How Does An Air Purifier Work?

Air scrubber clean the air of pollutants by filtering, adsorbing and breaking them down. Typically, they use technologies such as filters, activated carbon or ultraviolet light to trap particles, eliminate odours and kill bacteria. However, are air purifiers really effective in improving indoor air quality? Is it safe? In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at how air purifiers work, and the pros and cons of using them.

 

What Do Air Purifiers Do?

 

Air purifiers are multi-functional devices that can significantly improve indoor air quality by targeting a wide range of pollutants. Whether it's allergen control, odour removal or smoke filtration, air purifiers can be tailored to specific needs.

 

The core working principle of an air purifier is to draw in indoor air, filter out harmful particles, and then release clean air back into the room. The process begins with the purifier's intake fan drawing in air. The air then passes through a series of filters that are specially designed to capture various pollutants. Depending on the design of the purifier, these filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, mould spores, pet dander and smoke. Once the air is filtered, clean air is pushed back into the environment, creating a continuous cycle of purified air.

 

Not all air purifiers are created equal. Some air purifiers are equipped with specialised filters for specific pollutants. For example, mold air scrubber and allergy purifier are effective for allergy sufferers as they capture up to 99.97 per cent of airborne particles (as small as 0.3 microns). Activated carbon filters, on the other hand, are excellent at adsorbing odours, gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

 

Air purifiers don't just deal with visible particles like dust and pet dander. They can also deal with less visible but equally harmful pollutants. For example, in environments where smoke is a concern, air purifiers with activated carbon filters are effective at removing odours and tiny particles from smoke. For those worried about microbes, some purifiers are equipped with UV-C lamps or ionisers that neutralise bacteria and viruses, adding an extra layer of protection to your indoor environment.

 

Air purifiers don't work differently depending on the different filters they are paired with.The Alorairscrubber combines HEPA filters, activated charcoal filters, and UV-C filters in different pairs, allowing the air scrubber to act as a multi-functional air scrubber, such as a UV Air Scrubber Zone, and a Smoke Air Scrubber. If you want such a multi-functional air scrubber just click here to visit our website!

 

 

Are Air Purifiers Safe?

 

Most air scrubber industrial is safe for everyday use, but the type of purifier determines safety. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are one of the safest choices. These filters capture particles as small as 0.3 microns without producing harmful byproducts. There are no chemicals involved, ensuring clean air with minimal risk. Activated carbon filters are effective in removing odors, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Activated carbon filters also produce no harmful byproducts,

 

Using an ozone generator can create safety concerns. These devices emit ozone, a gas that can be harmful in high concentrations. While manufacturers may claim that low concentrations are safe, studies have shown that even small amounts of ozone can irritate the respiratory system. For this reason, it is not recommended to use an ozone generator in a residence, especially in occupied spaces.

 

These purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses. While effective, UV-C light produces ozone as a byproduct, albeit in small amounts. When choosing a UV-C scrubber, choose one that reduces ozone production to safe levels.

 

How Does An Air Purifier Work

 

Air purifiers are complex devices that rely on a series of components to deliver clean air. From the intake fan to the final outlet, each component plays a role in ensuring that your indoor environment is free of harmful pollutants. This process may seem simple on the surface, but it involves several key steps that can have a significant impact on the air you breathe.

 

Air purifiers work by taking in indoor air, filtering out pollutants, and circulating clean air back into the room. This cycle repeats over and over, ensuring a steady flow of purified air. The process begins with the purifier's intake fan pulling in air from the surrounding environment. Once inside the room, the air passes through one or more filters, each designed to capture a specific type of pollutant.

 

Read More：How To Tell If Your Air Purifier Is Working

 

Key Components and Their Functions

 

Intake Fan

 

The intake fan drives air into the purifier. The size and speed of this fan determine the amount of air the purifier can handle, which directly affects its efficiency in a given space. For example, a high-capacity fan can circulate the air in a 500 square foot room up to five times per hour, ensuring continuous purification.

 

Filters

 

Pre-filter: Before air reaches the main filter, it usually passes through a pre-filter. This filter captures larger particles such as dust, pet hair, and lint. By removing these particles, the pre-filter protects the more delicate HEPA or activated carbon filter, extending its life. Pre-filters typically need to be cleaned or replaced regularly, every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage.

 

HEPA filter: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the most common and capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust, pollen, mold spores, and even some bacteria.

 

Activated carbon filter: This filter is designed to remove odors, smoke, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Activated carbon works by adsorption, where pollutants stick to the surface of the carbon particles.

 

Optional filters

• UV-C light: Some purifiers include UV-C light to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. While effective, this light produces ozone, so choose a model that minimizes ozone production.
• Ionizer: Ionizers release charged particles into the air that attach to pollutants, making them easier to capture. However, ionizers also produce small amounts of ozone, which can be a problem in poorly ventilated spaces.

 

Air Outlets

 

After filtration, the purified air is exhausted through air outlets, which disperse the clean air back into the room. The location and design of the air outlets affect how evenly the purified air is distributed throughout the space.

 

After the air is filtered, the clean air is released back into the room, completing the cycle. This process continues as long as the purifier remains on, continually reducing indoor pollutants. For optimal performance, the air purifier should be matched to the size of the room. For example, a purifier with a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 300 can effectively clean a room up to 450 square feet.

 

 

Pros and Cons of an Air Purifier?

 

When considering the use of an air purifier, it's important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it's right for your needs.

 

Pros of Using an Air Purifier

 

Improved air quality: Air purifiers can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, depending on the type of filter. This includes dust, pollen, mould spores and pet dander.

 

Eliminates odours: The activated carbon filters in air purifiers trap volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke and odours.

 

Reduces harmful pollutants: HEPA filters target particles such as bacteria and viruses, while UV-C ultraviolet light further neutralises airborne pathogens.

 

Easy to use and maintain: Most air purifiers require minimal maintenance. High-efficiency filters typically need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months, and pre-filters can be cleaned regularly.

 

Disadvantages of Using an Air Purifier

 

Noisy: Air purifiers with powerful fans can generate 35 to 70 decibels of noise. While lower settings are quieter, the higher settings required for larger spaces can be disruptive to quiet environments such as bedrooms or offices.

 

Operating Costs: In addition to the initial purchase price, air purifiers incur ongoing electricity and filter replacement costs. For example, a high-performance unit may require filter changes every 6 months at a cost of $50 per filter, which can add up over time.

 

Ozone generation: Some purifiers, especially those with ionisers or UV-C light, produce ozone as a by-product. While many models of purifiers keep ozone levels within safe limits, exposure to ozone can irritate the lungs, especially in people with respiratory conditions.

 

Limited range: Air purifiers are only effective in the room they occupy. An air purifier with a CADR (clean air output rate) for 300 square feet will not effectively clean the air in a 1,000-square-foot home without multiple units.

 

How do Air Purifiers Differ?

 

When choosing the right air purifier for your space, it's important to understand the differences between different air purifiers. Let's explore the key differences between air purifiers and other factors.

 

1. CADR: Clean Air Delivery Rate

 

CADR measures the efficiency of an air purifier by quantifying the amount of clean air it produces per minute. the higher the CADR, the greater the amount of air the purifier can purify in a given amount of time, making it suitable for larger rooms. For example, a purifier with a CADR of 300 can effectively clean a 300 square foot room.

 

2. Filter Type

 

The filter has a big impact on the effectiveness of your air purifier and the type of pollutants it removes:

• High efficiency air filters: Capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen and pet dander.
• Activated Carbon Filter: Absorb gases, fumes and odours, targeting pollutants that HEPA filters cannot capture.
• UV-C light: Neutralises bacteria and viruses but does not remove particles and is often used in combination with HEPA or carbon filters for full effectiveness.

 

3. Room Size and Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)

 

Air Changes per Hour (ACH) indicates the number of times a purifier can clean a room's air in an hour. For allergy sufferers, a higher ACH is recommended, preferably 4 to 5 per hour. the combination of CADR and ACH ensures that the air purifier can handle the size of the room and maintain a high level of indoor air quality, especially in high-traffic areas.

 

4. Noise Levels

 

Noise levels vary greatly from one air purifier to another and can affect comfort in a quiet environment. Units designed for large spaces usually produce more noise, with decibel levels ranging from 30 to 70 dB.

 

5. Energy Efficiency

 

Energy consumption varies from one air purifier to another and can affect long-term operating costs. ENERGY STAR certified models typically use up to 40% less energy, resulting in lower electricity bills. Energy efficiency is an important consideration for those who plan to run their purifiers continuously.

 

6. Special Features

 

Some air purifiers come with additional features to enhance convenience and performance:

• Smart Sensor: Monitors air quality and automatically adjusts settings.
• Auto Mode: Changes fan speed based on detected pollutants.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Allows remote control via a smartphone app.
• While these features may add to the initial cost, they can significantly improve user experience and air quality management.

 

Conclusion

 

Each compression type of air scrubber works on a similar principle, the major difference between them is the combination of filters used, the core technology built in and the specific features that make a difference.

 

If you are in a humid environment, whether it is seasonal humidity or humidity caused by a disaster, you need a dehumidifier to help you and hinder the entry of harmful substances into your space, and if your space is greater than or equal to 500 sq. ft. you can choose to trust us at Alorairscrubber.