Dander, Allergens, Mold, Odors: Are Air Purifiers Worth It?

Are you looking for an easy and effective way to improve your indoor air quality at home? Whole-house air purifiers are an ideal remedy for removing pollutants such as allergens, dust, mold and other harmful particles from the air. Purification systems can also reduce the amount of airborne contaminants such as pet dander, mold spores and smoke, generating a healthier environment for everyone in the home. With the appropriate air purifier, you’ll have a great tool in your toolbox for healthier indoor air quality in Wilmington.

Let’s explore the pros of an air purifier and why they are worth purchasing.

Are Air Purifiers Actually Helpful?

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

There are many 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 type, some purifiers utilize effective air filters while others use ultraviolet (UV) light for its sanitation properties. Some models even incorporate both for optimum air quality benefits.

What Does an Air Purifier Do?

Air purifiers draw in air from the surrounding environment and trap unwanted pollutants and particles as they go 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 impurities. The fan in the air purifier then distributes clean air into the ductwork for circulation.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

Air purifiers bring in air with a fan before blowing it through one or more filters. Impurities are gradually captured by the series of filters, and then the newly cleaned air is blown out of the purifier. Depending on its design, an air purifier may use electrical charges or ultraviolet light to clean out additional airborne pollutants.

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 developed to take up to 99.97% of particles from the air—as little as 0.3 microns! Keep in mind that such efficiency can also minimize airflow.
• Activated carbon filters: These filters consist of finely ground activated carbon, which has an electric charge able to attract 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 impaired, many microbes can’t replicate and are essentially eliminated.

Can an Air Purifier Remove Dust?

Air purifiers are designed to help cut down on the amount of dust in your home, providing relief from allergies and other respiratory issues brought on by airborne particulate matter. By capturing particles like dust in their filtration systems, air purifiers can make the air in a room or house less polluted and fresher.

If you’re looking to lessen the dust in your home, contact a certified Lennox dealer to enhance your indoor air quality in Wilmington.

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 is processed by an air purifier is considerably cleaner and healthier. This helps cut down on symptoms associated with allergies and respiratory illnesses, because it removes potential irritants from the air.

Can an Air Purifier Remove Mold Spores?

Air purifiers are one of the most efficient ways to fight mold. By trapping airborne particles and spores, they help deter mold from becoming a health hazard in confined spaces. Additionally, many purifiers come with other features that are created to get rid of mold, such as activated carbon filters and ultraviolet (UV) lights. Activated carbon filters help take out scents and other unwanted elements from the air, while UV lights can kill any active mold spores in the air. Together, these features allow for an extensive cleaning of the air in your home or office, which is an important way to keep everyone comfortable and healthy.

Will an Air Purifier Get Rid of Bad Smells?

Not only do air purifiers help raise air quality by removing particles like dust, pollen, smoke and other allergens from the air, but some air purifiers also help remove any unpleasant smells 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 clear out odors from the environment. This assures that your home will stay smelling fresh and clean without any concern of lingering odors. By making an investment on a whole-home air purifier, you can make certain that that your home has excellent indoor air quality and is pleasant-smelling all year-round.