All The Different Types Of Air Purifier Filters
Purifier Filter Types
Air purifiers exchange polluted air and give back clean air. There are two main kinds of air purifiers – room air purifiers and whole house air purifiers. One of the key things is what kind of filter you can use, and how often it might need to be replaced. In a sense, an air purifier is only as good as its filter.
1. Pre-Filters
The pre-filter is important. It removes the biggest pollutants like dust, hair, pollen, animal fur. It can actually trap small insects! Without this, the main filter will not be as long-lasting, meaning that you’ll need to replace it more often. It can last for the lifetime of the air purifier if looked after properly. If it is combined with a carbon layer, then it will have to be replaced when the carbon layer stops working.
2. HEPA Filters
High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filters can filter out 99.97% of particulate pollutants – mold, pollen, dust mites, etc. some of which are as small as 0.3 microns in size. True HEPA filters make a big difference to the quality of the air you breathe, often being used in health facilities. True HEPA filters are not to be confused with HEPA-type or HEPA-grade filters, because these kinds of filters are not as efficient and can only remove 99% of particles 1 to 2 microns in size or larger. Another disadvantage is that the HEPA filter is not designed to remove odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds.
3. Activated Carbon Filters
This is produced at an extremely high heat so as to create a large, porous surface which can absorb volatile chemicals. The pores are molecular-sized, and in combination with activated carbon filters have high absorbency and chemical bonding. These two factors enable it to capture pollutants that could pass through HEPA filters. Such things as cigarette smoke, gases, chemical emissions and other odors can be effectively blocked by using carbon filters and HEPA filters together.
4. Washable Filters
The washable filter is a filter that can be washed with water and soap. The cleaning process takes a bit of time, requiring up to one hour if you don’t have a drying machine. Afterward, the filter is as good as new.
5. Permanent Filters
The permanent filter cannot be washed; water and soap should not be applied. In fact, if you wash a permanent filter, you will totally ruin it! The permanent filter has an advantage over the washable filter because the maintenance is faster and easier. But the washable filter may be cleaner than the permanent one because you are only using a vacuum cleaner rather than giving it a good scrub with soap and water.
Normal air purifiers and air purifiers for large rooms are good, but increasingly smart air purifiers are coming to be seen as even more convenient because it helps you to track the air quality in your home simply by using your smartphone or tablet. The CADR level shows you the volume of air actually being purified in a particular room and can inform you of the current efficiency of your unit.
Air purifier maintenance
The more polluted the area or room, the more often you’ll need to clean it; if it’s constantly being exposed to cigarette smoke, dust, or pollen, for example. As a rule, you should clean your air purifier unit every six months. It also depends on how much you use it, which in turn depends on your brand and model, but most air purifiers are on 24 hours per day. 8 hours is a minimum in terms of noticing a change of air quality; it’s not an instant thing.
Air conditioners
Air conditioners can be used both domestically and commercially, especially in hotter or more urban environments. They are used to cool and dehumidify space filled with heat-producing electronic devices, such as computer servers, power amplifiers, and can also help protect delicate products, such as high-end pottery or artwork. It generally recommended that you change your AC air filter once per month, although more expensive pleated filters can last for up to half a year.
Whether you’re seeking to alter the quality of the air around you, or the temperature, the filter is the main safeguard that enables you to get the most out of your unit.
Source:
- Air Purifiers Fact Sheet – UMASS