A Beginner's Guide to Filtration

Using an air purifier to actively and consistently filter the air is a relatively new concept. But the availability of air cleaners on the market has mushroomed. It is easy to see how trying to figure out which one is best. Here are 7 essential features that a cleaner should have and why.

Fresh Air Only---I think everyone would agree that there is no down side to fresh air. What many do not agree on is the effectiveness and effects that ozone and ionized particles have on humans and animals. Studies continue to have mixed results about how much ozone is safe, and whether ionized particles are ok. With this much controversy ruling out an air purifier that emits anything other than fresh air is the best choice.

Split Capacitor Motor---This type of motor is designed for continuous high revolutions per minute. This is the type of motor you want in the unit you choose. This feature allows you to experience continuous filtration without interruption.

Continually filtering the air is the best way to insure that air quality remains as high as possible. And since this type of motor is designed to run all the time, there is not a safety issue to consider. Look in the technical specifications to determine if the unit has this feature.

Steel Casing---Having decided on a unit that is able to run all the time, the next thing to consider is the motor heat that can possibly heat up the outside of the unit. If the outside is made of plastic, it is very possible that once the plastic heats up, it will emit fumes. The last thing you want to do is to pay money for an air cleaner that puts even more pollutants into the air. Steel will not off-gas in this way.

Multiple Filtration Process---Purifying the air means using multiple sizes and types of filters to be able to adequately remove both gaseous and particulate pollutants. Since a normal indoor space contains both types of pollutants it only makes sense to have one cleaner that can take care of both.

HEPA or high-efficiency particle arresting filters are the most efficient at removing airborne particles (as small as.3 microns). Carbon filters are best at removing gaseous pollutants. So having a canister of filters that contain both types means your cleaner can multi-task. This will allow you purchase one rather than multiple cleaners.

Low Maintenance---A cleaner with more than one filter will need less attention from you than one that has no filter or only one. A cleaner that has multiple filters will save you money over time because it will generally need the filters replaced less often.

The best way for this to happen inside the unit is for the guts of the unit to have a canister that contains all the filters. This usually means that when it's time to replace the filter, you simply pull the canister out and put a new one in---no muss, no fuss. Check out the instruction manual for replacing the filter, and the length of time it is expected to last.

Flexible Placement---Being able to put the unit where you want it is important. Opt for a unit that has a 360 degree intake and only needs about 6 inches clearance from any surface. This means you can put it up high, down low, or even in a corner and expect that it will still work effectively.

Variable Filtration Speed---Sometimes there is more stuff in the air than others. When that happens, you should be able to adjust the filtration to keep up with what's happening in your life. Low, medium, and high speeds are good options to have.