The Benefits of Central Air Purification

Air Purification is a tricky business. Units and systems come in all shapes and sizes. Their ability greatly varies from unit to unit, as does their effectiveness. An air purifier half the size of another can be twice as effective. How do you know if it is even working or not? Should you be able to tell if it is? And is getting the most powerful always the right decision? There is an awful lot of information and getting an honest answer can be tricky. Luckily our product staff understands air purifiers and the issues surrounding them. We have taken the time to thoroughly research, dissect and test a variety of air purifiers and have written out our findings so you can make a well informed decision.

Central Air Purifiers

When thinking about air purifiers perhaps what first comes to mind first is Sharper Image’s Ionic Breeze and the scandal that followed. There you had one long tower unit meant to cleanse the air. The problem is it didn’t work. It was loud, cumbersome and less then friendly on the eyes, plus its actual radius was incredibly small.

So how do you combat those issues? You could buy many smaller or more effective models and litter your house or business with them. You could buy a rather large one and hope it gets the job done. Or you can purchase a central system. Much like central air, these purifiers run tough your air vents purifying as they go.

Imagine your air being continuously cleaned without ever seeing it being done. That’s what central air purifies can do for you. There are various models for different situations whether it be industrial, commercial, hospitals, labs or even your home, you can get heavy duty air purification that’s out of site and reliable.

Recommendation:

For a standard indoor filtration system the staff at Air-n-Water recommends the Airpura R600-W Central Air Series. Designed with a one piece motor, the powering system is kept completely separate from the airflow, allowing for cleaner air. It uses more CFM then any other available home unit. It is also extremely energy efficient allowing continuous cleaning at minimum watts. It has variable air speeds and works without having to run your AC. It can cover up to 2000 square feet.


In terms of air purification the R600-W is a great standard unit. It offers plenty of variety and gets the job done, but is not as specialized as other models, making it great for home use. It has both carbon and true heap filters available. The 18 pound carbon filter is used to eliminate chemicals, noxious gases and odors from the air. The true HEPA can handle dust, dander and other airborne allergens. It traps 99.97% of all particles as small as .3 microns, making the air safer to breathe, especially for asthma and allergy sufferers. Its felt gaskets eliminate off gassing from rubber seals like other air purifiers. Its built with durable long lasting metal, for continuous use without wear and tear.

NYC Couple Sues Neighbor Over Cigarette Smoke

According to a recent article in the New York Times, a New York City couple recently sued a neighbor over her noxious cigarette smoke fumes. The plaintiffs - Jonathan Selbin and his wife Jenny - also claimed that the fumes wafting into their apartment was jeopardizing the health of their young son.

In the lawsuit, Mr. Selbin stated that Galila Huff's smoking made their hallway smell like a casino, and in turn, the Ms. Huff accused Selbin of overreacting. However, due to the publicity of the lawsuit, the company Electrolux offered to donate and install an air filtration system that would supposedly take care of the smoke problem. As a result, the two parties settled out of court, and the issue was settled after the defendant agreed to utilize the air filtration system.

With that in mind, if you smoke or live with a smoker, you must know how smoke odors are pervasive and can be extremely hard to eliminate due to the chemical nature of smoke molecules. In removing smoke odors from the home, one of the most effective (and obvious) methods is to eliminate indoor smoking altogether. Secondly, using an air purifier specifically designed for smoke odors is also one of the best ways to breathe in cleaner, fresher air.

An air purifier with activated carbon is specifically well-suited for this purpose, as the carbon filter is treated with oxygen and works like a sponge. This material has a large surface area with a great amount of microporosity and is excellent at trapping gases and odors that normally pass through a HEPA filter.

One of the best smoke air purifiers on the market is clearly the Airpura T600. Specially designed to deal with cigarette smoke, the T600 air purifier features a special TarBarrier pre-filter
combined with a deep carbon bed to adsorb the 4000 chemicals and gases found in tobacco smoke. The Airpura T600 also recycles the air every 30 minutes and is also effective for larger areas up to 2000 square feet. Best of all, this powerful smoke air purifier comes with a five year warranty on parts and ten year warranty on labor.

New Study Shows How Carbon Can Decrease Greenhouse Gases

Last week, a team of researchers at the Soft Materials Laboratory in Wyoming found that low-cost activated carbons were responsible for removing up to 90 percent of toxic carbon dioxide gas from the smokestacks of electrical power plants.

Such plants burned significant amounts of coal and other fossil fuels (major sources of greenhouse gases) which prompted the need for new and inexpensive methods to remove carbon dioxide gases from smokestacks. The study found that a new carbon dioxide capture process called a "Carbon Filter Process" was able to dramatically decrease carbon dioxide via inexpensive filters filled with porous carbonaceous sorbent that worked well at low pressures. Therefore, their data suggested that these simple carbon filters worked better than existing technologies at just a fraction of the cost.

These studies have corroborated the findings that many air purifier manufacturers have claimed for years; that activated carbon is one of the most effective materials known today for treating airborne gases, chemicals, and odors. Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal or activated coal, is processed to make it extremely porous with a large surface area for chemical reactions. Unlike HEPA filters which are more effective at filtering out the tiniest of particulates, activated carbon filters actually help change chemicals and gases from a gaseous phase to a solid phase, and they have had a long history of commercial use in conjunction with other filtration technologies.

One air purifier manufacturer who utilizes activated carbon in all of their models is AllerAir. All of their models, including the AllerAir AirTube, use large, deeper bed carbon filters that adsorb more airborne pollutants than competing brands. Their air purifiers also combine activated carbon with HEPA filters to offer the most comprehensive air purification available to treat airborne particles, gases, chemicals, and odors. As such, AllerAir air purifiers are especially suited for allergy sufferers, asthma prevention, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), tobacco smoke, pet odors, and general home or office air purification.

How to Conquer Spring Allergies

For over 35 people in the United States, spring is often synonymous with allergies. Often called "allergic rhinitis," symptoms are usually triggered by allergens such as pollen and dust which initiate an allergic response. When inhaled by allergy sufferers, these allergens combine with an allergic antibody called immunoglobulin (IgE) which is present at very levels in the body. However, in allergy sufferers, IgE is found in large quantities, and according to Gillian Shepherd, MD, chair of the Education Sub-Committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, "When the allergen and the IgE combine in the lining of the nose or eyes, the result is the release of chemicals, including histamine. These chemicals cause the allergic symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, nasal congestion or headaches as the body tries to fight off the foreign allergen."

In order to counter these allergy symptoms, both over-the-counter and prescription medications are readily available such as antihistamines, decongestants, combination medicines, corticosteroids, and others. These serve to help ease annoying symptoms such as congestion and runny nose. Moreover, allergy shots can be administered in order to increase one's ability to tolerate allergens. However, to further allergy-proof your home, you can also follow these easy steps:

Perform a thorough spring cleaning. This involves cleaning and/or dusting windows, air conditioning vents, and bookshelves. In the winter, dust and mold can collect on these surfaces and provoke symptoms.

Avoid pollen. Dr. Shepherd states the following: "On windy days, or for days after high winds, pollen counts are high because the pollen has been spread throughout the air." Therefore, stay indoors when pollen counts are high, and keep in mind that peak pollen times are usually from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It's also a good idea to shut the windows in your house during these times, and avoid using fans or windows that may draw pollen inside.

Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Also dry your laundry indoors, as sheets hanging on an outside line are an easy target for pollen.

Shower in the evening. Shower and wash your hair before going to bed because pollen can collect on your head and scalp.

Don't let pets near furniture or your bedroom. Pollen can cling to your dog after being outside, and cat hair has been known to be one of the most common allergens due to the cat glycoprotein Fel d 1, which is secreted through a cat's sebaceous glands.

Wear a filter mask. This is especially useful when mowing the law or performing any type of gardening work.

Invest in an air purifier with a quality HEPA filter. Air purifiers can be instrumental in eliminate common springtime allergens from your home. However, keep in mind that for maximum allergy relief, only an air purifier with HEPA filtration will do. HEPA filters have the ability to filter out 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns such as dust and pollen. In fact, they are so effective, they are often utilized by hospitals and government buildings. Some good air purifier choices for allergy sufferers would be the Austin AllergyMachine and the Airpura H600.

How to Calculate CADR for an Air Purifier

Air purifiers are designed to make living spaces more comfortable and healthy because they reduce the amount of airborne particles that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. In addition, air purifiers are excellent at trapping common allergens such as dust and pollen, therefore making them invaluable to those who suffer from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory disorders.

In order to standardize air purifier specifications and to provide consumers with a method of comparing air cleaners, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the independent industry organization that represents the manufacturers of home appliances, has developed a system for rating air purifiers. Although air purifier manufacturers are not required to submit their units for testing, many do, and every quarter, the AHAM publishes its directory of Certified Room Air Cleaners to the public.

An air purifier with the AHAM seal (usually found on the box of the unit's box) will list three CADR numbers: one for pollen, one for dust, and one for tobacco smoke (some very highly rated models include the Blueair 601 air purifier and the Airgle 750). The CADR indicates the volume of filtered air delivered by the air purifier (measured in cubic feet per minute), and the higher the CADR numbers, the faster and more efficiently the unit filters the air. To determine the CADR appropriate for your space, simple multiply the room's square footage by 0.75. For example, if you are trying to clean the air in a room that measures 15 feet by 15 feet, your calculations would look like this:

CADR = Square Footage x 0.75

15'x 15'= 225 square feet

225 x 0.75 = 168.75

CADR Required = 168.75

Therefore, for a 225 square foot room, you would need an air purifier with at least CADR. In addition, if your room has ceilings higher than 8 feet, move up to the next level CADR for a larger room. Moreover, if you have an open floor plan, purchase two small units because they can be moved to different areas in the room and will clean the air more efficiently than one unit alone.

Air Purifier Q & A Part II

When it comes to maintaining an allergen-free home, using an air purifier is absolutely essential. Effective at eliminating pollutants such as dust, animal dander, odors, gasses, and chemicals, an air purifier is one of the first steps you should take in ensuring a healthy home. However, consumers often have questions when it comes to what type of air purifier they should purchase, as well as how to operate and maintain one. To address these concerns, here are a few frequently asked air purifier questions:

Question: Where should an air purifier be placed?
Answer: Ideally, an air purifier should be placed either in a room where you spend the most time or in highly-polluted area. Moreover, an air purifier should be located near a vent or fan to help with air circulation. Dens and living rooms are a great place to start, as are bedrooms, seeing as we spend up to 8 hours a day sleeping. Furthermore, if you have pets, placing the air purifier near a kennel, crate, or play area in order to reduce pet dander is a good idea.

In terms of positioning, for smaller rooms, place the unit at least 4 inches away from the wall or corner, but in larger areas, you will get the most benefit out of your air purifier if it is positioned in the middle of the room. Nonetheless, regardless of where you place your air purifier, always remember to ensure its intake or exhaust vents aren't obstructed by household objects and furniture.

Question: How often should HEPA filters be replaced?
Answer: The life of a HEPA filter will depend upon your air purifier manufacturer's instructions and the pollutant levels in your home. For heavily polluted areas, expect to replace the HEPA filter every few months. However, with normal use, a HEPA filter should last about a year, and if frequent HEPA replacement is inconvenient, look for HEPA filter with an extra-large surface area, such as those utilized by Airpura. Many Airpura models such as the R600 have HEPA filters that can last as long as 5 years.

Question: How often should pre-filters be cleaned?
Answer: Again, the length of time in between filter maintenance will greatly depend on manufacturer's directions and the amount of pollutants in your home. If your air purifier utilizes a washable pre-filter, washing the pre-filter once a month will maximize your unit's cleaning efficiency.

Addressing Air Quality Issues in Commercial Settings

Because humans take over 20,000 breaths a day on average and air is something we can't go without for more than a few minutes, the importance of breathing in fresh, clean air can't be stressed enough. Indoor air quality is important to human health because individuals spend a large fraction of their time indoors at their residences, schools, and workplaces, and breathing in polluted air can result in health problems such as respiratory disorders and even cancer.

IAQ in the Commercial Setting
Those working in industrial settings are particularly at risk due to the high levels of pollution that exist in such areas. In addition, there are numerous sources of airborne toxic pollutants in these indoor environments, and outdoor air ventilation often provides the only primary means to dilute pollutant concentrations.

Dust Masks: Are They Enough?
Many industrial workers make use of filter masks which are aimed to providing protection to the wearer from harmful airborne substances, and these usually cover only the mouth and nose. They work by limiting the course of air so that it flows through a filter that removes harmful particulates, and these types of masks range from single-use, disposable types to reusable models with replaceable cartridges. Because of their simple design, these masks are commonly used for filtering out tiny solid or even liquid particles through dense, fine mesh. Some types of dust masks even utilize mesh that is coated with substances to enhance filtration.

While these masks may be suitable less demanding applications, they are only designed to trap large particles such as sawdust, and generally will not protect lungs from fine particles such as smoke, gases, chemicals, or VOC's. As such, in industrial or commercial situations where there are high levels of indoor air pollution, one of the most effective methods of combating such contamination is through the use of a high-quality, commercial-grade air purifier.

Why Commercial-Grade Air Purifiers?
Commercial air purifiers are essential for any work environment because they are often capable of eliminating the most difficult to remove pollutants, including smoke and toxic chemicals. Some of the best commercial air purifiers utilize a combination of filtration methods, but HEPA filters are usually the most common and effective.

With that in mind, one of the advanced HEPA commercial air purifiers is the IQAir VOC GCX ($1895.00). Engineered to provide maximum control of gaseous chemicals and working just like a professional gas mask, this air purifier relies on an interchangeable cartridge design for optimized gaseous pollutant control. The HEPA filter first eliminates micro- and nano-sized particles such as allergens, bacteria, smoke, and viruses; then the four specialized GCX cartridges filters down the molecular level; and finally, the micro-charged post filter removes any particles left over from the filtration process, therefore ensuring clean, fresh air.