What’s is an air purifier ?
Polluted air in apartments, offices and other enclosed spaces can negatively affect health, causing allergic reactions, respiratory diseases and deterioration in general well-being. For this reason, people think about installing air purifiers. But are they really as useful as they say? Is it worth buying this technique and what benefits can it provide? Let’s figure it out.
Air purifiers are small climate control devices of varying degrees of complexity, but working on the same principle. The built-in fan directs the air from the room into the filter compartment. There it is cleaned of dust and other particles, and then goes outside.
Types of Air Purifiers :
Models differ in filters.
HEPA filter :
The most effective filters that capture 99% of microparticles, and their size can be as small as 0.03 microns. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are considered the best for home, office and medical facilities. They create a multi-stage barrier against pathogens of allergic reactions, fungal spores, pollen, and dust mites.
Carbon filters:
More suitable for cleaning the air from unpleasant odors and volatile pollutants. Filters are made from a special microporous material with carbon granules. Odors and smoke are adsorbed and decomposed in them. Requires replacement every six months.
Electrostatic filters:
These are metal plates through which air passes. It is cleaned of soot, tar, and tobacco smoke. Contaminant particles settle on the filter, so it needs regular care – weekly cleaning.
Photocatalytic filters
Equipped with UV lamps. Passing through them, the air is disinfected and cleansed of unpleasant odors, toxins, viruses and bacteria. To operate effectively, the lamp must be changed once a year.
Water filters
In such purifiers, air passes through a curtain of water, after which dirt is deposited on the discs. This filter traps small particles and does not cope with allergens.
Particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less (≤ PM10) can penetrate and lodge deep in the lungs, causing irritation, inflammation and damage to the lining of the respiratory tract. Smaller and more harmful particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (≤ PM2.5; the diameter of 60 such particles is the thickness of a human hair) are able to penetrate the pulmonary barrier and enter the circulatory system, affecting all major internal organs. These pollutants increase the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as lung cancer and stroke.
Who needs an air purifier:
Models with different filters essentially perform one function – to one degree or another, they make the air cleaner.
The purchase of equipment is relevant:
- For residents of the metropolis. Car exhaust, industrial emissions, and dust worsen air quality. Near houses located near roads and highways, the level of air pollution is 10-15 times higher than the norm.
- For allergy sufferers. Allergic reactions are often caused by plant pollen, animal dander, and dust mites. Inhaling them can provoke attacks of runny nose, sneezing, coughing, choking and other unpleasant symptoms. Air purifiers equipped with highly efficient HEPA filters can capture up to 99.97% of the smallest allergenic particles. Devices with carbon filters neutralize various chemical compounds that cause negative reactions in the body: formaldehyde, volatile organic substances.
- For passive smokers. Second-hand tobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals: carcinogens, toxins, and small particulate matter. Inhaling this smoke causes serious harm to health, increasing the risk of developing various diseases. Air purifiers can remove tobacco smoke particles, nicotine and other harmful components from the air. This can significantly reduce the concentration of these pollutants indoors and, accordingly, reduce the negative health effects of passive smokers.
- For pet owners. Cats and dogs often become a source of various allergens. Animal fur, saliva, dander and other secretions contain proteins that can cause runny nose, sneezing, and eye and skin irritation. Air purifiers trap and remove these allergens from the air and also help combat unpleasant odors.
- For those who actively use chemicals. Many chemical products, such as hairsprays, perfumes, adhesives, paints and air fresheners, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances. When used, these chemicals are released into the air, polluting and degrading its quality. This can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Using an air purifier in your home can create a safe and comfortable living environment, reducing health risks.
What else can air purifiers do?
Modern models are equipped with additional functions and options.
For example, some devices have an ionization system. It generates negatively charged ions that destroy various viruses and bacteria. This reduces the risk of respiratory diseases.
Some air purifiers have a humidification feature. It allows you to maintain an optimal level of humidity in the room, providing more comfortable conditions for breathing and well-being. Additionally, the technology improves cleaning efficiency. Dirt, dust and allergens settle more easily on damp surfaces, which trap and hold these particles.
Air purifiers with humidification usually have a built-in water reservoir. It is fed into a special chamber, where it evaporates, and a fan distributes the humidified air throughout the room.
Devices may have not one, but several filters at once. For example, in the TIMBERK TAP FL70SF(BL) cleaner there are two of them – HEPA and carbon. The more filters, the cleaner the surrounding air.
Many models are equipped with special air quality sensors – they determine the concentration of smoke and dust and, based on this data, automatically select the fan speed: low, medium or high.
Additional functions of air purifiers are presented:
To buy or not to buy?
Purchasing a purifier is a good solution if you want to improve the air quality in your apartment. It can remove dust particles, pollen, smoke, and other harmful contaminants. This will make you feel better, especially if you suffer from respiratory problems or asthma.
In addition, the device destroys viruses and bacteria, which can be important during cold and flu season.
How to use an air purifier correctly
It is important to choose a device that matches the area of the room in which it will be used. Manufacturers indicate the recommended room size for each model.
The device will work efficiently and bring maximum benefit if you follow simple operating rules:
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