Air Purifier Tips

A good home air purifier is essential in keeping the indoors fresh when there’s smoke outside.

Are You Shopping for an Air Purifier?

Eliminating wildfire smoke and ash

Home air purifiers are a familiar appliance to those who suffer from asthma or allergies exacerbated by airborne allergens. But today in the North State, families are researching air purifiers for their effectiveness in eliminating wildfire smoke and ash, as well as the possibility that HEPA filters might be able to remove airborne viruses and bacteria.

August brought a lightning storm to Northern California that sparked numerous spot fires. Some of these smaller fires grew into Complex Fires when whipped into conflagrations by early September wind events. Destructive wildfires have besieged the North State with residents losing their homes, towns, and tragically their lives. In addition to loss, Northern California has become blanketed beneath thick smoke and falling ash.

The air quality inside our homes is deteriorating

The smoke cover is both dangerous and depressing. The sunshine of our end-of-summer days is blocked, the air heavy with the fine particulates of ash. Experts warn that some days are unhealthy and others hazardous. We are no longer able to air our homes out with a jubilant opening of doors and windows and the air quality inside our homes is deteriorating. Many stores and offices are running industrial size air purifiers. Room-sized air cleaners can and will make a difference in your home.

Filtering systems are designed to provide multiple options for cleaning the air inside your home. You can remove harmful particulate matter as well as unpleasant odors.

What information do you need to ensure that you make the right purchase for your family and your budget?

HEPA, True HEPA, and HEPA “type” filters

HEPA filters — High-efficiency particulate air filters — allow air purifiers, your HVAC system, or even a whole-house air purifier to remove the dangerous particulates from the air. These fiberglass filters are tested, certified, and labeled according to industry standards, and how effective each depends on how the airtightness of the unit in which they are used. When you are researching, it’s good to know the differences among HEPA, True HEPA, and HEPA-“type” filters.

Research is key to choosing the right air purifier

Room and desk-sized air purifiers can range in price from $100 to almost $1,000. When you do the research, read the reviews, and compare the ratings, remember that all HEPA filters are only as good as the unit in which they are used. The more airtight that units it, the better the filer will work.

The first step in your research is measuring the square footage of the rooms you want the air purifier to clean. Then, find out a little about how air purifiers work. You will want to make informed decisions about CADR ratings for clean air delivery rate smoke, dust and pollen, HEPA, non-HEPA and True HEPA filters, and the price of the filters, which should be replaced every three to four months. In your research, you will learn that it is advisable to stay away from ionizing machines that can create harmful ozone. The Wirecutter, a review site sponsored by The New York Times, has current air purifiers reviews and is a good place to start research.

Filtering the air inside your home, with the correctly chosen equipment, has become an essential part of keeping air pollution from negatively impacting the lives of each family member. In the North State, our almost constant wildfires make it even more important.