Ozone exposure might also worsen asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. Electronic air purifiers: Electrostatic precipitators and ionizers charge particles in the air so that they stick to plates on the machine or to nearby surfaces by a magnetic-like attraction. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation UVGI : Some manufacturers claim their air purifiers kill airborne viruses, bacteria, and fungal spores with UV lamps.
But some bacteria and mold spores are resistant to UV radiation. To work, the UV light must be powerful enough and the exposure must last long enough—minutes to hours rather than the few seconds typical of most UVGI air purifiers—to be effective. CR does not test UVGI technology, though some mechanical air purifiers we test may have the function.
Photocatalytic oxidation: PCO uses ultraviolet radiation and a photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide, to produce hydroxyl radicals that oxidize gaseous pollutants. Depending on the pollutant, this reaction can generate harmful byproducts, such as ozone, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
CR does not currently test PCO technology. There have been few field investigations done on the effectiveness of PCO air purifiers, but one laboratory study conducted by researchers at Syracuse University in New York reported that the devices did not effectively remove any of the VOCs typically found in indoor air. We tested the air purifier , and it did not score well in our tests for dust, smoke, and pollen removal.
To see how well these machines clean the air, we inject smoke and dust into a sealed chamber and use a particle counter to measure the change in air particle concentration in the room as the test model runs for 15 minutes.
We test using particles as small as 0. Because most air purifiers have several speed settings, we test for dust and smoke removal both on the highest speed and at a lower speed not exceeding 50 decibels. We also measure noise levels at every speed setting that a machine has. And because air purifiers must be running at all hours to be effective, we calculate annual operating costs, which include filter replacements and energy use to run the machine 24 hours a day for an entire year.
The very best models in our tests effectively clean the air of dust, smoke, and pollen. CR recommends more than a dozen models in our air purifier ratings , and most use a HEPA filter; a handful also have carbon filters.
Cost of replacement filters: As a general rule, you should replace filters or clean those that can be vacuumed every six to 12 months for pleated filters and every three months for activated carbon filters.
Most of the units we test have an indicator light that lets you know when to change or clean the filter. Certifications: There are a couple of labels you may want to look for on the packaging.
The first one is the Energy Star logo. Air purifiers must run around the clock to be effective, and you should factor in the energy cost when you shop.
Energy Star certified purifiers are 40 percent more energy-efficient than standard models. The CADR reflects, in cubic feet per minute, the volume of clean air that an air purifier produces on its highest speed setting. For example, a purifier with a CADR of for dust particles reduces particle levels of dust to the same concentration that would be achieved by adding cubic feet of clean air each minute. The higher the CADR, the faster and more efficient the air purifier is. There are different CADR ratings for removing tobacco smoke, dust, and pollen.
Focus on the CADR for your main pollutant of concern. For instance, if you live with a smoker or use the fireplace regularly, choose an air purifier that has a high CADR for tobacco smoke.
Room size: If an air purifier has an AHAM Verifide seal, you can trust that the unit can handle the suggested room size listed on the seal. We have tested many air purifiers that are not suitable for their claimed room sizes. You can check our ratings to see what room size range we suggest for each model based on our test results.
Because these machines should always be running, ideally they should also be quiet. For reference, a noise rating around 50 decibels is roughly equal to that of a refrigerator. You may be able to find how many decibels a model operates at on its packaging or website listing before you buy it. Or check our air purifier ratings ; we rate models on noise levels at high-speed and lower-speed settings. Clean or replace filters regularly. Typically, you should replace filters or clean those that can be vacuumed every six to 12 months for pleated filters and every three months for activated carbon filters.
Place it wisely. If you have just one unit, put it in the room where you spend the most time. Some units can be heavy and clunky to move around, so if you want an air purifier in multiple rooms, you may want to buy a unit for each room. Make sure to place the air purifier in a spot where nothing can obstruct airflow—away from curtains, for instance.
Surprisingly, yes! According to the U. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors where concentrations of pollutants can be two to five times higher than outdoors.
If you suffer from respiratory ailments, such as asthma , COPD or seasonal allergies, you might have considered or have invested in an air purifier for your home. While air purifiers can help neutralize some of the threats in your home, do they actually live up to all the hype?
When indoor air is sucked into the air purifier it passes through a filter inside. The filters capture airborne pollutants like dust and then pushes clean air back out into the room. Some purifiers are designed to remove specific types of contaminants and others remove gases. Some companies claim their air purifiers can help you breathe better, improve sleep and your skin—and even increase your life expectancy.
Is what they say true, or is it a bunch of malarkey? Golden said. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.
However, some manufactures have stated their newer models do not produce ozone or other reactive oxygen species. Golden said to also evaluate claims with a grain of salt. Take these steps to help you and your family breathe easier:.
By Regan Olsson , Contributing Writer. Given the fact that indoor air can have levels of certain pollutants up to five times higher than outdoor air , we get it.
Air purifiers can indeed neutralize some of the threat posed by air pollution and by indoor activities. In reality, though, not all air purifiers necessarily live up to their marketing hype. Air purifiers usually consist of a filter, or multiple filters, and a fan that sucks in and circulates air. As air moves through the filter, pollutants and particles are captured, and the clean air is pushed back out into the living space. Typically, filters are made of paper, fiber often fiberglass or mesh, and they require regular replacement to maintain efficiency.
How frequently you will have to change filters varies based upon the purifier type and usage. Some filters are reusable and washable, but they require meticulous maintenance, so you don't usually find them on the most effective air purifiers. Reusable filters are generally good at removing larger particles from the air, like dust mites and pollen. You'll also find UV ultraviolet light filters on the market, which often claim to destroy biological impurities like mold or bacteria, but many require higher wattage and greater exposure to be effective not to mention some bacteria is UV-resistant.
That means, in addition to the purchase price of an air purifier, you should also factor in operating costs and filter replacement costs. Some air purifiers use ionizers to help attract particles like static — negative ions bond to dust and allergens and make them settle out of the air. If you're interested in buying an air cleaner that uses ionizers, make sure it does not produce dangerous levels of ozone a gas made up of three oxygen atoms that is often marketed as helping break down pollutants , because ozone could be a lung irritant and further aggravate asthma conditions.
Usually the air purifiers with ozone will have that listed on the packaging or in the marketing descriptions. This is due to the fact that there is the potential for unknown harmful consequences, coupled with additional energy usage and a negligible or non-existent increase in purification.
What are air purifiers supposed to filter out — and do they actually do it? That would require an absorbent, like activated carbon. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency EPA warns that the functionality of air purifiers is limited in terms of filtering out gases and that you must frequently replace filters for optimal functionality, usually about every three or so months.
Allergens that are embedded into furniture or flooring are also not captured by purifiers.
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