Given the number of air purifiers on the market, purchasing a quality product can seem like a daunting task. People can be easily confused as to which kind of air purifier is right for them. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing your new air purifier.

Make It a HEPA

The gold standard in air purifiers is the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Originally created to remove radioactive particles from the air during the Manhattan Project, HEPA filters remain the most efficient, effective way to clean the air. A medical-grade HEPA rating means that the filter removes 99.97% of particles .3 microns and larger, including ultra-fine dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria and viruses. This is a government regulated standard, so filters must go through rigorous independent testing to achieve it.

Don’t be fooled by marketing. Some air purifiers are touted as “HEPA-like,” “HEPA-type,” or “99% HEPA.” These do not meet the same standards as does a medical-grade HEPA filter, so people must be vigilant about checking the fine print. Accept nothing less than the genuine article.

Activated Carbon

Many HEPA air purifiers also contain an activated carbon filter. Carbon is “activated” when it’s treated with oxygen, causing tiny pores to open up in the carbon’s surface. The pores capture pollutants, removing them from the air. Carbon filters are extremely good at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic gases, chemical fumes, and odors, among many other things. Sometimes the carbon is also treated with another chemical in addition to oxygen, often potassium. This creates a chemisorbent, which is ideal for removing highly chemically-reactive or inorganic gases.

People should make sure to get an air purifier with a quality activated carbon filter. The amount of carbon is directly linked to how many pollutants it can remove, so be wary of filters that are carbon coated or have only a token amount of carbon present.

Air Purifier Pre-filters

HEPA filters are designed to remove the tiniest particles possible – as small as .3 microns and even smaller, in some cases – so it’s wasteful if larger particles use up the filter’s capacity. Because of this, many HEPA air purifiers contain one or more pre-filters. A pre-filter removes the larger particles visible to the naked eye, such as dust and pet dander. This allows the HEPA filter to be used to greatest effect, to remove microscopic particles. The pre-filter also increases the longevity of the HEPA filter, decreasing the need for frequent HEPA filter changes. People should check to ensure that their HEPA air purifier comes with at least one pre-filter in addition to the HEPA filter and activated carbon filter.

Ozone-free Operation

Ionic air purifiers have been trendy in recent years, despite the fact that they may do more harm than good. Even the best ionic air purifiers produce ozone as a byproduct of operation. Ozone is recognized by both the American Lung Association and the Environmental Protection Agency as a pollutant. The Mayo Clinic warns against breathing in ozone as it irritates the lungs. Recent studies have shown that even a small amount of ozone released continuously will accumulate indoors, quickly reaching unsafe levels. Since people are buying air purifiers in order to breathe healthy, clean air in their homes, they should make sure they’re not inadvertently causing more damage by introducing more pollutants. There is no substitute for a HEPA air purifier.

Be Vigilant about Details

Paying attention to details can save a lot of frustration down the line. Small things to consider include the quality of the materials used, the air flow rate, and long-term performance. Some cheaper air purifiers are made out of mediocre materials and may off-gas VOCs. Once again, air purifiers should remove the pollutants from one’s home, not introduce new ones. Make sure the purifier does not release VOCs and is made of good-quality materials.

Air flow rate is another thing to consider. This is the amount of air the purifier takes in from its surroundings. Manufacturers may inflate these numbers, so look for ones that guarantee a product’s efficiency. At the same time, people should realize that ultra low penetration air (ULPA) filters are not superior to HEPA filters. ULPA purifiers have a very low air flow rate, meaning they don’t clean enough volume to make the purifier very effective.

Purchase from a Reputable Supplier

Clean Air Plus is the number one source of medical-grade HEPA air purifiers, and offers only the highest quality brands on the market such as Amaircare, Austin Air, and IQAir. One of the best ways to purchase a quality HEPA air purifier is to buy from a reputable supplier like Clean Air Plus, with its dedication to improving indoor air quality and its expansive knowledge of air filtration.

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