Improving your indoor air quality can make your home healthier, and following an air purifier buying guide can help you sort through the options available. The air inside your home may contain surprisingly high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, mold spores and other harmful biological contaminants.
Types
Air purifiers use different methods to trap or alter pollutants in the air. Those that contain filters or electrostatic means trap particles, while those that contain ultraviolet (UV) light alter the chemical composition of mold, bacteria and viruses, so they can’t reproduce. UV light also reduces the toxicity of VOCs by transforming them into harmless substances. UV lights and filtration systems are safer options than ion generators that produce ozone, a powerful respiratory irritant.
Effectiveness
All air filters have a rating called MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) that describes the smallest particle they can trap. The scale runs from 1 to 16 for residential systems and goes as high as 20 for HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters. When choosing an air purifier, determine the smallest particle you need removed, and select the system accordingly.
Another important aspect when selecting an air purifier is the volume of air it can clean, known as cubic feet per minute (CFM). Be sure to match the CFM to the volume of the space you need to clean.
You should also consider the cost of maintenance and filter replacement. Electrostatic filters can be cleaned and reused, while air filters need to be changed at varying intervals, depending on the amount of airborne particulates in your home. UV lights lose strength and should be replaced annually.
Portable or Whole-House
Although the initial investment is higher, a whole-house air purifier will give you better air quality throughout your home than a portable or countertop model. If you need more than one portable air cleaner, over time, you’ll recoup your investment in energy savings and replacement filters.
The experts at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning can help you select the best air purifier for your home. We have been providing top-notch HVAC services for homeowners in the Twin Cities since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air purifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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