Research has shown that air filtration can help remove hazardous particles from indoor spaces, particularly allergens, smoke, and mold. However, air purifiers are most effective when used in conjunction with proper filtration and home cleaning techniques. When it comes to the health and comfort of your family, friends, and other guests, it is wise to invest in the most efficient air filter you can afford. Not only do filters allow people to breathe easier, but they can also reduce odors and make your home a more pleasant place to live.
If you want to take air purification to the next level, consider adding an air purifier. But will you feel any different? Hopefully, yes, and perhaps in more ways than one. A small-scale study conducted in China found that air purifiers reduced fine particles in the air (dust, pollen, dander) and improved participants' blood pressure levels and lung function. An additional benefit of a good air filter is improved indoor air quality (IAQ), which means the whole family breathes better.
Good air filters can stop biological contaminants, pet dander, dirt, mold spores, and other pollutants. Inexpensive air filters can only stop the largest particles (sand and sand, hair, dust). Air purifiers are effective at reducing particles in the air. Some types can have health benefits for people with allergies, asthma, and other conditions.
However, there are many factors to consider when selecting the most effective air purifier. HEPA filters have the most research backing them up and can filter out extremely small particles. To make it easier, many air purifiers have indicator lights that indicate it's time to replace the filter. Flat filters should be replaced every 3 months or monthly if there are allergies, pets, or someone smokes.
Research has shown that HEPA air purifiers can reduce indoor toxins produced by 3D printers, although it is more effective if the filter is integrated into the printer itself. However, it is essential for trained professionals to install these filters as a deep medium filter will require changes to your ducts and blower. To reduce the amount of airborne particles and other allergy triggers, it is important to prevent them from entering the house in the first place and eliminate those that are already in the house. If you can find a reusable filter that captures the types of contaminants you need to filter for your family, then you could pay more money upfront but ultimately save money. If you don't feel a positive effect on your allergy symptoms after using an air purifier for a month or two, you may want to reassess its location in the room (for example, moving it closer to your bed or sofa or moving it away from a door or window).
Pleated filters are also available in reusable and disposable formats and can help suppress HVAC fan noise. An electrostatic air filter is a washable air filter that uses static electricity to capture particles. Some people need HVAC system filters that keep the air free of allergens and other contaminants while others just need a basic filter to get the job done. Many air purifiers work through a filtration system to remove particles from the air and recirculate clean air. A study evaluated a photocatalytic air purifier equipped with a titania-zeolite composite bead filter for volatile organic compound removal and viral inactivation.
The magnetism is strong enough to prevent these particles from spreading throughout the house making them one of the best options for those who need a filter that can combat allergens. An acronym that often appears in filters is the MERV rating which stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. This rating indicates how efficient a filter is at capturing particles.