To book a consultation during business hours, please fill out the form below, and weโll call you to book your appointment by the end of the business day. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate assistance.
Itโs easy to assume that the air we breathe in our homes or workspaces is cleanโmost tiny particles and pollutants in the air are invisible to the naked eye! However, if you suffer from indoor allergies, asthma, or are sensitive to microscopic irritants in your home, you may find relief from stubborn symptoms and breathe easier with the help of an air purifier.
Portable air purifiers (those that are contained to just one room in the house) are devices that are designed to improve the air quality in your home by cleansing the air and filtering out particles, allergens, smoke, odors, and more that may have a negative impact on your or your familyโs health. You may be surprised to know that it is common for homes to contain higher levels of pollutants than the outdoors! This can be attributed to several factors including increased use of synthetic materials, furnishings, personal care items, household cleaners, or pesticides.
In effort to filter out these irritants, air purifiers usually include a filter or multiple filters, and a fan that inhales and circulates the air. After the air is sucked in, it moves through the filters where the particles are captured and separated, and the clean air is released back into the living space. These filters are most commonly made of paper or fiberglass and require regular replacement to ensure the air purifier is working efficiently. How frequently you need to change the filters depends on the type of purifier youโre using as well as how often you use it.
Not all air purifier filters are created equal! Three of the most common types on the market today are HEPA filters, UV filters, and electrostatic filters, and all three have different functions to help rid your homeโs air of irritants. Letโs take a closer look at each of them.
HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters are the most highly recommended by the U.S. Department of Health because they can remove at least 99.9% of airborne allergens and pollutants. That includes both mold spores and dust! They offer the most protection for your home and, in turn, the most protection for those with allergies or asthma. A major pro of using a HEPA filter is how efficient they are at purifying the air and capturing larger pollutants like dander and pollen that makes its way inside. Plus, they only need to be changed every few years.
UV filters use short-wave UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, and mold spores that can be harmful for your health and allergies. One important point to note is that UV filters can be hazardous when they transform the oxygen into ozone. Even lower amounts of ozone can result in coughing or chest pain. And while UV filters do an excellent job eliminating bacteria and viruses, they arenโt as efficient at filtering our pollutants like dust. That is why they are usually paired with a HEPA filter that can rid your home of larger particles.
Electrostatic filters are exactly what they sound like: small cotton and paper fibers, these filters create static that attracts dust and larger particles to keep them from spreading throughout your home. They are one of the more popular filters for allergy sufferers! A great bonus for these filters is that they can either be disposed and replaced or reused if you are trying to be more environmentally conscious. They are also one of the more cost-effective choices on the market today.
We all want the same thing: cleaner air! But with different preferences, home sizes, health concerns, and budgets, itโs important to find the right air purifier to fit our specific needs. Here are a few things to consider when trying to find the right one for you and your home.
There isnโt one air purifier for everyone, so it is important to use these tips as a guide for choosing the right unit for you and your familyโs needs. If you have additional questions or need to know how best to support your health concerns, Dr. Praveen Buddiga is just a phone call away. He has worked with hundreds of patients to understand, diagnose, and treat stubborn allergy and asthma symptoms, and help them find relief. Schedule your consultation today to ensure you are on the right path to breathing a little easier.
To book a consultation during business hours, please fill out the form below, and weโll call you to book your appointment by the end of the business day. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate assistance.