How to Choose the Most Effective Air Purification System
An air purifier is a device that traps particles floating in their air. This device is most effective indoors in an enclosed space. Air purification systems that connect to a central HVAC unit are available, too. Generally, though, homeowners tend to purchase individual devices and place them in rooms that have the most traffic or where they spend the most time. Everyone is different. In Roseville, MI, you have options. At C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, our team can walk you through them. Here is a basic guide to help you to better understand the types of air purification systems on the market.
Ultraviolet Air Purifiers
Ultraviolet light is a technology that has been used in hospitals and medical settings for years. The medical community uses ultraviolet light to disinfect hospital rooms as well as laboratories. That technology has been adapted for residential use. Ultraviolet light has proven to be effective against bacteria, mold and other living allergens.
An ultraviolet air purifier is used in conjunction with your HVAC system. The device is placed in the unit near the spaces where bacteria can thrive, like the coils. The device’s light has to be strategically pointed at the coils so that it is effective. The air that your heating and cooling system pushes back out into your home will be healthier. There is a wide price range for this product, so if you can only start small, the option is still available to you.
Studies show that this device is able to kill up to 99.9% of live bacteria that passes through your HVAC system. The device is going to require annual maintenance, but given its effectiveness, it is a popular choice.
HEPA Air Purifiers
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate arresting. If you find a model marked with the HEPA logo, you have found a product that contains a filter that can trap up to 99.7% of particles that are larger than 0.2 microns in the air. So, a HEPA air purifier is a solid choice.
This option is good for trapping pollen, dander, and mold as well as dust. The price range is wide. This means that if your budget is tight, there is a budget-friendly option available. Since HEPA air filters are great at their job, they do have to be replaced on a monthly basis. Only the strongest cooling and heating units can handle the HEPA air filter because they can constrict airflow. Therefore, once the air purifier has gathered a good amount of particles from the air, it stops working effectively.
Activated Carbon Air Purifiers
An activated carbon air purifier is a good option for those who smoke. This device is effective at removing smoke, odors and fumes as well as gasses from indoor air. So, if you are someone who is triggered by smoke, odors or fumes, this is a great choice. It is important to keep in mind that because the carbon air purifier is designed specifically to capture smoke, fumes and related gasses, it does not work as effectively against pollen, dander and related particles. So, you may have to couple a carbon air purifier with an ultraviolet air purifier in order to receive maximum benefits. The other option is to find a carbon air purifier that includes a HEPA air filter.
Ionic Air Purifiers
Ionic air purifiers are quiet and do not use a motor to operate. This option sends out ions into the air in a room of your home. The ions are negatively charged. Air particles are positively charged. So, when the two meet, they counteract with each other. The negative ions knock out the positive particles from the air.
Some models include electrostatic precipitators that trap the positively charged particles that find their way to the unit. This technology is still evolving. It started as a standalone device. Now, it is also available as a device that is placed inside an HVAC system, similar to the ultraviolet air purifier.
There are models that can clean themselves, too. While you are exploring your options, it is a good idea to find out the latest technology that is available in Roseville. The only downside is that the ionic air purifier is effective against particles but not smoke, for example. So, you might have to pair it with a carbon air purifier if you are a smoker or allergic to smoke.
Electronic Air Cleaners
Electronic air cleaners can remove up to 99.98% of allergens floating in the indoor air of your house. This is a whole-home solution that works in conjunction with your HVAC system. Models that include a HEPA air filter can trap particles that are as small as 0.3 microns.
The electronic air filter does require professional installation, but it provides a simple solution for your entire property. Since it is so effective, it does require monthly cleaning. Professionals can walk you through the cleaning process after it has been installed. You can always schedule a standing monthly appointment with us, and we will handle it for you.
Central Air Cleaners
The central air cleaner is a whole-home solution. It works in conjunction with your central HVAC system. This is a silent solution that can remove up to 99% of pollen, 98% of dust and 94% of viruses in your residence. This is a great option for those who experience seasonal allergies, respiratory issues or other discomfort due to the particles in the air. Your HVAC system’s lifespan can be extended with this option, which is an additional bonus. Since it is a whole-home solution, it does need to be professionally installed.
Air-to-Air Exchangers
The air-to-air exchanger uses energy recovery ventilators. This is a ventilation solution that removes the old air and replaces it with new air.
The new homes of today are extremely energy-efficient. They are well-sealed, so they do not allow indoor air to escape or the outdoor air to enter. This means that once you have cooled your house, it remains that way for an extended period of time. The only issue that occurs is that the indoor air does become stale. An easy solution is to open a window so that fresh air can come inside and the old air can be pushed outside. The air-to-air exchanger option follows this logic. Additionally, it can regulate the indoor humidity and the temperature. This is a good choice for properties that have poor airflow.
Since there are so many options at your disposal, it is important to conduct some research. You also have to take into consideration your current needs and the condition of your home in terms of indoor air quality. Every house has its own quirks. Professionals like ourselves assess what is happening in your residence as well as what you would like to achieve. Plus, we listen to your concerns and any financial parameters you may have presently.
To help you to navigate through your air purifier system options, give us a call at C & C Heating & Air Conditioning in Roseville today to schedule an appointment. We also offer duct cleaning, installation and repair services.
