Pollutants impact a home’s indoor air quality in ways we generally cannot see. Our homes often contain particulate matter, a group that includes dust, pollen and allergens. There are also chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microbes (viruses, mold and bacteria).
If you have concerns about your home’s indoor air quality, you may want to explore the possibility of incorporating electronic air cleaners into your home comfort system. There are several types:
HEPA
The power of this purifier exists in the filter. HEPA filters are uniquely designed to catch 99.9 percent of airborne particles as small as .3 microns.
Ozone
This technology is a powerful agent for fighting odors, as well as some bacteria and chemicals. However, due to its toxicity, there is controversy over using it with indoor air cleaners. Most manufacturers suggest using it at low levels, and only at high levels when a space is unoccupied.
Carbon
Carbon air filters work by attracting particles to their surfaces and then bonding them to the filter. While they are not effective in trapping allergens and microorganisms, they do a superb job with chemicals and odors.
Ionic Air
Without using a filter, ionic air works by “charging” particles. When two opposing charges meet, the particles join together and fall down. While ionic purifiers are highly efficient at removing the smallest of particles, they do not work on odors. Neither do they kill germs.
Ultraviolet light (UV)
This technology uses radiation to sterilize microorganisms, which removes their ability to do harm. However, UV lights do not remove chemicals, allergens, smoke or odors.
Today, many of these technologies are used together to provide the highest quality of air purification. To find the best electronic air cleaner for your specific needs, consider which system targets your problem areas. The experts at Arpi’s are happy to answer your electronic air cleaner questions.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Arpi’s services Calgary, Alberta. To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.
