If you’re in the market for an air purifier, you might be realizing that some kinds are producing a lot of claims. And most of those claims might appear too good to be true. So, it’s only expected that you might be wondering are air purifiers a waste of money.
They’re worthwhile, according to the EPA, as they’re an excellent approach to better your Beckley house’s indoor air quality. Newer houses are solidly sealed and heavily insulated, which is good for energy efficiency, but not so good for indoor air quality.
As updated houses don’t normally allow in as much outside air as old residences, pollutants such as dust, pet dander and cleaning products can build up inside. The outcome? Air that’s more contaminated than the outdoors, which is bad news if you struggle with allergies, asthma or are vulnerable to respiratory irritation.
Our indoor air quality professionals at Appalachian Heating can help you cut through the clutter and choose the best home air purifier. Just contact us at 304-877-5566 and we’ll be happy to help. For now, discover more about how air purifiers clean the air, their pluses and our recommendations to help you find the right air purifier.
How Do Air Purifiers Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Most home air purifiers rely on a fan to draw in air. Then, the air passes through one or more filters to trap pollutants before being recirculated.
These filters can include a charcoal filter, to get rid of odors, and a HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filter. A HEPA filter is at least 99.7% effective at filtering microscopic particles as little as .3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold and some bacteria.
An air purifier can be movable and used to treat an individual area. Or they can be added to your HVAC system, providing powerful filtration for your complete home.
The EPA says you should be aware that air purifiers can’t eliminate every contaminant from your house’s air. But when used in tandem with a better filter for your HVAC system, they can greatly decrease the level of indoor air pollution.
4 Perks of an Air Purifier
Getting an air purifier for your residence can offer many great health pluses. Here are several of them.
1. Reduces Allergy and Asthma Triggers
Air purifiers decrease pollutants in your house, including some of these typical triggers:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mold
- Volatile organic compounds, such as cleaners, air fresheners and personal care products
2. Reduces Other Symptoms Linked to Poor Indoor Air Quality
Even if you or someone in your residence doesn’t struggle with allergies or asthma, an air purifier can reduce other troubles linked to poor indoor air quality. These include:
- Scratchy throat, eyes, nose or skin
- Headaches
- Sneezing and coughing
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
It can be tricky to distinguish symptoms associated with indoor air quality, as they can be linked to a lot of other illnesses. However, if you’re aware that symptoms are better after you leave your house, your indoor air quality is likely causing the issue.
3. Removes Odors
Persistent odors, including cigarette smoke or cooking smells, can be tough to remove. If you having difficulties with getting rid of strong smells in your home, our professionals recommend buying an air purifier with a charcoal or activated carbon filter.
4. Can Reduce Your Probability of Getting Sick
An air purifier can remove some bacteria and viruses under certain airflow conditions, keeping you and your household in better health especially during winter months. To receive complete advantage of this perk, our pros suggest a UV air purifier. Disinfecting ultraviolet light delivers an extra layer of defense against airborne pathogens.
Air Purifiers to Avoid
You’re better off without select air purifiers. Here are several features to stay away from when choosing a system for your home:
- Makes ozone. Some air purifiers create ozone, which can bother your lungs. The EPA suggests skipping ozone air purifiers.
- Doesn’t have HEPA filters. For the best outcome, you’ll want a HEPA air purifier. Known as the gold standard for pure air, HEPA filters are used in most healthcare settings, like hospitals.
- Only purifies a single room. We recommend installing a whole-house air purifier, which cleans the air across your home. This solution works in tandem with your heating and cooling system.
When you partner with the indoor air quality professionals at Appalachian Heating, we make it uncomplicated to select the best air purifier for your home. Reach us at 304-877-5566 to get started breathing fresher air right away!
