What Is an Air Purifier? Do I Need One?

HVAC

More than ever, people are paying attention to the quality of their air, especially indoors. We all want to make sure that we’re breathing clean air that’s healthy and free of contaminants. For many families, that means investing in an air purifier.

But what is an air purifier? How does it work? Does your family really need one?

How an Air Purifier Works

Air purifiers, also known as air cleaners, filter pollutants out of your air that could make you sick.

Air cleaners often consist of one or more filters and a fan. Air purifier filters are usually made of fiberglass, mesh, or paper. The fan brings air into the purifier, and the filters capture pollutants before circulating the air into the room once again.

Some air purifier filters are reusable, in which case you’ll need to wash them frequently. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace non-reusable filters on a regular basis to ensure they remain effective.

Indoor Air Pollutants

Did you know that indoor air can have levels of certain air pollutants that are five times higher than outdoor air?

When you hear the word “pollutant,” you may picture a smog-filled city or a large factory belching smoke into the air. But the fact is that pollutants can occur inside the home as well as outdoors. Common indoor air pollutants include:

Pet dander
Mold
Carbon monoxide
Secondhand smoke
Pesticides, lead, and asbestos
Ozone

Keep in mind that most air purifiers are built to filter out particles. Their effectiveness is limited when it comes to pollutant gases, such as radon.

Additionally, an air cleaner won’t automatically rid your home of all indoor pollutants. For example, it’s necessary to vacuum on a regular basis to remove allergens and dust that get stuck in your carpet. Having an air purifier doesn’t change that.

Who Needs an Air Cleaner?

Air purifiers are often helpful for people who suffer from breathing problems. If you or a loved one have asthma or severe allergies, an air purifier may be a good investment.

Respiratory Diseases

Air cleaners remove indoor pollutants from the air. They cannot, unfortunately, remove infectious diseases from the air.

Some experts have pointed out that air circulation has a positive effect on protecting people’s health from someone else’s infectious, airborne droplets. It is true that an air purifier can circulate your air. However, simply opening the windows would have the same health benefits.

Neither of these actions is enough on their own to prevent the spread of illnesses such as coronavirus or the flu. In addition to circulating your indoor air, make sure to follow standard health safety protocols when caring for someone with an infectious respiratory disease.

What Makes a Good Air Purifier?

Interested in getting an air purifier? Our HVAC technicians at Parker-Artnz Plumbing & Heating, Inc. are happy to install an air cleaner in your home so you and your family can breathe easy. Here are a few tips for finding the right air purifier for your family:

Choose the Right Size: Air cleaners are designed to purify rooms of a certain size. Make sure to choose one that is designed for the size of your room or larger.
Consider HEPA: HEPA (highly efficient particulate air) filters are designed to capture extra-fine particles. Check to make sure you have an actual HEPA filter before buying; some brands try to trick consumers with confusing labels such as “HEPA-like” or “HEPA-type,” neither of which are truly HEPA.
Check the Cleaning Speed: All air purifiers have a CADR (clean-air delivery rate). This measures how quickly your purifier removes pollutants from the air. A good air purifier should have a CADR of at least 300.
Commit to Routine Maintenance: Be intentional about whether or not you choose reusable filters. If you do, make sure you’re committed to cleaning them on a regular basis. If not, make sure you’re committed to replacing them when necessary. Either is fine; what matters is that you stick to your maintenance plan so you can enjoy the benefits of your air purifier for as long as possible.

Breathe Easier with an Air Cleaner

Our Greenville, MI, HVAC technicians can help you eliminate indoor air pollutants by installing an air purifier for your home. Call Parker-Arntz Plumbing & Heating, Inc., today at (888) 641-3907, or contact us online to request a quote. We serve clients in Greenville, Belding, and Livonia, MI.