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| Home Air Purification and Air Filter Consumers Guide | Home Air Purifiers |
Home Air Purification and Air Filter Consumers GuideTable of contents:Is Indoor Air Pollution Contributing to Your Allergy and Asthma Problems? What Is the SOLUTION for Indoor Air Pollution?
IntroductionMost people see dust particles through the sunlight that often passes through a window. Even on a sunny day most people see dust. Are you aware that within every cubic foot of ‘fresh’ air in a typical home there are at least 3 million different dust particles floating about? Dust is nothing more than a word assigned the residue and pollution that homes and people living in them slough off every day. It comes from many sources, including stoves, the skin, pets, spores from plants and pollens, cigarettes, fungi and even mildew to name a few. Dust is usually visible to people on surfaces that attract it, such as furniture or the highest shelves in the house. Unfortunately dust isn’t harmless. It isn’t simply an embarrassing fact of life. It is a harmful pollutant. People that have allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems are even more at risk for complications resulting from dust pollutants. Anyone breathing in air is at risk for contamination by dust. Dust is little more than pollution. According to the EPA indoor air is much more polluted than the outdoor air people breathe every day.
Is Indoor Air Pollution Contributing to Your Allergy and Asthma Problems?Most of the contaminants (up to 80 percent) floating about your homes air are nothing more than dead skin. The other 20 percent include more than 350 identified pollutants such as germs, viruses, bacteria, mites, mildew, body sweat and more. From the floor of the House of Representatives, indoor air pollution has been called our greatest environmental health problem. Some of the most polluted air you breathe isn't downtown, but inside your home!
Breathing in these pollutants day after day can result in many symptoms such as coughing, dry eyes, asthma, sinus trouble, fatigue, headaches and respiratory infections. The EPA reports that:
The World Health Organization reports that as many as 40 percent of buildings contain unsafe air pollution.
What Is the SOLUTION for Indoor Air Pollution?Fortunately there is a solution. Doctors and researchers agree that removing the pollutants from air will help remove many of the health problems associated with poor air quality.? We've done much of the homework for you. Read on, and then check out more of our web site... Ventilation can reduce most poisonous gasses and odors. Dust, dander, smoke and other pollutants however are more efficiently reduced using an air cleaner. Air cleaners are small, self-contained appliances that can reduce the pollutants in the air. Whole house air filters are also available to clean all air a furnace blower passes.
Types of Air CleanersMost air cleaners either work through electrical attraction, mechanical filtration or occasionally both. Mechanical air filters strain dust through a fan that propels the air through a special filter membrane. Electrical attraction air filters charge various particles in the air, and subsequently create a magnetic attraction that attracts the particles to the filter. Most smaller air cleaners, including tabletop versions and small room cleaners send air through several different filters, including a foam prefilter to capture large particles and an electrical unit to capture smaller dust particles. In addition some of these models have a carbon filter attached to filter some odors and gasses.
The Ins and Outs of An Ionic Air PurifierHow does an ionic air purifier work? It traps microscopic particles on metal plates.Researchers designed the ionic air purifier to filter air in a unique way. It uses electrostatic attraction to capture microscopic pollutants and remove them from the air you breathe. Ionic air purifiers can clean large volumes of air. Thus, as a consumer you can develop an efficient strategy for placing these filters throughout the house. The ionic air purifier has many advantages over traditional air filters, including the ability to neutralize harmful substances such as fumes, bacteria and even viruses. These benefits are helpful for individuals with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems. Here is how it works. The ionic air purifier emits negative ions from a point on the purifier itself. These ions spread out into the room’s air and attach to positively charged particles remaining in the air. Any airborne articles floating combine with negative ions from the unit so they change from a positive to a negative ion. These negatively charged particles then continue to attract to positive ions. The bonding causes particles floating in the air to stick mostly to surfaces of walls and other objects, removing it from the air. Some people call this the black wall effect. One downside is this unit leaves the exposed surfaces of a room looking dirty. The important point however is the purifier removes these substances from the air you are breathing. Ionic purifiers can remove dirt as small as .01 microns, which is much smaller than most traditional filters. While this filter rates highly it may not meet all of your air purification wants and needs. It can remove air particles but displaces them to the walls. Thus you must clean the layer of dirt that collects. Odors are also not trapped by the ionic air purifier. Though it will clean many viruses, it won’t be able to remove all of them. Also, the air purifier does not clean suspended chemicals. When combined however with a HEPA filter or similar filter, the ionic purifier works beautifully. Ionic purifiers have long proven their health benefits. When used in combination with other air filtration units or even alone, it is a health doctor in the home.
HEPA Air Filters -- breathe healthier, removes 99.9% of airborne impurities.The HEPA air filter helps provide clean air by removing dust, dander, smoke, mold, pollen, mildew and other minute particles from the air. Developed in the 1940s, the HEPA filter is well-known for providing unique and high quality filtration. HEPA is short for High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter. The Atomic Energy Commission created the first HEPA filters during World War II to remove airborne particles containing radioactive substances. Since then the HEPA filter has gained popularity and is now used in many settings including medical, government and industrial organizations. HEPA air filters are the best and most efficient filters, filtering 99.97 percent of airborne particles .3 microns in size or larger. HEPA filters are helpful for people with severe allergies, asthma and other respiratory disorders because they efficiently remove mold spores, dust mite and other common allergenic substances from the air we breathe. Cosmetically, HEPA filters are attractive and come in many different styles including metal, plastic and aluminum. The HEPA filters, while efficient, do have some limits. Most HEPA filters have trouble removing certain particles from large distances or spaces because air must be sucked through a narrow filter. HEPA filters are good for small rooms but may have difficulty removing all particles from faraway spaces. In addition HEPA filters don’t remove all particles, such as viruses, germs, odors and fumes or gases. However, when combined with an ionizer or ozone generator the HEPA filter works beautifully to remove all these particles and pollutants from the air. HEPA air filters provide one of the most effective and scientifically backed technologies for cleaning and filtering the air your breathe. HEPA filters are backed by federal funding, thus most consumers can rest assured the quality of HEPA filters is outstanding. More and more consumers are buying HEPA filters for their homes and offices. HEPA filters are most useful for people that suffer from respiratory problems. Of all the different air filters available, HEPA filters are one of the best and proven technologies on the market today.
Ozone Air Purifier produces natural airOzone air purifiers are useful for removing contaminants including bacteria, odors and mildew. Ozone purifiers incorporate the latest air filtration technology. This purification device doesn’t use filters to remove contaminants from the air. Instead ozone purifiers harness oxygen in the air and then use an altered form of this oxygen to purify the air whether in your home or office. Ozone air purifiers can remove many manufactured contaminants such as perfume odors, emissions from cars, food smells and even cigarette smoke. Lingering smells are often a prime consideration for homeowners looking at air purification devices. Lingering smells are harmful and can increase the risk of respiratory problems. Reducing airborne smoke may even decrease the number of viruses and illnesses one catches each year. Ozone air purifiers release O3 or reactive ozone molecules into the air. These agents bleach contaminants, stripping them of their harmful qualities. O3 molecules hunt down and destroy air contaminants much like an old-fashioned gunslinger would. Some consumers oppose use of ozone air purifying technology. One reason is the ozone purification process leaves its own distinctive odor that some may find offensive. Another reason is that some people are sensitive to high concentrations of ozone, such as those the purification unit emits. Sensitive individuals may experience throat and eye irritation. For some the ozone air purifier may remove some airborne contaminants and resulting problems but also create new ones.
Photochemistry, and Photoplasma/Ultraviolet (UV) LightPhotochemistry, used in air purification systems, is the chemical reaction or change in material caused by exposure to light energy. Ultraviolet light in this range is useful for disinfection purposes. When a strong enough ultraviolet light is present, it becomes useful in the destruction of contaminating organic compounds. Almost all indoor contaminants are organic, such as toxic volatile organic compounds, dust particles like dander, hair, dust mite feces, etc., and biological contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Photochemistry can break down these harmful organic molecules. Photoplasma & Ultraviolet (UV) Light -- These air purification systems excite gases by the energy from ultraviolet light waves and create a highly energized gaseous state. This resultant plasma can destroy nearly all organic contaminants. The destruction mechanism mainly involves the photo dissociation of molecular oxygen, leading to form oxidizing species, such as atomic oxygen, molecular singlet oxygen, and ozone. These reactive species interact with contaminants converting most to carbon dioxide and water. Photoelectric Effect -- Ejecting electrons from a molecule by high-energy ultraviolet light is called the photoelectric effect, and it can be further improved by irradiating what is called a "photoelectron emitting member" to eject more electrons. Such a photoelectron-emitting member is contained in Biozone Air Purifiers. The photoelectrons ejected are used to charge fine particles in a gas, which are then removed from the air stream as they attach to oppositely charged surfaces. This electrically charging of dust and other particulates can remove particles as small as .001 micron. Note that each of the electron ejections can cause multiple ionization events. For example, in the photoelectric effect, the photon undergoes only one interaction, yet the resultant electron and its products can cause thousands of ionizations.
How Effective Are They?Air cleaners are only as effective as its capacity to filter particles combined with the amount of air it can clean in an appointed time frame. To be effective an air filter has to capture particles of several different sizes in a large enough space to improve air quality significantly. The mechanical filter is a good choice for capturing the smallest dust particles. The finer a sieve a filter has the quicker it will fill with dust and need to be cleaned. Airflow slows when the filter clogs reducing the overall efficiency of this filter. The best types of filters have fine sieves combined with a larger surface area, which can increase dust containment and the amount of air passing through. Electrical attraction filters are different from mechanical ones. They usually don’t slow down as their filters collect particles. However, the more particles they collect the more the charge is minimized. They are more effective when they are clean. Air should also pass through these slowly to heighten efficiency. The unit of measurement typically used to measure dust is a micron. One micron is small, roughly 1/25,400 of one inch. Human can see dust particles that are 10 microns or larger. This includes pollen and lint. Most air filters will clean this visible dust. Effective filters however need to filter out the smaller particles as well, those that can’t be seen by the human eye. The best filtration device is the HEPA filter. It can filter particles that are .3 microns small. Particles these sizes are more likely to deposit on the airways and cause respiratory trouble. In recent years researchers developed the ULPA filter and may remove contaminants .1 micron or smaller. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Engineers tests the effectiveness of filters and provides ratings. One rating provided is the Initial Staining and Dirt Efficiency rating, which tell how well an air filter removes the smallest particles including tobacco tar, grease and allergens. The next rating the society gives, referred to as the Average Arrestance Measurement, measures the amount or ordinary particles including dust, lint and hair that a filter can remove. If you compare ratings, know which ratings to look for. This will help you decide how efficient the filter it. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers or AHAM also certifies some versions of portable air filters with a rating. This rating, the CADR or clean air delivery rate measures how large an area is cleaned and how big the particles are. This rating measures minute, medium and large size particles. The higher this rating the faster the unit works to clean the air.
Buying TipsDeciding to choose a whole-house or selecting a self-contained model largely relates to the heating system your home uses. If your home uses a system that forces air, you should buy a unit that connects to the forced system because the portable model won’t be as effective when linked directly with the unfiltered air circulation in the house. When you shop, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. With a tabletop or room air cleaner, pay attention to how many CFM (cubic feet per minute) of air moves through the unit. For each 250 square feet of space, figure you’ll need about 100 CFM. Room models can handle up to about 400 CFM and tabletop models top out at 175 CFM. Select a model that is quiet instead of noisy and look for one that is efficient. Typically efficient models have an intake and output sections on opposite sides of the model. If the unit contains a HEPA filter, find out how big it is. Obviously, a 12x16x6-inch filter will be much more effective (and costly) than an 8x8x6-inch filter. Room models are can cost a few hundreds to a thousand dollars whereas tabletop units are less than $200 on average. Units that clean air in the whole house are silent, cleaning more than 1000 cubic feet every minute. Unfortunately they are also expensive. You also need to install them with a contractor, and if you don’t turn the fan on, they will only clean air when your furnace or air conditioner is on. Regardless of the unit you select, rest assured your air will be much cleaner when you use a filtration device!
A Closer Look at Air CleanersThere are several different types of air filters: HEPA – for years this was considered the gold standard of filters. HEPA refers to High Efficiency Particulate Accumulation. It is a good filter and can remove even radioactive contaminants from air. Government agencies use these as well as many industrial environments. They are made in portable versions capable of cleaning an entire room. Most have a filter with a wide surface area. These types of filters are rated for removing as much as 99.97 percent of all particles that are .3 microns or larger. One disadvantage of these filters is the price. They are often expensive, and need to be replaced about every 18 months. They usually cost between $50 up to $125 or more. They also need a strong air blower because the filter is dense. This may raise your energy costs. ULPA, which stands for Ultra Low Penetrating Air, is a filter developed for use in hospitals and manufacturing "clean rooms" such as those employed in the semiconductor industry. Now available in self-contained home air cleaners, the filter is an inter-cut web of micro fibers that traps 99.99% of .1 micron particles from the air. "HEPA like" filters – as the name implies these are similar to HEPA purifiers, but are not standardized as rigorously as HEPA filters. Many are about as efficient however. Most are capable of removing anywhere from 25 to 95%of microscopic particles in the air. If you decide to buy one check to see how efficient the filter is at removing microscopic particles. You can buy most for about $40. Most ordinary and inexpensive furnace filters catch a good volume of large particles and pollutants, but they don’t do a good job of capturing minute dust particles. Treated filters are more effective. These are usually dipped in mineral oil or another substance to attract smaller particles. Electrostatic or electric filter – these filters creates charge using synthetic fibers to attract small particles. They range in price from cheap (about 10 dollars) to expensive (up to 100 dollars). They come in several different varieties, including disposable, pleated and reusable. Even the reusable filters need to be replaced however on occasion. These types of filters block up to 35 percent of the smallest particles in the air. A negative-ion generator – this filter uses small needles or charged wires that create ions. These ions capture airborne particles. Ions are distributed back in the room and may stick to surfaces, even stain them.
Reviews and RatingsAlpine -- The importance of clean air provided by your Alpine air purifier is underscored by the fact that the average person consumes approximately 62 pounds of air in a given day. Indeed, the breathing process is the “gateway” into your body, making each of us vulnerable to manufactured contaminants as well as to biological dangers such as allergens, bacteria, viruses and so on. Alpine air purifier designs are merely one of several strategies that families and businesses should carry out in order to improve breathing air safety standards. Alpine air purifiers simulate a naturally occurring process that takes place outdoors each and every day. Alpine air purifiers produce ozone (O3), which is a naturally occurring atmospheric gas, which in its nature state provides protection to the planet from deadly solar radiation. The Alpine air purifier uses a design which slow-releases incremental quantities of the highly reactive ozone molecules into the air. These newly created ozone molecules catch a ride on indoor air currents and quickly become uniformly distributed throughout your room. The ozone molecules created by your Alpine air purifier unit bond with air borne contaminates and effectively neutralize them, with the result that your room's air is now cleaner and safer for your family. In design and operation, Alpine air purifiers do not use an air filter, therefore eliminating an important cost item associated with buying replacement filters. By eliminating replacement filters you reduce the total lifetime cost of your air purifier, without limiting the results and benefits that you're seeking. When committing to purchasing Alpine air purifiers, your initial purchase becomes your first and last payment. For most families, the elimination of follow-on costs for replacement air filter components creates a solid argument for picking the Alpine air purifier. If you're committed to air safety, then you should look to an Alpine air purifier as a proven and safe technology. Good luck with the purchase of your Alpine air purifier and feel free to use this site for your further air purification research. Austin -- Austin provides a heavy duty and long lasting air filtration product. Most Austin products come with a HEPA system that is medical grade quality. All Austin filters are constructed of steel metal. These filtration machines are considered among the best and most efficient on the market. Austin also offers the Air Health mate model line, which are built to provide continuous air filtration using half as much electricity as other modern versions of air filters. This line of air filters removes 85% of pollutants in most average rooms in 15 minutes or less. In addition, Austin provides a 5-year mechanical and pro-rated filter warranty in addition to an unlimited 30-Day satisfaction guarantee. You simply can’t beat that! Biozone -- These air purifiers are effective tools for removing contaminants in the home or in the office. The demand for Biozone purifiers continues to rise as more research is produced validating their efficiency and efficacy. The producers of Biozone products are continually researching new techniques to remove harmful pollutants and contaminants from indoor air. In addition to consumer demand which is high for Biozone air purifiers, new regulations are being adopted that prohibit public venues including restaurants from having excessive indoor pollution levels. Much of this legislation is the result of cities and local governments pushing measures to reduce pollutants from indoor tobacco and smoke use. With respect to this, Biozone air purifiers are among the best tools to clean and purify air of smoke and other contaminants. Biozone air filtration units adopt a photo-plasma technique of air filtration. This technique uses UV light to excite gases within the unit that help absorb airborne pollutants and organic contaminants. Before you buy a Biozone unit you should understand the technology behind it. A Biozone air purification unit basically works by changing the oxygen in the air to create a gas similar to ozone. The particles produced react with airborne pollutants and covert them to harmless substances, namely water and carbon dioxide. This technique of air filtration is particularly useful for offices, homes and even manufacturing or factor environments. Government bodies and military agencies to purify the air currently use these units. Domestic versions are also available however. More consumers are demanding Biozone products because more research is being conducted on indoor air pollutants. The EPA in 1995 released a statement revealing that air pollution is among the most critical environmental health concerns affecting consumers. Most people inhale more than 62 pounds of air every day. The more contaminated the air, the less healthy the consumer. GE -- These HEPA filtration systems are quiet and provide 99.97 percent filtration. Most GE (General Electric) systems feature:
GE also manufactures motors for other brands of air purifiers. Holmes --The Holmes air purifier product line answers the growing demand for air safety in America. Interest in air purification is the outgrowth of growing awareness about air pollution, which has attracted serious discussion in schools, in the media, with public advocacy groups, and the government itself. Along with other competitor technologies, the Holmes air purifier product line offers proven performance in air purification tests along with exceptional value. Holmes air purifiers have experienced an increased public acceptance due to scientific evidence establishing the “link” between human respiratory system illnesses and the increased levels of air pollution present in home, office, and factory environments. Research findings evidence the growing need for home air purifier systems to counter irritants, allergens, fungi, mold, bacteria, mildew, viruses and even fumes. Indoor air pollution is a complex and nasty business, and the underlying the health risk factors must be clearly understood by the product technologists responsible for air purifier designs. If you or your family suffers from asthma, then a Holmes air filter can provide the clean air necessary to avoid the respiratory irritation, which precedes an asthmatic attack. Do you need a home air purifier? How safe is your home's air when compared to ordinary “outside air?” As your research into home air cleaner systems will confirm, recent EPA (Environment Protection Agency) studies have underscored the need and value of home air purifier units due to research findings revealing that levels of indoor air pollutants are three to five times higher than that of outdoor pollution levels. In 1995, the EPA argued on behalf of the need for home and office air purification through use of air filter products in a statement, which concluded, "indoor air pollution is now our nation's number one environmental health concern." With over a decade of engineering success behind them, Holmes air purifier products offer consumers a wide range of options in terms of air purification capacities and price. Holmes Air Filters use HEPA air purifier technology. The Holmes air purifier technology is based upon a tightly woven media filter. The underlying technology used by Holmes Air Filters was originally developed by the Atomic Energy Commission during the Second World War in order to inhibit discharge of airborne radioactive particles from the exhausts of nuclear reactors. Over time the Holmes and HEPA air purifier technology introduced air purification concepts into industrial, medical, and military settings. Honeywell --Honeywell air filters are known for delivering clean air that is safe and ideal for indoor home environments as well as offices and factories. All Honeywell products are manufactured using the highest levels of engineering design and technology. Honeywell technologies claims to seal off indoor environments by creating an air filter and purification product that is above all others. Honeywell air filters reduce most of the major pollutants in the home and office including chemicals, molds and dust particles. As an added bonus, all Honeywell air filters contain HEPA filters, thus reduce contaminants as small as .3 microns with almost 100% efficiency rating. Honeywell filters are noted for exceeding air standards established by prestigious organizations including the American Lung Association. In addition in 1998 Honeywell purification systems received the number one ranking among physicians and review experts. Hoover ’s– The silent air filter made by Hoover is a good selection for offices and bedrooms as well as ordinary rooms that are no more than 250 square feet. Most Hoover air filters are silent because they do not contain a motor or a fan. Instead Hoover purification systems use electrostatic units to attract contaminants including pet hair, dust and pollen. Negative ions are sent into the air and attach to contaminants. This filter can trap contaminants as small as .002 microns. Hunter -- The Hunter air filter engineers and technologists understand well that the building and insulation industries have undergone vast technological advances within the past thirty years. Lacking some meaningful form of air purifier system, our homes and living spaces are now "sealed" off from outdoor air environments. Indeed, most people spend 90% of their working and living time indoors, which increases their risks from unsafe air. At present, legal trends and scientific findings underscore the need for you to use some form of air purifier strategy in your home and work environment. Regulatory changes combine with media coverage to spike demand and growth in the air purification technology marketplace. Responding to this growth trend are the Hunter air filters and Hunter air purifier product lines. By design and operation, Hunter air purifiers use a HEPA air filter technology, which reflects the leading edge of air purification technology. As you view more closely the design concept, the HEPA air filter designed into the Hunter air purifiers is composed of tightly woven media filter fibers that can separate out or filter airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size. Astoundingly, the Hunter air filters are 99.97% efficient at removing airborne particles from your room's air. In addition to your Hunter air purifier operating efficiencies, you'll discover that the Hunter air filter is small, quiet and highly portable; a perfect air purifier for the home. Ionic Breeze -- Ionic breeze air filters are popular because they deliver safe and pollution free areas in the home and office. The ionic purifier is designed to operate using the highest quality standards. Ionic breeze air purifiers are reputable, efficient and economical. Because most people spend up to 90 percent of their lives indoors it is important they breathe clean air. This is where the ionic breeze comes in. This air purifier ensures adequate respiratory well-being and clean air for life! Living Air Purifier --The Living Air Purifier, along with various other air purifier technologies, has experienced an up tick in consumer demand and sales as a result of growing consumer awareness as to America's declining air quality. Air purification advocates have attracted major media coverage and introduced air quality subjects into the classrooms of America. Similar to the environmentalists, the engineers at the Living Air Purifier Company understand the dangers associated with indoor air pollution, along with the presence of new laws which intend to codify and regulate acceptable air purification standards. The Living Air Purifiers product family offers you extensive choice regarding size and capacity, operating cost, and initial investment into your home air cleaner system. The Living Air Purifier product group continues to win awards for developing technologies for eliminating airborne contaminants, coupled with products known for their reliable and silent running. In terms of organic contaminants, Living air purifier products are highly effective at removing bacteria and odors from air as well. Oreck -- This company claims to provide modern technology in air filtration. Oreck air filters are created with modern technologies in mind to accommodate personal and professional air filtration needs. Oreck filters produce air that is clean and safe for family and friends. Oreck filters are capable of removing airborne pollutants such as pet dander, bacteria, spores, chemical fumes, smoke and more. Oreck air filters provide reliable air filtration at an economic price. In addition the company prides themselves on providing optimal customer service. Prozone -- This air filtration device uses Ultraviolet C light radiation to create ozone. This method is the best method on the market for creating ozone. In addition the UV lamp cleans itself. Thus no matter how much dust or pollutants in your home, you won’t have to clean the UV lamp. Proper levels of ozone are important for odor elimination and germ destruction according to scientists. The Prozone air cleaner:
Trion -- Trion Air Company currently offers several air purification products for consumers interested in improving the air quality in their home and office environments. Trion like other agencies takes into consideration that most people breathe in excess of 64 pounds of air every day. Most people spend up to 90% indoors, thus the majority of the air they breathe is contaminated unless it is filtered with a high quality product. Trion markets its air purification products as the solution to various air quality problems. Most of these problems result from airtight buildings. These buildings increasingly cause an illness called sick building syndrome. This results when small spaces are bombarded by organic contaminants including Legionnaires Disease. These contaminants can spread through air vents and affect employees in the building. All Trion products are capable of cleaning the air and removing common contaminants including dust, dander, pollen, spores, pet dander, odors, smoke and more. These products are designed with asthmatics and other immune compromised people in mind. Trion air products separate out bad contaminants from the air your normally breathe. Trion air cleaners help minimize the health problems that come with organic bacteria residing in the air. These filters clean .3 micron and larger contaminants. Trion air cleaners are American owned and produced. The products produced by Trion are known for their efficiency and silence. They operate quietly and generally meet the needs of both residential and industrial air filtration clients. As a testament to the quality of these products, Trion is the only supplier of air filtration and purification equipment for the US navy submarines. Whirlpool -- Not all air purifiers have what it takes to clean the air in a large room, but the Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier does. The Whirlpool AP450 is effective at cleaning the air in large rooms and is recommended for rooms up to 500 sq. ft. (20' x 25' room). It will remove 99.97% of particles to 0.3 microns that pass through its filter, ridding the room of dust, pollen and smoke. The Whirlpool AP450 offers ultra-quiet performance even as it cleans large spaces, 3 fan settings, and a change-filter indicator light. It uses a Filtrate true-HEPA filter from 3M and prefilter to help remove large particles and reduce odors. 22"H x 17.75"W x 11.5"D, and 1-yr. warranty.
Glossarydust -- Are the fine particles of matter (as of earth); the particles into which something disintegrates. mechanical filter -- Mechanical or adhesive filters are the least expensive but the least efficient. Constructed of spun fibers shaped to form a mat, they are framed with cardboard to specific sizes. As air is moved across the fibers, dust is attracted and sticks to an oil film or glue sprayed on the fibers. This type of filter collects between 6% and 8% of the dust passing through when new. Efficiency will increase as the filter gets dirtier, but air flow will be restricted as well. Available at many hardware and retail stores, they are inexpensive, and should be replaced monthly if the system is in constant use. Some manufacturers include a new filter with the equipment that is rubber coated and washable. Coarse fibers are rubberized to bind them together and make them sticky. As air passes through, dust collects on the fibers. A blast from the sink sprayer or garden hose will rinse the dirt away and ready the filter for re-use. A better mechanical filter has been developed, called a media filter, that begins it’s life removing more dust (about 75%) and gets more efficient with use. It approaches 99% eventually, but also becomes too restrictive for proper air flow. This filter is made of paper or synthetic fabric, woven just loose enough to allow air to pass, but tight enough to trap particles as small as pollen. Anywhere from one to five inches thick, the media is pleated to allow as much surface area exposure as possible. A cardboard frame keeps the filter in the proper shape and gives it enough rigidity to prevent collapse from air pressure. electrical-attraction filter -- Electronic air cleaners put an electric charge on the dust particles as they enter the grids and collect the dust on plates that are also charged. In the process of putting an electric charge on the dust, ozone is created, which helps kill bacteria and odors. Electrostatic filters use the motion of air across a weave of synthetic threads to create a static charge on the dust and collect it. Electronic air cleaners lose efficiency as they get dirty, and should be washed monthly when in constant use. Loud snapping noises that continue through the entire heating or cooling cycle are signs that the grids need cleaning. HEPA filter -- for years this was considered the gold standard of filters. HEPA refers to High Efficiency Particulate Accumulation. It is a good filter and can remove even radioactive contaminants from air. ULPA filter -- Ultra Low Penetrating Air, is a filter developed for use in hospitals and manufacturing "clean rooms" such as those employed in the semiconductor industry. Now available in self-contained home air cleaners, the filter is an inter-cut web of micro-fibers that traps 99.99% of .1 micron particles from the air. |
News n' Info Home Air Purification and Air Filter Consumers GuideHave questions? We've got answers! Visit our home air purification and air filter consumers guide to learn everything you ever wanted to know (and some things you didn't :) about home air purification, and Indoor air pollution! Feature Articles Air Pollution FactsAir pollution facts are almost common knowledge but facts about air pollution indoors are less pervasive. Air Purifiers Having air purifiers in the home improves the quality of your air so effectively visitors will wonder how you do it. |
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