Indoor Air Purifiers: Two Most Common Devices

It’s not a secret that the market offers air purifiers in all possible sizes and shapes and even color themes. Moreover, not all models of purifiers function the same. To say more, different types of these devices employ different technologies while cleaning up the indoor air.

It’s crucial to be aware of, as well as understand, how every technology works in order to select the most suitable product for your particular needs. Let’s make a little tour over the most common types of air purifiers.

• High Efficiency Particulate Air Technology

High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA is a technology that is used to filter particles. The standard that the HEPA filters must meet is at least 99.97% of all air particles that are larger than 0,3 microns. People are able to catch the air particles that are larger than 10 microns, which means the particles that can be caught by the HEPA devices – viruses, bacteria and chemicals – cannot be seen by the human eye. Since HEPA filters can trap bacteria and mold, they turn your indoor area into a more sanitary one. Besides, the air purifiers of this type don’t generate ozone or any other unsafe by-products.

The filter a strong fiber-like material folded back and forth in order to provide a shape of an accordion. Due to this shape, there’s a huge surface for air to be pushed through the purifier fan. It’s crucial for airflow to have an opportunity to pass through the filter to get cleaned.

Mind that the more times airflow is getting through the filter during one hour, the cleaner the indoor air will be. The very moment the HEPA filter is full, air will no longer have an opportunity to get through. It means you will be in need of a new filter to be installed. As a rule, the HEPA filters serve for 2-4 years.

Large particles cannot pass through the fibers’ openings which means they’ll get caught immediately. The smaller ones will get caught by one of the mechanisms. The first mechanism called ‘interception’ works when the particles come within one radius of a fiber and then stick to it. As for the second mechanism – ‘impaction’ – it works when larger particles of air collide with the fibers and then embed into them. As a final point, the particles are get caught by ‘diffusion’ that is the third mechanism. Diffusion works, when the smallest particles collide with the molecules of gas.

When the question is about the most effective device for airborne particles trapping, HEPA air purifiers are the best. But the thing is that they don’t remove gases, odors or chemicals. Therefore, the majority of HEPA air purifiers have a certain level of activated carbon based material needed to absorb chemicals and odors that haven’t been caught by the HEPA filter.

• Activated Carbon Technology Filters

Activated carbon is an element that has been processed in order to make it porous, as well as to provide it with a huge absorption area.

 The use of this element dates back to the 1900’s. At that time, activated carbon was sold commercially as a product for water purification and taking colour out of sugar. In the times of WWI, scientists discovered that activated carbon can be used in masks as a solid protection for the soldiers.

Filers with activated carbon technology are comprised of a great number of pores of molecular size that are known for their chemical bonding and absorbent ability. Due to these properties, the filters are highly effective for capturing pollutants like tobacco, chemical emissions, odors, smoke and gases. The very moment these elements are caught, they do not get released back into the indoor air.

Air purifiers that are equipped with activated carbon filters are a perfect choice for the homeowners with MCS – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity since they can easily absorb formaldehyde that is usually found in wood paneling, carpet and furniture upholstery.

However, carbon air filters have some limitations in removing air particles that are far away and cannot get through the filter.