If you’re shopping for an air purifier, you may be realizing that some brands are spouting a lot of claims. And most of those claims might appear too good to be true. So, it’s only typical that you could be wondering are air purifiers a waste of money.

They’re worthwhile, according to the EPA, as they’re an excellent approach to better your Cedar Rapids residence’s indoor air quality. Newer residences are solidly sealed and deeply insulated, which is fantastic for energy efficiency, but not so fantastic for indoor air quality.

Since updated residences don’t naturally allow in as much fresh air as old houses, irritants such as dust, pet dander and cleaning products can build up inside. The consequence? Air that’s more polluted than the outdoors, which is a problem if you are dealing with allergies, asthma or are vulnerable to respiratory irritation.

Our indoor air quality professionals at Ilten's can help you cut through the clutter and choose the best home air purifier. Just call us at 319-208-2351 and we’ll be happy to assist you. Meanwhile, find out more about how air purifiers operate, their pluses and our advice to help you select the ideal air purifier.

How Does an Air Purification System Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Most home air purifiers use a fan to draw in air. Then, the air passes through one or more filters to trap contaminants before being redistributed.

These filters might incorporate a charcoal filter, to remove odors, and a HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filter. A HEPA filter is at least 99.7% effective at capturing microscopic particles as small as .3 microns, such as dust, pollen, mold and some bacteria.

An air purifier can be compact and used to purify a single space. Or they can be added to your HVAC system, providing strong filtration for your entire residence.

The EPA says it’s important to know that air purifiers can’t remove every contaminant from your house’s air. But when used in combination with an enhanced filter for your HVAC system, they can considerably lower the concentration of indoor air pollution.

4 Advantages of Air Purification

Installing an air purifier in your residence can offer a lot of outstanding health perks. Here are just a couple of them.

1. Reduces Allergy and Asthma Triggers

Air purifiers reduce pollutants in your home, such as some of these common triggers:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Volatile organic compounds, such as cleaners, air fresheners and personal care products

2. Alleviates Other Symptoms Associated with Poor Indoor Air Quality

Even if you or someone in your residence doesn’t experience allergies or asthma, an air purifier can alleviate other issues associated with bad indoor air quality. These include:

  • Dry throat, eyes, nose or skin
  • Headaches
  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

It can be hard to determine issues related to indoor air quality, because they can be triggered by many other illnesses. However, if you’re noticing that symptoms are better after you leave home, your indoor air quality is possibly causing the issue.

3. Removes Odors

Lingering odors, including cigarette smoke or cooking smells, can be difficult to get rid of. If you are having a hard time with removing strong smells in your residence, our professionals recommend getting an air purifier with a charcoal or activated carbon filter.

4. Might Reduce Your Likelihood of Becoming Sick

An air purifier can inactivate some bacteria and viruses under certain airflow conditions, keeping you and your family healthier particularly during cold months. To get full advantage of this plus, our pros suggest a UV air purifier. Disinfecting ultraviolet light delivers an extra layer of protection against airborne pathogens.

Air Purification Systems to Avoid

You’re better off without select air purifiers. Here are a couple of options to stay away from when picking a system for your residence:

  • Produces ozone. Some air purifiers create ozone, which can bother your lungs. The EPA recommends avoiding ozone air purifiers.
  • Doesn’t use HEPA filters. For the best results, you’ll want a HEPA air purifier. Considered the gold standard for pure air, HEPA filters are used in most healthcare settings, like hospitals.
  • Only purifies one room. We suggest getting a whole-house air purifier, which purifies the air in every room. This option runs alongside your heating and cooling system.

When you partner with the indoor air quality experts at Ilten's, we make it simple to select the best air purifier for your residence. Reach us at 319-208-2351 to begin breathing healthier air right away!