Do Air Purifiers Really Work?
According to the EPA, exposure to air pollutants can be up to 5x worse than outdoors because of poor ventilation and underperforming HVAC systems. Even short-term exposure can cause respiratory symptoms like coughs, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and more. Of the many public health issues, the EPA ranks indoor air quality (IAQ) among the top five environmental risks to the public. This is greatly concerning since Americans spend an average amount of 90% of their time indoors.
As one proposed solution to poor IAQ, air purifiers bring with them the question of “do air purifiers work?” In the following blog, air purifiers and their effectiveness will be examined.
How Do Air Purifiers Work?
Air purifiers greatly vary in how they function, but most work via a filtration system that removes air particulates and pumps out clean air. How the filtration system works depends on the brand and type of air purifier.
Typically, air purifiers pull air toward them using a fan. The incoming air will then pass through a filter, which can be made of a variety of materials like paper or fiberglass. Filters utilized in an air purifier can vary, but the most effective filter for trapping particles is a HEPA filter.
HEPA Filters Work to Clean the Air
HEPA filters are made up of a series of layers to maximize entrapment of airborne particles as air moves past the filter.
HEPA filters are composed of multiple layers of filter media. HEPA filters are 99.97%-99.99% effective at capturing air particulates the size of 0.3 microns, and better for those either bigger or smaller than 0.3 microns. They are rated at this size of particulate because it is the hardest particulate to capture. HEPA filters capture particulates in one of three ways- interception, impaction, and diffusion. All three help to capture as many particulates as possible, and with them, viruses, bacteria, pollen, dust, pet dander, mold, and more.
Air Purifier Clean Air Technologies
Besides a HEPA filter, some air purifiers use other types of filters or technologies to purify the air. Additional technologies are also used sometimes in combination with a HEPA filter, so as to provide maximum IAQ benefits. For example, ozone-free bipolar ionization and germicidal UVC are both used as supplementation to a HEPA filter or on their own. However, both rely on a fan to still bring contaminated air to be treated. Some air purifiers also use a carbon filter to help combat smells.
Not all HEPA filters are equal. The filter on the left, is the type utilized in ISO-Aire HEPA air purifiers, with one filter lasting 5-6 years. The filter on the right, can be expected to only last a few months, resulting in high maintenance costs.
Are Air Purifiers Worth the Cost?
Depending on a few variables, air purifiers can definitely be worth the money. Not all air purifiers are created equal, with some bringing hidden costs and inadequate effectiveness to the table. Check out our blog that provides tips on what to consider before purchasing an air purifier. Maintenance costs and energy savings potential are often forgotten when considering an air purifier model, but these costs quickly add up. Eventually, the HEPA filter will need to be replaced. How long an air purifier’s HEPA filter lasts is something that should be considered before purchasing. Some of the cheaper models require that the HEPA filter be replaced every month or two. However, some, like ISO-Aire HEPA filters, are 12 inches thick, requiring replacement once only every 5-6 years, thus significantly cutting down on maintenance costs.
Besides these considerations, overall, air purifiers can definitely be worth the investment because of their ability to clean the air and improve IAQ. Especially for people who suffer from respiratory issues like asthma and seasonal allergies, the investment of an air purifier can be a game-changer.
Do Air Purifiers Protect Against COVID-19 and Other Germs?
HEPA air purifiers are also one of the best preventative measures that can be implemented to stop the spread of COVID-19, RSV, and other airborne germs. They can also offer great protection from the inhalation of mold spores, although they do not cure the mold problem itself. Mold buildup indoors is a result of excess moisture and will require a dehumidifier and possibly other mold remediation strategies depending on its severity.
Key Considerations When Choosing the Right Air Purifier
Selecting the right air purifier for your needs can be overwhelming. From our findings, some of the most important main considerations when determining what type of air purifier would be best for you would include the following:
Size of indoor space looking to purify
How many air changes/hour desired
MERV rating of filter
Noise levels
Maintenance costs, taking into account annual HEPA filter changes and pre-filter changes.
Energy requirement
Air purifier lifespan
ISO-Aire HEPA Air Purifiers are an Effective IAQ Solution
Chosen by schools, businesses, and residences nationwide, ISO-Aire medical-grade HEPA air purifiers are a group of commercial purification systems that incorporate up to three levels of clean air technology. They come standard with a 99.99% HEPA filter that lasts up to 5-6 years and can also have ozone-free bipolar ionization and germicidal UVC included as well. With purifier models that can provide up to 2000 CFM, we can meet your IAQ needs for any indoor space.
Ultra-quiet, portable, and energy-efficient, ISO-Aire offers many advantages over competitor units. Additionally, ISO-Aire models are incredibly low-maintenance and can be expected to last up to 20 years, far beyond the 2-3 year lifespan that can be expected from other models, both of which make ISO-Aire a great solution.
To learn more about ISO-Aire, contact us at 651-265-0605 or at info@iso-aire.com
