| Choosing an air purifier can be difficult, especially | | | | A new particle forms and is too heavy to float so |
| when some salesman starts throwing words at | | | | it drops on to a collection plate which then has to |
| you like HEPA, ionic breeze and ultraviolet. The | | | | be cleaned. Messy, but effective. There are also |
| question is, how do you know which one is the | | | | some concerns that ionizing air purifiers raise the |
| best? | | | | ozone level in the room. |
| The simple answer is that none of them are the | | | | Ultraviolet air purifiers are the ones used in most |
| best. Each one excels at something and is weak in | | | | hospitals. The air purifiers fan circulates air to pass |
| other areas. So let's try to sort this with a | | | | in front of ultraviolet light. Then zap, the light |
| somewhat simplified look at the major types of | | | | burns and kills germs or viruses in the air. Many of |
| air purifiers. | | | | these viruses are too small to be caught by even |
| HEPA air purifiers are basically filters. They can | | | | the best HEPA filters. That's why hospitals love |
| remove even the tiniest particles from the air. So | | | | them. Typically they are installed in a heating duct. |
| if allergies are your problem, then this air purifier | | | | But if dust is your problem, then this system is |
| system would be a good choice. Pet dander, | | | | not your best bet. In addition they are expensive |
| allergens and dust can be reduced and almost | | | | to run and you can be pretty sure that not all of |
| eliminated. Where these systems fail is in the | | | | the air in your home will pass in front of the light. |
| removal of odors. So if you're looking for a | | | | So the best air purifier depends on the problem |
| system that will remove cigarette smoke, this | | | | you are trying to eliminate. Of course technology |
| would not be the best choice. And of course the | | | | is changing all the time and there are now |
| filters have to be replaced regularly for HEPA air | | | | systems that actually combine all three types so |
| purifiers to be effective. | | | | don't be afraid to look around. But deciding on the |
| Ionizing air purifiers on the other hand are very | | | | type is just the beginning. Now you have to figure |
| good at removing odors. Where they come up a | | | | in cost and whether you want several room air |
| little short is removing particles like dander and | | | | purifiers or a whole house air purifier that has to |
| allergens from the air. Without going into too | | | | be installed. But once you decide what kind of air |
| much detail, negative ions are put into the air and | | | | purifier you need, the rest becomes a little easier. |
| attract positive ions like smoke and other odors. | | | | |