The CADRs are calculated based on an 8-feet ceiling and 5 air changes per hour. If you have higher ceilings, and you need custom air changes per hour, then calculate the minimum required CADR using our CADR Calculator.
What’s in the Air and What do You Want to Remove?
Pollutants and allergens come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and forms. In general, there are two categories of pollutants and allergens.
These two categories of contaminants require different types of filters. When considering what purifier will work best for you, you should consider the type of filter that the purifier uses to remove contaminants.
Particulates – Dust, Pollen, and Smoke
These pollutants include allergens such as pollen and pet dander, as well as smoke residue that floats in the air. If dust is a problem in your region, an air purifier can help alleviate this problem as well. Overall, the higher the CADR rating, and the faster the fan speed, the better job the filter will do at removing particulates.
Some air purifier manufacturers offer special filters that target specific pollutants or allergens. Check the packaging and the instruction manual included with the air purifier to determine the availability of specialized filters for your needs.
Gases – We breathe All the Time
We depend on breathing in gas to live. Oxygen is the primary gas on which we depend for life. However, there are thousands of other gasses that can contaminate the air in your home, just from everyday exposure. These residual gases can come from several sources:
- Fresh paint or the installation of new floor coverings. The paint of adhesives used can give off gases that may be allergens or toxic.
- Older construction materials that give off gases such as formaldehyde as they begin to age.
- Plastics used in wall coverings, countertops, and furniture can give off noxious gases.
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In general, the best type of filter to handle gases as pollutants is an activated charcoal filter. Activated charcoal is an excellent material for absorbing and holding toxic and noxious gases. The best option is an air purifier with a combination of activated charcoal and HEPA filter technology.
Noise Levels – Living with an Air Purifier
Many manufacturers will include a noise level rating on the packaging. This can be important if you spend a lot of time in the same room with the air purifier. Noise pollution can be as irritating as air pollution. Finding the air purifier with the best noise rating and the other features you need is an important consideration.
In general, an air purifier with a noise rating of 50 decibels is appropriate for most living spaces. A modern refrigerator produces about 50 decibels when it is running. For most people, this is a barely noticeable noise level.
Past the Purchase Price – What Does it Cost to Operate?
Purchasing an air purifier adds another layer of expense to your budget. Running an air purifier 24 hours a day adds additional utility costs to your household budget. We recommend that you look for an air purifier that has the Energy Star label. The Energy Star program means that the device meets strict standards set by the EPA for energy efficiency.
Keeping Your Air Purifier Operating at Peak Efficiency
The other layer of expense that comes with your air purifier is the cost of maintenance. The biggest cost associated with operating an air purifier is the replacement filters. Before purchasing any air purifier, shop around and determine how much the replacement filters cost. There are options, and the price of replacement filters has a wide range.
Recommended by BRJ Media
This article originally appeared in Reviewsofairpurifiers.
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