What would you say if I told you that right now, as you read this, you’re inhaling millions of microscopic airborne pollutants?
If you’re reading this from home, that’s probably the case. The air inside the average home is absolutely full of contaminants, from dust and dander to viruses and bacteria. Several of them are lung irritants, provoking allergy attacks and hay fever. Others, like viruses, can infect people and cause more serious illness. In order to combat these pollutants, it’s best to make use of an air purifier in your home. Let’s take a look at some of the air purifiers available on the market, and the pros and cons of each.
HEPA Filters
Filters are air purifiers that basically “strain” particulates out of the air, capturing them as the air flows through the device. They are largely passive in their operation, simply a fiber mesh stretched over a frame. Despite their simple natures, however, filters can be quite effective air purifiers. HEPA filters, for example, are so closely woven that they can capture individual virus and bacteria cells. They are so effective that they are often used in hospitals to maintain sterile environments. They can be installed as portable or whole house units.
Electronic Air Purifiers
Electronic air purifiers, also called ionization filters, are devices that utilize electromagnetism to capture contaminants. The device creates an electric field around itself during operation. When particles pass through this field, they contract a negative charge. The negatively charged particles are then attracted to positively charged metal plates in the purifier, and stick to them. The plates can then be removed, cleaned, and replaced.
UV Germicidal Lights
Germicidal lights are a bit different from other air purifiers, in that they don’t physically remove anything from the air. Instead, they bathe the area around themselves in ultraviolet light. This sterilizes or kills many of the germs commonly found in a home’s air supply, making your air safer to breathe. Germicidal lights are a great option for people who find themselves getting sick often.
If you’d like to know more about air purifiers, call Intelligent Air Services. We provide air purifier services throughout Austin, TX.