For many of us living in cities, it is clear that there is no such thing as "clean air" in cities. That as much as the municipality "tries" to offer us an environment with clean mountain air - their efforts will never be enough. Unfortunately, the air in cities is not only bad, but very often it is dangerous to our health! Things came to the conclusion that the quality of the air we breathe ranks alongside the other basic physiological needs that underlie human existence! Therefore, if we cannot have clean air outside - it is appropriate to provide one at home: for ourselves, for our family, for those we love. It is good that enough ideas and solutions can already be found on the market that can improve the living environment in our homes. Before heading to the Purifier / Moisturizer / Ionizer / Breezer, etc., it is a good idea to ask yourself the following questions, the answers to which will guide you to the best choice for you. 1. What are the main pollutants you want to deal with? Pollutants or pollen, or viruses or all together? MORE ABOUT VIRUSES AND BACTERIA - HERE. 2. What filtration system do you prefer? 3. Size of the room / space? 4. Extras (eg automatic sensors / signals for filter change / noise level / lighting, remote control, application ...) 5. A budget that is acceptable. 6. Support at your own expense or through external annual maintenance? All this is important to do in advance, because the myths in the field of air purification are no less than those in show business! In general, it can be said that all such devices consist of a fan, which forcing air through its filters. It is the filters that determine the differences and the activity of the purifiers. There are two main systems for air purification: - water system - dry system With WATER SYSTEM, most people try to combine an air purifier for their home with a humidifier (for open office, industrial premises, this system is not as effective), which has already created some confusion between the characteristics of these devices. However, it should be remembered that a conventional humidifier does not purify the air, but only fills it with moisture, so instead of being called an "air purifier", we should call them "air washer" because. this is the only thing he does - he passes the room air through a water curtain. In addition, under the influence of water, dust and other small contaminants in the air precipitate on the washable discs. The cleaning of the air by washing is carried out together with its humidification, which adds to the popularity of these gadgets. All air cleaners offered operate on the same principle and differ only in size, fan power and the availability of additional functions. In addition to the desire to introduce as many attractive features as possible for the buyer, in this case the manufacturers are guided by the principle of compensation - because the fact is that the moist environment formed in the humectants is very favorable for the growth of bacteria, harmful microorganisms and fungus, which requires the device to be constantly cared for, so that unexpected guests do not fit into the device and result in a defect. Therefore, such an air purification system is often supplemented by a UV safety lamp (however, there are already enough bacteria that are resistant to UV rays) In addition, the "washers" themselves work gradually and quietly, so they should not be expected to quickly clean the room, remove odors and / or small particles of contaminants and allergens. If you are looking for a DRY SYSTEM for the purification of dust, allergens, odors, etc. without the involvement of water - then your choice is much wider. Devices vary in size, performance, design and most importantly - what kind of air filters are inside and how many. For the most part, all devices of this type have high power and can quickly clean the air in the room. The dry cleaning system includes a more powerful fan that sucks air from the room and forces it through the filtration system. In general, such systems have the following types of filters: - Filter for rough air. Usually, it is a mesh or porous material that can capture large contaminants such as lumps of dust or animal hair. - Fine filters. They usually look like cloth or paper folded with an accordion. The filter material has many pores which, due to an unusual turn, overlap, forming a non-linear fine mesh screen. Such filters trap dust particles and most allergens. - HEPA filters. To date, such filters are most effective for air purification. They capture even the smallest and most dangerous particles of pollutants, such as PM2.5, tiny allergens such as acne dust secretions, viruses, etc. With all this in mind, a HEPA air filter is needed in the room, without it the entire cleaning system would be incomplete. In another article, we have already described in detail the technology of their work. You can read it in the section "Useful" - HEPA filter, what is it ?. - Activated carbon filter (carbon and photocatalytic filters), this is an adsorption catalytic filter. If in addition to dust, allergens and harmful particles you want to protect yourself from unpleasant odors, then the apartment air purification system must include such a filter. Inside the filter is a special material that literally "pulls" the gas molecules inside and reliably "locks" them inside. Some manufacturers make variations of this type of filter, for example, standard and enhanced, if the sources of odor are too strong or too close to the room. The best air purifier, of course, will contain both filters to clean the air from dust as well as protection from allergens, harmful particles and unpleasant odors. Most often, the disadvantages of such devices are attributed to power consumption and noise level. In fact, high quality air purifiers do not consume more energy than other household appliances - even on the contrary - IDEAL purifiers often consume several times less than them, and the noise generated by the device is aerodynamic and is caused by the passage of air through the filter system. However, with the help of new technologies and materials, IDEAL models get rid of this noise and operate so quietly that sometimes questions arise as to whether the device is switched on at all. For more information, you can view and download the brochures of all air purifiers in English.
