In most homes, the filtration that an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system provides is sufficient to keep indoor air adequately clean. However, in some instances, you might need an additional air purification system because you or your loved ones suffer from respiratory problems, allergies, or other medical conditions.
If you’re considering buying an air purification system, there are four factors that you should consider:
- Long-term efficiency: Air-filtration systems must have the ability to work efficiently for long periods of time. Filtration equipment usually starts out with a very strong and effective air flow that removes plenty of contaminants, but in some models, efficiency can drop after a few weeks. Make sure that the air purification system that you choose uses high-efficiency HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration that will not lose efficiency.
- Permanent particle removal: Some types of air purification systems use an ionization process that imparts an electrical charge to airborne particles. The charged particles cling to each other, and then fall to the floor or attach to surfaces such as curtains or tabletops. With an ionizing system, there is a risk that these particulates can make their way back into your indoor air. An air purifier that uses mechanical filtration with a HEPA filter is more capable of trapping and permanently holding particles.
- Filtration of extremely small particles: Most filtration systems are rated according to how well they can trap and hold airborne particulates of 0.03 microns or larger. HEPA air-purification systems must be able to remove at least 99.97 percent of particles of 0.03 microns and larger. These types of air purifiers commonly remove particles as small as 0.003 microns.
- Gas, odor and chemical filtration: Air filters do not normally provide filtration of gases, vapors, airborne chemicals, and odors. Look for high-efficiency HEPA filters with activated carbon or charcoal for effective elimination of odors and vapors from your home’s indoor air.
For more than 36 years, Roth Heating & Cooling has been a reliable provider of HVAC sales, maintenance, and repair for customers in Portland and the surrounding Oregon communities. Contact us today for information on air purifiers and for expert help buying an air-purification system that will work for your home.
