Options for Cleaning the Air in Your Home

Every day, we are exposed to chemicals, toxins, dust and dirt in our air. The air we breathe is required to continue to live, and it is a huge factor of our overall health. There is a good chance you have walked into someone’s home and noticed an air purifier in their living room. However, there are also systems that attach to your HVAC system, cleaning all the air in your home.

The purpose of an air cleaner is quite obvious; it is designed to remove any pollutants from the air. The Environmental Protection Agency tells us that our indoor air can be even more polluted than the city air. That is scary because we spend so much time indoors.

For those who have allergies or asthma, air cleaners offer plenty of advantages. They can help clear out the dander and dirt from the air, leading to better air quality. That can decrease the amount of allergy episodes or increase the ease of breathing.

Let’s take a look at some options for different air cleaners and purifiers for your home.

Whole Home Air Cleaners

First, you should know there is an option to install whole home air cleaners to your HVAC systems. For energy efficient homes, one of the goals is to eliminate any cracks and seal problems, so there is no air flowing in from the outside. However, this can cause indoor air quality problems, especially if you have pets. If your intention is to have a green home, you need to pay attention to the air quality.

Purchasing a whole home air cleaner is a popular option, and they can be included in any HVAC system. No matter if you are building a brand new home or if you have an older home, you can purchase an air cleaner. They can be retrofitted to existing HVAC system. They come in multiple styles, types, and price ranges. There is an option for every price range.

There are four main types of whole home air cleaners.

1. Flat Filters

If you have a forced air furnace, you have the basic air filtration system, and you have to change a filter once a month. There are some pleated filters that last longer and do a better job, but they cost more money. These filters cannot be changed enough, especially if you have pets!

2. Extended Media Filters

These types of filters required professional installation. They are similar to the flat filters, except larger and more effective. The filters need to be changed yearly.

3. Electronic Filters

These require professional installation as well. They work great on smoke particles and perform up to 30 times better than flat filters! You never have to change the filter, but they do require a cleaning with soapy water a few times a year.

4. Ultraviolet Filters

If you are concerned about germs, these are the filters you want. The ultraviolet can kill airborne bacteria and viruses. Many hospitals use these in different wards to prevent the spread of diseases.

Portable Room Air Filters

There is a good chance you have walked into a room or office and noticed an air filter. You can see them demonstrated by Plenty Air to understand their workings and size differences. If you don’t have the money or don’t have an HVAC system, these are the next best options.

The portable air filters use strong HEPA filters. There are also some portable units that use electrostatic precipitator technology. These are called ion units and they need no fans, so they can be very quiet. Prices can range widely for the portable filters, from $150 all the way up to $1,500.

There are other options for air cleaners for your home. You can even add ion filters to your HVAC system. With so many options available, there is something to please everyone!