If you’re looking for an air purifier, you might be finding that some brands are making a lot of claims. And some of those claims may feel too good to be true. So, it’s only natural that you might be questioning are air purifiers a waste of money.

They’re worthwhile, according to the EPA, since they’re a fantastic way to improve your Erie residence’s indoor air quality. Newer homes are solidly sealed and thoroughly insulated, which is excellent for energy efficiency, but not so excellent for indoor air quality.

Because newer houses don’t typically bring in as much outside air as aging residences, irritants like dust, pet dander and cleaning products can concentrate inside. The outcome? Air that’s more polluted than the outdoors, which is a problem if you struggle with allergies, asthma or are vulnerable to respiratory irritation.

Our indoor air quality specialists at Patterson & Stirling can help you cut through the clutter and select the best home air purifier. Just give us a call at 814-308-0416 and we’ll be happy to assist you. For now, learn more about how air purifiers operate, their perks and our advice to help you choose the ideal air purifier.

How Does an Air Purification System Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Most home air purifiers rely on a fan to collect air. Then, the air is pushed through one or more filters to trap pollutants before being redistributed.

These filters can have a charcoal filter, to remove odors, and a HEPA, or high efficiency particulate air, filter. A HEPA filter is at least 99.7% effective at catching microscopic particles as little as .3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold and some bacteria.

An air purifier can be lightweight and used to treat one area. Or they can be fitted to your HVAC system, providing powerful filtration for your total house.

The EPA says it’s important to know that air purifiers can’t eliminate 100% of the contaminants from your house’s air. But when used in tandem with an improved filter for your HVAC system, they can considerably reduce the amount of indoor air pollution.

4 Perks of Air Purifier Installation

Installing an air purifier in your house can give lots of outstanding health advantages. Here are just a couple of them.

1. Reduces Allergy and Asthma Triggers

Air purifiers decrease contaminants in your residence, like some of these standard triggers:

  • Dust
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Volatile organic compounds, such as cleaners, air fresheners and personal care products

2. Alleviates Other Issues Associated with Poor Indoor Air Quality

Even if you or someone in your household doesn’t struggle with allergies or asthma, an air purifier can lower other troubles linked to low indoor air quality. These include:

  • Scratchy throat, eyes, nose or skin
  • Headaches
  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

It can be tricky to determine troubles associated with indoor air quality, as they can be linked to many other illnesses. However, if you’re aware that you feel better after you leave your house, your indoor air quality is likely causing trouble.

3. Gets Rid of Odors

Persistent odors, such as cigarette smoke or cooking smells, can be tricky to eliminate. If you are having a hard time with eliminating persistent smells in your house, our pros suggest getting an air purifier with a charcoal or activated carbon filter.

4. Might Lower Your Likelihood of Getting Sick

An air purifier can inactivate some bacteria and viruses under certain airflow conditions, keeping you and your household in better health especially during cold months. To take complete advantage of this benefit, our pros advise a UV air purifier. Disinfecting ultraviolet light provides an added layer of protection against airborne pathogens.

Air Purifiers to Avoid

You’re better off without some air purifiers. Here are a few options to skip when picking a system for your house:

  • Produces ozone. Some air purifiers create ozone, which can bother your lungs. The EPA suggests staying away from ozone air purifiers.
  • Doesn’t use HEPA filters. For the best outcome, you’ll want a HEPA air purifier. Considered the gold standard for healthy air, HEPA filters are used in many healthcare settings, like hospitals.
  • Only purifies one room. We recommend installing a whole-house air purifier, which filters the air throughout your home. This option works with your heating and cooling system.

When you call the indoor air quality professionals at Patterson & Stirling, we make it uncomplicated to choose the best air purifier for your home. Contact us at 814-308-0416 to begin breathing fresher air now!