How Do Stand-Alone Air Purifiers Work?
Many people have bought free-standing, or standalone, air purifiers in recent years. They are used to improve indoor air quality by removing impurities such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and fumes.
What Is a Free-Standing Air Purifier?
A free-standing air purifier has a filter, or multiple filters, that removes contaminants from the air. There’s a fan that pulls air into the device, so contaminants are trapped by the filters. Air purifiers can have different types of filters to trap various pollutants.
Are Air Purifiers Effective?
How effective a standalone air purifier depends on several factors. Those with different types of filters will trap more kinds of pollutants, making your home’s air cleaner. The filters need to be changed regularly, as they lose effectiveness. Some can be washed, while others have to be replaced.
Are They Safe?
Most air purifiers are safe. They use non-toxic materials to filter the air, such as activated carbon. You should avoid ones that use ionizers, though. These can produce ozone, which is a lung irritant that triggers asthma. Check the box to see if it produces ozone.
What About HEPA Filters?
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A HEPA filter traps tiny particles, as they’re made out of very small fiberglass threads. Any standalone air purifier worth buying will have a HEPA filter.
What Size Should You Look For?
Look for a standalone air purifier that’s the right size for the room you want it in. Some models are designed for small rooms, while others can handle a much bigger space. The box should tell you what size room it’s ideal for. Besides being more effective, a right-sized air purifier will also operate at a quieter setting.
Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning can help you with indoor air quality solutions like air purifiers. Our company installs, repairs, and tunes-up heating and cooling systems. We also offer home energy audits, thermostats, attic insulation, and design services. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
