Electronic air cleaners are an important addition to any home or office today. With indoor air pollution being up to five times greater than that of outdoor air, many respiratory health issues are on the rise. Indoor air pollution is rapidly becoming a major problem in our country. The ironic part is that people complain about the outdoor air pollution stating they are unable to go outside because of the poor quality air, when the air outside may actually be cleaner.
To help clean up the air pollution in your home or office there are five major types of electronic air cleaners on the market today. These types are the HEPA air filter, air ionizer, germicidal UV lamp, activated carbon air filter, and the ozone generator. Several different air purifier models do incorporate a number of these different technologies in their units. The following is a general description and function of the five major types of electronic air cleaners.
HEPA Air Filters – this electronic air cleaner is one of the best available on the market for filtering particles as small as 0.3 microns. HEPA filters remove dust, pollen, dust mites, many bacteria, and many other allergens.
Disadvantages include that it does not remove pet dander, chemical fumes, organic and inorganic gases, cigarette smoke, odors, viruses, and germs. Also, any bacteria that are captured by the filter can breed and reproduce if not cleaned regularly.
Air Ionizers – this electronic air cleaner uses an electrically charged field to cause very small particles to clump together, such as cat dander, as they pass through the air cleaner. It is very good for eliminating viruses, bacteria, cigarette smoke, and chemical fumes.
Disadvantages are that it does not eliminate odors, kill germs or fungi, and remove all chemicals in the air.
Germicidal UV Lamp – this electronic air cleaner uses ultra violet light to kill germs, viruses, bacteria, and mold.
Disadvantages are that it has no effect on allergens, chemical fumes, gases, odors, and cigarette smoke.
Activated Carbon Air Filters – this electronic air cleaner works well for absorbing chemical fumes, gases, cigarette and cigar smoke, and odors.
Disadvantages are that it has no effect on micro-organisms, dust, and allergens.
Ozone Generators – this electronic air cleaner works very well for eliminating strong odors such as from pets, cigarette and cigar smoke, and some chemicals.
Disadvantages include irritated eyes and respiratory system if the purifier is in an enclosed room or if it is turned up too high, smell, and it has no effect on particles and chemicals.
Since each of these electronic air cleaners have strengths and weaknesses, the best option is to do your research, check many different sources and purchase an electronic air cleaning system that is multifunctional to meet your specific requirements.