How Air Purifiers Work
Inside HEPA, UV, Ion & Ozone Air Purification Systems
In general, an air purifier cleans the air and eliminates particles that may be detrimental to a person's health. However, each type of air purifier works in a unique way. Below are four common types of purifiers and how they operate:
HEPA Filters– HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is one of the most popular and efficient air purification systems on the market. These filters are tested to be 99.97 percent effective at removing dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and other allergens from the air. These units work by forcing the air through a specially designed filter so that it is cleansed and purified before being released back into the room.
UV Air Purifiers– These purifiers are best for organic particles such as mold spores, bacteria and viruses. The air passes through an intense UV (ultraviolet) radiation process that damages the DNA of the particles, making it impossible for them to reproduce. Thus, UV filters not only eliminate your current air pollutants, but they reduce the likelihood of air problems in the future.
Ion Air Purifiers– These purifying units are designed to charge the particles in the air and deposit them either on surfaces in the room or on metal plates. Alone, these purifiers are not highly effective, but they have been proven to be very efficient when combined with other air cleaning methods.
Ozone Air Purifiers– Ozone purifiers use electricity to produce ozone. The units then release the ozone into the air to destroy particles it comes into contact with. Ozone can be harmful to the eyes, throat and nose and may cause other health problems, as well. Critics of this method charge that ozone only masks air problems - the air only seems fresher.
There are also other kinds of air filtering and “air cleaning” units that do not actually purify the air but still remove some particles:
Mechanical Air Filters force air through a special screen that removes unwanted particles such as pollen, dust, smoke, pet dander and other irritants from the air. These are considered some of the most efficient home air filters currently on the market.
Electrostatic Air Cleaners use electric charges to attract allergens (mainly dust) toward precipitators in the unit. Detractors say, however, that charged particles also end up sticking to other surfaces in your home, including the walls.
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