The average American spends approximately 90% of their time indoors, where they hope to unwind in a clean and relaxed place. However, many people have trouble getting comfortable after learning their home or office could have two to five times more concentrated pollutants than the outdoors. The inside of your space could be contaminated with germs, allergens, mold and other toxins. Indoor air pollution can significantly impact your house, causing unpleasant odors, difficulty keeping surfaces clean and adverse health conditions.
Home air purifiers are becoming more popular as concerns over air quality increase. The COVID-19 pandemic has made indoor air quality a higher priority than ever. If your family is getting sick more often with respiratory congestion, headaches, eye irritation or fatigue, you may have unhealthy air pollution levels in your home. An air purifier can remove toxic particles, so you have peace of mind that your home is safe for you and your family.
Do Air Purifiers Actually Work?
Yes, air purifiers work. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the best way to improve the air quality inside your home is to remove toxic particles and ventilate the space with fresh air. Home air purifiers are an effective solution to achieve both recommendations.
Various air purification systems target dust and allergens in different ways. The level of filtration and types of particles an air purifier removes depend on the device you choose. Here are some of the most common air purification systems:
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and purifiers: A HEPA filter collects 99.97% of airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns. They are very effective, considering most bacteria are smaller than that.
- Ionizing air purifiers: Air ionizers give particles an electric charge, so they bind together and form clumps that fall from the air. The clusters typically collect on a charged plate or settle on the ground to be vacuumed later.
- Electrostatic air purifiers: These air cleaners use static electricity to attract microscopic particles from the air. Electrostatic purifiers can collect some of the smallest contaminants.
- Carbon-activated filters: Carbon is a porous material that effectively traps and absorbs toxins from the air. A carbon-activated filter traps particles, gases and chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors and smoke.
- Ultraviolet (UV) light air purifiers: As their name implies, UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill mold, bacteria and other microorganisms in the air.
How Air Purifiers Clean the Air
With every breath you take, you inhale small particles from the air. In small quantities, these contaminants are harmless to the human body. However, high concentrations of pollutants can impact your well-being. Mold, dust, allergens, viruses, smoke and chemical fumes can accumulate in your home’s HVAC system. Each toxin is different and must be targeted in different ways. Air purification systems are proven to remove a majority of these contaminants to clean your home and support your family’s health.
Air purifiers clean the air in three different ways:
1. Filter
Most air purification systems have one or more filters to collect dust, pollen, dirt and other harmful particles from your home. As the air flows through the filter, the filters capture and remove particles from circulation. The vents then push the clean air back into your home. Filters are made with different materials like mesh, fiberglass and paper to meet your needs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you must wash or replace them regularly to ensure they capture as many pollutants as possible.
2. Sanitize
Some air purifiers use light filters to sanitize the air without chemicals safely. The filters use the same short-wave ultraviolet light that hospitals use to disinfect equipment. The UV light kills bacteria, mold and viruses so they can no longer spread and contaminate your home. The FDA even approved ultraviolet light to inactivate parts of the coronavirus. UV light air purifiers deactivate the smallest germs and pathogens to help keep your family healthy.
3. Cleanse
While there are many different air purifiers for dust and allergens, many don’t absorb harmful gases and chemicals. Carbon-activated filters capture particles and fumes that are dangerous to breathe. The carbon material filters smoke, odors and VOCs from paint, harsh cleaners, pesticides and other common household products. Carbon filters cleanse and deodorize your home so you can safely take a breath of fresh air.
How to Take Care of an Air Purifier
Air purifiers work nonstop to protect your home from pollution. Over time, the filters absorb dust and grime that can make your HVAC system inefficient. Taking a few moments every year to maintain your air filtration system keeps your air running smoothly and pollution-free for years to come.
The ideal maintenance plan varies depending on which air purification system you choose and the air pollution levels in your home. For example, electrostatic air purifiers use charged plates instead of filters that you can clean with soap and water every few weeks. Consult the packaging or installation technicians to determine the best care routine for your filters.
What You Should Look for in an Air Purification System
With so many air purifiers to choose from, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you should look for to find the best air purifier for your home:
- Correct size: Choose whether you want to purify a few rooms or your entire home to help you select the appropriate size purification system. Small air purifiers can filter a few hundred square feet, while larger units can cleanse several thousand square feet. If your budget allows, larger units clean faster and more efficiently.
- Fits your needs: Finding the best air cleaner for your home depends on your particular needs. Some models filter specific pollutants. If you’re sensitive to pollen, choose an air purifier for allergies. If you have pets, choose one that collects odors and dander.
- Efficient clean air delivery rate (CADR): The CADR measures the volume of clean air that a purifier produces per minute. The higher the CADR, the faster the unit can remove pollutants from your space. Compare the CADR between machines to help you choose the best one.
- Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) verification: The AHAM is the leading authority to identify high-performance home appliances, including air filtration systems. They created the CADR system to hold manufacturers to a high standard and make the purchasing process easier for consumers. AHAM-certified filtration systems ensure top performance, safety and efficiency.
- Virus filtration: Air purifiers do work for coronavirus and other pathogens, as long as you choose the correct one. According to the EPA, virus-reducing air cleaners must remove particles between 0.1 and 1 microns. They also specify that the air scrubber must be the appropriate size for the space and have a high CADR that collects smoke.
Other Ways to Reduce Air Pollution
Air purification systems are an efficient way to improve the air quality in your home. However, even the filters that capture 99% of the particles can’t remove all pollutants in your space. You can help supplement your air purifier with the following strategies:
- Open the windows: On a nice day when your HVAC system is off, open the windows and let the breeze flow through your home. The fresh air dilutes the pollution circulating through your house.
- Use your exhaust fans: Use the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms to ventilate cooking odors and harsh cleaning products from the air.
- Dust and vacuum: Prevent dust from circulating through your vents by dusting and vacuuming often. A vacuum with a HEPA-certified filter prevents small particles from escaping through the exhaust vent.
- Minimize open flames: While candles can help mask odors caused by dust and mold, the smoke they create can contribute to poor air quality in your home. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace or smoking inside the house to reduce air pollution that can wear out your filters.
Air Scrubber by Aerus
If you’re looking for an air purification system that can handle all types of pollution, the Air Scrubber by Aerus is the ideal solution. Air scrubbers go beyond filtration to remove every common contaminant. The Air Scrubber by Aerus removes solid particles and airborne toxins to sanitize the air completely. The system installs directly into your existing HVAC system and is customizable to any size space.
With nearly a century of expertise in the air purification industry, Aerus has created one of the best air scrubbers on the market. There are many benefits to choosing the Air Scrubber by Aerus:
1. Removes Harmful Contaminants
Using ActivePure® Technology, the air scrubber eliminates surface and airborne pollutants in your home. The system utilizes UVC light waves and a catalytic process to create hydroperoxides and scrubber ions that safely cleanse your space. Unlike other purification systems, the lightweight Air Scrubber by Aerus removes allergens, dust, pet dander, smoke, VOCs and unhealthy pathogens all in one.
2. Eliminates Viruses and Bacteria
The Air Scrubber by Aerus uses the most advanced surface and air purification technology available. Studies show that ActivePure Technology successfully reduced 80% of surface microbes within two hours, 95% in six hours and 99% in 24 hours. It effectively deactivates microbes responsible for causing strep throat, swine flu, staph infection, hepatitis and other health conditions.
3. Protects Against COVID-19
The ActivePure Technology that filters the air is 99.9% effective at reducing airborne and surface coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The Aerus air scrubber can help keep your family safe from the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
4. Prevents Respiratory and Allergy Issues
In addition to filtering out germs, the Air Scrubber by Aerus traps dust, dander, pollen and other allergens that cause unpleasant symptoms for people with asthma, allergies and respiratory sensitivity.
5. Deodorizes Your Home
Refresh your air and eliminate musty scents by removing odor-causing particles and vapors like dust and smoke. The air scrubber deodorizes your home, so it smells like a brand new house.
6. Extends the Life of Your HVAC System
The air scrubber installs inside your existing ductwork and acts as a barrier to prevent dust and dander from clogging up your HVAC filter. Your heating and cooling system will stay cleaner longer, so it runs efficiently for many more years.
7. Provides 24/7 Protection
The Aerus air scrubber works around the clock to remove harmful pollution from your space. It will filter out illness and odor-causing particles, so your home is safe and smells fresh all the time.
8. Complies With Industry Regulations
Manufactured here in the United States, the Air Scrubber by Aerus complies with all federal regulations. They meet all quality and safety standards set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Aerus products are ethically made, so you can feel confident installing an air scrubber in your home.
Installing an Air Scrubber With Year Round Heating & Air Conditioning
Pollutants can build up in your home for years, circulating through your air vents and making your family sick. If you notice signs of contamination in your home, Year Round Heating & Air Conditioning will help you find a solution. Our expert technicians come to your home and address your air quality concerns through the following process:
- Diagnostic testing: Carbon monoxide, mold and mildew are just a few common contaminants that could be affecting your family. Our team will perform air quality testing to assess the air pollution levels in your home.
- Product recommendation: Once we discover the contamination source, we’ll recommend the necessary products and services to restore your home. You’ll receive an estimate so you can compare pricing with other systems and contractors. We offer a price match guarantee, so you always get the best deal.
- Installation: With an extensive background in the industry, we believe the industry-leading Air Scrubber by Aerus is the best air purifier to achieve significant results for our customers. Our licensed contractors will install your new air scrubber so you and your family can enjoy higher air quality.
Contact Year Round for Air Purification Services in Redlands, CA
At Year Round Heat & Air Conditioning, we take pride in providing the highest level of customer service to our customers. Our trustworthy and professional technicians use their industry expertise to suggest the best and most budget-friendly air purification solutions. We’ll improve the air quality in your home to protect against illness and discomfort caused by indoor pollution.
Once you book an appointment, we’ll provide text updates to make the process as stress-free and convenient as possible. We’ll send a picture of the technician and an accurate arrival time estimate so you know exactly what to expect. We’re committed to providing exceptional service, which we back with a 5-year parts and labor warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee. As a company accredited by the BBB, we’ve received five-star reviews from our customers since 2016.
There’s nothing more important than keeping your family safe and healthy. Schedule an appointment online or call 909-473-7900 to improve the air quality in your home today!
