Humans breathe in 3,400 gallons of air a day. Children breathe in 50% more. This makes them more susceptible to lung diseases. There are several ways to increase the air quality at home. You can maintain your HVAC, clean the air ducts, vacuum, avoid chemicals, and buy welcome mats and indoor plants.
Only 27% of families who experience breathing issues from polluted air use an air purifier. It’s one of the best options and could prevent up to 65% of childhood asthma and 60% of adult breathing issues.
Read on to learn how to choose the right air purifier for your home.
Consider the Type of Filtration
An air purifier works in several stages. A two-stage system uses a washable fabric filter and a replaceable filter.
The replaceable one should always be a HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filter. It can capture 99.7% of particles in the air.
Air purifiers that use UV light may not be best for those with asthma, lung conditions, or an allergy problem. They release ozone, a known lung irritant.
Check the Ratings and Energy Star Certification
The CADR or Clean Air Delivery Rate determines how many cubic feet per minute of clean air the purifier produces at its highest speed. It’s also measured for different pollutants. Look at its ratings for smoke, dust, and pollen.
The MERV rating expresses how tight the filters are. It ranges from MERV 12 to MERV 17. Look for no lower than MERV 13.
ACH or air changes per hour determines how fast it can exchange all the air in a room. A purifier with an ACH of 4 can exchange the air four times an hour or once every 15 minutes.
Look for products with the Energy Star certification. They’re 25% more energy-efficient than a standard model, making them more effective and less expensive.
Measure the Room
Each air purifier is optimized for a specific room size. Measure your room to see what you’ll need.
Put the purifier at a lower speed if it’s meant for a smaller room. It’s effective yet quieter.
Listen for the Noise Level
An air purifier is almost like a roommate who’s always making noise. Make sure you can tolerate its sound. You may even need different ones for different rooms.
The noise level should be listed on the packaging or the company’s website. The quietest ones range from 24-30 decibels, which is lower than a refrigerator.
Count the Cost
Cleaner air is priceless, but air purifier costs vary, so shop around for a model that fits your budget.
This includes the cost of maintenance. Think of how much you’ll need to spend on replacement filters and what kind you’ll need. They can cost a few dollars or up to $200 each.
A purifier can do more than improve air quality. Certain models have smart features such as:
- Integration with smart speakers or apps
- Air quality or filter change indicators
- Scheduling
- Timers
They make it easier to use the filter but also increase its cost, so consider whether or not you need them.
Indoor Air Quality
Choosing the right air purifier means researching everything about it. Look at its ratings, room size specification, noise level, and cost.
Are you looking to improve your indoor air quality in Estero, FL? Get air purifiers and filtration services from Romeo Air Conditioning, Inc. today.