Having clean, breathable air is necessary for good health. Dust, dirt, pet dander, and mold are household hazards that can be harmful to you and your family. Using an air purifier can give you many health benefits from breathing easier.
How Air Purifiers Work
Air purifiers use filters to remove particles that can make breathing difficult. Filters work like sieves to trap particles from the air.
Ionizing and ozone air filters have proven ineffective and even harmful instead of helpful, according to research from the Environmental Protection Agency. Be sure to do some research into the various types of air purifiers before you choose the one that’s best for your situation.
Air Cleaners
Air cleaners are usually part of a cooling and heating HVAC system. The system works with a filter housing installed between the air return duct and the air handler or furnace. An air filter cartridge fits into the housing and filters the air as it flows into the air handler. This cartridge cleans the air going into the house and prevents damage to the system because it avoids dust buildup on the internal components. Typical filters are made from cotton, foam, fiberglass, or other synthetic fibers. The more tightly constructed filters catch more particles, with pleated filters catching the most particles because of the increased surface area.
Other Cleaning Elements of Air Purifiers
Some air purification systems use adsorbents that trap odors, fumes, or chemicals. Activated charcoal is a porous adsorbent, trapping molecules of toxic substances. Some air filters, usually more expensive filters, use UV radiation to make microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses sterile. Be sure to talk to your local HVAC contractor to see what kind of air purifier is right for your home. Making the switch can benefit your home in many ways, including:
Breathing Easier
Indoor air pollutants can cause respiratory distress such as shortness of breath, nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. Sinus headaches can be a problem when you breathe unfiltered air. Gas stoves, for example, can release nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide depending on burner configuration. Use air purifiers and kitchen range hoods to dispel particles.
Better Sleep
Air purifiers can remove allergens and mold that can cause congestion. It is typically very difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and constant sneezing. An air purifier can relieve these symptoms.
Healthier Home
Using an air purifier can make your home a healthier place for you and your family. They remove allergens from your home’s air, which can stave off the effects of allergies for your family. Asthma sufferers will benefit, as well, as purifiers remove irritants from the air. Improved indoor air quality means a more comfortable and healthy atmosphere for your home.
Cleaner-Smelling Home
As a bonus, your home will smell nicer. A good air purifier will help remove unwanted odors. If you’re worried about your house smelling musty, an air purifier is a smart investment to make.
With cleaner air from an air purifier, you and your family can breathe fresher air and be healthier. These and many other benefits are all the result of improving your indoor air quality, which can work wonders for your home.