Hidden in the corner of a room might be a tall appliance that has a slight hum to its operations. These appliances are benign in the eyes of visitors, however, residents enjoy the rewards of clean air through these devices. In fact, air purifiers have been on the market for many years, and they come in countless shapes and sizes. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing an air purifier, consider how it improves your home by reducing a significant amount of dust. These particles affect your health each and every day.
How Dust Enters the Home
In recent studies, researchers have found that most dust within the home actually originates from the exterior. Dust that flies in through screen doors and windows comes from soil, foliage and local industry particulates. All of these particles settle within the home, and you end up breathing most of them.
Dust is also created within the home from people and pets moving about on day-to-day chores. Pets leave dander, and people drop skin cells, for example. Most of these particulates remain in the air for a lengthy amount of time until they finally fall onto household surfaces. Unless you clean on a daily basis, this dust will remain in the home and circulate in the air for many days. As result, residents may have irritated respiratory systems and other health issues.
Dusty Harboring Areas
There’s probably a lot more dust in your home than you realize right now. Did you know that ceiling fans can accumulate several centimeters of dust over a period of a few months? Any flat surface can become a harboring location for dust. If the wind or breeze picks up in the area, this dust becomes airborne and irritates your throat, nose and lungs.
Consider other dusty areas that might be a problem for sensitive residents. Shelves, lamp shades and even plant leaves can hold a lot of dust. Take a look at the vents that cover your central air ducts, for instance. Dust accumulates in these areas, and it becomes airborne as soon as you turn on the air conditioning or heating. Air purifiers are solutions to these inevitable dusty conditions that occur in every household across the nation.
Understanding Air Purifier Functions
Air purifiers have a simple design that makes them incredibly efficient in your household. When you plug in the unit, the purifier creates variable air pressure in front of it. Household air is literally drawn into the device and across its filters. The internal parts capture particulates that are incredibly small, but these same substances tend to be the most irritating to residents. The resulting air that exits the air purifier is as clean as possible. Your air purifier is as efficient as the complexity of its filters. Some devices filter large particles, whereas other models can filter incredibly tiny substances on a regular basis.
Replaceable or Reusable Filters
Currently, purifiers have distinct designs that include the interior components. You might rely on replaceable filters for the device, or you can try a model that has a reusable filter. These appliances are often more expensive, but they allow you to rinse and wipe the particulates off of the filter. Simply reinstall the filter when it’s dry. When you’re choosing between various purifiers on the market today, take a good look at the filter type. If you prefer to discard the filter rather than wash it, replaceable filters are your best choice.
Matching the Room Size to Purifiers
A standard purifier can only move a certain amount of air through its system at a given time. If your living room is relatively large, you may want to purchase an oversized device or possibly multiple models. In many cases, the purifier will have a volume specification listed on its retail packaging. Consider the size of your room along with the number of residents and pets in the immediate area. All of these factors contribute to dust and air volume within a given space. Ideally, you want the purifier to recycle the air within the room at least once an hour.
Maintenance Counts
Follow the directions for your air purifier after purchasing it. The filter must be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis or else the unit will fail to effectively clean the air. Ideally, check the filter once a week for any buildup. When you operate the unit on a regular basis, a monthly maintenance check should suffice.
Air purifiers are constantly being updated and revamped for consumers in the marketplace. When you’re ready to purchase a new appliance, be sure to read reviews about your desired unit. Consider the energy usage, size and noise levels created by the purifiers. With a desired air purifier matched with your home, the entire household can benefit from clean air as pets, visitors and other loved ones move throughout the space.