Choosing the Type of Air Purifier for the Kinds of Pollutants You Want Removed

We worry much about the air pollution outside our homes. There are dust, smoke, gases and chemical odors to justify our concern. But these pollutants, and maybe even more (animal dander, mold, and pollen), may also be present in the air inside our homes. It is for these different kinds of pollutants that the various types of air purifiers were made. Some types of air purifiers are effective in eliminating certain kinds of pollutants. It is therefore important that you first determine which pollutants you want to get rid of before buying a unit.

An air purifier that uses an activated carbon filter is best for ridding your home of noxious odors, such as those that emanate from tobacco smoke, perfume, formaldehyde, and pesticides. Those units without any special media (such as activated carbon) won't work against gaseous pollutants.

In reducing cigarette smoke, an electronic air purifier is most effective. However, this unit may not eliminate the odor. Two different varieties - negative-ionizing cleaners and electrostatic cleaners - charge particles in the air so that they can be collected by a special filter. While these units can counteract the obnoxious effect of some odors, they are not known to be effective in removing odorless gases (example, carbon monoxide). Also understand that these types of electronic air purifier won't work in relieving your allergy to dust, pollen, or animal dander.

A mechanical filtration system works best in trapping large particles, such as mold, pollen, and dust. An example of this type of air purifier is the high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filter. HEPA air filters, however, are effective in filtering only airborne particles; they are not as effective in getting rid of allergens, most of which quickly settle on surfaces. A hybrid unit that uses more than one type of filtration system is ideal for eliminating dust, pollen, gases, and odors.