Benefits of Indoor Air Filtration and Purification

Keeping indoor air clean is important to respiratory health and the overall aesthetic of your home. Smelling clean and fresh is an aesthetic, after all. Indoor air is susceptible to a wide range of contaminants, from smoke and pet dander to dirt and debris brought in from outdoors. Removing these contaminants is best accomplished with an indoor air filtration or purification system. These systems come in various sizes and forms, ranging from small standalone units to larger air-handler attachments and devices that connect directly to HVAC systems, including whole-home filtration systems for residential use. Here is a closer look at indoor air filtration and some of the benefits these systems provide.

How Air Purifiers Work

Depending on the size and the exact variety of air purifier, there are a few different processes involved in purifying the air. The filtration process works by trapping indoor air particles as the air is forced through the filter. Contaminants larger than about 0.3 micrometers will be captured by the filtration system and retained before passing through. Another method of purification is known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. This process sterilizes the air as it flows through the system. A fan is used to blow the air towards a UV lamp where microorganisms and other contaminants are removed from the air.

Benefits of Air Purifiers

Since air purifiers are designed to remove allergens like dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, and other contaminants from indoor air, they can provide a variety of respiratory health benefits. Smoke and other volatile organic compounds can also be removed through air purification, and an air scrubber installation can be especially effective for addressing these contaminants. Reducing the risk of sick building syndrome caused by exposure to harmful airborne contaminants is another important benefit of air filtration and purification. While tangible health benefits can be difficult to measure, improvements in indoor air quality may indicate the potential benefits of installing a filtration and purification system. For example, an air purification system may provide more direct respiratory benefits in a home with dirty, smoke-laden air than in a home with less contaminated air.

Air purification systems, of course, require maintenance and are subject to deficiencies. Many of these, such as ozone production, noise levels, energy consumption, and visual appeal are variable by the type of purifier, quality, and maintenance level of the system. Maintaining the purifiers will help prevent many of these potential problems. Change or clean the filter regularly–depending on exact indoor environment. This will also help to ensure that the purifier emits only small amounts of ozone–in purifiers that emit ozone. Research types of air filters and invest in a quality purifier for your home.