Though you may not even know it, there are pollutants that collect in the HVAC system in your home. We generally don’t think about how our home air can become polluted with dust, dander, and pollen without the proper filtration system. If left unchecked, these particles can lead to breathing problems and make allergy symptoms worse over time. Because many are just now noticing that these health problems can be caused by polluted home air, many homeowners have recently considered installing a whole home air purification system to combat dirt, dust, and pollen. However, many people are unsure if an air purification system is the right solution for their home. You may be skeptical that an air purifier will be able benefit your household. Luckily, we are here to explore exactly how whole home air purifiers work and the ways they can improve your life.
How do Whole Home Air Purification Systems Improve Air Quality?
Let’s find out exactly how whole home air purification systems keep your home clean
If you have recently discovered that your home air quality is not what it used to be, you are probably looking for some viable solutions. Whole home air purification systems nearly eliminate pollutants that hang around in your air ducts long after they are welcome. There are three basic types of home air purifiers to look out for. The first type is a media filter, which works by physically filtering out particles through a barrier that can catch even the smallest of particles. The second common type of air filter is an electronic filter, which attracts unwanted particles into the filter using an extremely strong electric charge. The third type is a UV filter that eliminates bacteria using ultraviolet light. There are also some hybrid models that utilize the best of the three major types of whole home air purifiers. Let’s go a bit further in detail to find out which type of filter is best for your home.
What Are the Different Types of Air Purifiers and How Do They Work?
Let’s break down the several types of whole home air purifiers and find out their strengths and weaknesses
Now that we have gone over the three categories of whole home air purifiers, let's explore the gritty details of each type.
Media Filters
These filters work the way filters traditionally do, by placing a barrier that the HVAC system fan blows against. However, these differ from the filters that are already present in your system. If you have a standard filter in place, it will only filter out some, not all, of the harmful pollutants that may exist in your home. The main difference is that media filters are thicker because of the many fine layers that are used to trap tiny particles.
When you are on the market for a media filter for your home, you want to pay attention to the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) in order to determine how effectively it can filter out unwanted pollutants. Media filters are widely used because they are able to filter out 99.9% of contaminants from the air and can be easily replaced when they have reached the end of their service life. A media filter is also the most affordable of all of the whole home air filtration systems. The only downside to media filters is that they only operate when your HVAC system is running. So if you don’t use your HVAC system for a few months out of the year, you could be missing out on the benefits of air filtration.
Electrostatic filters
Electrostatic air cleaners (EACs) are a bit more complicated and expensive as compared to media filters. Many EACs will use two different filtration components. The first filter will remove large particles mich like a media filter. After that, the second filter system charges the air with electricity and attracts the particles to the filter, removing the harmful particles from your home air. The electrical charge also has the added benefit of killing any live bacteria or viruses that may be living in your air ducts. Though electrostatic filters work well, it can be a bit of a chore to clean them every few months.
UV filters
The last type of cleaning whole home air filtration system we will discuss are UV filters. UV filters operate differently than the previous two examples. UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold that could be collecting in your home. When the UV light is shined on the pollutants, it kills them immediately, making UV a very effective way to prevent disease in your home. One of the main benefits of a UV air filter is that it will not cause your HVAC system to work any harder than usual. UV filters have also been used in clinical settings to great success, so you know that your air is being properly treated.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Whole Home Air Purifier?
Now that we know how whole home air filters work, we can explore some of the benefits of breathing purified air
Installing an air filter in your home can improve your air quality almost immediately, let's get into some of the advantages of breathing cleaner air:
- Easily purify air in every room in the house
- Whole home air purifiers do not take up space
- Enjoy purified air in silence
- Ensure all members of your household are breathing healthy air
- Less dust and dirt to clean in your home
If you are using one or several portable air purifying devices in your home, consider all of the advantages a whole home system will provide for yourself and your family. You can save space, money and start breathing cleaner air simultaneously.
If you are considering installing a whole home air purification system in your home, but still have more questions, contact the experts at Restano today. Our team of skilled professionals will assist you in all aspects of air purification in your home. There is nothing stopping you from breathing cleaner and healthier air all year long.
