Air Cleaner, Air Purifier and Air Filter: A Buyer's Guide

The air you breathe even at your own home contains air pollutants that you never thought were there. They are harmful and disease causing microorganisms that are commonly found in enclosed areas like your apartment or office room.

There are several sources of indoor pollutants that can cause symptoms of difficulty of breathing especially for people with asthma. Some of the pollutants are: pollen, dust mites, smoke, pet hair or fur, bacteria or viruses, scents from detergents, air fresheners and perfumes. Even malfunctioning house equipments like broken air conditioning unit, ceiling fans, heaters, vacuum and stoves can emit harmful pollutants in the air that can cause health conditions that is why it needs to be addressed to immediately.

There are three simple ways you can do to improve the quality of air you breathe at home or in the office.

Source of Pollution - It is important to locate the sources of air pollution, and then try to reduce them if it cannot be totally eliminated.

Ventilation - Open doors and windows to allow moving air to pass through and replace the trapped air inside the room. Use exhaust fans inside the bathroom and kitchen to help eliminate pollutants, but also heat and strong smell.

Air Cleaners /Air Purifier / Air Filter - There are several types of air cleaners that you can use, it is important to know what to look for when purchasing one.

Buyer's Guide when Purchasing an Air Cleaner / Air Purifier / Air Filter:

1. The most important consideration in buying an air cleaner is the room size. Most air cleaners will indicate the room size they can clean up and filter.

2. Determine the pollutant sources in your home or office and compare it with the air cleaner's specification on what type of pollutants they can remove.

3. The product's life span and maintenance requirements.

4. Consider where you intend to place the air cleaner, like if you want it inside the room you have to choose one that is noise free and if it will be placed in the living room you have to consider the design to make it match the room's interior and furniture.

5. You also have to consider the air changes per hour a unit provides. The ruling is, the more changes per hour the better is the quality of air.

6. Check the unit's filters and cleaning instructions and if they get broken are the parts easily replaceable and what the cost of fixing or repairing them.

7. Check also the energy consumption of the air cleaner, the more efficient the air cleaner is, the more expensive it usually is

8. Lastly, check for the warranty card.