Air pollution at home or work is a health risk. Although we may think the air we breathe is clean, it contains lots of pollutants like pet dander, mites, bacteria, mold, and viruses that you can’t see with the naked eye.
There are also other dangerous compounds such as chemicals from cleaning agents, as well as residue from aerosols such as pesticides and air fresheners.If you have smokers at your office, the air may also contain pollutants from tobacco smoke.
If you do not purify your air, all these contaminants may be present in your work or home. You may not even know they are there because they are very tiny particles. Unfortunately, you breathe them in, and they can cause lung ailments, trigger allergies, and even cause chronic diseases such as cancer.
Letting in some fresh air by opening windows is not enough to eliminate harmful air pollutants, especially if you work or live in poorly ventilated places. An HVAC system will not purify your air either. It helps to circulate air but only recycles what is already there. The best way to get rid of pollutants from the air you breathe is to install an air purifier.
What is an air purifier?
An air purifier cleans out allergens and pollutants from the air using special filters. Once the air is purified, the HVAC system circulates the clean air into your space.
Although HVAC systems have filters, they are paper filters that are not made to clean out the tiny particles that air purifier filters can trap. These are very tiny particles, some of which are no larger than 0.3 microns.
Some air purifiers contain filters that not only clear out pollutants but also filter out odors from your air. They are especially useful if you have pets, odors from cooking, smoke, or use your fireplace.
Air purifiers are invaluable in the workplace because where there are many people, you can never lack some foul odors. In places where lots of chemicals are used, they can prevent your employees from contracting chronic ailments like cancer or lung diseases.
There are also air filters that oxidize organic pollutants such as mold, bacteria, and viruses using UV light. These are invaluable in hospitals where there are bacteria and other harmful organic pollutants.
Advantages of installing an air purifier
You are probably content with your HVAC system, and you feel there is no need to get an air purifier. Well, once you look at the advantages of having one, you may change your mind. Here are a few;
- Air purifiers can remove up to 99.97.% of pollutants from your air. That is something your HVAC system cannot do.
For example, you may not know this, but some types of flooring emit pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause chronic ailments. Imagine breathing such pollutants all the time.
- If you have people at work or home who are suffering from respiratory ailments or allergies, clean air is essential for their well being. An air purifier is the best way to ensure any allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander are cleaned out from their surroundings. It beats having people always sick from colds, flu, lung ailments, or suffering from allergic reactions.
- Where there are pets, dander and odors may accumulate, making it uncomfortable to live or work there. In such places, an air purifier can be a great addition. If you also live with a smoker, you need to filter out the pollutants from cigarette smoke that hangs around the home. The same applies if you use a fireplace regularly.
- Air purifiers can also prevent the spread of infections that thrive through air contamination by trapping disease-causing germs. For example, COVID -19 virus is transmitted through viral microbes that can spread through the air, purifying the air can reduce the chances of people getting ill.
- Places where people work with harsh chemicals or manufacture items that may release harmful emissions such as factories need air purification systems. Another example is in places like salons, where there are odors from hair products or auto repair shops.
How do I choose the right air purifier for my home/workplace?
When buying an air purifier, look for one with a high MERV ( Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. A MERV rating of up to 12 is suitable for homes. A higher rating of between 13 – 16 is ideal for places with many contaminants such as hospitals. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the air purifier at trapping harmful particles.
You should also choose a purifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air ) filter. HEPA filters can trap up to 99.97% of the smallest airborne particles.
You will find there are different types of air purifiers available. Try to choose a HEPA rated filter with a high MERV rating. Also, pick one that will trap the smallest particles of harmful pollutants, kill bacteria, and fit the space you need it in.
You can install a purifier that will clean the air in your whole house or get a portable one that you can move around as needed. If you find it’s hard to choose, contact a heating and air conditioning New Jersey expert to advise you.
If you already have an air purifier, it’s a good idea to get it serviced regularly. The filters cannot trap pollutants forever. Sooner or later, they get clogged. Regularly servicing your purifier will ensure it works efficiently and prolongs its lifespan.
What else can you do to keep your air clean?
Although an air purification system is excellent at cleaning out the air, there are other things you can do to keep your home free of harmful air pollutants.
- Avoid cleaners and products that contain a lot of chemicals. Opt for homemade cleaners
- Store any chemicals such as paints and detergents, outside your home
- Vacuum and dust your house regularly to avoid a build-up of pollutants such as dander and dust.
- Discourage people from smoking indoors
Bottom line
Air purifiers are invaluable when it comes to keeping the air you breathe free of pollutants and contaminants. Purchasing and installing one in your home or business is the right choice.