Is A Room Air Purifier Necessary?

The modern home often has air that is less clean than the air around it. Pollutants come into the home through the doors and windows, getting trapped in fabrics, bedding and carpets. Particulates and gasses from the home itself permeate the air and cigarette smoke gets into everything.

Mold, bacteria and mildew can breed in a humid environment. Pet dander, dust and dust mites are found in most homes and many of the furnishings in the home can release gasses found in their components. It’s no wonder that about $250 million is spent on room air purifiers every year.

How They Work

Usually, a room air purifier works with a HEPA filter or an ionizing system. The high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter captures at least 99.97% of airborne particulates by definition. The HEPA designation reflects a standard set by the Department of Energy. A room air purifier with a HEPA filter works by circulating the air through a specially formulated fiber system to catch tiny particulates. This type of room air purifier is most recommended.

Even stricter is the ultra-low penetration air (ULPA). HEPA filters were used to catch radioactive particles during the development of the atomic bomb and are still used by the nuclear power industry. A room air purifier that uses an ionizer creates electrons and discharges them into the room’s air to attach to air molecules and form ions. The ions attach to particulates, making them more attractive to the filter.

A room air purifier that uses both an ionizer and a HEPA filter works better when the filter is fresh. If the filter is not working well, the ionized particles are returned to the room where they can fall to the floor or become attached to positively charged surfaces. This can cause the filters in other appliances such as the vacuum or air conditioner to become dirty more quickly. A home with an above average amount of pollutants like pets and smoke can go through a HEPA filter more quickly.

Be sure that you become familiar with the operating manual and change the filter as often as suggested. Also remember that HEPA filters can come in different sizes and capacities. They only have to meet a particulate standard to have the name “HEPA.” Make sure that you know the limits of the HEPA filter in your room air purifier. With proper maintenance and attention, your room air purifier can make your home a healthier place for years to come.

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