Dust, Allergens, Mildew, Odors: Are Air Purifiers Worth It?

Are you looking for an effortless and effective way to enhance your indoor air quality at home? Whole-house air purifiers are an excellent solution for removing pollutants such as allergens, dust, mold and other harmful particles from the air. Purification systems can also remove airborne contamination such as pet dander, mold spores and smoke, creating a healthier environment for everyone in the home. With the appropriate air purifier, you’ll have an amazing tool in your tool kit for healthier indoor air quality in Cedar Rapids.

Let’s explore the advantages of an air purifier and why they are well worth investing in.

Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers are extremely efficient at lowering levels of airborne particles like dust, mold spores, pollen, pet dander and smoke from the air. Some units are even efficient enough to remove very small particles, such as those from odors or viruses, from your home’s air.

There are a lot of designs of air purifiers to choose from, ranging from compact, standalone models to whole-house air purifiers that work together with your central HVAC system. Depending on the design, some purifiers implement effective air filters while others depend on ultraviolet (UV) light for its sanitation abilities. Some models even use both for optimum air quality benefits.

What Are Air Purifiers for?

Air purifiers draw in air from the home’s environment and trap undesirable pollutants and particles as they pass through a series of filters. These filters consist of fine mesh or activated carbon that is ideal for removing dust, molds, pet dander, smoke particles, chemicals and other airborne contaminants. The fan in the air purifier then distributes clean air back into the ductwork for circulation.

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

Air purifiers pull in air with a fan before pushing it through one or more filters. Debris is gradually caught by the line of filters, and then the newly cleansed air is blown out of the purifier. Depending on its design, an air purifier may incorporate electrical charges or ultraviolet light to clean out additional particulates.

Other types of filtration found in air purifiers:

• High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters: One of the most effective filter designs available, HEPA filters are designed to take out up to 99.97% of particles from the air—as tiny as 0.3 microns! Keep in mind that such efficiency can also minimize airflow.
• Activated carbon filters: These filters contain finely ground activated carbon, which contains an electric charge capable of attracting things like odor particles.
• Photocatalytic oxidation: This process uses UV light to start a reaction that breaks down microorganisms like bacteria, mold and some viruses. With their DNA damaged, many microbes cannot replicate and are essentially eliminated.

Do Air Purifiers Help with Dust?

Air purifiers are manufactured to help lower the quantity of dust in your home, providing relief from allergies and other respiratory issues brought on by airborne particulate matter. By collecting particles like dust in their filtration systems, air purifiers can make the air within a room or house cleaner and fresher.

If you’re looking to minimize the dust in your home, reach out to a certified Lennox dealer to enhance your indoor air quality in Cedar Rapids.

How Effective Are Air Purifiers with Allergies?

High-efficiency air purifiers are designed to capture more than 99% of pollutants and particles, which means the air you breathe after it passes through an air purifier is substantially cleaner and healthier. This helps diminish symptoms associated with allergies and respiratory illnesses, because it removes potential irritants from the air.

Can an Air Purifier Remove Mold Spores?

Air purifiers continue to be one of the most effective ways to combat mold. By trapping airborne particles and spores, they help deter mold from becoming a health hazard in small spaces. Additionally, many purifiers come with other features that are designed to combat mold, such as activated carbon filters and ultraviolet (UV) lights. Activated carbon filters help take out smells and other undesirable elements from the air, while UV lights can kill any active mold spores in the air. Together, these features allow for a comprehensive cleaning of the air in your home or office, which helps keep everyone protected and healthy.

Can an Air Purifier Take Care of Bad Smells?

Not only do air purifiers help increase air quality by removing particles like dust, pollen, smoke and other allergens from the air, but some air purifiers also help remove any problematic aromas that might be stubbornly refusing to leave your home.

Air purifiers use a combination of filters, including activated carbon and HEPA filters, to confine and pull odors from the environment. This ensures that your home will remain smelling fresh and clean without any concern of lingering odors. By purchasing a whole-home air purifier, you can be sure that that your home has exceptional indoor air quality and is pleasant-smelling all year-round.