An air purifier or cleaner is a device used to remove indoor pollution from the air. They are typically installed in a return duct line, and as air goes through the air handler unit, the device filters out pollution. Stand-alone units are also available, and commercial grade air purifiers are usually attached to an HVAC unit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air in a home is typically five to nine times more polluted than the air outdoors. Since the typical American spends about 90 percent of their life at their home, getting an air cleaner can be extremely beneficial to health especially for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. Basic air filters typically cost about $200 to $600. Whole house air cleaners cost about $1,000 to $5,000 or more.
Why Buy a Whole House Air Cleaner?
Even the cleanest homes are often contaminated with dust, pollen, pet dander, and fumes, and these pollutants make it difficult to breathe. They can also lead to health problems including asthma and respiratory illnesses. According to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality may cause headaches, dry eyes, nausea, fatigue, and nasal congestion. While it's impossible to completely remove indoor pollution, an air purifier can be a great investment and improve overall health. In addition, these devices help remove germs, reduce the risk of airborne diseases and reduce the impact of secondhand smoke. Most allergy sufferers see a huge improvement in their condition after purchasing an air cleaner. Finally, these devices are excellent for maintaining fresh air and keeping odors at bay.
Types of Air Cleaners
Below are the four main types of air purifiers and the characteristics of these devices.
Flat filters: These filters are rudimentary and made from fiberglass. They typically need changing on a monthly basis. While these capture dust effectively, they don't generally block microscopic particles.
Extended Media Filters: These filters use a particle filter and a small electrostatic charge to clean the air. Because of this charge, they are able to collect even the smallest of particles.
Electronic Filters: These units use a high electrical charge to capture particles like a magnet. They are extremely effective on small particles and perform about 30 times better than flat filters.
Ultraviolet Filters: UV filters are extremely effective at capturing particles, bacteria and viruses. Most hospitals use these filters in wards where diseases such as tuberculosis are present.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation of an air cleaner involves placing a unit between a home's return air duct and the intake so that air passes through the air cleaner unit, which then removes harmful particles. Prices for air purifiers vary depending on the type of device and its size. However, there is generally an air cleaner available for every budget. There are additional costs associated with air purifiers such as the cost of replacing filters, which usually costs about $20 to $200 a year. It may also be necessary to install child-tamper resistant outlets, which cost about $4 to $6 each.
Advantages Over Stand-alone Units
Air purifiers attached to an air handler typically provide better clean air distribution than stand-alone units. Additionally, they keep central heating and cooling equipment clean and running efficiently. They also have the ability to filter outside air before it enters an occupied area. Finally, these devices produce less noise, require less maintenance and are more cost effective for larger areas than stand-alone units.
