Home versus Room Air Purifiers

There are two major categories of air purifiers: home air purifiers and room air purifiers. Typically, room air purifiers are the models with smaller CFMs and more air changes, while home air purifiers come with larger CFMs and less air changes. So how do you know which one is best for you?

Well, normally a choice like this is based solely on your own preferences. However, if you look at the usefulness of each type, you will see that separate air purifiers for each room work better collectively than one air purifier for the whole house. I say this because, as mentioned before, smaller room air purifiers change the air more often, so your air is cleaner pretty much at all times.

However, it also really depends on the size of your house. If you live in a small apartment, a home air purifier will more than likely suffice.

This morning, I went out to lunch with my cousin out in Irvine. Someone was smoking right next to us, and my cousin started coughing. She complained about her asthma, and how it was so hard for her to breathe sometimes. I told her, "Don't you wish we could have an air purifier for the air outside, as well?" She looked confused until she finally asked me what an air purifier was. I was shocked - I thought everyone at least knew what an air purifier did, but apparently I was wrong.

I told her about HEPA filters and how they capture allergens like dust and pollen, and about carbon filters and how they absorb odors and smoke. She was pretty fascinated, so I convinced her to get the small Vornado AQS500 air purifier as a starter. It's small and it's super easy to use, so I thought it would be perfect for her. I haven't talked to her since this morning, but I'm sure that I'll hear some positive results from her by tomorrow!

The Onix Eliminates Microorganisms Using Heat!

Yesterday, I got to take a look at the magnificent Airfree Onix air sanitizer and purifier. Instead of being like a regular air purifier, the Onix uses much less energy (only 52 watts, to be exact) and purifies using heat! This air santizer uses 400°F heat instead of ozone or a UV light to purify air. In fact, the unit reduces the amount of ozone found in your air while it eliminates microorganisms. Additionally, the Onix from Airfree is so small and portable - it weighs a mere 3.3 pounds and measures less than 10 inches on all sides! This makes it perfect for bringing it over to friends or relatives' houses.

The Onix works silently and requires no maintenance whatsoever because there are no moving parts, no fan, and no filters, making it one of the most perfect air purifiers out there on the market.

Green Air Purifiers

When purchasing any appliance, it's always smart to think about energy-efficient models that can help you save money and help the environment at the same time. When it comes to air purifiers, Blueair air purifiers are some of the "greenest" air cleaners on the market. These air purifiers not only use HEPA filtration to capture dust, pollen, dander, and other allergens, but they're also extremely silent. Their HEPASilent technology reminds you that these units from Blueair are able to capture more allergens and irritants without disrupting your environment. As a result, these air purifiers are perfect for use while reading, studying, and even sleeping!

In addition to its amazing HEPASilent technology, Blueair provides some of the first Energy Star rated air purifiers to the market. These air cleaners save you hundreds a year with their "ECO" settings - and they only use about 120 watts of energy maximum!

Air Purifiers Should Be Everywhere

As a clean air enthusiast, I get a little upset when I don't see an air purifier in every home I enter. I know, it's ridiculous. However, I really think that everyone should have one. Every time I go to a friend's house, I always worry about the kind of indoor air quality that I might encounter. Will it have a ton of pet dander? Pollen? Or even worse, chemicals? Since my nose has an uncanny ability to find allergens, I get crazy allergy symptoms right away. That's one of the main reasons why my air purifier at home is turned on 24/7. I can't afford to have my allergies get the best of me when I have to worry about food allergies as well!

I'm not sure, but I think that maybe my criticism of the lack of air purifiers in my friends' homes may be the reason why most don't invite me back! That is, until they come inside my home and find out what they've been missing out on!

When most people think about air purifiers, they think of the appliances that capture allergens like pet dander, pet hair, dust, viruses, etc. However, what many don't realize is that sometimes you need a chemical removing air purifier for removing other types of particles in the air, including ammonia, formaldehyde, tobacco, nitrogen dioxide, and more.

These chemicals not only smell bad (ammonia smells like rotten eggs - literally!), but they also are extremely harmful for your health. Many times, these chemicals can come from new carpets, new furniture, paints, cleaning products, and even plants! I know, you're probably thinking, "You're crazy! How can plants be harmful to your health?" The truth is that many plants are sprayed with pesticides - some even produce their own volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These plants include peace lilies, areca palms, weeping figs and snake plants, so be extra careful when you choose the plants that you want to keep in your home.

Mold in the Winter

I just discovered something very eye-opening today. I found out that mold can actually grow during the winter season! I always thought that mold and mildew only grew during the summer, or when the weather is hot. Turns out, mold grows where it's wet. I had to learn this the hard way, sadly.

A few weeks ago, it was raining here and there was a leak in my roof. I didn't really think twice about it, just cleaned it up and got it fixed. However, to my surprise this morning, I was greeted by some nasty mold in the corner of the wall. Of course, I looked online for some cleaning tips. After I washed it off and threw away my clothes and the washcloth, I dried it with a dehumidifier and put my mold air purifier right by it. Thank goodness I have a few air purifiers on hand, though. Could you imagine what my house would be like if I didn't have an air purifier? Because air purifiers kill mold spores, I can rest easy knowing that there won't be anymore mold or mildew in my home tonight! Whew!

Air Purifier FAQs

Here are some common questions that often come up when talking about air purifiers:

What is IAQ and why is it important?
IAQ stands for Indoor Air Quality and refers to the purity of the air you breathe, well, indoors. Most of the time, it refers to the air you breathe inside your home. IAQ is important because, as it turns out, most people spend their time indoors. If the IAQ is bad, then you end up inhaling many fumes or chemicals left from cleaning supplies, or even pollutants such as allergens. As a result of bad IAQ, you may have heightened allergic symptoms and more irritations. Air purifiers help improve your IAQ using various technologies.

What are the different technologies that air purifiers use and how are they different?
There are HEPA air purifiers, which are best for removing smaller, hard-to-see particles like pet dander, pollen, and other tiny allergens up to 0.3 microns in size. Ionic air purifiers change the polarity of the contaminants in the air, causing them to fall from the air you breathe. Carbon air cleaners are great for removing odors, gases, and chemicals. And finally, UV air purifiers use a UV light that stop microbiological contaminants such as mold, fungus, bacteria, and viruses from reproducing.

For more information about air purifiers, take a look at this handy air purifier guide! You'll learn all you need to know about using an air purifier to start living a healthier life with this guide.

Pets and Allergies

Many people don't realize that the reason they may be experiencing symptoms of allergies may be because of their pets. Irritants don't only come from dogs and cats, however. A common misconception is that the only residue your pets leave is pet dander. In fact, symptoms of allergies can also be triggered by odors from a litter box, dust particles from a bird's wings, dried saliva from a cat's skin or fur, and waste particles from, well, every pet. These irritants end up triggering the worst allergy symptoms such as runny noses and eyes, sneezing, rashes, and watery eyes.

The best solution to the problems with pets, of course, is an air purifier. However, not just any air purifier will do. There are a few different technologies that are proven the most effective when it comes to pets. Air purifiers that use HEPA technology are great for trapping smaller, harder-to-see particles. Purifiers with a UV light are also great investments because they stop mold, fungi, and bacteria from reproducing on the hairs and secretions of your pets. The best type of air purifier for removing odors is one that uses activated carbon. Carbon filters absorb all types of odors, so you can start breathing fresher, healthier air. A great recommendation for pet owners is the Surround Air XJ3000E air purifier. This unit actually features all three of the technologies I listed above (and some more)!

www.Air-Purifier-Home.com Announces Site Redesign!

We're so excited to announce our newly redesigned website which was launched last week. We hope our new site structure will allow visitors quick and easy access to our full line of air purifiers and other healthy home products.

For over five years, Air-Purifier-Home.com has been the recognized market leader in air purifiers from top brands such as Blueair, AllerAir, Austin Air, IQAir, and so much more.

What do you think of our new site?

Energy Efficiency: Energy Star Rated Room Air Purifiers

A typical room air purifier will use about 800 kWh of energy per year if operating continuously. This is 50 percent more power used than a new refrigerator. Energy Star qualified room air purifiers are 35 percent more energy efficient than typical room air purifiers, saving 215 kWh per year and $16 dollars per year on utility bills.

To be Energy Star qualified, an air purifier must adhere to strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. These guidelines include:

- Using less energy to remove dust, pollen and other particles from indoor air.
- Offering features like clocks and remote controls and consume less than 2 watts of power while in standby mode.
- A CADR/Watt ratio is used to determine whether a room air purifier qualifies for Energy Star. The CADR (clean air delivery rate) measures the amount of contaminant-free air delivered by an air purifier.

Choosing an Energy Star room air purifier saves energy and prevents pollution and global warming without decreasing product quality or performance.

Some Energy Star rated room air purifiers:

Blueair ECO10: These highly effective room air purifiers were designed with a focus on quality, energy efficiency and environmental care. While saving you money and energy they improve indoor air quality by removing pollen, pet dander, mold spores, smoke, dust and other airborne pollutants.

Electrolux Oxygen3 and Oxygen Ultra: Electrolux realizes that people are concerning about rising energy costs. That is why they have developed these Energy Star certified room air purifiers. They use a little energy as a nightlight bulb (7 watts) at a typical rate of use which costs you only pennies a day.

Sharp air purifiers: Sharp utilizes advanced technology to make their air purifiers more energy efficient than standard models. Also, energy efficient operation makes things easy on your wallet.

Allergies: Controlling Immune System Stressors

Mostly everyone knows that tree, flower and weed pollens are common allergy triggers. A weakened immune system sees these triggers as foreign bodies and launches histamine at them. Histamine in your body causes sneezing, wheezing and coughing. To build up your immune system and reduce the amount and severity of allergy attacks, consider making these lifestyle changes.

Diet: Inflammation in the body triggers the immune system. To reduce inflammation, stay away from pro-inflammatory foods such as dairy, wheat, saturated fats and processed and refined foods. There are also anti-inflammatory foods you can consume such as blueberries and other fruits and vegetables.

Stress: When you are severely stressed, hormones are released into your body. These hormones trigger the immune system and deplete nutrients. To decrease your stress levels you should always make sure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly and consider practicing yoga (or another relaxation technique).

Your Home: Everyone's house is a home to many allergens including mold, dust, pet dander, cleaning products and scented candles. All of these allergens lurking in your home can overload sensitive immune systems. To decrease the amount of irritants in your home you should clean your home regularly (preferably with a HEPA vacuum cleaner) and consider investing in a HEPA air purifier such as the Austin Air Allergy Machine Jr.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are supposed to make you feel better when you have an infection, but they may be doing harm as well. Antibiotics can throw your immune system out of whack by destroying good bacteria along with the bad. To help combat this problem, consider taking probiotics daily to replenish the good bacteria and also reduce grass pollen allergies.

Outdoor Air: The tricking to spending time in the great outdoors is to remove the amount of pollen you come into contact with. Using a nasal rinse to remove irritants is beneficial. Trying to go outside late in the day or after it has rained because the pollen counts are lower.

All About Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air in and around buildings and structure, most importantly as it affects the health and comfort of building occupants. Indoor pollution sources cause IAQ problems in homes by releasing gases or particles into the air. There is an increase in the level of pollutants when there is not enough ventilation because an inadequate amount of outdoor air is brought in to dilute emissions from indoor sources. This means the indoor air pollutants are not carried out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also contribute to the concentration of some pollutants.

Common sources of indoor air pollutants include:

Combustion sources: oil, gas, kerosene, coal, wood and tobacco products

Building materials and furnishings: deteriorated, asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products

Standard household staples: products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care or hobbies

HVAC: central heating, cooling systems and humidification devices

Outdoor sources: radon, pesticides and outdoor air pollution

Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Immediate effects of poor indoor air quality may occur after a single exposure to indoor air pollutants or after a few repeated exposures. These effects include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Some symptoms of disease such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and humidifier fever may also occur soon after exposure to indoor air pollutants.

There can also be long term effects from poor indoor air quality that occur years after exposure or after long, repeated periods of exposure. These effects include some respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer and can be severely debilitating or fatal.

Improve Indoor Air Quality in 3 Easy Steps

Source Control: To complete this step you'll need to eliminate the individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions. This includes sealing or closing some sources and adjusting others to decrease the amount of pollutants emitted. This is probably the most cost effective approach to improving indoor air quality.

Ventilation Improvements: To complete this step you'll need to increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors. This includes opening windows and doors, operating window or attic fans when the weather permits and/or running a window air conditioner with the vent control open. Also helpful in increasing the outdoor ventilation rate are bathroom and kitchen fans. These fan exhaust outdoors, removing contaminants directly from the room where the fan is located.

Air Cleaners: Air cleaners are made in a wide range of types and sizes from inexpensive table top models to sophisticated and expensive whole-house systems. There are two determining factors in the effectiveness of an air cleaner. One is how well it collects pollutants from indoor air which is expressed as a percentage efficiency rate. The other is how much air it draws through the cleaning or filtering element which is expressed in cubic feet per minute. Any cleaner should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s directions to ensure optimal long term performance.

Air Purifiers: An Introduction

Air purifiers are home appliances that remove contaminants from the air. They are a great addition to your home if you suffer from allergies or asthma and are also great at reducing or eliminating second hand tobacco smoke. They also reduce the need for frequent room and area cleaning.

The biggest reason air purifiers are needed in homes is to improve indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that indoor air pollution levels can be up to 5 times higher than the pollution levels outside. The average American only spends about 10% of their time outside. Common indoor allergens and pollutants include:

- One of the smallest allergen particles, second hand tobacco smoke, is linked to various health issues such as asthma.

- Asthmatic and allergic reactions in people who are allergic to cats and dogs can be caused by animal dander. This allergen is created from dander flakes shed by pets and remains in your home long after a pet has left.

- Each time a door or window is opened, millions of pollen particles enter your home. Pollen is created by trees, flowers and grass.

- Showers, kitchens and basements are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. These plant spores can be found anywhere there is a supply of water and warm, humid climates.

The way air purifiers work is that they draw air from the room with a fan, clean the air and send it back out into the room. There are a few different purification types that air purifiers use to clean the air.

There is adsorption, which uses activated carbon or zeolite to remove chemicals, tobacco smoke and odors. Activated carbon is a porous material that adsorbs volatile chemicals on a molecular basis but does not remove larger particles. Zeolite is a microporous minerals mineral that is also used to adsorb chemicals.

Mechanical filtering is another purification type. This includes HEPA filters which remove 99.97% of 0.3 micrometer particles.

The electrostatic or electronic purification type uses charged plates to give particles a charge of one polarity and a set of collecting grids or plates that have the opposite electronic charge. Air purifiers that use this technology are called ionizers and they produce trace amounts of ozone.

There are also air purifiers that use ultraviolet light (UV) to clean the air. UV light kills microorganisms like bacteria and mold spores. This technology is always used in conjunction with other purification technologies.

One ultraviolet light purification type is ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). Air that passes UV lamps is sterilized via forced air and microorganisms are broken down. Another is photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). This technology uses short-wave ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses.

The last type of purification technology is an ozone generator. These air purifiers are designed to produce large amounts of ozone. Ozone is a strong oxidant gas which can oxidize many other chemicals and should be used in unoccupied rooms.

Alen Air Purifiers: Pure, Fresh, Life

Our tour of air purifier manufacturers continues this week with Alen Corp. The Alen Corp. started off in a different way than other air purifier manufacturers. Peter Mann,, the founder and CEO started the company because of a personal experience he had. His young son suffered from asthma and the medications he was given caused major side effects. After watching his son suffer in vain, he decided to help his son and others breathe easier by providing non-invasive and natural alternatives to medication. He started the company in 2005 to improve indoor air quality. Alen Corp. strives to truly help those afflicted with allergies and asthma and offers products with a superior quality, advanced technology, low prices and lifetime warranties. A new standard of excellence was established after Peter Mann founded by Alen Corp.

Along with the superior quality, advanced technology, low prices and lifetime warranties, Alen's commitment to the environment includes air purifiers that are RoHS certified lead free, Energy Star rated and ozone safe. There are a variety of filtration technologies utilized in Alen air purifiers. They include:

Silver Ion HEPA Filtration: This filtration technology destroys up to 99% of bacteria, up to 50% of viruses that cause influenza and 99% of airborne allergens. The filter is coated with Silver Ion, making it antimicrobial and keeping germs from developing and bacteria from blowing into the air. The presence of fungi and bacteria is reduced within five minutes.

True HEPA Filtration: This filter can eliminate up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger. These particles include mold spores, bacteria, viruses, dust, pet dander and pollen.

UV Light: 96% of airborne bacteria are removed by ultraviolet light.

Ionizer: All Alen air purifiers feature negative ionizers because it has been proven that healthy environments have higher levels of negative ions. When used in conjunction with a HEPA filter, ionizers are very effective in removing particles from the air. Alen air purifiers are guaranteed ozone safe because high levels of ozone can cause side effects worse than the benefits.

Photo-Catalytic Oxidation: This technology utilizes a UV-C light and a permanent titanium dioxide grid to turn volatile organic compounds into harmless elements through a series of reactions. To prevent consumers from coming into contact with the rays of UV lights, this technology is located on the inner most section of any Alen air purifiers.

Airsopure Air Purifiers: The Essence of Clean Air

This week, we are continuing our tour of air purifier manufacturers with Airsopure International Ltd. Airsopure has a company goal to provide a cost effective solution to indoor air quality and educate the world about the dangers of airborne contaminants. Airsopure works with national and local governments to prevent poor indoor air quality by creating standards for indoor air pollution.

5 Ways Airsopure is Different from the Rest:

1. Combines U.S. Technology and Asian Manufacturing - Airsopure International Ltd. is made up of two companies, Aurora Wireless Technologies which is based in Taiwan and Garfield Industries Inc. based in the United States. This joint venture between east and west combines U.S. technology and Asian manufacturing.

2. Compiled a List of High-Profile Customers - This impressive list of high-profile customers includes the United States Department of Defense, United States School Districts, United States Postal Service, Oklahoma State Building, San Francisco Fire Department, TGI Fridays, various hospitals in Hong Kong (to help fight the SARS outbreak), the Foreign Correspondents' Club, McDonald's Corporate Office in Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong. It operates from several bases, including offices in the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and the Philippines.

3. Places an Importance on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - The impact interior contaminants have on the air that we breathe is the indoor air quality (IAQ). The health and well-being of people indoors are affected by the nature of the air. Indoor air quality is affected by three different kinds of factors. They are:

• Physical factors such as temperature and humidity.



• Mechanical factors like ventilation rates and filtration.



• Chemicals factors such as building materials, smoking, office equipment, disinfectants and pollutants from combustion devices.

4. Utilizes Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO) - Photo-catalytic oxidation uses photons combined with a photocatalyst and titanium dioxide to get rid of airborne contaminants like bacteria, viruses, mold, spores, fungi, allergens and gases. This technology exposes precisely controlled wavelengths of ultraviolet light (medical grade UVC) to titanium dioxide photocatalyst, which becomes highly reactive. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are broken down into basic elements by the medical grade UVC as well. The photocatalyst attacks the chemicals bonds when the organic pollutants become present and once toxic compounds are converted into harmless substances.

5. Includes a Pre-filter and 3 Unique Filtration Stages - You indoor air quality is greatly improved by the pre-filter and 3 unique filtration stages.

• Pre-filter: The high-grade pre-filter captures larger particles like pollen, hair and dust. The life of the filters set up behind the pre-filter are extended as well.



• Activated carbon: Behind the pre-filter is the activated carbon. The carbon adsorbs and dissolves odors, unpleasant smells and other toxic gases in the air such as exhaust fumes from cars. An extra carbon layer is included at the center of the HEPA filter to make sure that the majority of smells and toxic gases won't escape elimination.



• HEPA filter: The hospital-grade HEPA filter removes 99.97% of all particles larger than 0.3 microns such as mold, fungus, spores, tobacco smoke, insecticide, dust and dust mites. Air leakage is prevented by a sponge around the HEPA filter which provides an ultimate filtration effect and true maximum CFMs.



• PCO: As explained above, photo-catalytic oxidation removes airborne contaminants. The HEPA filter cannot catch bacteria and viruses because they are smaller than 0.3 microns, but the germicidal UV lamp is an effective combatant for these contaminants.

Airpura Air Purifiers: SPEC-A Design Air Purifiers For Your Better Health

So you're still looking for that perfect air purifier. The next stop on our tour of air purifier manufacturers is Airpura Industries.

5 Ways Airpura Air Purifiers Are Different From the Rest:

1. The SPEC-A Design Principle- All Airpura air purifiers feature a SPEC-A design principle. The first component of the SPEC-A design principle is a simplified and unobstructed air flow. An airflow that is simplified and unobstructed allows for a performance that is quieter and more efficient. The second component of the SPEC-A design principle is a powerful, variable speed integrated fan/motor. No particles of gases escape the filters because the filter chamber is pressure sealed. The final component is a true HEPA filter and activated carbon (with UV option) working in conjunction to deliver extremely clean air for home, office and industrial application.

2. The Airpura High Efficiency Filtration System- There are four components that make up the Airpura High Efficiency Filtration System.

• Pre-filter- This first line of defense traps larger dust and particles. It prevents larger particles from clogging the other filters. To keep it working efficiently, the pre-filter can be vacuumed from the exterior of the unit.




• Activated Carbon Bed- The next line of defense is the activated carbon bed. Chemicals, gases and odors are adsorbed. 18-30 pounds of activated carbon are contain in each Airpura carbon filter and can trap 60 percent of its own weight in airborne chemicals, gases and odors. This filter typically lasts for 24 months.



• Micro-Suppress Filter- Both sides of the carbon bed have a micro-suppress filter that kill microbes that may collect on them.



• True HEPA Filter- 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns are captured by the true HEPA filter.

3. The Importance Placed on Activated Carbon- Airpura knows that the only safe and inexpensive way to trap noxious gases and odors is activated carbon. That is why 18-30 pounds of activated carbon is placed in each one of their air purifiers. More activated carbon means more chemicals can be adsorbed for a longer period of time.

4. Superior Construction- The air in Airpura air purifiers flows directly from the filters to the exterior which means lower air turbulence and less noise. The motor and electric parts are also not in the path of airflow. There is more space for filtration because of the compact design and vibration problems are eliminated with the one piece motor/fan assembly. Off gassing from the rubber seals is prevented because the filter chamber is sealed with felt gaskets. The pressure seal system on the filter chamber allows all of the impurities to pass through the filter. It is suitable for any decor, featuring a powdercoat steel mesh housing and a modern, attractive appearance. Finally, the unit can be set an optimum CFM for whatever situation because it includes a variable speed control.

5. Different Air Purifier Models for Specific Contaminants- There are a variety of different Airpura air purifiers that are designed to handle different contaminants. There are specific models that are designed to handle airborne chemicals, gases, particles, VOCs, antigens, pathogens, mold spores and tars and chemicals from tobacco smoke. The Airpura P600 air purifier, for example, is specifically designed to filter VOCs, airborne chemicals, odors, particles and microorganisms.

Airgle Air Purifiers:Breathe in Cleaner, Healthier Air

When researching what kind of air purifier to buy it is very important to take into account what specific needs you have. Do you need an air purifier specifically for dust allergies or is there smoke in the air? Or perhaps mold is a problem in your home? After you figure out what your purification needs are, another important step is getting to know the manufacturers that make air purifiers. Anything that makes you more confident when spend your hard-earned money on a product can't hurt, right? This week we're going to get better acquainted with a company called Airgle.

Airgle International Limited was founded in 1999. Airgle is a strange-sounding name but there was a purpose behind its conception. Air-g-l-e stands for Purifying Air with a Great Level of Efficiency. It is Airgle's goal to live up to the lofty promise that its name makes.

5 Ways Airgle is Different from the Rest:

1. Industry Pioneer - Airgle International Limited has been an industry leader since it was founded in 1999. Their main goal is to design air purification systems that improve the health and well being of people all over the world.

2. Advanced Air Purification Technologies - Innovation and technology is combined to help Airgle makes significant advances in air purification technologies.

3. International Presence - Airgle has many partners around the world and has offices in the United States, South Korea and Hong Kong.

4. Eliminates Contaminants and Allergens - Efficient clean air technologies are employed so that allergy and asthma sufferers do not have to worry about dust mites, mold and spores, pet dander, dust or smoke.

5. Tested by AHAM - The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers tested the Airgle 750 Air Purifier and found that the clean air delivery rate (CADR) is the highest out of 159 air purifiers tested. CADR is the best way to measure the effectiveness and performance of an air purifier.

Neoair's Cruiser Air Purifier Offers on the Go Protection

Air purification is a great way to stay healthy. It helps allergy and asthma sufferers breathe easily and prevents germs and bacteria from being spread. While keeping your home free from allergens contributes to better health for you and your family, you are not protected when you are away. Allergies and airborne impurities still occur when you travel. For example, while traveling in a car you are subject to exhaust, smoke and loads of other toxins that travel through the windows and air conditioner. You are also subject to whatever germ or allergens those other passengers are holding onto. Although some cars might come with some standard level of air filtration they do not provide the amount of protection your friends and family deserve. Neoair, a company that is well known for their quick and thorough air purifiers has developed a device to offer complete and total air purification with the Cruiser car air purifier.

Perfect for trucks, SUVs, RVs and regular autos this light weight yet power purifier plugs right into your cigarette lighter to give you the comprehensive protection you need. Its sleek silver color and compact deign fits in perfectly with any interior.

It uses multi-stage air filtration to give comprehensive filtration power. It begins with the powerful HEPA filter. The HEPA filter works great to help eliminate 99.97% of allergens, dust, debris and dander down to the 0.3 micron level to help allergy and asthma sufferers breathe easy. After that comes the pho-catalytic oxidation to convert toxic compounds and carbon monoxide into non-harmful gasses and liquids like carbon dioxide and water without any losing its effect.

Following this step comes the activated carbon filter. This filter works quickly and effectively to help remove VOCs and odors. This means you will no longer have to smell terrible smoke or exhaust while stuck in traffic. Your cars air will smell better longer. Finally, to top off the air purification process is the UV light. UV light is often used in hospitals to help destroy germs and bacteria. It also helps stop mold and mildew before they start. It works by destroying their DNA that helps them reproduce rendering them useless.

Neoair's Cruiser car air purifier offers purification on the go. This is ideal are constantly stuck in traffic or feel fatigued after driving. Having a continuous source of air will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on all challenges. Don't let air pollution ruin you or your family’s health, give yourself the proper protection with the Neoair Cruiser car air purifier.

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.

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.

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.

How to Alleviate Hay Fever Symptoms

Springtime conjures up memories of warmer weather, clear skies, and blooming flowers, but the season can be miserable for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen is one of the most common and prevalent allergens, and in the spring, the amount of pollen floating in the air can be up to four times greater than in any other season. According to Gillian Shepherd, M.D., an allergy specialist, "On windy days or for days after high winds, pollen counts are high because the pollen has been spread through the air. After it rains, counts drop as the rain washes the pollen away."
Therefore, allergy sufferers are all too familiar with the perils of high pollen count, and high pollen counts can affect numerous types of allergies, from conjunctivitis to skin reactions such as dermatitis. However, the most common spring allergy is allergic rhinitis.

Commonly called hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis affects 35 million people in the U.S. and is commonly triggered by allergens such as pollens and molds. When allergic rhinitis sufferers inhale these allergens, they are combined with an allergic antibody called immunoglobulin (IgE), and in those who have allergies, IgE is found at especially high concentrations.

To alleviate hay fever symptoms, your doctor may prescribe oral medication, nasal sprays, or eye drops, but perhaps one of the best ways at combating hay fever is to avoid substances such as pollen altogether. Here are some preventative steps you can take to keep pollen and dust out of your home:

Turn on Your Air Conditioner
Did you know that your air conditioner can actually help control allergens? Air conditioners allow windows and doors to stay closed, which keep some pollen and mold spores outside. Moreover, this keeps indoor humidity levels down, and the less moisture there is in the air, the less chance of mold growth.

Use Furnace Filters
Even though staying indoors is one way to avoid high levels of pollen, this may not be enough. Even if the windows or doors within a room remain closed, pollen can still seep n. Quality allergy furnace filters can solve this problem, and the ones from AllergyZone are great for this purpose. Be sure to change the filter regularly during hay fever season.

Wear Dust Masks
When performing housework, many common dusting and vacuum devices can actually shuffle as much dust and pollen back into the air as they take out. Therefore, a dust mask can prevent you from breathing in debris while cleaning. Also consider purchasing a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if this is truly a concern.

Purify the Air
Air purifiers are great for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as hay fever. When choosing an air purifier, select a unit with HEPA filters and all-metal construction. True HEPA filters have the ability to remove up to 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, and all-metal or steel gaskets prevent off-gassing of chemicals into the air.

Austin Air has also designed an air purifier specially designed for allergy sufferers. With the ability to clean large areas up to 1500 square and utilizing both medical-grade, True HEPA and HEGA filters, this air purifier is perfect for keeping hay fever symptoms at bay.

Air Purifier Q & A

The fact that our indoor air is oftentimes much more polluted than the air outside is generally accepted, and scientific studies have repeatedly shown us that the content of interior air can affect the health of building inhabitants.

The air in an average home contains billions of tiny pollution particles such as dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, viruses, and other airborne irritants. To eliminate these pollutants, using an air purifier can help create a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment, for those with allergies or asthma, air purifiers can provide instant relief of symptoms.

However, with so many different types of air purifiers on the market, many customers are often confused as to which models are most suitable for their individual purification requirements, and questions often arise. To address these concerns, Air Purifier Home will now regularly pick and answer some consumer questions commonly asked in regards to air purifiers every week. Here are this week's questions:

Question: Do I need to leave my air purifier running continuously, or can I just have it on a few hours a day?
Answer: Many people believe that cleaning the air is much like vacuuming or dusting in that it is a chore that only needs to be performed periodically. Unfortunately, the air within an indoor space is in a state of constant change, with particles, microorganisms, and gases continuously being added back into an area. Therefore, the air quality in a room is anything buy static. With that in mind, if you are looking to breathe cleaner air, leaving the purifier on for at least 12 hours a day will be more beneficial and effective, as air will be constantly filtered. If you are concerned about energy usage, keep in mind that most air purifiers cost just pennies a day to operate.

Question: Does fan speed contribute to an air purifier's effectiveness?
Answer: Generally speaking, the higher the fan speed, the more air is drawn into the air purifier. This results in more clean air being distributed per hour back into a particular space. For those suffering from respiratory disorders such as asthma or allergies, the highest amount of clean air is best.

Question: There's a lot of controversy surrounding ozone air purifiers lately. Are these safe?
Answer: Ozone is only dangerous in especially high concentrations - much higher than what an ozone air purifier is capable of producing. In moderate concentrations, ozone is harmless, useful, and very effective at eliminating airborne contaminants. However, those with sensitive lungs or respiratory problems may not want to utilize ozone in their home, as it has been known to exacerbate symptoms in those people. Instead, HEPA air purifiers are better choices.

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.

Activated Carbon: The Natural Air Purifier

If odors, chemicals, or gases are a problem in your home or workplace, using an air purifier with an activated carbon filter can be your best line of defense.

Carbon has been known to man as a highly effective means to purify air and water since antiquity. In fact, the use of carbon dates so far back into history that its exact origin has been difficult to pinpoint. However, historians have found that the ancient Egyptians were using carbon to adsorb odors from wounds and from within the intestinal track. Hindus used it to purify their water supply, and in 17th century London, crude carbon filters were used to remove gases and vapors from sewage systems. Nonetheless, it wasn't until the 20th century that activated carbon filters were beginning to be widely used in military gas masks, and post-war expansion in commercial production of activated carbon lead to its utilization among consumers.

What is Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon, or activated charcoal, includes carbon material that is mostly derived from charcoal. The material is considered "activated" when it undergoes a process which opens up millions of tiny fissures and pores to enhance its adsorption properties, and regardless of the name, it consists of high adsorbent material with an exceptionally high surface area. Due to this high surface area, its micro porosity, and its high degree of surface reactivity, activated carbon is very effective in the adsorption of both organic and inorganic pollutants from airborne and aqueous sources. In fact, only one pound of activated carbon has a surface area equivalent to 125 acres.

How Does Activated Carbon Work?
When chemicals, odors, and gases pass through an air purifier with an activated carbon filter, these pollutants become permanently trapped in the millions of pores that are opened by the activation process. Subsequently, due to the large surface area of the activated carbon, it can usually adsorb up to 60 percent of its own weight in pollutants. As well, high-quality activated carbon filters, depending on the environment in which they are used and the level of contaminants in the air, can last up to five years before the pores become full and before the filter needs to be replaced.

Air Purifiers with Activated Carbon Filters
In activated carbon air purifiers, the carbon media is often combined with minerals such as zeolite, which has the ability to adsorb ions and molecules and act as a sort of chemical and gas sieve. For those suffering from respiratory disorders such as allergies, asthma, or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), air purifiers with carbon filters are especially useful because they can clean the air naturally without the use of chemicals or ozone, and without off-gassing other pollutants into the air.

Recommend Activated Carbon Air Purifiers:

Austin Air

Austin Air has been a trusted name in the air purification industry for years, and the basic scientific principle involved in all of their air purifier filters, including those used in the Austin Air Allergy Machine, is rooted in the use of medical-grade HEPA and of course, activated carbon. By forcing contaminated air through these filters, up to 99.97% of contaminants are eliminated, as well as over 3000 different types of toxic gases, odors, and chemicals.

AllerAir


Instead of just using a standard HEPA filter to clean the air, AllerAir makes use of a combination HEPA and activated carbon filter to remove particles and the most harmful of indoor contaminants - chemicals and gases. AllerAir air purifiers, such as the AllerAir 5000 Vocarb, use several pounds of activated carbon to ensure complete removal of indoor contaminants. Moreover, AllerAir also manufacturers a product called the EasyPur Odor Catcher. This compact tub includes the same odor-fighting activated carbon used in AllerAir air purifiers, and can be placed anywhere where odors may be a problem, such as refrigerators, freezers, trash cans, and lockers.

New Australian Study Shows How Viruses Can Be Transmitted Over Great Distances

We are often taught that we can catch an illness such as the flu or a cold by being an arm's distance away from someone with the illness, but a new study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology in Australian reveals that airborne germs and viruses can actually spread far and wide.

Airborne transmission of an illness occurs when bacteria or viruses travel on dust particles or on respiratory droplets that become aerosolized when people cough, sneeze, exhale, or even laugh. Hanging in the air much like invisible smoke, airborne viruses can actually travel on air currents over considerable distances, and it is not necessary to have direct contact with someone who is infected to become ill. In addition, the amount of exposure necessary varies from disease to disease, and with illnesses such as chickenpox, a child can even catch it from across a classroom or even from another aisle in a supermarket.

Professor Linda Morawska, director of QUT's International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, states that her new study actually dispels the myth that viruses can only be transmitted from close distances, and her team of scientists has been studying the way airborne droplets carrying viruses are dispersed in the air. As part of their study, the QUT scientists built a machine that measured the distances a droplet travels in the air prior to drying, and Professor Morawska stated the following: "The significant part of our research has found that rather than the droplet falling directly to the ground after leaving the mouth, the liquid component of the droplet dries in the air and the dry residue travels long distances."

This study was actually motivated by the SARS outbreak in Hong Kong in which over 300 people were infected within a few hours, and Professor Morawska also noted, "We wanted to know how this virus was able to travel from building to building in such a short time." In fact, Professor Morawska's team concluded that just one person infected with a disease could very easily spread the disease by simply breathing.

In other words, the QUT team found that airborne viruses were able to travel long distances, and that one of the best ways to avoid airborne infections was to be in a different room for an ill person, with a closed door in between. While covering the mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing decreases the spreading of droplets, this does not eradicate the problem.

For those with children or family members with weak immune systems, eliminating airborne viruses is imperative. With that in mind, one of the most effective methods of removing airborne biological contaminants is through the use of intense UV light.

Essentially, UV light is part of the light spectrum and helps deactivate the DNA of viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. This destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease, and UV light specifically causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalent bonds between adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of these bonds prevents DNA from replicating, and the in turn, the organism is unable to reproduce. In fact, several government-funded studies have repeatedly shown how UV light can effectively sterilize bacteria and viruses:
- The U.S. Government states that UV light should be used in air handling units in government buildings to improve indoor air quality and to control airborne microbial growth.

- The CDC recommends the simultaneous use of UV light with HEPA filtration to eliminate the transmission of airborne illnesses and diseases.

- The CDC also recommends UV light to be used in homeless shelters to prevent the spread of diseases, particularly tuberculosis.

With that in mind, many air purifier manufacturers are now including UV germicidal lamps in their air purification systems, and one such company is AllerAir. Their revolutionary AllerAir 4000 Exec UV air purifier ($639.98) includes four separate filters, including a True HEPA filter for particulates and a powerful UV germicidal light to eliminate airborne microorganisms. This 10-watt UV lamp successfully destroys illness-causing bacteria, and AllerAir air purifiers are currently widely used in hospitals, daycares, food preparation areas, and any other environment in which microbiological contaminants run rampant.

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.

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!