According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. These past couple of years have highlighted the importance of maintaining indoor air quality. Also, with fall around the corner, you and your family may be anticipating spending more time indoors due to the cooler weather, and you may want to ensure the air you are breathing is free from any allergens and toxins. In today’s post, our HVAC experts here at Fred F. Collis & Sons will discuss how an air purifier can help improve indoor air quality in your home.

How Air Purifiers Work

Air purifiers clean indoor air by blowing it through high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. These filters are similar to the standard ones inside air conditioning systems, but are denser and may consist of more layers. HEPA filters typically capture up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. In comparison, bacteria is larger at around two microns, while COVID-19 droplets are five to 10 microns. After the filtration, the clean air is mechanically expelled from the system through a blower.

Some air purifiers feature extended capabilities, like an extra purification stage that uses UV rays to clean the air. Some models are equipped with sensors that automatically run the system when it senses high levels of particles in the air. Another example is the Carrier® OptiClean™ air scrubber that’s designed for hospitals with its built-in roller system and high-capacity air handler.

Benefits of Air Purifiers

In addition to standalone units, there are air purifiers that can be attached to your HVAC system’s air handler. Having at least one in your home can provide the following benefits:

• It eliminates pollutants that HVAC air filters do not catch. Not all HVAC systems come with high-efficiency filters and it’s fairly common for smaller particles to pass through. Air purifiers complement the air filters in HVAC systems by removing these smaller particles, such allergens and toxins.

• It helps reduce humidity. In addition to capturing particles, air purifiers also remove excess moisture in the air, which helps keep relative indoor humidity at ideal levels.

• It helps remove odors. Odorants are among the smallest known particles and can pass through most types of air filters. An air purifier can help reduce most odors, making it essential equipment for homes where the occupants have pets or smoke indoors.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of air purifiers, get in touch with your local HVAC experts here at Fred F. Collis & Sons.