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Air purifiers are designed to remove allergens, odors and other pollutants from the air you breathe. These machines can be a lifesaver for those suffering from allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Air purifiers come in a range of types, each designed for specific purposes. Understanding the differences will help you narrow down your choices and find one that meets all your requirements.

HEPA

A clean air environment can help you unwind, focus and perform at your best. If the quality of air you're getting doesn't meet those standards, then it may be time to look into getting an air purifier that can provide the essential benefits.

The ideal air purifiers for your home or office not only make breathing easier, but they'll filter out pollutants that may lead to respiratory diseases and other health issues. This includes pollen, mold, dust, pet dander and smoke.

When selecting an air purifier, ensure it has a high-quality HEPA filter. This should be able to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns in size and offer an efficiency rate of 99%.

When shopping for a HEPA filter, another important feature to look for is a pre-filter. This will prevent dust and other larger particles from reaching the HEPA filter, thus prolonging its life expectancy.

Saving money in the long run by not needing replacement as often, and getting better performance from it. Plus, cleaning is simple - take it out, wash it down, then put it back.

A quality air purifier should also feature a filter replacement reminder, helping you stay on track with replacing filters when they need changing. This feature can be especially helpful for people who find it hard to remember to buy new air filters when needed.

The IQAir HyperHEPA Filter is an ideal choice for eliminating even the tiniest pollution particles, such as viruses and bacteria. When tested by an accredited test laboratory, its filtration efficiency was proven to be over 99% effective at eliminating virtually all types of particles found in air pollution.

Additionally, the IQAir air purifier's patented EvenFlow Diffuser produces a 360-degree air flow without creating any drafts or noise.

The IQAir air purifier can remove particles as small as 0.003 microns and reduce odors, making it the perfect choice for anyone wanting to get their breathing under control. With a 3-in-1 filtration system and washable pre-filter that's designed for easy maintenance, this air purifier offers an affordable way to purify indoor air at home.

Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is one of the most versatile and efficient air purifiers, available from materials such as coal, wood, nutshells, coconut shells, and peat. The production process involves heating carbon to a high temperature - known as pyrolysis - before treating it with oxygen by oxidizing it with CO2, steam or an acid-base chemical treatment.

Carbonization and oxidation create a large surface area for chemical reactions and adsorption, making activated carbon an efficient form of filtration. As such, it can trap various gaseous and chemical pollutants.

For instance, when chlorine is present in water, activated carbon can remove it when it comes into contact with chloride ions on its surface. Likewise, when nitrogen and hydrogen atoms come into contact with carbon, they will bond to its extensive surface area and absorb gases such as nitrogen oxide.

Another common use of activated carbon is in the removal of mercury from emissions from coal-fired power plants or industries, as well as in the cleanup of certain hazardous spills. It has even found applications in space technology where astronauts use it to filter air to prevent contaminants such as body odor from getting into their equipment.

In the water industry, activated carbon is commonly used to remove chlorine and organic matter from water. Since pore diameter of carbon plays an integral role in its performance, selecting the correct type for your application is critical.

Material produced from carbon can come in either granular or powder form, both suitable for pneumatic conveyance with an appropriate blower. When dealing with granular carbon, round screw designs are recommended; on the other hand, powdery carbon requires flat screws.

When handling such materials, it is essential to guarantee they are conveyed dust-tight. This can be achieved by installing positive seals between the bulk bag and filling equipment.

Carbon Pre-Filters

One of the most popular air purifiers is a carbon pre-filter. These filters work to reduce dust and other particles that could enter into the main filter and clog it up, as well as increasing its lifespan.

Fabric or paper construction typically makes these easy to maintain. Some even feature screens or grids designed specifically to capture large particles like dust particles.

Filters come in a range of sizes and costs that make them cost-effective to replace. With proper care and usage, these filters may last several years depending on how often you use them and the contaminants present in your home.

Activated Carbon is an efficient and versatile filtration media that reduces chlorine, chloramine, odors, VOCs and pesticides. It may even be employed to eliminate radon.

Active carbon is an adsorption media that has been heated and then instilled with oxidizing gases to create pores in the material. As such, it has an extremely porous nature which enables it to effectively trap various types of contaminates.

Activated carbon filters come in a range of pore size from 10 microns to submicron (@.4). As water passes through these pores, organics from the water adsorb onto the carbon surface.

When this occurs, it creates a chemical reaction that bonds the contaminant to carbon and reduces its amount in the air. This process, called adsorption, has been found to be more efficient at eliminating odors than other types of air filtration systems.

Another type of carbon adsorption media is the carbon block filter. Similar to GAC carbon filters, this type of filter has more porous walls and can absorb a wider variety of contaminants.

These filters tend to be quite affordable to purchase, however they must be replaced regularly due to wear and tear. Some filters also incorporate secondary media which prevents bacteria from growing inside the carbon bed.

If you're in need of a great carbon pre-filter, the Vornado iPower Air Purifier is worth considering. This air purifier comes with two polycotton prefilters designed to trap large contaminants before they reach the carbon filter, giving your carbon filter longer life and extending the performance of your primary HEPA filter as well.

UV Light

UV light air purifiers are one of the most efficient ways to rid your home of allergens and contaminants. These machines use ultraviolet rays to destroy harmful bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus.

When air is drawn into a UV light air purifier, it first passes through either a HEPA or activated carbon filter and then enters an enclosed chamber that houses bulbs producing ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light.

UV light air purifiers use ultraviolet light to destroy microorganisms and their DNA, rendering them harmful. Bacteria and viruses rely on DNA for survival; UV light damages their genetic makeup, often leading to their death or inertia.

Many of the best UV light air purifiers utilize this technology in combination with other filters for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Some even incorporate advanced hydration photocatalytic (AHPCO) technology which produces catalytic molecules to remove carbon-based pollutants from air while UV light destroys microorganisms.

These filters are especially beneficial for people with compromised immune systems, as they help keep them healthy by eliminating airborne bacteria and viruses that could otherwise spread throughout the home. Furthermore, some models feature special filters designed to trap pet dander and fur.

Though UV-C filters are effective, it's essential to remember that some emit ozone into the air. Ozone can be a lung irritant and some people may experience negative reactions to it.

CARB-Certified UV-C filters that don't emit ozone are safe to be around and will never create an unhealthy atmosphere. Today's best models will feature a coating that prevents ozone production, plus they come with an extensive manufacturer's warranty.

If you're searching for a top-of-the-line UV light air purifier that will bring maximum benefits to your family, the GermGuardian AC5250PT is an ideal choice. This model boasts an HEPA filter which eliminates 99.9% of dust mites, pollen and pet dander as well as a UV-C sanitizer which eliminates germs and bacteria.

Another excellent option is the Pure Enrichment UV-C Air Purifier, which features a 5-in-1 air cleaning system with HEPA filter, carbon pre-filter and UV-C sanitizer. Plus it has three speed settings plus sleep mode for quiet operation.