Did you know that there are different types of air purifiers?
Of course, it is quite understandable if people think that there’s only one type of air purifier. And most of the time, we imagine those that have the traditional filtration system.
Due to the advent of technology, various mechanisms have been introduced to clean indoor air. As a result, we now have several air purifiers that you could consider buying. However, keep in mind that some of these air purifiers are not worth acquiring, while others are insanely good for your indoor space.
Check all of these air purifiers below.
Different Types Of Air Purifiers
1. HEPA Air Purifiers
Arguably, HEPA air purifiers are the best air purifiers that you can get today. The term HEPA stands for “High-Efficiency Particulate Air.” It is a technology that has a tested-and-tried performance. It has been in the market for many years already.
HEPA air purifiers are effective in dealing with microscopic contaminants. Specifically, it can capture 99.967 airborne pollutants of up to 0.3 microns. Such size is already too small. Obviously, the scale is no longer visible to the human eyes. But these pollutants are invasive to human health. These are microbes, pollens, and molds that can cause respiratory problems.
Because of its performance, a HEPA air purifier is capable of making a clean and safe living environment. At the same time, it isn’t susceptible to creating unwanted residues that could harm your health.
The architecture of a HEPA filter is quite straightforward. It is a material that has been folded multiple times until such time it becomes similar to an accordion. Its stacked construction enables it to produce a maze of surly fibers. The material is large enough for air to pass through. However, it is too small for microscopic particles to penetrate.
Of course, a single pass would not clean the air entirely. It is necessary that the air passes to the filter multiple times to achieve better results. Also, keep in mind that HEPA filters have a limited lifespan. It will wear out, so you need to replace it.
HEPA filters can get damaged by large particles. Therefore, HEPA air purifiers have to possess decent pre-filters to trap debris and large dust.
Overall, HEPA air purifiers are crucial in capturing microscopic airborne pollutants. But at the same time, keep in mind that they don’t work against gasses, chemicals, and odors.
2. Activated Carbon Filter
As mentioned, HEPA filters aren’t effective when it comes to chemicals, scents, and gasses. If you want an air purifier that can deal with them, you need the HEPA air purifier to feature activated carbon filters.
The architecture of activated carbon is nothing complex. It is a type of carbon material known for its porousness. It provides a surface dedicated to absorbing non-particulate contaminants.
Activated carbon has been in the market for many years. In fact, it was already used in the First World War. Warring countries that time discovered that activated carbon could be used for making gas masks, air purifiers, and water filters.
The pores of activated carbon are molecular in size. They are smaller than the entangling fiber-like maze of HEPA filters. Its pores are efficient in absorption and bonding chemicals. These qualities enable activated carbon filters for capturing emissions, cigarette smoke, and food odor. Once the activated carbon traps these contaminants, they are no longer diffused back into the air. It stops contamination from happening again.
Air purifiers that include activated carbon filters are essential for individuals who have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). After all, an activated carbon filter is also efficient in dealing with formaldehyde, which is present in your home’s upholstery and wood panels. These special filters also deal with perfumes and scents coming from household chemicals.
Also, you would need the benefits of an activated carbon filter so that you’ll not be able to breathe irritants, such as smog and fumes coming from outside your house.
3. UV Systems
The use of UV systems has somewhat proliferated in recent years. It has been presented as an alternative to the traditional air purifiers that use HEPA and activated carbon filters. But it is not actually the case.
You see, UV systems don’t deal with particles, chemicals, and gasses. Instead, it specializes in killing viruses and bacteria. UV air purifiers often come with UV lamps inside them. Every time germs and microorganisms pass through these UV lamps, their cellular structure gets destroyed. In turn, it kills the pollutant.
One should know that these UV air purifiers can convert oxygen and water molecules into hydroxyl and ozone. The molecules tend to react against the pollutants, destroying them in the process. It leaves residues such as carbon dioxide and water.
However, ozone is the primary problem here. It doesn’t do anything in air cleaning. At the same time, it poses as a harmful pollutant. Hence, it is necessary for UV air purifiers to include filters, aside from the UV lamp. Without a filtration system, microorganisms would still be able to survive. After all, the strength of the UV lamp isn’t absolute.
4. Ozone Air Purifiers
Ozone air purifiers generate gas ozone, which is extremely harmful to one’s health. While many of its manufacturers keep on saying that these ozone air purifiers are effective and safe, they aren’t. They don’t deal with indoor air pollution. In fact, they even cause this. Many government agencies and health institutions have warned people about the use of these ozone air purifiers because of the potential harm they can cause.
As mentioned, ozone doesn’t remove airborne pollutants such as pollen and dust. Hence, there’s no point in using them. Regardless of the brand and claims, you should hesitate when it comes to this particular type of air purifier.
5. Negative Ion Air Purifiers
The last type of air purifier we are going to feature is the negative ion air purifier. This type of air purifier uses ions, which either possess negative or positive charges. Once they are charged, they can gain or lose electrons.
Specifically, negative ions are a type of oxygen atom that has electrons on them. Because of this, they can attract airborne particles such as dust and pollen. The negative ions achieve this process through magnetism. Once the ions and their gathered particles are heavy enough, they will fall to the ground.
While the technology seems effective, it is still not as efficient as conventional air purifiers. Moreover, we should never discount the fact that negative ion doesn’t remove or capture the pollutants. They are still in your space, so you still have to clean them manually.