Air purification systems are becoming an increasingly popular way to keep our indoor air clean. Not only do they help remove airborne pollutants like dust, pet dander, and mold spores, but they can also improve the overall quality of your home’s air. But what exactly is an air purifier, and how does it work? The following are some answers to the top questions about air purifiers.
What Is an Air Purification System?
An air purifier or air cleaner is a device that removes contaminants from the air in your home or office by trapping pollutants on filters or using other technologies to improve indoor air quality. Air purifiers come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be used in any room or space where you want cleaner air.
How Do Air Purification Systems Work?
Air purification systems work differently depending on their type and design but typically use one of three methods to filter out pollutants: mechanical filters, electrostatic precipitation, or ozone generators. Mechanical filters trap airborne particles such as dust and pollen on a mesh filter, while electrostatic precipitation uses electric fields to attract particles onto charged plates that trap them until the plates need cleaning. Ozone generators create ozone which reacts with certain pollutants in the air, neutralizing them so they no longer pose a threat.
What Types of Air Purification Systems Are Available?
There are a variety of systems out there, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the different types of air purification systems available, you can ensure that you choose the one that best suits your needs.
HEPA Filters
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters are commonly used in vacuum cleaners and some types of air purifiers. They work by trapping particles like dust in a mesh-like filter. The benefit of HEPA filters is that they can remove up to 99% of particles that measure 0.3 microns or larger—including pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and more. The downside is that they don’t do much to remove odors or gases from the air.
Activated Carbon Filters
These filters contain activated carbon pellets that absorb odors and gases from the air. They are designed to trap airborne chemicals such as smoke and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Activated carbon filters also help reduce chemical pollutants such as pesticides and other toxins from the air inside your home. While these filters are effective at removing bad smells and some chemicals, they aren’t as effective at removing large particles like dust or pollen from the air.
Electrostatic Whole-House Air Purifiers
Electrostatic whole-house air purifiers use electrically charged plates or grids inside their units to capture airborne particles such as smoke, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander before they enter your HVAC system. While these air purifiers are generally more expensive than traditional filter systems, they tend to be more efficient at trapping particulates due to their electrical charge capabilities. Plus, they require less frequent maintenance because there are no filters that need replacement every few months as with traditional filter systems.
Whole-House Ultraviolet Light Systems
Ultraviolet light has been proven to kill pathogens such as bacteria and viruses in the air. It also works well against mold spores and VOCs. UV air purifiers are becoming increasingly common in homes, and a professional can integrate this kind of air purification into your existing heating and cooling system.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Air Purifier?
An air purification system is a great investment for those looking to improve indoor air quality. Read on to learn several advantages of using air purifiers.
Health Benefits
Air purification systems can be incredibly beneficial for people who suffer from asthma or allergies due to airborne allergens. By removing pollutants like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other irritants from the air in your home, you can significantly reduce your chances of suffering an allergic reaction or asthma symptoms. Additionally, some air purifiers are even able to remove bacteria and viruses from the air, which can help protect your family against illnesses.
Improved Air Quality
In addition to providing health benefits for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, an air purifier can also improve the overall quality of the air in your home. By trapping pollutants and other irritants like smoke particles, dust mites, and pet hair that would otherwise linger in your indoor air supply for days or weeks on end, an air purifier helps ensure that you’re breathing clean and healthy air at all times. This can help you sleep better at night and make you feel more energized during the day. Also, because dirt and debris are trapped rather than recirculating through your home, installing an air purification system may reduce the time you need to spend cleaning your house.
Peace of Mind
Investing in an air purifier provides peace of mind in knowing that you’re doing everything you need to do to keep your family safe from contaminants in the home environment. It’s especially important if someone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma, as it can help reduce their symptoms by reducing exposure to triggers like dust mites.
What Is a Dehumidifier and How Does It Work?
A dehumidifier is a device that reduces air moisture by drawing in warm air and cooling it down until the moisture condenses on the coils of the machine. The collected water is then drained away through a hose or drain pipe. When the air is released back into the room, it contains less moisture than before and therefore feels cooler and less humid. This can help reduce mold and mildew growth as well as odors caused by excess moisture in the air. A whole-home dehumidifier can be installed in your home to reduce any moisture issues you may be experiencing.
What Is a Humidifier?
A humidifier performs the opposite function of a dehumidifier. It is a device that adds moisture to the air by releasing water vapor or steam into the atmosphere. This helps increase humidity levels in the air and makes it feel more comfortable. Too little humidity can make the air feel overly dry, while too much can cause condensation on walls and windows. The ideal level of humidity is between 30% and 40%. A whole-home humidifier is a sure way to achieve the proper humidity levels in your residence.
Contact the Indoor Air Quality Experts
At Southport Home Services, we have been serving the residents of Wausau, WI since 2005. We install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and plumbing systems. In addition, our services go beyond just temperature control and making sure your plumbing works. We offer a full line of indoor air quality services, such as whole-home humidity control and air purification systems, along with a wide range of solutions for greater efficiency and better comfort control in your home. If you are concerned about poor air quality, contact us today so we can get started on a customized indoor air quality solution designed for your residence.
