Air Filters and Air Purifiers - Different Types

With so many different kinds of air purifiers now on the market, it may be difficult to know which one is best to sue in your own home or office. Each manufacturer insist that their model is the best, but which one can you believe?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best systems to employ right now are those that use filters to capture pollutants and allergens that are in the air in lieu of fancier ionic versions that tout better success, but have yet to be proven scientifically to really work.

Still air purification technology is astounding these days, offering a myriad of choices to the average consumer. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses and should be studied carefully before purchase to be sure it fits your family's specific needs.

HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters, are the #1 best selling air cleaning systems sold to date. Designed by the Atomic Energy Commission more than 60 years ago as a way to clear the air of radioactive dust in the case of an atomic bombing against the U.S., HEPA filters are able to remove 99.97% of all particles as small as .03 microns from the surrounding air. Allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, mold, mildew spores and tobacco smoke can all be easily and effectively trapped in the filter, and kept out of your family's lungs. The main disadvantage to this system is the need to regularly replace these high-cost filters.

Charged Media Filters, are used to capture impurities in the air as small as0.1 microns through a combination filter and electronic charge. Although not as dangerous as other ionic and ozone generator models, these types of filter systems also emit a small amount of ozone in the air, which can become dangerous if left to build up in a closed space.

Activated Carbon Filters are rarely used alone to purify the air, but may be used in conjunction with another air purifying system. Activate carbon and charcoal filters are most often used in conjunction with HEPA filters to absorb gasses and odors from the air that the other filters can not.

Antibacterial and Germicidal Filters help to eliminate bacteria and germs from the air. Air purifiers featuring these germ-killing UV filters are most often used in sterile environments such as hospitals, daycares and laboratories. When used residentially, they are great at controlling mold and are especially effective in helping people who get sick often since they help to eliminate their exposure to contagious bacteria and viruses on a continual basis.