How to choose an air cleaner for your home and what to look for before buying it

The deterioration of environmental indicators leads to an increase in allergic reactions in the population. Every year the number of allergy sufferers in our country is increasing. To avoid negative consequences for health, doctors recommend buying air-purifiers in houses and apartments.

This novelty in the field of household appliances is designed to clean air from dust particles, allergens, animal wool, pollen, chemicals. Air cleaners can cope well with sharp smells.

What is important to pay attention when buying an air purifier

The main indicators of all models are power, noise and air exchange.

Power

The power of the device is selected depending on the size of the room. The larger the area of ​​the room, the more powerful the air cleaner should be. If there are several rooms in the house, you need to orient yourself to the largest.

For small rooms, car air cleaners are perfect. They are universal and will be useful both at home and on a trip.

Air exchange

Air exchange reflects the quality of cleaning and is tied to the level of air pollution. The higher this indicator, the more expensive the device will cost, but the greater the effect will be achieved. When installing the equipment, it must be ensured that the air intake is unobstructed.

Noise level

Noise level is a very important indicator. If the premises are inhabited by children or elderly people, you need to choose an air cleaner for your home, working almost silently. Strong sleep is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.

Filter - heart of the air purifier

The main part of the air purification is performed by the central element of the air cleaner - its filter. So far there are six types of filtering devices.

Mechanical filters

Mechanical filters are built into the cheapest models. The basis - a small mesh for cleaning the air from the products of livelihoods of animals and large dust particles. Due to the fact that this design is not very effective, almost always this filter is installed as an addition to other filtering devices.

But the price for such an air cleaner will be completely different. The mechanical filter is easy to operate, it is adapted for reusable use. To clean the filter, you must rinse it in a non-flammable solution or vacuum it.

Electrostatic filters

The electrostatic filter is based on the principle of attraction of multipolar charges. It cleans well of deposits and dirt, but does not help with toxic substances. At the heart of the filter lie plates, which attract to themselves the smallest particles of dust. Care is to periodically rinse the plates with warm water and soap.

Water Filters

Water Filters are installed in the technician with the function of "washing" the air. This construction is similar to the electrostatic cleaning method.

Subsequently, the harmful particles settled on the wet plates are washed into a special container. Cleaning and replacing filters in these devices is not required. The downside of the water filter is that it does not purify the air of substances that are insoluble in water.

Coal Filters

Coal Filters are designed to clean airspace of toxic impurities and odors. Periodically, the elements must be replaced. Otherwise, the filter will turn into a battery of harmful substances. Its downside is a weak level of filtration of light impurities.

HEPA filters

HEPA filter is the most effective filter in air cleaners, which naturally affects the price of the device. It cleans the air of any contaminants and allergens. The main element of the filter consists of a special fiberglass.

In the event of a breakdown, it is not replaceable. The HEPA filter has proven itself at home, is widely used in hospitals, where the patient's well-being depends on the quality of the air.

Photocatalytic Filters

A photocatalytic filter is a new invention in air purification. It is based on radiation, which decomposes and oxidizes harmful impurities. The filter gives good indicators of elimination of bacteria, viruses, microparticles and allergens.

Air purifiers in specific life situations

The main air pollutants are:

  • chemicals that are allocated by the plating and furniture;
  • poisonous fumes detergent;
  • bacteria, mold spores, dust mites;
  • dust, small particles of which are constantly in the air;
  • animal products;
  • tobacco smoke;
  • soot and soot;
  • industrial emissions and car exhausts penetrating through the window.

If it were possible to choose a universal air purifier for all occasions, there would not be such a variety in the market. To simplify the purchase of the device for each family, the compliance of the device for air purification with specific targets is given in the table.

air cleaner filter
electrostatic smokers in the kitchen perform the exhaust function, eliminate odors of food
water allergy smokers in the apartment dry air
Coal smokers industrial zone or there is a highway with a lot of harmful exhausts
HEPA filter allergies andasthmatics if there are pets to fight dust mites and mold spores in medical institutions for the chemical, nuclear and food industries
Photoasphyxiant allergies smokers if there is a pets industrial zone or there is a highway with a lot of harmful exhausts

The air purifiers with photocatalytic and HEPA filters are leading in functionality. But high efficiency will result in a large cost for the buyer. Therefore, it is worth analyzing the conditions in which the filter will be used. It may be that a cheaper air purifier will do the job well.