Product FAQs
General Information
How does an air purifier work?
Impure air is drawn into the air purifier through the inlet grill. The pre-filter traps larger airborne particles. Air then passes through a carbon filter, which helps reduce odours and captures larger particles. Next, the air passes through the HEPA, or main filter. Some units have electronic ionizers to further assist in particle removal. A powerful fan quietly distributes air throughout the room.
What particulates does an air purifier filter?
Depending on the filter, an air purifier filters dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and other airborne particulate as small as 0.3 microns.
What are the primary sources of air pollution?
- Tobacco smoke - is one of the smallest allergens. For years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported the link between second-hand smoke and negative health effects.
- Pollen - from trees, flowers and grass. Even opening a door can allow millions of these particles into a home. Some people are particularly sensitive to the presences of certain pollen particles.
- Animal dander and saliva - people who are allergic to cats and dogs are actually allergic to the dander flakes their pets shed. Dander can remain in a home long after the presence of the host animal. Also, the protein found in animal saliva is the most allergenic part of an animal. Both animal dander and saliva can be found in carpeting, bedding and on the furniture - basically anywhere your pet has been.
- Mold and mildew - typically found in the shower, kitchen or basement, these sneaky plant spores also grow any place that is warm and humid.
- Dust - a combination of bacteria, atmospheric debris (mainly invisible) and other airborne particles (visible to the naked eye). Although not always detectable by the eye or nose, many of these air pollutants create a hazardous environment, which negatively affects the air you breathe and can aggravate and instigate allergy symptoms.
What is an ionizer?
Some Air Purifiers have an independently controlled ionizer, which, when turned on, releases negative ions into outgoing filtered air. Ions are tiny particles that carry a positive or negative charge. These ions exist naturally around us, in the air, water and ground. Both positive and negative ions are colorless, odorless and completely harmless. Negative ions help the air purification process by attaching themselves to very small airborne particles in the room. You may also note after extended use, that dust may have collected around the grills or front panel. This is from the ionization affect caused by the negative ions exiting from the air outlet. This is additional evidence of the air cleaning effectiveness of negative ions. The dust can be easily removed with a clean, damp cloth or soft brush. Finally, using your ionizer may result in an occasional popping or cracking sound. This is a normal sound, generally caused by particles of dust that are interrupting the flow of ions, causing a small build-up of ions that, when discharged, cause the popping or cracking sound. NOTE: It is important to replace the HEPA filter at the recommended intervals in order to maintain optional air quality.
How big is a micron?
A micron is approximately 1/300th the diameter of a human hair.
Why would I buy an air purifier?
An air purifier improves indoor air quality and filters common airborne particulate that may aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms.
Where can I find indoor air pollution?
In a shower, kitchen or basement, on dusty furniture, dirty carpets, tobacco smoke, household cleaners and in areas frequented by your pets.
What room sizes can an air purifier clean?
The room size is generally recommended based on unit's performance ratings (CADR). Most air purifiers would have the appropriate room size reference on the front of the packaging. They can vary from 6ft x 9ft to 20ft x 24ft.
What contributes to poor indoor air quality?
Today's energy efficient homes are built to hold air inside, avoiding heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This, however, impacts indoor air quality. This type of tight construction doesn't allow the home to breathe. Air purifiers help provide cleaner air and alleviate negative conditions.