Indoor air quality is essential for maintaining a healthy living environment, yet many homeowners are unaware of the pollutants lurking in their homes. From pet dander and dust to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), indoor air pollution can negatively impact your health and well-being.
Enter air scrubbers – powerful tools designed to tackle various types of contaminants and improve your home’s indoor air quality. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of air scrubbers available, their effectiveness in removing common indoor pollutants, and how they contribute to a healthier living space. You can also visit American Home Water and Air to learn about the air scrubbers options available to the average homeowner.
Types Of Air Scrubbers
There are three main types of air scrubbers that have different mechanisms for removing indoor pollutants: HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UVGI.
HEPA Filters
HEPA filters, short for High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are a popular and highly effective type of air scrubber designed to improve indoor air quality. These air filtration systems work by using tightly woven fibers that capture and remove particulates such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and even smoke from the air circulating through your home.
One example of how HEPA filters can make a difference in your home is their ability to combat allergy triggers like pet hair and pollen. A story from one homeowner highlights this benefit: after installing a high-quality HEPA filter in their home’s central HVAC system, they noticed an immediate reduction in allergy symptoms experienced by their family members due to less airborne allergens within the house.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters are often used in air scrubbers to tackle gases and odors that can pollute indoor air quality. These filters work by using a material called activated carbon, which has an incredibly high surface area that attracts and traps airborne pollutants.
This type of filter is particularly useful for pet owners, smokers or those living in areas with high levels of outdoor pollution.
For example, if you have pets at home, the activated carbon filter can take care of the unpleasant odors generated by litter boxes and accidents around your house. If you live close to a busy street, it can help remove chemicals emitted from vehicles or industrial factories nearby that may enter through open windows or get trapped inside your home.
UVGI
UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) is a type of air scrubber that uses ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and kill bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms.
UVGI air sanitizers are highly effective at reducing the spread of airborne illnesses in enclosed spaces, such as homes or offices.
One popular application of UVGI is in hospital settings where clean air is crucial for patient recovery. In addition to hospitals, many homeowners have adopted UVGI technology as a way to improve their indoor air quality while reducing exposure to germs and pathogens.
It’s important to note that while UVGI can be effective at killing many types of viruses and bacteria, it does not capture particles like HEPA filters or remove odors like activated carbon filters do.
Effectiveness In Removing Indoor Pollutants
HEPA filters are highly effective in removing particulate matter such as pet dander, dust, and pollen from indoor air, while activated carbon filters excel at eliminating gases and odors like VOCs.
HEPA Filters For Particles
HEPA filters are considered one of the most effective types of air scrubbers because they can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. These filters work by trapping particles in a dense filter material, which is typically made from fiberglass or other synthetic materials.
When it comes to choosing a HEPA filter for your home, there are several factors to consider, including the size of the filter (which should match the size of your HVAC system), its CADR rating (which measures how quickly it can clean indoor air), and its MERV rating (which indicates how well it can capture different particle sizes).
Activated Carbon Filters For Gases And Odors
Activated carbon filters are a popular type of air scrubber that is commonly used in homes. They excel at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are gases emitted by common household items such as paints, cleaning agents, and carpets.
These types of pollutants can cause respiratory problems and headaches when they accumulate indoors.
Odors from pets, cooking, and smoking can also be effectively removed with activated carbon filters. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to remove unpleasant smells from their home without relying on chemical-based air fresheners or other harsh products that introduce even more chemicals into the indoor environment.
UVGI For Surface Sanitization
UVGI, or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, is a technology used in air scrubbers to sanitize surfaces and prevent the growth of bacteria and viruses. The UV light emitted by these filters destroys the DNA structure of microbes, rendering them unable to reproduce or cause harm.
UVGI filters are considered safe for use around humans as long as they’re installed correctly and used according to manufacturer instructions; they can be found in various models ranging from stand-alone units to whole house systems.
Keep in mind that while UVGI filters may effectively remove bacteria and viruses from surfaces, it won’t do anything for particles floating through the air or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to bad odors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in an air scrubber can greatly improve your indoor air quality and overall environmental health. The three most common types of air scrubbers are HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UVGI.
HEPA filters are incredibly effective for removing particles from the air while activated carbon filters work to remove gases and odors. UVGI is great for sanitizing surfaces but may not be as effective for airborne pollutants.
Related Posts:
- Can a Dirty Air Filter Cause the Heater Not to Work?
- 8 Benefits of Using Air Filters in Your Home
- How Air Filters can Help with Allergies
- Make Sure You and Your Skin are Breathing Clean Air: Indoor Air Quality and Its Effects on Skin Care Clinics
- These 6 Tips Will Help You Get Fresh Air In Your Home
