Air purifiers have become increasingly popular as they help reduce indoor air pollution. However, new terms and concepts have emerged in the ever-growing market, which can be confusing for consumers. Understanding air purifier terminology will enable you to make an informed decision and ensure your investment is optimized to improve indoor air quality.
Continue reading to learn the common air purifier terms to help you better understand how these devices work and make informed decisions when purchasing an air purifier.
To navigate the wide selection of air purification systems, let’s start by defining some crucial terms you might come across.
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. This filter type is widely considered the gold standard in air purification. HEPA filters remove 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns from the air. They are made of densely packed layers of fibers that capture dust, allergens, pet dander, pollen and other airborne pollutants. Choosing an air purifier with a HEPA filter is crucial for efficient air cleaning.
CADR, or clean air delivery rate, measures an air purifier’s ability to remove particles of specific sizes from the air within a certain time frame. It is expressed in cubic feet per minute. CADR values are typically given for three types of particles: smoke, pollen and dust. The higher the CADR rating, the faster and more effective the air purifier is at cleaning the air.
ACH, or air changes per hour, is a metric that indicates how many times an air purifier can clean a room’s entire volume within an hour. For example, an ACH of 4 means the air purifier filters the entire room’s air four times in one hour. A higher ACH value is generally recommended for individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
An activated carbon filter is a type of filter that specializes in adsorbing odors, gases and chemicals. It is often used with a HEPA filter to enhance air purifying capabilities. Activated carbon is made from charcoal, and its large surface area helps to trap and remove volatile organic compounds, smoke and unpleasant odors from the air.
An ionizer is a feature in some air purifiers that emit ions. These ions attach to particles in the air, causing them to become charged and stick to surfaces such as walls or furniture. This process is known as ionization. While ionizers can improve air quality by reducing floating particles, they can also produce ozone, which can be harmful in high concentrations. If you have respiratory issues, choosing an air purifier without an ionizer or with an ozone-free ionizer is recommended.
UV-C light, or UV germicidal irradiation, is a technology used in certain air purifiers to kill bacteria, viruses and other microbial organisms. UV-C light emits short-wavelength ultraviolet rays that disrupt the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce or cause harm. This technology can be instrumental in healthcare settings or homes with individuals who have weak immune systems.
A pre-filter is the first line of defense in an air purifier. It is designed to capture larger particles like hair, dust and pet fur before they reach the main filter. A pre-filter can help prolong the life of the main filter by preventing it from getting clogged with larger particles.
Noise level is vital when choosing an air purifier, especially if you plan to use it in a bedroom or quiet space. Manufacturers usually provide noise level measurements in decibels (dB). If you prefer a quieter operation, look for air purifiers with lower dB ratings.
Modern air purifiers have smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile app controls. These features allow users to monitor and control the air purifier remotely, set timers, adjust fan speed, and receive alerts or notifications. Smart features can add convenience and flexibility to your air purification experience.
Air Products & Services offers a range of exceptional air purifiers to enhance the air quality in your living spaces. With our air purifiers and expertise, you can be confident in breathing clean and healthy air.
One standout option is the Air Scrubber by Aerus. It uses ActivePure® Technology, which directly attaches to your HVAC ductwork. This innovative system effectively eliminates air pollution, surface contaminants, pet dander, odors, and dust, resulting in a cleaner and healthier home environment.
For a targeted approach, consider the Steril-Aire UVC germicidal emitters. These emitters utilize the power of UVC light to sterilize HVAC evaporator coils and drain pans. By exposing microorganisms to UVC light, this system effectively combats mold, viruses, bacteria, and other airborne contaminants, ensuring cleaner and safer air.
The Infinity® Air Purifier is another remarkable product designed to work silently with your HVAC system. Powered by Captures & Kills™ technology, it can trap up to 95% of particles and then utilize an electrical charge to kill or inactivate them. Independent testing has proven its effectiveness against various pathogens, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.
If you’re looking for a residential air purifier, consider the iWave-R Air Purifier. This purifier, designed to attach directly to your HVAC system, actively purifies the supply air by generating positive and negative ions. This process kills mold, bacteria, and viruses and reduces allergens, smoke, odors, and other airborne particles, ensuring a fresher and healthier home environment.
For commercial spaces, the iWave-C Commercial Air Purifier is an ideal solution. This self-cleaning, bi-polar ionization generator effectively treats the air quality without requiring frequent replacement. It efficiently kills mold, bacteria and viruses in the coil and occupied spaces, improving air quality for larger systems.
Lastly, the Aprilaire 2516 MERV16 air purifier offers a low-pressure drop filter that can trap many virus-sized particles and airborne allergy triggers. Its excellent filtration capabilities efficiently eliminate pollen, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, and dust mites, ensuring cleaner and healthier air for you and your family.
Understanding standard air purifiers and AC terms can help you better manage your home’s air quality and temperature. If you’re in Tarzana or Van Nuys, CA, and need help understanding your HVAC system, Air Products & Services is here to help.
In addition, we are experts at AC troubleshooting systems and offer air conditioning replacement and AC repair. Call us at (818) 989-2030 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.