The smells we associate with newness and cleanliness — a fresh coat of paint, a new car, lemon-scented disinfectant — are not as harmless as they may seem. These odors are caused by the release of gases called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and they come from more sources than you might expect. When these gases build up in indoor air, some of them can contribute to a wide range of health problems.
Air purifiers, on the surface, may seem deceptively simple — dirty air is drawn in through a vent and clean air is blown out. But the quality and technology of the mechanisms and filters inside these machines can make all the difference in determining just how effective they are at cleaning indoor air.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are made up of different components that all work together to keep your home at a specific temperature. Some of these components are easily visible, while others may be hidden in walls, ceilings, attics or outdoors. HVAC systems contain many different parts — here are the main ones you should know about:
Each year, Air Quality Awareness Week is a joint effort by the Environmental Health Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) to educate the public about the growing problem of air pollution.
What does an air purifier do? An air purifier improves your indoor air quality by removing air pollutants from your home with filters or other technology. Knowing how each type of air purifier works will let you choose the best air purifier for you.
Coming up with standards in the air purifier industry is challenging because air, itself, is complex. Defining performance characteristics for air purifiers starts with identifying what is in the air and measuring their impact, before methods can be developed to test the possible air purification product itself.
If you’re researching what air purifier is the best option for your home, the first step is learning how an air purifier works. Understanding the different types and benefits of air purifiers and how they remove pollutants from the air will let you make an informed buying decision. Let’s look at the pollutants in your home’s air — particulates, VOCs, and more — and find out more about them.
Bipolar ionizers, as the name suggests, produce both positive and negative ions with the idea that they will charge floating particles and cause them to aggregate and fall out of the air. They use electricity to create ions that are released into the air with the purpose of reducing pollutants. Extensive research has been done on ion-generating air cleaners, with most indicating no appreciable effect on the air, either harmful or helpful.
