Experts agree that the air inside homes is often more polluted than the open air outside. There is so much more pollution now than there was 25 years ago such as big truck exhaust, pollution from manufacturing, car exhaust, smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves, cigarette smoke, and more. Moreover, particles from this pollution stick to hair, skin and clothing. People then take that indoors.
When people go indoors, they are assaulted by pet dander, mold spores, dust, cooking odors, cigarette smoke, as well as grime trapped in carpet and draperies. The pollution from outdoors bonds with dust particles. This impairs breathing, becoming a serious health matter to asthmatics and allergy sufferers.
The trouble with indoor pollution is that people shut their homes up tight, then turn on the air conditioner or the heat. The pollution has nowhere to go except to circulate endlessly through the HVAC system. Add to this the fact that pollutants bind to dust which then attracts bacteria and viruses, and you have a serious threat to the family's health. Another threat to the health of the family is built-up gasses. Fireplaces, kerosene heaters, wood stoves, and space heaters using gas add those gasses to the air. Those breathing it in long enough end up with grave health problems. Since 90 percent of most Americans' time is spent indoors, the indoor air quality needs to improve.
How Can Indoor Air Become Clean?
In order to rid a home of dangerous and deadly contaminants, cleansing the air is paramount to good indoor air quality and hence, good health. To that end, air purifiers are a good way to do that. They work by using inside fans to pull the air through filters. The filters trap the allergens, dust, and other pollutants. The clean air is then blown back into the room. This happens several times in an hour.
Air purifiers are made in smaller units that clean the air in one room or for a certain amount of square feet. Whole-house air purifiers are also available. These work in conjunction with the HVAC system. The forced air blowing throughout the house is first blown through a series of filters that trap the pollutants and contaminants. The clean air then circulates through the house.
Benefits Of Air Purifiers
Did you know air purifiers remove asbestos from the air? Yes, along with radon gas and carbon dioxide. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs and nuisances like mosquitoes also get zapped by air purifiers. Clean air enhances moods, reduces stress, and its soothing sound helps people get better quality sleep. All this is in addition to removing pollutants from the air which could cause lung diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and diseases carried by insects such as malaria.
Questions and Answers
We've told you how an air purifier cleanses the air in the home and what its benefits are. People probably still have questions, though, so in this section we'll answer them.
Q: What kind of filters are used in air purifiers?
A: HEPA filters are used to catch pollutants, activated carbon filters get rid of chemicals and odors, while pre-filters prolong the life of the filters by trapping large particles before they ever get to the other filters.
Q: How much space do air purifiers take up?
A: They're about three feet tall and take up the same amount of space a trash can would.
Q: How much power does it take to run an air purifier?
A: Air purifiers generally use between 50 and 200 watts. A computer uses 365, and your basic light bulb 60. With that said, it won't cost as much to run as, say, the washing machine.
Q: How long should the air purifier run?
A: Depending on which room is used the most, the air purifier should run continually. Most machines have a scale. When not in residence, users should place the purifier on its lowest setting. This will keep the air clean when no one is home. It can be raised when the family gets home.
Q: How often should the filters be changed?
A: Filters can be vacuumed or dusted. Most manufacturers recommend replacing all three filters every six to eight months. Some models have filters that never need replacement while others can be washed. Keep an eye on the indicator light to know when to clean or replace the filters.
The articles on this website should not be used to start the use of dietary supplements or vitamins, natural or herbal products, homeopathic medicine or other mentioned products prior to a proper consultation with a doctor or certified health provider.
