Most modern homes are designed to optimize energy efficiency. And while this helps when it comes to heat and air conditioning seasons, these sealed environments can get polluted quickly. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that our indoor air might be two to five times more polluted than the air outside.
Indoor air pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental concerns in the United States, and it's easy to understand why. Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, where such indoor air pollutants as tobacco smoke, pollen, animal dander, mold and mildew spores, and other organic allergens can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate asthma or allergy symptoms.
Air purifiers are designed to trap or eradicate up to 99.99 percent of these harmful particles. An air purifier's performance is best measured by its Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR), which uses a set of three numbers to indicate a unit's capabilities for filtering out tobacco, pollen, and dust. The higher these numbers are, the more quickly and efficiently they will clean your air. But the question remains: do air purifiers really work?
The short answer is yes. However, they cannot improve indoor air quality without a little help. They can effectively remove allergens and pollutants from the air, but preventing new allergens from entering the air is key to keeping your home clean and hygienic. To get the most out of your air purifier, we recommend doing the following to keep your home clean:
- Discourage the growth of mold andmildew.Use your heating system, air conditioner, and/or dehumidifier to keep your home's humidity level below 55%.
- Vacuum at least once a week. Don't forget to vacuum carpets, upholstery, and high-traffic areas. If you have pets, we recommend vacuuming more often to control the spread of dander.
- Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water. Hot water (at least 130ºF) eliminates the allergens that build up on your soft surfaces.
- Control the buildup of dust. Clean bare surfaces regularly with a wet cloth and eliminate clutter.
- Let your air circulate. Use ceiling fans to prevent your indoor air from getting stagnant. When the weather permits, open windows and doors to allow fresh air inside.
When all of these are addressed, an air purifier can help to enhance the air in your home by removing the particles that linger in between regular cleanings. For additional information please call (866) 972-8227 or compare our best Air Purifiers and HEPA Filters.
