If you’re shopping for an air purifier, you might be noticing that some brands are spouting lots of claims. And some of those claims could appear too good to be true. So, it’s only expected that you may be wondering are air purifiers a waste of money.

They’re worth it, according to the EPA, because they’re a fantastic way to better your Lawrence residence’s indoor air quality. Newer homes are solidly sealed and heavily insulated, which is good for energy efficiency, but not so good for indoor air quality.

Because newer residences don’t normally let in as much outside air as aging residences, irritants like dust, pet dander and cleaning products can build up inside. The outcome? Air that’s more contaminated than the outdoors, which is a problem if you struggle with allergies, asthma or are sensitive to respiratory irritation.

Our indoor air quality specialists at Scott Temperature can help you cut through the clutter and select the best home air purifier. Just call us at 785-269-0465 and we’ll be happy to help. Meanwhile, learn more about how air purifiers operate, their perks and our recommendations to help you choose the best air purifier.

How Does an Air Purification System Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Most home air purifiers rely on a fan to pull in air. Then, the air passes through one or more filters to trap irritants before being recirculated.

These filters might incorporate a charcoal filter, to eliminate odors, and a HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filter. A HEPA filter is at least 99.7% effective at capturing microscopic particles as little as .3 microns, like dust, pollen, mold and some bacteria.

An air purifier can be movable and used to purify one area. Or they can be fitted to your HVAC system, providing effective filtration for your entire home.

The EPA says you should be aware that air purifiers can’t eliminate all the contaminants from your residence’s air. But when used in tandem with a better filter for your HVAC system, they can significantly reduce the amount of indoor air pollution.

4 Benefits of Air Purification

Installing an air purifier in your house can give many good health perks. Here are just a few of them.

1. Lowers Allergy and Asthma Triggers

Air purifiers decrease contaminants in your home, including some of these typical triggers:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Volatile organic compounds, such as cleaners, air fresheners and personal care products

2. Reduces Other Problems Associated with Poor Indoor Air Quality

Even if you or someone in your home doesn’t struggle with allergies or asthma, an air purifier can alleviate other symptoms associated with low indoor air quality. These include:

  • Itchy throat, eyes, nose or skin
  • Headaches
  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

It can be hard to determine issues related to indoor air quality, as they can be linked to a lot of other illnesses. However, if you’re noticing that symptoms lessen after you leave home, your indoor air quality is probably causing the issue.

3. Removes Odors

Persistent odors, like cigarette smoke or cooking smells, can be difficult to eliminate. If you having difficulties with eliminating heavy smells in your residence, our pros advise purchasing an air purifier with a charcoal or activated carbon filter.

4. May Reduce Your Chance of Getting Sick

An air purifier can eliminate some bacteria and viruses under certain airflow conditions, keeping you and your household healthier even more so during winter months. To receive full advantage of this perk, our professionals recommend a UV air purifier. Disinfecting ultraviolet light delivers an additional layer of protection against airborne pathogens.

Air Purification Systems to Avoid

You’re better off without select air purifiers. Here are a couple of features to avoid when selecting a system for your residence:

  • Produces ozone. Some air purifiers create ozone, which can irritate your lungs. The EPA advises staying away from ozone air purifiers.
  • Doesn’t have HEPA filters. For the best filtration, you’ll want a HEPA air purifier. Regarded as the gold standard for healthy air, HEPA filters are used in many healthcare settings, including hospitals.
  • Only purifies a single room. We suggest installing a whole-house air purifier, which filters the air in every room. This style operates in tandem with your home comfort system.

When you work with the indoor air quality professionals at Scott Temperature, we make it simple to choose the best air purifier for your house. Contact us at 785-269-0465 to get started breathing fresher air now!