Types of Air Purifiers
HEPA filters, ionizers, UV purifiers and ozone generators
There are a number of air purifiers and filter types on the market. Each has a different method of operation and varying degrees of effectiveness. Although each type of purifier is efficient in its own way, there is not one purifier on the market capable of removing all of the unhealthy particles in your air. Some of the most popular air purification systems on the market right now are:
HEPA Filters – HEPA filters force the air through a specially designed filter that only allows certain particles to pass through. They are 99.97 percent effective at removing dust, pollen, mold, dust mites and bacteria. However, they are not capable of eliminating chemical fumes, cigarette smoke, gases and other odors. Also, HEPA filters have no effect on microorganisms.
Ionizers – Ion air purifiers, sometimes referred to as ionizers, charge the particles in the air and then deposit them onto metal plates (or on other surfaces in the room). Ion air purifiers remove a limited number of particles from the air, but they are low maintenance. Some claim that they cause at least as much harm as good because they also create ozone. Ion air purifiers are most effective when combined with other types of air purification or cleaning systems.
UV air purifiers – These pass air through UV radiation that damages the DNA of the particles, so they cannot reproduce. These units are ineffective at removing allergens, odors, smoke or chemical fumes from the air.
Electrostatic air cleaners – Electrostatic air cleaners create a static electric charge that draws particles out of the air. These are low maintenance but are limited in effect. They do not remove odors. They also require that you do more cleaning.
Ozone generators – Ozone generators use electricity to produce ozone. The theory behind these units is that ozone is thought to convert chemicals into other harmless substances. However, this has never been proven. Ozone is very good at removing odors from the air, but, on the whole, ozone generators are more of a masking agent than anything. They are ineffective at removing dust and can be very harmful to the eyes, nose and throat of some individuals.
| Write A Comment |
