How Do Air Purifiers Work?

The necessity of clean, breathable air is often underestimated. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the air in our homes can be up to 5 times more polluted than the air outside, leading to various health concerns.

If you’ve ever wondered how air purifiers claim to clear your air, this detailed piece will unravel the science behind them.

Specifically, we’ll walk through the process of how air purifiers clean the air and discuss various filtering technologies used to guarantee the purification process is as efficient as possible.

Main Components of Air Purifiers

Before we plunge into the intricacies of air purification, it’s important to understand the core components that make it possible. At the heart of your air purifier is a filter, often accompanied by a fan.

The filter is the workhorse, capturing particles from the air. It’s like a net, with a fine mesh designed to trap anything from dust and pet dander to smoke particles and allergens.

Meanwhile, the fan works to draw in air, pushing it through the filter for cleaning before releasing it back into the room.

How Air Purifiers Work

The operation of an air purifier is straightforward yet impactful. It starts with the fan, which pulls in the surrounding air — with all its impurities — at a measured speed. As the airflow is directed through the filter, the microscopic particles are captured inside.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, often termed the gold standard, can effectively capture up to 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.

After the purification process, the now-clean air is circulated back into the environment, renewing the room’s atmosphere with every wave of freshly purified air.

Some advanced air purifiers use technology beyond just mechanical filtering; they use UV lights to sterilize the air, killing bacteria and viruses the filters may have missed.

Types of Filters

Not all air filters are created equal. Here are a few common types:

HEPA Filters

HEPA filters are physical filters designed to trap particles in their fibers. They’re capable of capturing not just large debris like pet hair, but also smaller pollutants such as pollen, mold spores, and even some bacteria and viruses.

Activated Carbon Filters

Often used alongside HEPA filters, activated carbon filters neutralize odors and capture gaseous contaminants. The carbon has a large surface area with many microscopic pores, making it highly effective at adsorbing volatile organic compounds.

UV Light

UV-C light, a specific type of ultraviolet light, can be found in some air purifiers to kill harmful airborne pathogens.

When bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms are exposed to UV light, their DNA is altered, rendering them unable to reproduce or function. This effectively sterilizes the air, making it a valuable addition to any filtration system.

Advantages of Having an Air Purifier

There are many benefits of incorporating an air purifier into your home. It can greatly enhance the quality of your life, especially if you suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions.

Air purifiers can reduce triggers that lead to symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing, offering a more comfortable living space. They also help eliminate lingering odors and prevent the buildup of dust on surfaces, easing the burden of household chores.

Only the Best Air Purifiers for Our Clients

At Parker’s Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to delivering top-tier air purification solutions. The Respicaire OXY 4 MB boasts a blend of mechanical and UV-C sterilization technologies, delivering best-in-class air purification for our customers.

By capturing allergens, toxic compounds, and microbes, the Respicaire OXY 4 MB ensures that the air you breathe is clean and safe.

Choose Air Purification From Parker’s

If you’re ready to take a proactive step toward a healthier home, our team at Parker’s Heating & Cooling can guide you. Contact us to discuss the air purification systems best suited to your needs.

Make sure the air in your home is as clean as possible, and take the first step to a healthier indoor environment.

Call 615-355-9137 to learn more about how Parker’s Heating & Cooling can help you breathe easier.