Indoor air quality is an important detail of your Ronkonkoma, NY home. Homeowners use air purifiers to clear particles from the air inside their homes. This includes particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. But it’s important to understand what an air purifier can do. We’re here to debunk some common misconceptions about home air purifiers.
Misconception: Air Purifiers Remove All Contaminants
It’s not realistic to expect one device to remove all contaminants from your indoor air. While some equipment removes up to 99.97% of particulate matter from your air, some may remain. Also, air purifiers cannot remove things like volatile organic compounds. This is unless you choose a system with a specific type of filter.
Most air purifiers use high-efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA for short. HEPA filters can remove particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns. But they can’t get rid of gases, chemicals, or odors without activated carbon filters.
The size of your air purifier also matters. If you are using a portable unit, it’s likely only addressing a small amount of square footage. A whole-home purifier cleans the air in your HVAC system whenever it runs.
Misconception: Hvac Filters Replace Purification
Your HVAC system has a filter in place to remove particulate matter from the air passing through it. This filter protects the inside parts of your heating and cooling system. Its primary purpose is not to purify your indoor air. For better indoor air quality, use a filter with a MERV rating of 8 to 13.
Make sure you replace your HVAC filters once every 30 to 90 days. You should refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on the filter for a more exact time frame.
Misconception: Air Purifiers Don’t Require Maintenance
Like any device or appliance in your home, an air purifier needs maintenance. You’ll need to change or clean its filter periodically. Have a technician inspect and clean your unit’s interior components at least once a year.
Skipping maintenance on your air purifier can make it less effective at keeping your indoor air clean. A clogged filter allows a lot of particulate matter to circulate back into your indoor air. Neglecting maintenance can lead to more repairs and a shorter lifespan for your purifier.
Misconception: Air Purifiers Prevent Illness
Many air purifiers can reduce the number of infectious particles that are in your air. However, they aren’t typically enough protection to prevent illness entirely. How effective your purifier is will depend on the size of the particles you’re trying to remove. Key points include the type of equipment you have and the location of your units. The number of air changes that occur per hour is also important.
You can create a healthy indoor environment by using air purifiers and ventilation. This exchange of air between the outside of your home and the interior can remove germs. Just be sure to open windows and doors when the air quality outside is at an acceptable level. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathrooms. They help remove stale and contaminated air. Also, keep up with cleaning your home by wiping down surfaces frequently.
Misconception: All Air Purifiers Produce Ozone
Certain air purifiers produce ozone as a method of removing mold or odors. They release ozone into the air. This helps neutralize contaminants through oxidation. Some people are sensitive to high levels of ozone. Not all units come with this feature. In some cases, you can turn the ozone feature on or off at your discretion.
Ionizers are another common air purifier feature. They can reduce particulates circulating in your air by charging them. They then cling to surfaces so you can wipe them away. But, ionizers don’t remove particulate matter using a filter. You may be increasing the need for cleaning the various surfaces in your house. Ionization can help when combined with other filtration and purification methods.
Misconception: Investing in High-End Models Boosts Performance
You don’t necessarily have to invest in a more expensive brand of air purifier to get the results you want. Cost usually shows how good an air purifier is. This includes noise level, safety testing, and quiet operation. Some brands provide exceptional warranty coverage and better build quality. You can find a good air purifier even on a tight budget. Look for features and quality that fit your needs.
When picking an air purifier, consider the filter type. Also, check the cost of replacement filters. The amount of energy a unit uses will determine how affordable it is over time. Team up with experts to select the ideal air purifier for your needs and budget.
Misconception: Air Purification Reduces Cleaning Needs
Maintaining healthy indoor air quality is a multi-layered approach. Air purifiers effectively remove dust and pollutants from the air. But routine cleaning is also important. Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration. It helps cut down on dust and other particles in your home. Launder your bedding often and wipe down surfaces.
You should also be careful about the products that you use in your home. Avoid using chemical-based cleaning products and building materials with high levels of VOCs. Don’t allow people to smoke in your home, and skip the use of artificial fragrances.
Misconception: The Placement Doesn’t Matter
Ideally, a whole-home air purifier installed on your HVAC system will do the best job. But, make sure your system can handle an air purification device. You don’t want to restrict airflow or strain your heating or cooling equipment.
If you’re using a standalone air purifier, placement is important. Choose a centralized location where air flows freely. If you have areas where contaminated air is frequently present, target those spaces. For example, kitchens tend to produce strong odors and smoke. Areas near pet beds or litter boxes benefit from purification as well. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, your bedroom should have clean air so you can rest well at night.
Large homes will need several portable air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. This is when a whole-home air purifier system is preferable.
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your indoor air, Cool Power LLC in Ronkonkoma is here to help. We can install a whole-home air purifier, dehumidifier, or humidifier. These solutions will help with moisture issues while also cleaning your air. Balancing purification with humidity control makes your home cleaner and more comfortable. It also helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. Our services include installation, repair, and maintenance for your HVAC system. Ductwork repairs can boost indoor air quality. They help cut down on dust and other particles. Contact our team at Cool Power LLC in Ronkonkoma to schedule an appointment today.
