What is an air purifier?
All home air purifiers are designed to help eliminate free flowing particles in the air. Although these particles are not visible to the human eye, they can trigger health problems like allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivity, headaches, and fatigue.
Air purifiers may be filter or filterless, with filterless air purifiers typically requiring less maintenance but also providing less effective filtration. Types of filterless air purifiers include electrostatic air purifiers and ionizers.
Air purifiers that use filters typically work by using a fan to pull air through a filter which is designed to capture airborne particles. The effectiveness of the air purifier depends on both the strength of the fan and the quality of the filter. The most effective filter material is HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air), which removes 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. Complimentary technology used in the filter or unit may target specific airborne particles such as smoke, mold, or odor.
Types of Air Purifier
| Type | Description | Effectiveness |
| HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) | High efficiency HEPA air purifiers effectively capture airborne particles. The percent of particles captured is the highest of any air purification technology available. | HighRemoves up to 99.97% of particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and more. |
| Electrostatic Precipitator | Particles are charged and then stick to oppositely charged metal plates within the air purifier. | MinimalDoes a poor job at circulating air. Requires frequent cleaning of the plates to maintain efficiency. |
| Ozone Generator | Not safe and effective at removing pollutants. By design, they produce ozone, a lung irritant that can cause adverse health effects. | HarmfulDoes not remove particles in the air. Ozone worsens air quality and can cause damage to lungs when inhaled. |
Complementary Technology
Activated Carbon
Effective at removing unpleasant odors, gases, and chemicals in the air. Particles become attracted to, and then trapped within tiny pores in the activated carbon.
Good for: Odor, Gases, Chemicals
UV Light
Kills airborne germs, bacteria and viruses by damaging the bacteria and viruses’ DNA & molecular structure.
Good for: Bacteria, Viruses
Silver Ion Microbial Prevention Filter
Silver-infused filters capture and kill airborne microbes. Silver is naturally anti-bacterial.
Good for: Microbes, Bacteria, Viruses
Ionizer
Helps remove pollen, bacteria, odors, and chemicals in the air. An ionic-only unit provides inadequate filtration. Ionizers are added to HEPA units to improve their performance but should not be used as the sole method of filtration.
Good for: Pollen, Bacteria, Odor, Chemicals
Photo-Catalytic Oxidation (PCO)
Destroys gaseous pollutants by converting them into harmless products by the use of UV light and a catalyst (Titanium Oxide).
Good for: Gases
Pre-Filter
Captures large particles (hair, large dust particles) to extend the life of your air purifier filter.
Good for: Hair, Pet Fur, Large dust particles
Molecular Conversion Powder
Destroys tough odors like tobacco smoke at a molecular level, leaving the air smelling fresh and pure.
Good for: Smoke Heavy Odor
Thermodynamic Sterilizing System (TSS)
Destroys 99.9% of living microorganisms and proteins by exposing them to temperatures above 200 C (approx. 400F). Not available in conjunction with HEPA filtration.
Good for: Bacteria, Viruses, Mold
Olansi K09C3 Air Purifier
What to Consider When Buying an Air Purifier
- Concern or target contaminent
- Coverage Area
- Efficiency
- Style
- Volume
- Special Features
- Cost, frequency and availbility of filter replacements
- Energy Efficiency
- Warranty and Service
