Where should you start to improve your indoor air quality? There are many options, between air purifiers, cleaners, and filters.
Let’s start with what air purifiers, cleaners, and filters are, and the differences between them. These terms are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing when they’re actually different devices.
Air purifiers are electronic devices that use ionization or ultraviolet light to remove unwanted particles from the air or destroy the unwanted particles. Unlike air filters, they don’t use a mesh or filter to trap pollutants. Different types of purifiers target different pollutants. Ultraviolet purifiers are effective against mold spores, bacteria, and viruses. Other types can remove smoke, odor molecules, and volatile organic compounds.
Air filters, on the other hand, trap larger particles and pollutants such as dust, dander, lint, or pollen. Do note that the filter present on your HVAC system does not improve indoor air quality, but is simply meant to protect the HVAC cabinet. There are different configurations of air filters that are effective against different particles, and some may block or slow your HVAC system’s circulation, reducing efficiency and increasing cost. Make sure you select the right air filter!
These two systems work best in conjunction with each other. The air filter traps the larger pollutants, while the air purifier or purifiers remove and destroy the things that get past the filter. With both of these systems, more than 98% of airborne pollutants may be eliminated. Almost any home will benefit from the installation of an air filter, which will remove common annoyances like dust and pollen. Whether you need an air purifier (or several) depends on what other pollutants are present that make it past the filter.
If you need anything HVAC or IAQ done in your home, look to Brock Heating and Air! We specialize in emergency service and repairs of HVAC systems, but we are fully capable of other work as well. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection today.