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How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Dog Pug Breed and Air purifier in cozy white bed room for filter and cleaning removing dust PM2.5 HEPA in home,for fresh air and healthy life

When you think about maintaining a healthy home environment, air quality should be at the top of your list. Air purifiers play a crucial role in this by cleaning the air you breathe every day.

But, how exactly do they do this?

The answer depends on the type of air purification system you have.

Here’s a closer look at what air purifiers can filter out, various types of air purifiers, how they work, and how you can decide which is the best fit for your home.

What do air purifiers remove from the air?

Air purifiers are designed to create a healthier living environment by removing harmful or unwanted elements from the air. These can be sorted into three broad categories: 

Particulate matter refers to the mix of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, some of which are visible, like dust and smoke, while others can only be detected with a microscope. Air purifiers are particularly effective at removing these particles, including: dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and smoke particles.

Odors and VOCs are gasses that can emanate from a variety of sources within the home, contributing to indoor air pollution. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are adept at adsorbing these substances.

Household odors typically come from sources such as cooking, pets, and garbage. Chemical vapors and gasses can be emitted from household cleaning products, paints, varnishes, and building materials.

Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause disease. Certain air purifiers are equipped to reduce the presence of these biological contaminants.

Types of Air Purifiers

HEPA air purifiers

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers are the most common type. They use a specialized air filter designed to capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and more.

Since HEPA filters can trap very fine particles, they are effective against a wide range of airborne pollutants. Regular use of HEPA filter air purifiers can significantly reduce allergens in your home, offering relief to those with allergies or respiratory issues.

However, HEPA air filters still have limitations. For one thing, these filters are incompatible with most whole-home systems because, in catching such small particles, they significantly slow down the airflow. The other drawback? Despite the high density of the filters, microorganisms smaller than 0.2 microns, such as germs, viruses, and bacteria, can still sneak through.

Activated carbon air purifiers

Activated carbon, a highly porous form of carbon, adsorbs (binds) gasses, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) onto the filter surface. This makes them invaluable for odor elimination and chemical absorption. These air purifiers are perfect for homes with pets, smokers, or strong cooking smells, and can also capture harmful chemicals released from household cleaners and other sources.

Activated carbon is often incorporated into air purification systems because it is incredibly porous and excels at catching the particles responsible for bad odors. Some particles get stuck as they try to pass through the carbon filter, and electrostatic attraction of the activated carbon draws in additional substances. 

These air purifiers are the only type of air purifiers specifically designed to eliminate odors, chemicals, fumes, smoke, and gasses from the air. There is a downside, however; unless the model includes a HEPA air filter, they are less effective at removing pollen, dander, dust, or mold from the air.

UV air purifiers

UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms, offering an additional layer of protection against pathogens. It’s important to ensure that the UV purifier is properly shielded to prevent direct exposure to UV light, and to understand that it should be used in conjunction with filters to trap particles.

In some air purifiers, an ultraviolet (UV) light bulb is used to neutralize 99.9% of potentially harmful viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and mold spores that pass through the system. The UV light destroys microorganisms by breaking molecular bonds in their DNA. In many cases, the UV light is an add-on to a HEPA air purification system, allowing people to get protection from both allergens and bacteria. 

Air-to-air exchangers

Air-to-air exchangers are designed to maintain a fresh air supply in your home by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This process helps to minimize indoor pollutants, including odors and excess moisture, without traditional filtration.

Central air cleaners

Central air cleaners are incorporated into your HVAC system, providing air purification across your entire home. They can utilize a variety of filtration methods, including HEPA and activated carbon.

The system’s usefulness is linked, in part, to the type of filter that is used. While fiberglass filters have long been the standard for these systems, there are newer options that block more pollutants from passing through to the air supply. For example, a filter with a pleated design offers more surface area to catch particles, and a tighter weave means that there are smaller gaps for the particles to push through. 

Central air cleaners can remove up to 99% of pollen particles, 98% of the dust, and 94% of the viruses in your home. However, because the filters block airflow, they can decrease heating and cooling efficiency.

Electronic air cleaners

Electronic air cleaners, including ionic purifiers and electrostatic precipitators, use electrical charges to remove particles from the air. These cleaners charge airborne particles, which are then attracted to a plate or filter with an opposite charge, effectively removing them. Electronic air cleaners often feature easy-to-clean plates or permanent filters, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Electronic air cleaners are specifically designed to use HEPA filters as a first level of protection. Any remaining particles are trapped by electrically charged filters. They can remove up to 99.98% of airborne allergens. 

Ionic Air Purifiers

Ionic air purifiers work by changing the electrical charge of the neutrally-charged molecules in the air. Using a method called “corona discharge,” the system emits a powerful electrical field. As electrons pass through this field, they change and become either positively or negatively charged. 

Charged particles are attracted to particles with the opposite charge. When the positive and negative electrons combine, they settle out of the air. These systems are effective against allergens, bacteria, and household odors. 

Choosing the right air purifier

When it comes to finding the perfect air purifier, consider these key factors:

  • Home size: The size of the area where you plan to use the air purifier is crucial. Look for models designed to cover the square footage of your room or home to ensure efficient air cleaning.
  • Air quality needs: Assess the main air quality concerns in your home, whether it’s pet dander, pollen, dust, mold spores, or gasses and odors. Different purifiers excel at different tasks, so choose one that aligns with your needs.
  • Specific sensitivities: If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, prioritize air purifiers with HEPA filters for their ability to remove the majority of airborne allergens.

Four Key Benefits of Air Purifiers

While everyone can benefit from an air purifier, some factors may drive someone to select one type over another. Here are top benefits along with the systems that deliver the best results. 

Air purifiers trap airborne allergens

Pollen seasons are shifting and increasing in length—not great news if you’re one of the 50 million people that suffer from seasonal allergies. However, the good news is that virtually all air purifiers provide some level of help. If you live in high allergen areas or have severe seasonal allergies, there are air purification choices that can ratchet up your comfort level. If removing allergens is a priority, consider:

  • HEPA air purifier
  • Electronic air cleaner
  • Ionic air purifier

Air purifiers stop germs from spreading 

It almost seems crazy that an air purifier can keep you healthier during the cold and flu season, but it’s true. While a central air cleaner can eliminate up to 94% of the viruses from your home, there’s still room for improvement. Your best bets for germ control:

  • UV germicidal light
  • Ionic air purifier

Air purifiers neutralize cooking odors and smoke

While you may enjoy a fish fry, it’s unlikely that you want to suffer the greasy fishy smell in your curtains for months to come. Fortunately, some air purifiers can help remove unpleasant odors from food, chemicals, and cigarettes before they nestle into your upholstery.

If controlling odors and smells is your top priority, consider the following: 

  • Carbon activated air filter
  • Air exchange
  • Ionic air purifier

Air purifiers remove asthma triggers

Poor air quality can precipitate asthma attacks. Triggers can include dry skin cells, dirt, dust, carbon monoxide, household cleaners, paint products, fragrances, and mold spores—most of which can be mitigated with an air purification system. Since triggers can be both airborne allergens and offending smells, ideal choices would be: 

  • HEPA air filter which leverages activated carbon
  • Ionic air purifier

Maintenance tips

Regular filter replacement: HEPA and activated carbon filters have a limited lifespan. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on when to replace them to ensure your air purifier continues to operate effectively.

Clean pre-filters: Many air purifiers come with a pre-filter that catches larger particles. Cleaning this regularly can prolong the life of the main filter and maintain the unit’s efficiency.

Keep it running: For best results, leave your air purifier on continuously. Most models are designed for energy efficiency, so continuous operation shouldn’t significantly impact your electricity bill.

Start Breathing Easier

For those looking to improve their home’s air quality, the professionals at Welter Heating are ready to help. Our team of experts can provide tailored advice based on your specific air purification needs, ensuring you choose the most effective system for your space. Contact us today to get started on the path to fresher indoor air.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Dog Pug Breed and Air purifier in cozy white bed room for filter and cleaning removing dust PM2.5 HEPA in home,for fresh air and healthy life

When you think about maintaining a healthy home environment, air quality should be at the top of your list. Air purifiers play a crucial role in this by cleaning the air you breathe every day.

But, how exactly do they do this?

The answer depends on the type of air purification system you have.

Here’s a closer look at what air purifiers can filter out, various types of air purifiers, how they work, and how you can decide which is the best fit for your home.

What do air purifiers remove from the air?

Air purifiers are designed to create a healthier living environment by removing harmful or unwanted elements from the air. These can be sorted into three broad categories: 

Particulate matter refers to the mix of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, some of which are visible, like dust and smoke, while others can only be detected with a microscope. Air purifiers are particularly effective at removing these particles, including: dust and dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and smoke particles.

Odors and VOCs are gasses that can emanate from a variety of sources within the home, contributing to indoor air pollution. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are adept at adsorbing these substances.

Household odors typically come from sources such as cooking, pets, and garbage. Chemical vapors and gasses can be emitted from household cleaning products, paints, varnishes, and building materials.

Pathogens include viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause disease. Certain air purifiers are equipped to reduce the presence of these biological contaminants.

Types of Air Purifiers

HEPA air purifiers

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers are the most common type. They use a specialized air filter designed to capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and more.

Since HEPA filters can trap very fine particles, they are effective against a wide range of airborne pollutants. Regular use of HEPA filter air purifiers can significantly reduce allergens in your home, offering relief to those with allergies or respiratory issues.

However, HEPA air filters still have limitations. For one thing, these filters are incompatible with most whole-home systems because, in catching such small particles, they significantly slow down the airflow. The other drawback? Despite the high density of the filters, microorganisms smaller than 0.2 microns, such as germs, viruses, and bacteria, can still sneak through.

Activated carbon air purifiers

Activated carbon, a highly porous form of carbon, adsorbs (binds) gasses, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) onto the filter surface. This makes them invaluable for odor elimination and chemical absorption. These air purifiers are perfect for homes with pets, smokers, or strong cooking smells, and can also capture harmful chemicals released from household cleaners and other sources.

Activated carbon is often incorporated into air purification systems because it is incredibly porous and excels at catching the particles responsible for bad odors. Some particles get stuck as they try to pass through the carbon filter, and electrostatic attraction of the activated carbon draws in additional substances. 

These air purifiers are the only type of air purifiers specifically designed to eliminate odors, chemicals, fumes, smoke, and gasses from the air. There is a downside, however; unless the model includes a HEPA air filter, they are less effective at removing pollen, dander, dust, or mold from the air.

UV air purifiers

UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms, offering an additional layer of protection against pathogens. It’s important to ensure that the UV purifier is properly shielded to prevent direct exposure to UV light, and to understand that it should be used in conjunction with filters to trap particles.

In some air purifiers, an ultraviolet (UV) light bulb is used to neutralize 99.9% of potentially harmful viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and mold spores that pass through the system. The UV light destroys microorganisms by breaking molecular bonds in their DNA. In many cases, the UV light is an add-on to a HEPA air purification system, allowing people to get protection from both allergens and bacteria. 

Air-to-air exchangers

Air-to-air exchangers are designed to maintain a fresh air supply in your home by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This process helps to minimize indoor pollutants, including odors and excess moisture, without traditional filtration.

Central air cleaners

Central air cleaners are incorporated into your HVAC system, providing air purification across your entire home. They can utilize a variety of filtration methods, including HEPA and activated carbon.

The system’s usefulness is linked, in part, to the type of filter that is used. While fiberglass filters have long been the standard for these systems, there are newer options that block more pollutants from passing through to the air supply. For example, a filter with a pleated design offers more surface area to catch particles, and a tighter weave means that there are smaller gaps for the particles to push through. 

Central air cleaners can remove up to 99% of pollen particles, 98% of the dust, and 94% of the viruses in your home. However, because the filters block airflow, they can decrease heating and cooling efficiency.

Electronic air cleaners

Electronic air cleaners, including ionic purifiers and electrostatic precipitators, use electrical charges to remove particles from the air. These cleaners charge airborne particles, which are then attracted to a plate or filter with an opposite charge, effectively removing them. Electronic air cleaners often feature easy-to-clean plates or permanent filters, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Electronic air cleaners are specifically designed to use HEPA filters as a first level of protection. Any remaining particles are trapped by electrically charged filters. They can remove up to 99.98% of airborne allergens. 

Ionic Air Purifiers

Ionic air purifiers work by changing the electrical charge of the neutrally-charged molecules in the air. Using a method called “corona discharge,” the system emits a powerful electrical field. As electrons pass through this field, they change and become either positively or negatively charged. 

Charged particles are attracted to particles with the opposite charge. When the positive and negative electrons combine, they settle out of the air. These systems are effective against allergens, bacteria, and household odors. 

Choosing the right air purifier

When it comes to finding the perfect air purifier, consider these key factors:

  • Home size: The size of the area where you plan to use the air purifier is crucial. Look for models designed to cover the square footage of your room or home to ensure efficient air cleaning.
  • Air quality needs: Assess the main air quality concerns in your home, whether it’s pet dander, pollen, dust, mold spores, or gasses and odors. Different purifiers excel at different tasks, so choose one that aligns with your needs.
  • Specific sensitivities: If anyone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions, prioritize air purifiers with HEPA filters for their ability to remove the majority of airborne allergens.

Four Key Benefits of Air Purifiers

While everyone can benefit from an air purifier, some factors may drive someone to select one type over another. Here are top benefits along with the systems that deliver the best results. 

Air purifiers trap airborne allergens

Pollen seasons are shifting and increasing in length—not great news if you’re one of the 50 million people that suffer from seasonal allergies. However, the good news is that virtually all air purifiers provide some level of help. If you live in high allergen areas or have severe seasonal allergies, there are air purification choices that can ratchet up your comfort level. If removing allergens is a priority, consider:

  • HEPA air purifier
  • Electronic air cleaner
  • Ionic air purifier

Air purifiers stop germs from spreading 

It almost seems crazy that an air purifier can keep you healthier during the cold and flu season, but it’s true. While a central air cleaner can eliminate up to 94% of the viruses from your home, there’s still room for improvement. Your best bets for germ control:

  • UV germicidal light
  • Ionic air purifier

Air purifiers neutralize cooking odors and smoke

While you may enjoy a fish fry, it’s unlikely that you want to suffer the greasy fishy smell in your curtains for months to come. Fortunately, some air purifiers can help remove unpleasant odors from food, chemicals, and cigarettes before they nestle into your upholstery.

If controlling odors and smells is your top priority, consider the following: 

  • Carbon activated air filter
  • Air exchange
  • Ionic air purifier

Air purifiers remove asthma triggers

Poor air quality can precipitate asthma attacks. Triggers can include dry skin cells, dirt, dust, carbon monoxide, household cleaners, paint products, fragrances, and mold spores—most of which can be mitigated with an air purification system. Since triggers can be both airborne allergens and offending smells, ideal choices would be: 

  • HEPA air filter which leverages activated carbon
  • Ionic air purifier

Maintenance tips

Regular filter replacement: HEPA and activated carbon filters have a limited lifespan. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on when to replace them to ensure your air purifier continues to operate effectively.

Clean pre-filters: Many air purifiers come with a pre-filter that catches larger particles. Cleaning this regularly can prolong the life of the main filter and maintain the unit’s efficiency.

Keep it running: For best results, leave your air purifier on continuously. Most models are designed for energy efficiency, so continuous operation shouldn’t significantly impact your electricity bill.

Start Breathing Easier

For those looking to improve their home’s air quality, the professionals at Welter Heating are ready to help. Our team of experts can provide tailored advice based on your specific air purification needs, ensuring you choose the most effective system for your space. Contact us today to get started on the path to fresher indoor air.

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