If you own an air purifier or thinking about buying one, one of the important questions is what kind of filter this device should have and when it needs to be replaced. Below we will clear your doubts, and present the most common types of filters for air purifiers as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Find out which one is best for which type of pollution, what you should pay attention to, as well as what are the recommendations for their maintenance and replacement in order to ensure maximum cleanliness and freshness of the air in your home. What types of filters are used for air purification?
There are different filtration methods that air purifiers use, but we will explain the ones that we meet with most often:
- High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters
- Activated carbon filters,
- Filters with UV light
- Water filters
Find out what the characteristics of each of them are and, according to your needs, choose an air purifier with a filter that will best remove the type of pollutants that are the biggest issue for you or that are characteristic for your environment.
HEPA Filters
This is perhaps the most famous, but also one of the most effective types of these products when it comes to removing particles of various pollutants. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are very effective when it comes to purifying the air from small particles. They are also excellent at cleaning the air from dander, pollen, pet hair, and the like, and are a safe choice if you or one of your household suffers from allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems.
Activated Carbon Filters
They are excellent for eliminating and neutralizing tobacco smoke, pet odors, chemical fumes, cleaning fumes, cooking fumes, and similar sources. A characteristic of activated carbon filters is that they have an extremely large surface area for absorbing odors that remain on the fibers and are not released back into the air. They are recommended for areas where food is prepared, tobacco is used, and various chemicals are used, as well as for users whose respiratory organs suffer from irritation caused by the presence of certain odors in the air. Despite the high efficiency in odor neutralization, carbon filters do not perform satisfactorily when it comes to purifying the air from other particles. Because of this, you will often find them in combination with HEPA filters. This makes it possible to offer a solution for the elimination of unpleasant odors and polluting particles in one device.
UV Light Filters
Known as one of the sterilization methods used in healthcare facilities, UV light is highly effective when it comes to eliminating viruses and bacteria. Inside certain models of air purifiers, you will find a filter that emits UV light. It directly affects the DNA structure of viruses and bacteria, preventing them from developing and therefore eliminating them from the air/ This method of filtration is generally not the only one that purifiers use, but it comes as an addition to some of the filters that affect other pollutants. Models that use UV light as a filter are excellent if you want to minimize the presence of microorganisms that cause various diseases in your environment. This is especially useful during colder months when it's virus season and we spend a lot of time indoors.
Water Filters
If the air in your room is dry, and at the same time you want to reduce the amount of dust, allergens, micro-organisms, and other pollutants, you can opt for an air purifier with a water filter. These appliances use water for eliminating unwanted particles and can also serve as humidifiers. By raising the level of air humidity in the room, it will provide you with a more pleasant feeling and reduce the unpleasant symptoms that dry air can cause. They can also be used for aromatherapy if you add a certain amount of essential oil to the water. Purifiers that use a water filter are relatively easy to maintain and you don't have to worry about changing the filter. On the other hand, they are less effective in eliminating small pollutant particles and unpleasant odors than purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters. They are also not recommended for areas where the air humidity is more expanded or within the prescribed values.
Air Purifier With One or More Filters?
Depending on your needs, a purifier with one type of filtration may be enough for you. However, the catchphrase "less is more" generally doesn't apply here. By combining different filters, manufacturers managed to compensate for the shortcomings of each one individually and to offer a solution for polluting particles, allergens, but also vapors, unpleasant odors, as well as viruses, and bacteria in one device. So you can find excellent air purifiers, usually with a combination of HEPA filters and those with activated carbon, and UV light is often added for the best results when the air is free from microorganisms. Also, some manufacturers add various anti-allergic, antibacterial filters, and other additional layers, as well as special patented technologies for detecting and quickly eliminating the main air pollutants, for maximum safety and comfort. In some models, you can also find pre-filters, whose basic function is to catch all those larger particles and therefore reduce the dirtiness of the main filter, allowing it to maintain its efficiency as long as possible.
Maintenance and Replacement of Filters on the Air Purifier
Whichever air purifier you choose, it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use the device as intended, but also to maintain and replace the filters when necessary. Unless it's stated in the instructions of your appliance, the filters should not be washed, vacuumed, etc., as each of these actions will reduce their efficiency, which can significantly affect the cleanliness of the air in your space. If you're wondering how often you need to change the filters on the air purifier, it's important to know that there is no general answer. The recommended replacement time depends on the type of filter, other characteristics of the appliance, the frequency of use, as well as the initial quality of the treated air. Roughly speaking, the time period for replacement can be from six months to 36 months, and there are certain types that don't require replacement. See your appliance's manual for detailed instructions.
When choosing an air purifier, in addition to great features, app control, and a design that will fit perfectly into your space, pay attention to whether the filtration method agrees with your needs. If you live in an area with very polluted air or have respiratory problems or allergies, an air purifier with a HEPA filter is an excellent choice. A model with UV light will allow you to be more carefree and less exposed to viruses and bacteria. If you or someone in your home is a smoker, has pets, or simply doesn't like when food smells spread through the rooms, choose a purifier with an active carbon filter that will significantly affect the freshness of the air in your space. Choose one of the great air purifiers from Town Appliance with one or a combination of several filters that will make you really feel the change in the atmosphere of your space and enjoy a more pleasant and safe environment.
