Homeowners have different reasons for wanting to buy an air purifier. One reason is to add an extra layer of protection against the flu and to protect themselves from asthma or allergies triggered by dust mites, dust, pollen, etc. You may also want to buy an air purification unit if you live where the air is polluted or have a family member/neighbor who smokes regularly. Whatever the reason, you need to have the below tips in mind so you do not end up with the wrong product.
1. The Types of Pollutants to Be Filtered
Most homeowners may not know this, but different air purifiers work great at filtering different pollutants. That means if you want to get rid of cigarette smoke from your home, you may want to pick a different air purifier from someone looking to manage allergies due to pet hair or pollen.
Manufacturers rate air purifiers based on their performance in filtering different pollutant sizes. Ideally, these units have various filters, including HEPA and carbon-activated filters. Units with HEPA-certified filters are recommended because they can remove a wide range of particles, from pet dander and pollen to ultrafine particles, which may compromise the air you breathe.
Besides, some air purifiers use technologies such as ionization, photocatalysis, and UV sterilization. Purifiers with ionization technology are preferred, too, because they work as two-in-one units in that you can use them both as ionizers and purifiers. Air purifiers with photocatalysis are also good, especially if you want to remove gaseous pollutants from the air.
On the other hand, air purifiers with UV sterilization technology are worth considering if you want to destroy pathogens. These units emit UVC rays, which work great at killing pathogens, ensuring your room is safe. Even better, bacteria and viruses cannot form a resistance to UVC rays like they usually do when exposed to hand sanitizers and antibiotics for an extended period.
2. The Size of the Room
Picking an air purification device with the right type of filter is not enough; you also need to ensure the unit is perfectly suited for the room you plan to set it up in. If the air purifier is too small for your room, it may be ineffective in removing particles from the air.
Going for a unit that is too big for your room is not a good idea either, particularly when you consider that large air purification units are likely to cost more than their smaller counterparts. In the long run, you shall have spent money unnecessarily.
To ensure the air purifier you have chosen is the right one for your room size, check its clean air delivery rate (CADR), which is the airflow of an air purifier. In simpler terms, CADR is the volume of filtered air an air purification device can produce. It is in m3/hr. and first came from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).
AHAM verifies the volume, performance, and energy criteria of a wide range of appliances homeowners use regularly. It is an independent association; hence, consumers love it for its transparency and clarity on the efficiency of the products they use. According to AHAM, if an air purifier has a higher CADR number for a particular pollutant, it can filter out that pollutant at a faster rate.
While some models have only one CADR number, others have multiple for particular pollutants. To be precise, one CADR number may be for smoke and small particulates and another for chemical pollutants. This means if you suspect your room is filled with all kinds of pollutants, you can opt for an air purifier with multiple CADR numbers to take care of them.
Ideally, AHAM advises that you consider the two-third rule when picking an air purification unit for your room. This means its CADR number should be equal to two-thirds of the room area. For instance, if your room has an area of 81 sq. ft. and is filled with dust you wish to remove, the air purifier you pick should have a dust CADR number of at least 54 sq. ft. Fifty-four square feet is two-thirds of 81 sq. ft.
3. Energy Efficiency
For your air purifier to function effectively, it is recommended that you leave it running almost constantly. This means the amount of energy it draws, especially on high, is a topic you cannot ignore. Intuitively, small air purification devices draw less energy on high and, on low, they can consume as little as 1.5 watts.
However, small air purifiers only work great for small spaces. If you have a large area to keep free of pollutants, you will have no choice but to go for a large unit, which can consume up to 200 watts on high. This will have a noticeable impact on your electric bills.
To ensure you are not frustrated by high energy consumption from your air purifier, be keen to invest in Energy-Star-certified models. Moreover, check the unit’s specs to find the estimated energy usage. Also, if possible, go for air purifiers with “eco” modes since they automatically power down and go on standby when their sensors no longer detect pollutants in the air.
4. The Quietness of the Unit
The noise level of a unit is a tip you need to consider if you plan to put your air purifier in the bedroom. Internal fans of air purifiers pull air via a series of filters to keep it free of pollutants. Some of these fans are silent, especially on a low setting, while others can be noisy.
To ensure the noise level of your air purifier does not catch you off-guard, be sure to check the technical specs for more details on how noisy your unit can get. Some units only make between 17 and 20 dB of noise and are the best for bedrooms. Others are rated between 60dB and 70dB, which is the level of noise made in the office.
5. Additional Features
Not all air purifiers are created equal; some are more advanced than others. They have extra features such as mobile app integration, Wi-Fi capability, filter-replacement indicators, remote control, wheels for optimum portability, etc. Manufacturers of air purification devices include these features to make your life simple.
That means most of these features are handy, especially if you live a busy life. Filter-replacement indicators, for example, ensure you know when to install new filters so your air purifier can keep functioning at optimum. Mobile app integration is another crucial feature because it helps you seamlessly operate your air purification unit even when not at home.
On the flip side, though, air purifiers with several forward-thinking features tend to be costlier than those with fewer features. Therefore, if you are on a budget, you may want to pick those units with crucial features only.
Contact Us for Professional Air Purification Services
Air purifiers are useful investments. In addition to having an air purification unit, work with a reputable company for regular air purification services in your home. At We Care Plumbing, Heating & Air, our experienced team uses modern technology and equipment to keep the air in your home clean and healthy.
We offer air duct cleaning, humidification, dehumidification, air filtration, zone control HVAC, humidity control, and air purification services. We have been in business for more than two decades and are available 24/7 to ensure nothing bothers you when you are at home with your loved ones. Call We Care Plumbing, Heating & Air in Murrieta today to learn more about what to look for when buying the right air purifier.
