A Complete Guide to Air Purifiers - Introduction for Buyers
Most people know all about air pollution and its negative impact on the outside environment, but did you know that the concentration of air pollutants can be 2-5 times higher indoors? Improving indoor air quality can reduce your risk of catching the flu, the common cold, and other airborne diseases, and it can even decrease the risk of aerosol transmission of Covid-19.
One simple, effective way to improve air quality in your home is to use an air purifier. In this article, we’ll look at what an air purifier is, how it works, and who it helps most. Next, we’ll focus on how to choose the best air purifier for your needs.
So, what exactly is an air purifier?
An air purifier is an appliance that cleans the air around you through a special process that filters out microscopic particles that could harm your health. Air purifiers include one or more different filters that trap allergens and other particles as they pass through the air. Without an air purifier, your lungs are the only filter for airborne contaminants, meaning they must work harder to protect you from pollutants.
Pollen and dander and dust, oh my!
Just like outdoor air pollutants, there is a vast array of indoor pollutants that can impact your health. These include (but are not limited to):
- Tobacco smoke
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Burning wood
- Gas from stoves
- Chemicals from cleaning products
To find out which specific types of air pollutants are present in your home, you can purchase an air monitor that will give you more information on the makeup of your home’s environment.
Fine particles 10 micrometers (microns) in diameter or smaller, including those that make up dust and smoke, are especially concerning because they can easily find their way deep into your lungs. See the chart below for examples showing just how small 10 micrometers really is.
Source: Science Notes
Eeny, meeny, miny, mold
While they are also both common indoor air pollutants, air purifiers do very little to address mold and mildew. To counteract these pesky problems, invest instead in an effective dehumidifier like the Honeywell TP70WKN. These appliances can efficiently decrease the humidity level in your home, which makes it impossible for mold and mildew to thrive.
Pollution on the prowl
As mentioned previously, everyone can benefit from air purifiers’ ability to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 indoors. However, there are some populations for whom cleaner air is especially important.
- The more time you spend indoors, the more you’re exposed to indoor pollution, so keep that in mind if you work from a stuffy home office upwards of eight hours a day.
- Groups like the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution. This is especially true for people suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
- You could also greatly benefit from an air purifier if you have allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities, or if you live in a home with pets or someone who smokes.
Next we’ll discuss the nitty-gritty of air purifiers, including the types of purifiers, considerations while buying, and best practices to get the most of your appliance. Read all about it here.
Any questions?
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