With allergies and asthma on the rise, many people are wondering about the quality of the air they breathe. This is particularly a concern indoors where many people spend the majority of their time. For anybody looking to reverse the effects of poor air quality, a HEPA air purifier may be the way to go.
Why Air Quality Matters
The statistics on air quality and the effects that toxic chemical VOCs have on the body can be startling. Many cities have become known for their high levels of air pollution. What many people do not realize is that indoor air can also be harmful to the body. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that the air quality inside your home can be as much as ten times more polluted than outdoor air. Many people spend a significant portion of their day inside of buildings at their workplace, school, or home. This means that the majority of the air they breathe could potentially be loaded with pollutants.
The American Medical Association, American Lung Association, and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine would all agree that poor air quality puts people at risk. It has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Flu
- Pneumonia
- Other respiratory infections
There are also concerns about long term exposure to toxins in the air causing an increased risk for a variety of cancers.
With so much at stake, it is important to take a look at the quality of the air that surrounds you and your family in your home. You may decide that some changes are in order. Fortunately, there are good options available for improving the condition of your home’s air. The technology used in air purification systems is constantly improving, and it can be a relief to know that there is help available.
An Air Purifier Acts as Housekeeper for Your Home’s Air
There is only so much a person can do to improve air quality without a purification system. Basic cleaning, vacuuming, and aerating with exhaust fans will not be enough to remove all air impurities. It is possible to monitor carbon monoxide and radon with detectors, but these units also do not remove these toxins from the air.
Air purifiers are an excellent answer. They have the ability to filter out a variety of pollutants before they reach your lungs. They can remove:
- Dust
- Tobacco smoke
- Pollen
- Carbon monoxide
- Other gaseous pollutants
Once the particles are removed from the air, they can no longer be inhaled, your family, or your pets. By reducing the level of toxins in the indoor air you breathe, you can rest easy that you have reduced your risks and improved the overall healthfulness of your home. Depending on the severity of your initial problem, you may even notice a difference in the air once you have a system in place.
HEPA Filters Must Meet Very High Standards
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter is a particularly powerful type of filter that meets very high standards. The U.S. Department of Energy requires that filters with the HEPA label must be especially efficient. At a minimum, a HEPA filter must remove 99.97% of 0.3 µm particles from the air that passes through it. This is an extremely tiny particle that is the most difficult to filter out.
HEPA filters were first designed in the 1940s, and today they are most often made out of fiberglass. They are designed for maximum effectiveness using multiple techniques for removing pollutants from the air. The particles remain attached to fibers in the filter as the air passes through.
The Many Uses for HEPA Air Purifiers
HEPA purifiers are used in many different settings. These days you can find large ones in homes, medical facilities, workplaces, and other public settings. Smaller systems are used in airplanes, cars, and other vehicles. There are even vacuum cleaners on the market that are equipped with small HEPA purification systems. There are so many applications for these filters because they are so effective and efficient at removing impurities from the air.
Comparing Different Styles
Air purification systems come with a range of features. Some can be operated by remote control. Others are equipped with odor sensors or even have the ability to deodorize as they clean. Some units are designed to be very quiet, which can be especially useful in locations near where people are sleeping. You can purchase models that stand alone, such as in the corner of a room. There are also versions available that mount permanently on the wall.
If you are looking to purchase a HEPA purification system, it is a good idea to assess your needs and then compare the various features available. It is especially important that you consider the size of the space where the system will be located, as different models have different capacities. All HEPA systems meet certain minimum, but in addition each model has an efficiency rating. This will tell you level of air purification you can expect from a particular unit. Some are more powerful than others.
Some Final Tips
A representative from a company that specializes in air purification is in the best position to advise you on the system that is right for you. They have the experience to explain the advantages of various HEPA models and to make specific recommendations about which unit will best suit your needs.
For maximum efficiency, it is critical that consumers follow all directions that are specific to the model they choose. Keeping the air purifier running at its best will also require regular maintenance, cleaning and replacing the filters on schedule to ensure a long life for the machine.
There are few benefits to having poor air quality at home. For anybody who wants to help avoid allergy and asthma attacks and reduce the risk of cancer and other long term effects, a HEPA air purifier offers an excellent solution.
Let us help you choose the proper air purifier for your needs. Our knowledgeable, friendly and honest customer service representatives are available to you 24 hours a day. Just contact us or call 888.866.8862.
