ventilation, as well as elevated levels of cleaning agents, VOCs from furnishings, dust, dander and germs, most people are spending up to 90% of their day living in a toxic environment without really knowing it. Therefore, because indoor air is such a critical issue, it is important to be informed about which air purifiers are the best.
Many websites and retail outlets sell air purifiers. However, most of these products are mass produced, are poorly built using cheap materials, and release new chemicals (such as ozone) back into the air. In most cases, it’s not worth it investing in these low priced units; actually you’re better off not purchasing an air purifier at all. Most importantly, these cheap units do a poor job at filtering the air of contaminants. Usually if an air purifier is inexpensive, it will do a poor job. The best models can be quite an investment; however like so many things in life, you get what you pay for. The rest of this article points out the very best features to look for when shopping for an air purifier.
Quality Construction
An air purifier is an investment to your health and should be crafted using the best components available. A quality-built air purifier should be constructed of a steel frame, a high efficiency fan, and should ideally pull the air into it from the sides. Cheaper models use inferior plastics, filters that are not properly fitted into the system, and are not designed for continual usage. The better air purifiers will feature long warranties (usually 5 years), while the cheaper ones come with a shorter warranty period, indicating that the product will likely fall-apart soon thereafter. Quality built air purifiers cost more, however they almost always result in better filtration performance, longer life and superior air cleaning effectiveness.
Highly Effective Filtration
When looking for a room air purifier, make certain that it uses the highest rated filtration components. The top air purifier brands use what is called medical grade HEPA filtration. Medical grade means that the filter contains generous amounts of filter media (usually over 30 sq ft) and is guaranteed to remove up to 99.97% of all particles from the air down to .3 microns in size. Cheap air purifier brands may advertise themselves as "HEPA," however the filtration media is so thin and small that it can only last a few weeks at best before needing replacement. Also, cheap models may feature washable filters. These are a joke as washable filters have very poor density in which all particles, large and small, will be permitted to pass through the filter. In addition, avoid ionizers at all cost as these release ozone into the air. Ozone is a respiratory irritant and can contribute to health problems.
More about HEPA Filters
HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters were created during World War II by the US Government to protect the military from breathing in radioactive particles. Recognized by the EPA, American Lung Association, Penn State and the Mayo Clinic for its effectiveness at removing harmful pollutants, HEPA is the only means available for removing nasty germs, dust, bacteria, mold spores and soot from the air. HEPA filters are used in hospital operating rooms, pharmaceutical labs, food production facilities, and other environments where clean, contaminant-free air is a must. Therefore, when looking for an room air purifier that will truly clean your indoor air, you must invest in a HEPA. The best brands on the market use considerable amounts of HEPA filtration, because they are most interested in selling a quality product, rather than marketing junk to the masses.
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