When it comes to improving indoor air quality, air purifiers are leading the pack in strides to achieve cleaner air. But how do you choose the best air purifier for your home? Here are some tips to help you make the right choice. First, make sure your air purifier has enough room to breathe. It should have a few feet of clearance around the top and all four sides for unobstructed air circulation. Point the flow in the right direction for optimal performance. Second, consider the type and quantity of filter media.
Multiple studies of room air purifiers show that the use of HEPA filters results in reductions of 50 percent or more in particulate matter. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) maintains a list of all certified air purifiers that meet ozone standards. Third, look at the effectiveness of the HEPA filter and the quality of the engine. Some air filters on this list include the Air Oasis 3000 Xtreme G3, Alpine Air Living Air Classic and Surround Air Multi-Tech II XJ-3000D. If the filter is a real HEPA (99.97% efficient) and has an airflow of 200 cfm, then the CADR will be at 200 or just below. Fourth, consider negative ion generators or ionic air purifiers.
These use tiny charged wires or needles to create negatively charged gas molecules or ions that adhere to airborne particles and accumulate in the filter. A negative ion generator can sometimes be the only cleaning element in the air cleaner, or it can work in conjunction with a HEPA filter. Finally, remember that an air purifier can act as a supplement to a filter and other strategies to help remove allergens and air pollutants that the human eye can and cannot see. When it comes to coronavirus, air purifiers with HEPA filters are capable of capturing the droplets that the virus travels through (when people cough, talk or breathe).
