Air purifiers can use different methods to lower indoor pollution. Certain models are more effective than others. Some can be harmful to your health.

Models that incorporate mechanical filters

This is how CR tests

Air purifiers that have pleated filters make use of fans to push air through a dense network of fine fibers that catch particles. Filters with very fine meshes are HEPA filters those have been certified to capture 99.97 percent of particles that are of the specified size. HEPA filters also can remove larger particles, such as mold spores and pollen while they are suspended in the atmosphere.

Models that have activated carbon filters

Instead of trapping particles as mechanical filters, the sorbent one employs activated carbon to draw some compounds that cause odor from the air. While they are able to fight certain gases, they are not efficient against formaldehyde or ammonia. Because activated carbon filters don't fight particles, a lot of air purifiers come with an activated carbon filter and pleated filters for catching particles. However, activated carbon filters are more susceptible to becoming more saturated than pleated filters. They should be replaced every three months, versus every six to 12 months for pleated ones. Budget accordingly for replacements. Activated carbon filters can cost up to $50 for each. To find out more details about Air Cleaner cheap, you have to browse our site.

Ozone generators

The machines could create ozone, which is the molecule that reacts to certain pollutants, thereby altering their chemical composition. These machines can cause hazardous indoor air quality. CR doesn't recommend them. Ozone generator manufacturers often claim that they emit safe levels of ozone, however, in the past our tests revealed that at low settings, some ozone generators quickly exceeded the Food and Drug Administration's limit of 0.05 parts per million for medical devices. Plus, studies reviewed by the EPA have shown that low levels of ozone which is the primary component of smog, don't efficiently remove indoor pollutants. Studies also show that ozone can cause a decrease in lung function and irritation to the throat as well as chest pain as well as inflammation of lung tissue and coughing. Ozone exposure can also worsen asthma, emphysema, as well as bronchitis.

Electronic air purifiers

Electrostatic precipitators and ionizers are devices that charge particles in the air, so that they adhere to plates that are attached to the machine or other surfaces with a magnetic-like attraction. Because they may generate ozone CR is not recommending or test electronic purifiers.

Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI)

Manufacturers claim that their purifiers can kill bacteria, viruses and fungal spores by using UV lamps. But some bacteria and mold spores are resistant to UV radiation. In order to work it, the UV light has to be strong enough and the exposure must be long enough, ranging from for a period of time that is longer than the few seconds typical of the majority of UVGI air purifiers to work. While we don't conduct tests on UVGI technology in CR the moment, some purifiers with mechanical components which we test might be equipped with this feature.

Photocatalytic Oxidation

PCO makes use of ultraviolet radiation, as well as the photocatalyst titanium dioxide to create hydroxyl radicals which are able to oxidize gaseous pollutants. The process may result in harmful byproducts based on the pollution. CR does not currently conduct tests on PCO technology. While there aren't numerous field tests of the effectiveness and safety of PCO purifiers, scientists from Syracuse University found that they were unable to remove VOCs that are commonly found in indoor air.

A different version of PCO known as PECO emerged more recently from the manufacturer. The purifier for air was not able to perform in tests of pollen, smoke and dust removal.