Indoor air quality is of utmost importance — particularly for allergy and asthma sufferers. Your HVAC system filters out some contaminants, but if you really want clean air, you need an air purifier. How do they work? What do they do? Here’s a look at air purifier science.
The Air Purifier Science of Filters
The most popular type of air filtration is the HEPA filter. Though it’s too thick to go into your regular HVAC system without damage, it filters out 99.97% of contaminants in a specialized air purifier, down to 0.3 microns. That includes everything from milled flour and cooking oil to viruses and bacteria.
Many HEPA filters claim they can even remove cigarette smoke or car exhaust. However, the air purifier science behind this is only partially accurate. They can remove odors and visible smoke, but the actual, harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) flow right through the barrier. Still, HEPA filters are a great way of eliminating most contaminants from your home’s air.
Other Types of Air Purifier Science
To remove smoke and other harmful gases, carbon filters can be used. Carbon uses air purifier science in a different way: Carbon material, such as charcoal, is highly porous. As gases pass over it, they’re absorbed into the pores, eliminating them from the air. Depending on how much work it has to do, a carbon filter will last anywhere from two to four years.
Another type of air purification is UV light. Ultraviolet light destroys organic matter on contact, making it perfect for neutralizing mold, mildew, viruses, bacteria, and more. However, while it kills particles, it doesn’t remove them. It’s also ineffective against dust and other inorganic particles, so use it in conjunction with an air filter.
Finally, ionizing purifiers use an electrical field called a corona discharge to force dust molecules to take on an extra electron, giving them a negative charge. These particles are then attracted to a positively charged metal plate, removing them from the air.
To learn more about how air purifier science affects you, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. Dayton’s home-comfort needs are our top priority!
