May 2
2007

If you are looking to buy a new home air purifier, check our tips that will help you make an informed decision. Air purifiers have become an essential component in many households today. Home air purifiers filter out allergy-provoking substances, such as dust mites, chemical and organic odors, pet dander and plant pollen. These devices are especially good when a person has a suppressed immune system and is more susceptible to infections. It’s a proven fact that home air purifiers help in such medical conditions as allergy, asthma, and hay fever.

A home air purifier draws in air, filters out the dust, pollen, bacteria and scent molecules, and then emits the clean scentless air into the room. The air would not be completely pure and sanitized, but it would contain significantly less dust particles and allergens.

There are several types of filters used in home air purifiers. Filters with added activated carbon – similar to the one used to treat food poisoning – serve as pre-filter, which captures large particles. Then, HEPA filter absorbs small particles. Some purifiers add a natural organic filter that neutralizes volatile compounds from household chemicals or smoke.

Less common filter types used in home air purifiers are electrostatic or ion filters that attract particles by static electricity and therefore can create unnecessary electric tension in the household. Hybrid purifiers employ more than one particle-collecting method. The fairly new method used in home air purifiers is ozone filter that filters the air and purifies it with ozone. However, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that ozone generators can be harmful to people affected by asthma. Many experts think that ozone is generally ineffective against air pollution.

HEPA-certified filters are most common in home air purifiers. The next generation of filters is ULPA (ultra-HEPA) filters that remove close to 100% of particles. Uncertified HEPA-like filters have proved to be less effective.

All homes and offices have different air conditions which depend on the age of the building, materials used in the construction, and a number of plants nearby. That’s why is impossible to predict the effect of home air purifier on the overall air quality. In general, dust and pollen particles are usually filtered, at least as much as tobacco-smoke particles.

When choosing an air purifier, look at the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This rate indicates how many cubic feet of air is cleared of airborne particle. Smoke is considered a smallest particle, dust is medium and pollen is the largest one. The higher the CADR rating, the less time your new air purifier needs to remove particles from the room.

Even though air purifiers can become a holy grail for many allergy sufferers, experts suggest that no one should rely only on air purifiers while trying to keep the air at home healthy and clean. The best strategy to achieving breathable air in your home would be to use an air purifier along with natural window ventilation.

About the Author

Kathryn writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Home Air Purifiers please visit http://www.air-purifier-guide.org/airpurifier/ and for additional Air Purifier articles please visit http://www.air-purifier-guide.org/airpurifier-articles/

Written By: Kathryn Whittaker

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Oct 31
2006

Humidifiers get a lot of use in baby nurseries. When baby is having a breathing problem due to illness, improving and moisturising the air will help him/her breathe easier. But, humidifiers are not just for baby.

Very simply, a humidifier puts moisture into the air. This moist air makes it easier for anyone who suffers with allergies, asthma, sinus headaches or swollen nasal passages to breathe. Humidifiers also help prevent dry skin and hair and static electricity in the winter time when the heat is on in the home. Humidifiers can also be beneficial for the home by preventing over drying of wood, peeling of wallpaper, and preventing cracks in drywall and plaster.

Humidifiers can make cool mist or warm mist. A warm mist humidifier has been compared to being in a greenhouse, whereas a cool mist humidifier puts out cool air and will not make the air in the room warm. You will choose based on your personal preference.

You can purchase humidifiers to handle one room, such as a bedroom, or nursery, or purchase a humidifier to handle a large space such as a whole house humidifier. There are many features available on humidifiers. You will probably want to look for a humidifier with an automatic shut off. It will turn off when the unit is empty. This is a good safety feature. Some humidifiers have a built-in humidistat. This can help when a humidifier is used frequently as they can make a room wet, or over-humidify a room. Some humidifiers come with an ultraviolet light that is used to kill bacteria in the water before it is dispersed into the air by the humidifier. Some humidifiers have quieter motors than others, and this can be important as they are often used while sleeping.

Studies done by the government have shown that cool mist humidifiers can disperse microorganisms and minerals into the air. The EPA suggests that you use a bottled distilled water in your humidifier to help lower the mineral content in the air. Also, you should not humidify indoors to over 50% as high humidity encourages growth of biological organisms, such as mold, in the home. It is suggested you keep the humidity level in your home between 35-45%.

It is very important that you keep your humidifier clean and follow the manufacturers suggested cleaning schedule.

About the Author

Article courtesy of http://www.humidifier-guide.com

Written By: Kelly Gillis

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