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Friday, October 24, 2008

AllerAir Purifiers

Air Purifiers are becoming more and more commonplace. Not just in the home, but also in the office and public buildings. They are great for eliminating bacteria, allergens, lingering odors and mold from the air. The air you breathe will be considerably cleaner, keeping you healthier and breathing easier throughout the day. Yet choosing the right one can be a bit daunting, especially if you know very little about them. It is always important to pick an item that best suits you to avoid buyers remorse. Our products staff understands that and have taken the time to research, test and review products that you might find useful.

AllerAir is a trusted company that has been producing heavy duty and reliable air purifiers for quite a while now. AllerAir has built quite a name for themselves based on their effectiveness and reliability. They offer a variety of models and styles to help you breathe easier throughout the day. All AllerAir models use a 4 phase filtering system. They begin with a prefilter to trap larger dust particles. The prefilter is easy to remove and clean. It acts to stop larger particles such as dust and lint from causing damage to the other 3 filters. After the prefilter comes the mass activated carbon bed or Mac-B filter that is specifically designed to adsorbs gases and odors. The Mac-B carbon filter has anywhere from 7 to 160 pounds of carbon designed to trap 90% of gases and odors that pass through it. Best of all, it has an extremely large life span before the filter needs to be replaced. Following the MAC-B filter are 2 anti-microbial filters that kill airborne microbes that pass through them. This eliminates any potential germs that could affect your breathing and health. The final filter is a true HEPA filter designed to trap what is left over. Designed by the Atomic Energy Commission to stop radio active particles, HEPA filters capture 99.97% of all particles all the way down to 0.3 microns, leaving your air fresh and pure.

Another major difference with AllerAir air purifiers versus other air purifiers is their use of activated carbon. Using more amounts of carbon then other units on the market, these carbon filters have been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. There is so much carbon that one pound of these activated carbon filters has a surface of 60 to 150 acres. Activated carbon is used in military gas masks to can keep military personal safe from poisonous gasses. Their adsorption is also perfect to trap stinky smells. These filters can last anywhere between 9-24 months.

What We Recommend



One of the best values for an AllerAir product is the Air Tube Jr Air Purifier by Allerair for allergies. Portable and easy to maneuver this 10 pound air purifier is designed to travel wherever you need it and clean the air up to 100 square feet. It has four pounds of active carbon and a HEPA filter that you will reap the benefits from. Very quiet in use, the perforated body enhances air intake while the metal casing stops any off gassing. There is no off gassing like some other air purifiers have. Off gassing is the act of having odor leak from poorly sealed ducts during the purification process. Each filter has a 1 year life span making sure you are getting the most of your money. You will defiantly notice a difference in your air if not your health after purchasing one of these.

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Friday, October 17, 2008

The Importance of Going Green


Air purifiers have been proven to be a valuable appliance to any home. A long time has passed since they were once considered “novelty” appliances that were often found in Shaper Image catalogues. The Environmental Protection Agency and its Science Advisory Board have labeled the quality of the air we breathe inside a top five environmental risk to public health. These toxins can include carbon monoxide from poorly vented furnaces and dangerous mold and bacteria from unchecked and undiscovered mold growth. Air purifiers can protect from all these potential dangers and more, but it is important to know what kind of air purifier works for you. There are home, room, commercial, allergy and asthma, pet, smoke, HEPA, ionic, ozone and even green air purifiers. There is plenty of cross over between catagories making searching and purchasing the correct one very confusing. Green air purifiers however offer plenty of features to help you and the environment.

Green Air Purifiers

The phrase green refers products that have been developed specifically to aid you and the environment. They are often made of non-toxic materials, have greatly reduced energy usage and do little to no damage to the environment surrounding them. Green Air Purifiers are designed to encompass all of these features yet they give an added benefit of being green. They purifier the air, something that as the EPA pointed out should be constantly kept clean, for you, your family's and the planet's health.

HEPA Filters are a great way to determine if you are getting the most out of you’re your green air purifier. While not necessarily a requirement, HEPA filters are well known for the positive effects. They have the ability to eliminate 99.97% of dust,dander, debris, airborne bacteria, mold spores allergens and other harmful entities all the way down to 0.3 micron level. After a thorough cleaning like that you know you will be breathing cleaner air.

Another good way to rate how green an air purifier is to try to locate an Energy Star seal. Energy Star is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. They rate how well a product works through its energy consumption. The Energy Star seal ensures that you will see a noticeable reduction in your energy bill. But outside of Energy Star seals and HEPA filters how do you know which Green Air Purifier is great for you? Our staff has tested, researched and reviewed green air purifiers and have come up with some suggestions.



The Blueair ECO10 Room Air Purifier with HEPASilent Technology

The Blueair ECO10 room air purifier is a great green appliance. It uses up to 95% less energy then other air purifiers in its class. Even when running on high speed it uses just 10 watts of power, giving you maximum output with minimal energy. As a testament to its efficiency it has been given the Energy Star seal. It can cover 298 square feet easily and runs near silently at only 49 decibels at its maximum output. It features durable construction with galvanized steel housing and a long lasting ultra efficient EC fan motor. Its Swedish design has accumulated numerous awards.

All of these benefits are not to be outdone by the ECO10’s filtration power. It does contain a HEPA filter making the air very pure. It is especially effective at filtering smoke, dust and pollen scoring high CADR ratings across the board. It sports multiple purification technology: a 3-stage progressive filter, ionizer and carbon. Its filter service life lasts for a year so you ar not constantly worring about cleaning or replacing the filter like you do on other models. The Blueair ECO10 is an all around great air purifier and exemplifies what a green product should be.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

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.

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Wednesday, April 2, 2008

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.

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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: NQ Air Purifiers - Innovative Solutions for Pure, Safe Air

Although studies have repeatedly shown us how outdoor air pollution can be a major health problem, air pollution can also exist in areas where you least expect it and even in the place you thought was the safest: your home. Even seemingly ordinary activities such as cleaning, cooking, heating, and cooling can release and spread indoor pollutants, and because we often spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, breathing in polluted air can have a severe impact on our health. Certain people, particularly infants, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses are especially at risk.

Biological pollutants, or those that are living, are especially harmful, as they are microscopic, travel through the air, and can stem from sources commonly found in homes, such as animal dander; dust mites and roach parts; pollen; and infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria. While there is no simple way to address the problem of biological pollutants, independent tests have shown that UV light has an immense effect on these types of contaminants.

UV light is part of the electromagnetic energy generated by the sun and is one of the most effective ways to reduce and control airborne microbiological pathogens because it damages the DNA of such microorganisms and renders them harmless and unable to reproduce. It is for this reason that UV air purifiers are widely used in hospitals, and they also a requirement in most U.S. Government facilities.

NQ Industries has designed a range of high quality air purification systems utilizing a range of recognized technologies such as HEPA and Activated Carbon, but the mainstay of their air purifiers is UVGI light.

NQ air purifiers, such as the Clarifier Standard, use much more concentrated levels of ultraviolet energy than found in natural sunlight, and UVC radiation at 254 nm has an intense germicidal effect. Therefore, within seconds, NQ air purifiers can effectively destroy microorganisms such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria without the use of harmful chemicals or ozone.

In fact, hospitals worldwide utilize NQ air purification systems as a method of controlling infectious diseases and viruses. According to a July 2006 test conducted by the Fleming Clinic in France, the NQ Clarifier Standard, Clarifier Medical, and Clarifier Medical Plus air purifiers were all able to reduce 87% of harmful contaminants in just 24 hours, and researchers involved in the study declared that NQ air purifiers performed very well in "real hospitals and clinics."

As outstanding air purification systems, the NQ Clarifier line of air purifiers offers four comprehensive levels of filtration in addition to an intense UV purification zone. Its compact size, weight, and mobility also make these air purifiers suitable for any type of situation, whether for residential, commercial, medical, industrial, or military applications. The efficacy of these air purifiers have also been proven in real conditions for over 10 years, and they are continued to be used in hospitals, the U.S. Army, U.S. Customs, and even the U.S. Navy. With that in mind, for complete particle and microbiological contaminant abatement, NQ air purifiers truly offer unparalleled protection.

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Friday, February 15, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: Suround Air Air Purifiers - Advanced, Affordable, and Competitively Priced!


Surround Air has been in the air purifier business since 1998 and their top priority is to educate the public on the dangers of indoor air pollutants. Surround Air believes that airborne particulates are the most urgent health risk in an indoor environment, as they often become trapped in airways and affect the respiratory system. As well, chemicals and gases also contribute to unhealthy indoor air and can cause a host of health defects such as exacerbated asthma and allergies, hay fever, multiple chemical sensitivity, and over time, even cancer.

As such, Surround Air has created a diverse line of air purifiers and air cleaners for every type of air purification concern. Best of all, unlike many other air purifiers on the market which will set you back hundreds of dollars, Surround Air air purifiers are very affordable and there is model to suit every budget.

In terms of technology, the hallmark of every Surround Air air purifier is the patented ionizer. From the advanced, multi-stage Intelli-Pro air purifier to the XJ-888 smokeless ashtray, Surround Air air cleaners all harness the power of negative ions to clean the air. Research studies have proven that negative ions are safe and effective for cleaning the air because they enhance the efficiency of air filters and attack airborne particles and pollutants wherever they may be floating. In fact, recent studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in poultry houses found that ionizers were able to reduce airborne particulates by up to 99 percent in 60 seconds and salmonella by 95 percent. The following is an overview of Surround Air's currently line of air purifiers:

Surround Air Intelli-Pro Air Purifier ($299)
The Intelli-Pro is Surround Air's most advanced and efficient air purifier. Sensor technology constantly monitors air quality, performance, and filter life, and seven advanced purification stages - pre-filter, dust collection grid, carbon filter, HEPA filter, PCO filter, UV lamp, and ionizer - all work in tandem to eliminate up to 99.97% of airborne pollutants. The Intelli-Pro by Surround Air has also been shown to be up to five times more effective in toxin removal tests when compared to leading air purifiers on the market.

Surround Air Multi-Tech Air Purifiers ($149 - $249)These air purifiers use multiple technologies to remove nearly all types of pollutants and also cost very little to maintain. By using a six step filtration process including HEPA, UV, activated carbon, ionizer, programmable sanitizer, and anti-bacterial pre-filter, the Surround Air Multi-Tech air purifiers effectively remove dust, allergens, mold, and microorganisms. As well, this line of air purifiers has consistently outperformed many top-rated, brand-name air purifiers in independent clinical tests.

Filterless Ionic Air Purifiers ($19.99 - $69)
Surround Air has also designed their own line of compact air purifiers for areas such as bathrooms, small bedrooms, and even cars. As an added bonus, these air purifiers are completely silent and do not require any replacement filters.

The XJ-2100UV ionic and UV air purifier (($69) is nearly 100 percent effective in clinical particle tests and uses electrostatically-charged plates to magnetically trap dust, allergens, bacteria, and much more.

The XJ-800 ($19.99) car air purifier and refresher attaches to your vehicle's cigarette lighter and helps clean the air in your vehicle by using a high negative ion output to reduce airborne pollutants and odors, Six fragrances also allow you to keep your car interior smelling fresh and clean.

The Surround Air XJ-888 smokeless ashtray ($29.99), on the other hand, is great for those with a smoker in the home, as the ionizer within the dome releases air-purifying negative ions that cause smoke particles to magnetically attract to the electrostatically-charged interior.

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Thursday, February 7, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: Blueair Air Purifiers - Best in Class

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, an air purifier can dramatically improve your symptoms and prevent attacks from occurring. However, many air purifiers tend to be large, bulky appliances that can make a lot of noise and disturb your home environment. Fortunately, Blueair is one company who aims to design and manufacture some of the most stylish, effective, and quiet air purifiers on the market today.

Founded in Sweden in 1996, Blueair has quickly earned a reputation in the air purification industry for high performance, design, and technological innovation. The company believes that clean air is a human right, and Blueair offers a wide product range for people who don't want to compromise on health, function, or design.

The hallmark of Blueair's purification technology is the HEPASilent filter. Air purifiers with True HEPA filters must be able to remove at least 99.97% of particulates 0.3 or larger, but they are oftentimes loud. On the other hand, Blueair's HEPASilent filter combines the best in electrostatic and filter technology with its advanced HEPA filter media and encapsulated ion particle charging chamber. These two work in tandem to achieve better results when compared to air purifiers using either mechanical or electrostatic technology alone.

How the HEPASilent System Works:
1. Air is drawn into the Blueair air purifier via an ultra-quiet fan.
2. Airborne contaminants pass through an ion chamber and are electrically charged, causing them to adhere to the air purifier's exclusive polypropylene filters.
3. The charged particles are then removed through a three stage filtration process, with stage 1 capturing large particles such as pollen and dust, and stages 2 and 3 filtering out the smallest contaminants such as smoke and chemicals.

Together, the ion chamber and three-step filtration process combine to create an air purification system that delivers maximum airflow with minimum noise - Blueair's patented HEPASilent technology.

Why Buy a Blueair Air Purifier?
1. Quiet Operation: Because air passes easily through a Blueair air purifier's filter media, the fan doesn't work as hard or as loud.
2. Award-Winning Design: Blueair air purifiers, such as the Blueair 201 or 402, sport sleek and contemporary looks, and the company has even been distinguished with one of the most prestigious design awards in Scandinavia - the Excellent Swedish Design Award. In addition, the revolutionary Blueair Airpod has been lauded in countless magazines such as Good Housekeeping and Modern Bride for its design concept, performance, and compact size.
3. Emits No Ozone: Blueair air purifiers use a low electrical current to minimize ozone production and a sealed steel housing chamber to keep ozone out of the air you breathe.
4. Energy Efficient: Blueair was one of the first air purifier manufacturers to earn an ENERGY STAR designation.
5. High CADR Rating: CADR is a rating developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to help consumers determine the effectiveness of air purifiers. CADR takes into account the size of the particle removed, the percentage of particles removed, and the volume of air moving through the system. Blueair air purifiers, especially the Blueair 601, have consistently received some of the highest CADR scores when compared to other air purifiers in its class.


Blueair Airpod ($99.95) - Stylish, compact, and suitable for personal spaces



Blueair 201 Air Purifier ($299.95): Quiet, efficient, and great for rooms up to 200 square feet
Blueair 250E Air Purifier ($349.95): Includes digital display, remote-controlled operation, and has a coverage area of 200 square feet

Blueair 402 Air Purifier ($399.95): Ultra-low power consumption and suitable for areas up to 365 square feet


Blueair 501 Air Purifier ($499.95): European design and suitable for areas up to 580 square feet

Blueair 601 Air Purifier ($599.95): For areas up to 680 square feet - Blueair's most efficient air purifier!

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Monday, February 4, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: IQAir Air Purifiers - 40 Years of Quality

In these modern times, our indoor air is becoming more polluted than ever. Considering the fact that we spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, toxic substances introduced to our indoor environment often go unseen and pose the single greatest threat to our health and well-being.

Studies have also shown that clean air and the body's immune system are inextricably linked. Breathing fresh, clean air not only ensures good respiratory health, it also affords your immune system the time it needs to rest and rejuvenate. In other words, just as your body needs sleep, your immune system also needs to rest in order to function properly.

Forty Years in the Air Purification Business
For over 40 years, IQAir has been at the forefront of indoor air purification, and the company was founded by two German brothers in the early 1960s. Today, IQAir has become an international leader in the field of air purification and they are able to consistently design and manufacture air purification solutions that are both highly effective and affordable.

IQAir's innovative strength stems from their cutting-edge research and development team, and this has led to products which set new standards in quality, performance, and style.

Advanced Air Purification Technologies
Whether you need an air purifier for your home, office, or clean room, IQAir multistage air purifiers do the best job of any air purifier on the market. IQAir's Swiss precision and an uncompromising commitment to being to the best have enabled them to set a bar that other air purifier manufacturers have yet to meet. In fact, IQAir is also proud to be the educational partner of the American Lung Association, and together, they work hard on campaigns aimed at educating the public about effective measures to improve indoor air quality.

Groundbreaking in terms of their technical design and style, IQAir HEPA air purifiers clean the air that passes through the filter with over 99.99% efficiency, and compared to many competing air cleaners which allow airflow leakage, IQAir's advanced design ensures that all of the airflow within an enclosed space is purified.

All IQAir air purifiers, including the HealthPro Compact and HealthPro Plus, feature HyperHEPA filtration technology to ensure superior airborne particle abatement. IQAir became the first and only room air purifier to receive a H12/13 certification for its HyperHEPA filters - a feat previously only achieved by multi-million dollar clean room filtration systems. In fact, in 2003, the world saw the spread of SARs, and the Hong Kong Hospital Authority chose IQAir air purifiers as the best cleaning solution for hospital rooms with suspected SARS patients.

The IQAir air purifiers utilize a "fan-in-center" design that places the fan motor in between sound attenuating filters. This housing drastically reduces sound transmission, and rubber suspension pads isolate motor vibration from the air purifier's housing. In turn, this results in an air purifier that's tough enough for a hospital but quiet enough for a bedroom. As well as removing particulates such as dust and dander, select IQAir air purifiers such as the IQAir VOC GC air purifier and IQAir MultiGas GC are highly effective at removing molecular air pollutants such as VOCs, odors, and chemicals.

Bestselling IQAir Air Purifiers

IQAir HealthPro Plus ($833.33):





This air purifier is perfect for allergy and asthma sufferers, as it offers wide spectrum particle, molecular, and odor filtration.

IQAir HealthPro ($772.22):




The Health Pro offers wide spectrum particle filtration.

IQAir HealthPro Compact ($721.11):



Like the Health Pro line, the HealthPro Compact features wide spectrum particle filtration but in a smaller size.

IQAir GC MultiGas ($995.00):


The GC Multi Gas by IQAir is perfect for those suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity and features highly specialized particle, molecular, and odor filtration.

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Friday, February 1, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: Austin Air Purifiers - Medical-Grade Technology

Austin Air was founded over a decade ago by Richard and Joyce Taylor. Joyce suffered from a severe respiratory problem that could not be relieved by diets, medication, and doctors, and this prompted her husband Richard Taylor to design and manufacture air purifiers that would replicate the conditions found in hospital clean rooms.

Drawing on clean room technology, the Taylors produced a prototype filter that used True Medical HEPA filter paper, and they found that when this filter was surrounded by granulated carbon, they were able to address the issues related to environmental toxicity - chemicals and odors. Over time, Austin air purifiers have become the air cleaner of choice by leading allergy specialists and physicians throughout the United States and many other parts of the world. Because Austin Air believes that clean air is as essential to good health as clean water, they have made it their mission to manufacture the world’s best personal air purifier and continue to be ranked number one in the world.

At the heart of Austin Air's cleaning process is their advanced HEPA and activated carbon filter. The company utilizes a large amount of filtration media in their air purifiers in order to ensure proper removal of impurities from the air, and best of all, the only maintenance the three-stage filter needs is a periodical vacuum. Large amounts of air are then forced out of the filter media, and Austin air purifiers have the ability to remove 99.97% of all airborne particulate matter larger than 0.3 microns, while also eliminating over 3000 toxic gases and odors.

Other features built into Austin air purifiers include solid steel construction to prevent off-gassing,; a non-toxic, powder-coated finish; high efficiency PSC motor; and the specially engineered pure air vent, which creates what they call the "Clean Air Pocket." This pocket is designed to deliver clean air to your breathing zone in fifteen seconds, unlike other competing air purifiers on the market. This allows you to breathe a sigh of relief immediately.

Austin Air's extensive product line is specifically tailored to accommodate certain air purification needs:

Austin Air HealthMate Air Purifier - $449.99

The Austin Health Mate air purifier cleans up to 1500 square feet and utilizes 15 pounds of Carbon-Zeolite mix and True Medical HEPA filter media.

Austin Air Health Mate Jr. Air Purifier - $299.99The Austin HealthMate Jr. Air Purifier is a scaled down version of the Health Mate and features 6.5 pounds of Carbon-Zeolite mix and True HEPA filter. This air purifier has a coverage area of 700 square feet.

Austin Air AllergyMachine Air Purifier - $449.99The Austin Allergy Machine air purifier cleans up to 1500 square feet with a strategically placed military carbon cloth and True Medical HEPA filter. As well, this is one of the only air purifiers on the market to use HEGA (High Efficiency Gas Absorption) to eliminate toxic gases and chemicals from the air you breathe.

Austin Air Allergy Machine Jr. Air Purifier - $299.99The AllergyMachine Jr. air purifier by Austin Air cleans up to 700 square feet, with military carbon cloth and True HEPA filter.

Austin Air HealthMate Plus Air Purifier - $549.99The Austin Air Health Mate Plus air purifier uses the same HealthMate filter and true medical HEPA filter media with an extra media - potassium iodide impregnated carbon - to enhance chemical adsorption.

Austin Air HealthMate Plus Jr. Air Purifier - $349.99 The Health Mate Plus Jr. air purifier is a more advanced version of the HealthMate Jr. and uses a hospital-grade HEPA filter with potassium iodide added to the activated carbon-zeolite mix.

Austin Air Pet Machine Air Purifier - $449.99 For the pet owner, Austin Air presents the PetMachine air purifier. This air cleaner removes pet dander and odors with its medical grade HEPA and 15 pounds of specially blended carbons and zeolite.

Take control of your air quality and health by purchasing an air purifier by Austin Air - one of the most trusted air purifier manufacturers today.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: AirSoPure Air Purifiers - The Ultimate in Air Purification

Air purifiers are designed to clean and purify the air which people breathe, and because the public is now becoming aware of the dangers of indoor air pollution, there are many different types of air purifiers available for consumers.

The California Air Resources Board note that the most effect methods of improving indoor air quality involve the following steps:

1. Removing pollution sources.
2. Reducing pollutant emissions.
3. Providing adequate ventilation.


Air purifiers can improve air quality by reducing pollutant emissions, and some of the most advanced air purifiers on the market are manufactured by Airsopure.

Airsopure is a joint venture between Aurora Wireless Technologies in Taiwan and Garfield Industries, Inc. based in the United States. This marriage of east and west is a testament to U.S. technology and Asian manufacturing, and Airsopure's main goal is to provide a cost-effective air purifier that will help solve the problem of poor indoor air quality.

Airsopure is one of the only companies to offer a single phase, revolutionary six step filtration system using such breakthrough technologies as hospital-grade HEPA filters, UV light, negative ions, and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). In fact, Airsopure PCO has the ability to convert most volatile organic compounds to harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor, while also capturing and destroying 99.93% of biological contaminants in a single pass. As well, Airsopure air purifiers are unique in that they have the ability to sterilize and eliminate pollutants as opposed to simply filtering them out or collecting them.

Airsopure's product line includes two medical-grade air purifiers - the S-980 and the S-900.

AirSoPure S980

For complete purification of areas up to 900 square feet, the Airsopure S-980 is truly incomparable and offers the ultimate in air purification for your home. In addition to five purification technologies, including a five micron pre-filter, medical-grade HEPA filter, gas adsorption media, UV light, and an ionizer, the Airsopure S-980 also passes contaminated air through a 3-phase PCO chamber with titanium dioxide as part of the filtration process. An air quality detecting function adjusts accordingly to the pollutant levels in your home, and the unit is also quiet and energy efficient.

AirSoPure S900

For smaller areas up to 500 square feet, the Airsopure S-900 is another great bet. This air purifier has all of the air purification technologies one would want, such as True HEPA grade filters, carbon media, PCO chamber, negative ion filter, and UV germicidal lamp for virus and biological contaminant control. Also, because the Airsopure S900 weighs only 16 pounds, you can easily tote this amazing air purifier from one room to the next with ease.

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Friday, January 25, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: AllerAir Air Purifiers


Because more people are now realizing the dangers of polluted indoor air, the air purification industry has become big business. This has resulted in larger companies who don't specialize in air purifiers to put out inferior units which do very little to remove pollutants from the air you breathe. Fortunately, AllerAir has made it their mission to innovate, design, and sell safe, high-quality, and well-priced air purifiers which can improve your quality of life.

AllerAir was founded almost 14 years by Sam Teitelbaum because one of his family members developed multiple chemical sensitivity. Because no air purifier could provide sufficient and effective relief, Teitelbaum decided to develop his own product, and AllerAir was born.

Unlike many other air purifiers which tout high-tech purification methods such as ionizers and ozone, AllerAir has decided to simply use a unique activated carbon-HEPA blended filter to purify the air.

AllerAir's Carbon-HEPA Filters Vs. Other Air Purification Technologies

Ozone Air Purifiers
In recent news, ozone air purifiers have received negative reviews because of the health problems associated with ozone gas. In fact, the State of California has even issued a ban on all ozone air cleaners by 2009. Ozone air purifier manufacturers claim that ozone air purifiers clean the air by utilizing the oxidation powers of ozone to cause chemical reactions with harmful particulates. This then renders these particulates harmless, and while this is true, ozone also has an effect on the human body, as exposure to high levels of ozone can lead to respiratory problems, lung damage, and exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. The carbon-HEPA based AllerAir air purifiers such as the AllerAir Air Tube do not cause chemical reactions and pose no serious health or environmental threats.

Electrostatic (Ionic) Air Purifiers
Electrostatic air purifiers use a powerful electric field to charge airborne particles which are then collected onto metal collector plates. Unfortunately, these air purifiers also produce small amounts of ozone, and independent research has shown that ionizers do little to clean the air. In comparison, carbon-HEPA air purifiers such as the AllerAir 5000 Exec are recognized as an effective and safe way to remove airborne particles, odors, gases, and chemicals.

Air Purifiers with Carbon-Treated Filters
Carbon has long been recognized as a powerful adsorption media, and many air purifier manufacturers have taken notice. Unfortunately, these air purifiers frequently use a form of foam media that has been sprayed with carbon that features only a quarter or an inch length of carbon. This translates into an ineffective filter that could stop adsorbing within hours. On the other hand, AllerAir air purifiers such as the AllerAir 4000 Exec UV use several pounds of granular activated carbon which can last for years depending on use.

HEPA Air Purifiers
Many air purifiers only utilize HEPA filtration to purify the air, and while HEPA filters are an extremely effective way to remove airborne particles, they cannot remove odors, gases, chemicals, or smoke from the air. AllerAir's carbon-HEPA combination filter, as seen in models such as the AllerAir 5000 Vocarb, not only removes particles, but they filter out some of the most harmful pollutants - gases and chemicals. For serious indoor pollutant abatement, HEPA, used in conjunction with Activated Carbon, has been found to be the most effective method of ensuring clean air.

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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: Airpura Air Purifiers - A Green Company

"Green Living" is gaining popularity, as more people understand the value of conducting their lives with an all-encompassing awareness of the earth and all its processes. Green living includes making choices that takes into account how it will impact the environment and all living things within it, and by minimizing one's "ecological footprints," ecologically-minded people hope to preserve the earth for future generations of human beings and other forms of life. In fact, as a testament to green living, shortly after the September 11 attacks, an environmental engineer from New York proposed using plants as a natural way to help improve air quality in a New York area high school, and 1,000 plants were subsequently donated from the Florida Nursery and Grower's Association.

However, before you resort to purchasing a nursery full of plants in an attempt to clean your air, one air purifier manufacturer has pledged to design and manufacturer air purifiers that are not only effective, but good for the environment as well.

Conscious of its role as an environmental company from the beginning, Airpura has been determined to operate in the greenest way possible, and their objectives have been to reduce waste and carbon emissions; to recycle materials used in the production and facilitation of Airpura products at the end of their useful life; and to reuse whenever possible.

Even Airpura's design choices are informed by green considerations, and the company strives to obtain the most inert components with the smallest environmental footprint possible, while at the same time, creating an air purifier that delivers unparalleled premium filtration performance. Here are some of the other standout "green" features Airpura air purifiers have to offer:

1. Airpura air purifiers such as the C600 (for chemicals) utilize 560 cfm backward curved motorized impellers which deliver greater airflow when compared to other competing air purifiers, while at the same time, weighing less that half of their older motor/shaft/blower wheel configurations.
2. Airpura air purifiers are PCB free, and no lead is used in soldering in the speed control.
3. The Airpura 600 series, which includes the C600, I600 (for medical settings), T600 (for tobacco smoke), and R600 (all-purpose air purifying), is free of any plastic, silicone, rubber, adhesives, or bonding agents which may off gas chemical vapors and cause harm to the environment.
4. The Airpura 600 series carbon containers use rivet fastening rather than spot welding, as spot welding has been found to use more energy and give off particles, chemicals, and greenhouse gases.
5. Airpura air purifiers such as H600 (for allergies) have all-metal housing, and avoid plastic, resulting in a more ecologically sound product, with 93% of the air purifier being recyclable.

With a wide product line geared towards any air purification problem, it's clear that the air purification industry belongs to companies such as Airpura, which can offer advanced products while at the same time, operating within the boundaries of a renewable resource.

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Friday, January 18, 2008

Air Purifier Reviews: Biozone Air Purifiers - A New Type of Air Cleaner

On the surface, air purifiers may seem to employ simple technology to clean the air, as many effective air purifiers often draw air with a fan and through a filter, and send it back out into the room. However, many new and exciting technologies are becoming more prevalent in the air purification industry.

Biozone, a world-leading manufacturer of ozone generators and ozone water treatment processes, have developed air purification systems which utilize ozone oxidation technology. Originally developed for commercial, industrial, and agricultural markets, Biozone air purification technology is now available to consumers, and their air purifiers provide odor control and disinfection by harnessing the high oxidation potential of ozone.

Biozone calls their advanced air purification system "PureWave," and this involves the combination and synergy of two powerful purifying technologies: photoplasma and photochemistry. Photoplasma involves exciting gases by the energy emitted from UV light waves. This creates an energized gaseous state, and the resulting plasma has the ability to destroy organic pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, mold, and noxious odors. On the other hand, photochemistry involves the chemical reaction or change in material caused by exposure to light energy. UV light in this range is extremely useful for disinfection purposes, as strong UV light destroys toxic VOCs and viruses. Therefore, unlike other air purifiers which simply filter out particles from the air, Biozone air purifiers break down contaminants at the source, and they are extremely powerful at purifying heavily contaminated areas such as bars or salons. In addition, because Biozone air purifiers use ozone oxidation, photoplasma, and photochemistry to clean the air, they do not employ noisy fans or filters and are silent, making them ideal for home use.

However, there is one caveat: those who are sensitive to ozone, or asthma and allergy sufferers, should not consider these types of air purifiers, as exposure to ozone can cause short-term health effects such as coughing, chest tightness, and can even aggravate asthma attacks and allergy symptoms. Over time, ozone exposure may result in the induction of asthma and permanent lung damage. Although the ozone levels emitted by Biozone are well below the government-allowed limit, those with respiratory problems should take caution.

Pros:
- Excellent filtration of large areas (the Biozone 4000 is capable of cleaning areas up to 4000 sq. ft.)
- Almost completely silent
- Suitable for areas with high pollution and/or odors

Cons:
- Not suitable for those with respiratory problems
- May not be effective at removing larger particulates such as dust and hair

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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Allergy Air Purifiers - IQAir HealthPro Vs. Austin Air AllergyMachine

Even though we have a few more months before Spring begins, many Americans may be suffering from allergies due to indoor air pollution. Because the cold weather forces us to spend the majority our time inside, indoor allergens proliferate due to decreased outside ventilation, and these airborne particulates are usually the dominant cause.

Although pollen may not be a prevalent allergen during the winter time, dust mites can be the main cause of poor indoor air quality during the cooler months. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that range from 100 to 450 microns in size, and their major source of food is skin dander. As temperatures drop, humidity levels are also significantly decreased, leaving us with drier skin (and more food for dust mites). In addition, because of cooler, dryer weather, dust mites also become lighter and more airborne.

To counter winter allergies, using a quality air purifier with a state-of-the-art HEPA filter is absolutely imperative, as these have the ability to remove at least 99.97% of allergens from the air you breathe. As such, we will look at two highly advanced air purifiers with medical-grade HEPA filters geared specifically towards allergy sufferers - the HealthPro by IQAir and the Austin Air AllergyMachine.

IQAir HealthPro - $772.22

IQAir is one of the most trusted names in air purification and for good reason, as IQAir provides Swiss precision with cutting-edge air cleaning technology. Although somewhat pricey, the HealthPro by IQAir is recommended for allergy sufferers because of its advanced HEPA filter and its ability to remove allergens and other particulates. The IQAir HealthPro also features a pressurized equalization chamber located between the HEPA filter and fan to maximize air delivery. Price aside, for severe allergy sufferers who do not need significant gas or odor control, the HealthPro is one of the best allergy air purifiers on the market. Here are a few pros and cons:

Pros:
- Excellent filtration of large areas
- Separate pre-gas, HEPA, and filters allow for maximum cleaning
- Certified under the world's most stringent HEPA filter test - the European Norm EN 1822

Cons:
- More expensive than many other HEPA air purifiers
- Not designed for gas or chemical abatement

Ratings (on a scale from 1 to 10):
Value:
7
Efficiency: 10
Maintenance Costs: 7

Austin Air AllergyMachine - $449.99


The quality of Austin air purifiers cannot be denied. As a result of extensive testing performed by Battelle Laboratories and the Army Corp of Engineers at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center, Austin Air was chosen by the U.S. Government to fulfill the largest deployment of air cleaners in American history, and was specifically chosen by FEMA and the Red Cross to address the serious indoor air quality concerns in post 9/11 New York. Therefore, by using advanced technology that was previously only available to military and medical facilities, the Austin Air AllergyMachine is specifically designed to trap classic allergens such as dander, pollen, and dust through its dual medical-grade HEPA and HEGA filters. As an added plus, the Austin AllergyMachine feature solid steel construction that does not off gas like air purifiers made of plastic. At $449, the Austin AllergyMachine is a great investment for allergy suffers and is substantially less expensive than the IQAir HealthPro. Here are a few pros and cons:

Pros:
- Utilizes advanced HEPA and HEGA technology developed by the military
- Non-toxic, all-metal construction
- Economical

Cons:
- Does not include other purification technologies commonly found in high-end air purifiers such as UV sterilization or PCO
- Can be noisy

Ratings:
Value:
8
Efficiency: 8
Maintenance Costs: 8

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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Affordable Air Purifiers - Alen T100 Vs. Surround Air S3000

Air purification is quickly become a billion dollar industry, with an increasing number of consumers now being concerned over indoor air quality. As mentioned before in several of our previous blog entries, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) themselves have declared indoor air quality as the nation's worst environmental health problem, and they have also warned that indoor air is generally 2 to 10 times worse than outdoor air pollution. In addition, allergies, asthma, and hay fever are becoming much more prevalent and severe in recent years as a direct result of rapidly worsening indoor air quality. Therefore, as a result of this increased concern over air quality, air purifiers are becoming quite popular.

Unfortunately, with so many air purifier choices available, poorly engineered and manufactured air purifiers are not uncommon, and many consumers may find themselves purchasing products with design flaws when a well-designed unit can be had relatively inexpensively. Some of the more high-end air purifiers often feature state-of-the-art technologies such as UV sterilization, Photocatalytic Oxidation, and Gas Phase Filters, but these types of air purifiers are often geared towards specific air purification concerns such as allergies, mold infestations, microbiological contaminants, and hazardous chemicals and gases.

However, if the above conditions are not applicable to you and you just need an all-purpose air purifier to clean the air your home, affordable air purifiers are available. Here are two brands we have found to be dependable and at under $200, they are definitely wallet-friendly.

Alen - T100 ($149)




Alen air purifiers have been known to offer quality and affordability. Their company aims to manufacture stylish, top-performing products without the premium price; in other words, "life without compromise." Like more expensive air purifiers, Alen air cleaners effectively trap and destroy pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and other pollutants which can inflame asthma and allergies.

Alen uses True HEPA Filters on all of their air purifier models, as well as activated carbon for enhanced odor removal. Like some of the popular air purifiers offered by companies such as Sharper Image, the T100 air purifier comes in a space-saving tower style. The T100 is ideal for use in smaller areas up to 125 square feet such as an office cubicle or room, and similar to the other Alen models, the T100 offers Allergy-HEPA filtration with activated carbon. In terms of other filtration technologies, the Alen T100 also includes a built-in ionizer which minimizes pollutants an produces no ozone. In terms of operation, the T100 is very user-friendly. This particular model features a digital display with simple and intuitive touch button control. The T100 also comes with a Life Warranty; therefore, your investment is protected from the unexpected.

Overall, for no a no-frills air purifier that will help eliminate contaminants for your air, the Alen T100 is a great choice.

Ratings (on a scale from 1 to 10):
Value:
9
Efficiency: 7
Maintenance Costs: 7

Surround Air - S3000 ($199)



Surround Air has been in the air purifier business for over ten years, and like the Alen Corporation, one of their top priorities are to manufacture high-quality air purification products at an affordable price. Surround Air has an extensive product line that includes home air purifiers, car air purifiers, and even smokeless ashtrays. However, unlike Alen, Surround Air uses different technologies for their different styles of air purifiers. For the purpose of this review, we looked at a comparably priced air purifier - the Surround Air Multi-Tech S3000 air purifier, Surround Air's newest product.

At $199, the S3000 is truly a bargain