Smart Clean Air » Appliances

A Smoke and Air Purifier – What You Need to Keep Your Home Clean

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 03:36:36 +0000

You may have heard news reports recently about the alarming level of pollution in today’s environment, but what they may not have mentioned is the almost absolute necessity of a device called a "smoke and air purifier" to ensure that the air you are breathing inside your home is noticeably cleaner and safe.

Initially, air purification systems were mechanized units that forced the surrounding air through a filtration system, capturing pollutants from the air inside an internal filter. These filters needed to be changed with regularity, and intervals could range anywhere from six months to three years.

The type of system that followed the first smoke and air purifiers were ionized systems, which used negatively charged ions to attract and grasp airborne pollutants. The pollutants would then have enough mass to be drawn by gravity onto a home’s floor or furniture; this also required the participation of the homeowner, who would need to vacuum regularly to collect the weighted particles. Soon after, electromagnetic plate technology allowed these ionized particles to be collected inside the air purifier’s internal system, effectively cleansing the air of impurities.

Unfortunately, ion-based smoke and air purifiers also produce ozone, a highly toxic gas when the air is concentrated with more than 50 particles per billion. While this could theoretically be regulated with the ionic air purifiers, there was always the danger of accidentally exceeding regulated safety limits and thus, HEGA and HEPA quality air filters were developed, allowing air purification systems to conform to the safety and cleanliness regulations of the American Department of Energy.

In effect, before purchasing a smoke and air purifier for your home, it is important to know what kind of purifier you will need, and what you would like it to do for you and your family. Ask yourself some questions: do members of your household suffer from chronic allergies? Has a new baby recently been brought home, and would you like to secure a healthy and safe breathing environment for the child? What size of smoke and air purifier unit will you need for your home, and what price range would be ideally suited for your budget?

Make a list of your family’s needs, and use this to consider what type of smoke and air purifier is right for your family. Take your time, and examine all your options. After all, there is nothing more important than your family’s health.

By: Scott Nichols

About the Author:

Find more Helpful Air Purifier tips, advice

Click Here: http://www.airpurifiersonsale.com

A Popular website that specializes in tips and resources to include Whole House Air Purifier,

Room Air Purifier and Whirlpool Air Purifier

What is the Best Air Purifier to Remove Tobacco Smoke?

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:34:17 +0000

When asked, "What is the best air purifier to remove tobacco smoke?" I have to say, "There's not a simple answer."

Effectively removing tobacco smoke, allergens and odors mainly depends on the type of air purifier you purchase, how powerful it is and even where you put it in your home or work place.

But, what is the best air purifier to remove tobacco smoke is an excellent question. Besides the unpleasant odor, second hand tobacco smoke can cause serious allergy and respiratory problems. It's comprised of over 4,000 chemicals, with around 40 known carcinogens. Anything you can do to cut down on the detrimental health statistics is a good idea.

There are around half a dozen varieties of air purifiers in a variety of sizes and shapes. The two main types of systems are mechanical air purifiers such as high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and electrostatic filtration systems, such as an ionic purifier. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages and some are more effective than others at removing tobacco smoke.

Activated carbon filters and ozone generator air purifiers are the most effective systems available for removing tobacco smoke odor. However, neither is particularly effective at reducing the airborne allergens and toxins.

An activated carbon filter involves charcoal treated with oxygen, which opens up million of tiny pores that greatly increase the filter pad surface area. The activated carbon air purifier filter then works like a sponge to remove the smell of tobacco smoke and soak up harmful toxic gases. Although charcoal air filters need to be changed regularly, filters are generally not very expensive.

Many of the activated carbon air purifiers are combined with HEPA technology. This is good, because they're 99.9 percent effective at eliminating airborne allergens down to three tenths of a micron. To illustrate how small 0.3 microns is, consider that there are over 600 microns in this period.

Ozone air purifiers are also effective at removing tobacco odor, but they're not very effective at removing smoke allergens and toxins. Plus, these air purifiers are controversial. Many experts believe ozone generators are harmful to human health.

Since ozone is the main toxic chemical found in smog, California has even issued a warning against ozone generators, stating, "People should avoid using indoor air cleaning devices that produce ozone." Just like tobacco smoke, long term exposure to ozone can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as respiratory problems and even permanent lung damage.

Most marketers for ozone generators will tell you there's no need to worry. They say you can use a low setting and you don't need to run the device all day. But that doesn't really eliminate the problem. And you don't want to just add more pollutants to the tobacco smoke.

So, what is the best air purifier to remove tobacco smoke? Once you take everything into consideration, a good HEPA air purifier combined with an activated charcoal filter would be best. With this type of air purifier, you can effectively remove the odor and reduce airborne allergens and toxins from tobacco smoke with only positive benefits to your health.

By: Cris Stanford

About the Author:

Cris Stanford clears up the confusion and hype around air purifier ratings so you can find exactly what you want. His website, http://www.FirstAirPurifier.com has been called "a breath of fresh air!" Visit today and find the best air purifier for you.

Air Purifier Buying Guide

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:22:36 +0000

The tight seals that make your home comfortable and energy efficient also make the indoor air more polluted. The air inside your home is five to ten times dirtier than the air outside, and Americans spend 90% of their lives indoors. Quality air purifiers have never been more important for good health.

Shopping for the right air purifier can be confusing and frustrating. Some air purifiers on the market today actually pollute the air with harmful levels of ozone, a powerful lung irritant that can be especially dangerous to asthma sufferers. Learn about air purifiers and find a safe, effective unit that's right for your needs with this air purifier buying guide.

Common Household Air Pollutants

Different air purifiers target different pollutants, so it's important to identify the pollutants you want to eliminate from your home before you buy an air purifier.

Airborne Particles include pet allergen, dust mite allergen, pollen, plant spores, fungi, mold, and tobacco smoke, and they are the most common cause of indoor allergy and asthma attacks. A HEPA air purifier is the best method of eliminating airborne allergens.

Household Odors and Gases include cooking odors, kitty litter, tobacco smoke, various toxins, and gaseous pollutants like indoor pesticides or aerosols. Activated carbon filters are ideal for adsorbing gases and odors that are too small to be trapped by a HEPA filter. "Adsorb" is not a typo; "adsorption" occurs when materials attach through a chemical reaction.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are found in a wide variety of common household products: paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, disinfectants, glues and adhesives, and even new carpet and building supplies. Look for ingredients like benzene, chloride, formaldehyde, ethylene, and toluene. VOCs can cause the following symptoms: irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, nausea, and even severe chronic health conditions such as damage to the nervous system. The presence of VOCs can also exacerbate asthma.

Microorganisms include antigens, pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. They're the everyday germs that make us sick. Mold is also considered a microorganism.

Air Purifier Filter Types

Different air purifier filters target different types of air pollution. HEPA air purifiers are the most popular, and they're perfect for eliminating household allergens such as dust, animal dander, and pollen, but they're not very good at capturing ultra-fine particles like viruses or eliminating foul odors or chemical fumes.

Because different air purifier technologies have different strengths and weaknesses, many modern air purifiers combine two or more filter types in the same unit. For example, the Austin Air Super Blend Healthmate utilizes a HEPA filter along with an activated carbon filter to help eliminate odors and fumes. Let's take a closer look at the different types of filters:

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters set the standard for air purification. By definition, a HEPA filter removes at least 99.97% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns. HEPA air purifiers were originally developed by the Atomic Energy Commission to capture radioactive dust particles. HEPA filters allow only very small particles to pass through them. Allergens such as pollen, animal dander, mold spores, and dust get trapped in the filter. The main disadvantage of the HEPA air purifier is that you have to periodically change the filter. The main advantage: If it's HEPA certified, then you know it works well. Not all HEPA filters are created equal. Size matters: the more square feet of HEPA filter, the more particulates it will be able to remove. The size, material, and construction of the actual filter media all play a role in the air purifier's performance and may account for why one HEPA filter is more expensive than another.

Ion Generators and Ozone Generators create charged particles (ions) and emit them into the surrounding air. These ions combine with impurities (like dust) in the air, forcing the impurities to cling to a nearby surface. Consequently, ion generators often produce dirty spots on nearby walls and floors because they do not eliminate impurities; ion generators simply force impurities to cling to a surface (in the same way that static electricity can make a sock cling to a shirt). Ion generators are the second most popular type of air purifiers, but they both emit ozone, a powerful lung irritant that is especially dangerous for people with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, children, and the elderly.

Electrostatic Precipitators work on the same principle of electricity as ion generators and ozone generators, but electrostatic precipitators capture impurities rather than simply forcing them to cling to an external surface. Electrostatic precipitators, such as the Friedrich C90B Electrostatic Air Purifier, use electronic cells to charge particles within the purifier and immediately trap the impurities on collector plates. The main advantage with this type of air purifier is that the collector plates never have to be replaced; they can be easily washed in the dishwasher. Be aware that some electrostatic precipitators also generate ozone.

Charged Media Filters work the same way as electrostatic precipitators, but they collect particles on fiber filters instead of plates. The advantage of these filters is that they are able to collect very small particles, sometimes as small as 0.1 microns, through a combination of a filter and an electrostatic charge. The disadvantage is that, like the electrostatic precipitator filters, charged media filters lose their efficiency fairly quickly, and they can require more frequent filter replacements compared to a HEPA air purifier. These types of units can produce ozone, but the better ones on the market do not. If you are going to purchase this type of air purifier, make sure that it does not produce ozone. The best air purifier in this category is the Blueair air purifier.

Activated Carbon Filters are rarely used alone to purify the air, but they are often used in conjunction with other filters. Activated carbon and charcoal filters excel at adsorbing odors and gases and neutralizing smoke, chemicals, and fumes. "Adsorb" is not a typo; "adsorption" occurs when materials attach through chemical attraction. Activated carbon has been treated with oxygen, opening up millions of pores in the carbon. There are so many of these tiny pores that one pound of activated carbon has a surface area of 60 to 150 acres. This huge surface area makes it ideal for adsorbing gases and odors. These chemicals and gases are too small to be trapped by a HEPA filter, but they bond to the enormous surface area in the activated carbon. The bigger the carbon filter, the more chemicals it will be able to absorb and the longer it will keep on working. When it's full, it can't adsorb any more and has to be replaced. Impregnated carbon filters contain an additional chemical (a "chemisorbent") to eliminate certain chemicals like VOCs.

Antibacterial and Germicidal Filters eliminate bacteria and germs. The IQAir Clean Room H13 HEPA Air Purifier, for example, utilizes a HEPA filter treated with agents to kill airborne microorganisms. Other air purifiers, like the AllerAir 4000 EXEC UV Air Purifier, use a UV lamp to kill germs. As antigens and pathogens pass over the lamp, it emits ultraviolet waves which alter their DNA, making them sterile and harmless. Air purifiers with UV filters are often used in sterile environments such as hospitals, kitchens, daycares, and labs. In residential use, they are great for controlling mold. If you are someone who gets sick often, an air purifier with a germicidal filter may be just what you need to give your immune system that extra boost.

Pre-Filters remove large particles prior to primary filtration and come with nearly all air purifiers.

Other Factors to Consider Before Buying an Air Purifier

Area Coverage - Make sure the square footage listed for the air purifier is about the same or slightly greater than the square footage of the room where you intend to use it.

Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) - This number, also known as the ACH rating, tells us how frequently the air purifier can exchange all the air in a given room. For example, if the purifier has a ACH rating of 6 for a 20' x 20' room, then it is capable of exchanging all of the air in that room 6 times every hour. If you have allergies or asthma, you want an ACH rating of at least 4 and preferably 6 or 8.

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) - The CADR, calculated by AHAM (The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers), tells us not only how much air is purified, but also how well it is purified. Air purifiers that have been tested by AHAM should have the AHAM Certified seal and CADR numbers for three pollutants: tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. The higher the CADR rating, the more effective the air purifier is against that pollutant. CADR ratings are calculated impartially and recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency and American Lung Association.

Price - Air purifiers range from affordable $100 air purifiers for small spaces to fully loaded $1,000+ air purifiers for large rooms.

Filter Replacements - If you're buying a HEPA filter, don't forget to check and see how much replacement filters will cost. If your unit includes both a HEPA filter and a carbon filter or other combination filtration media, they will probably need to be replaced separately, and may last for different periods of time. This can be a hassle, particularly if they are difficult to access.

Noise Level - Some air purifiers, such as the Blueair units, are extremely quiet, while others can be quite loud when operating at high power. If possible, ask for a demonstration before you buy your air purifier.

Energy Usage - Like all appliances, different air purifiers use different amounts of energy for operation. Unlike most appliances, air purifiers run continuously, so you'll want to consider your utility bill before buying an air purifier. If only volts and amps are listed, simply multiply the two: volts x amps = watts. Typical mechanical air filters can use anywhere from 50 watts on low to 200 watts on high. (For comparison sake, a typical lamp uses about 60 watts, while a typical computer uses about 365 watts).

Air Pollution - Some air purifiers pollute the air with ozone, a powerful lung irritant that is especially dangerous for asthmatics, children, and the elderly.

Extra Features - These are the bells and whistles. They can make your air purifier a lot easier to use. On the other hand, they can also significantly up the price on an air purifier that isn't really all that much better than the next one. You simply have to decide which features will make your life easier and which ones just aren't worth the extra cash. For example, a filter change indicator light lets you know when to change the filter, and handles or casters are important if you plan on moving your air purifier around a lot.

Manufacturer's Reputation - A manufacturer's reputation and the experiences of past customers deserve consideration in your decision. Certain manufacturers and products are highly respected in the industry for a reason - and the same goes for products which have garnered less respect. Check out customer reviews to get a sense of the reputation.

Warranty - A five-year warranty is a good one. A ten-year warranty is even better! Take into account what the warranty covers - motor, fan, electrical components? Also, find out if certain customer actions will void the warranty. Some manufacturers will void the warranty if the customer does not purchase replacement filters over the recommended time period; this can be inconvenient if you plan to run your air purifier less often or if the air in your home is cleaner than average.

By: M. Scott Smith

About the Author:

Scott Smith is an expert in allergies, asthma, and indoor air quality at achooallergy.com.

Air Purifier – A Brief History

admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:51:54 +0000

Today, air purifiers are all the craze. Every allergy sufferer, asthmatic and health nut in the world has one, but believe it or not, there was a time when we didn't have air purifiers. We simply breathed the air that was in our homes and somehow managed to survive. So when did this craze actually begin? How did it start?

Types of air purification have actually been around for over 200 years in some form or another, though most people don't realize it. The truth is, since the early 1800s, scientists have been trying to find ways to make our air cleaner, long before the industrial revolution ever hit and California began to look like an outdoor barbecue on a high flame.

To kick this technology off, in the early 1800s John and Charles Dean developed a mask for fire fighters. This mask allowed them to charge into burning buildings without having to worry about being overcome by smoke fumes from the fire. Around that same time, masks were also made for divers and coal miners who were constantly exposed to dangerous air, but it wasn't until the 1850s that the first gas mask was developed by John Stenhouse. The mask worked on a charcoal based filter design, very similar to some of the air purifiers today. These original masks worked on the principal of filtering out what they called "enemies" by using a system called High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA. Yes, the same HEPA filter systems we can buy today. Once they added charcoal to this system it made a dramatic improvement because the charcoal was able to filter out multiple toxins.

But it wasn't until World War II when we got some of the greatest advancements in air filter systems. This came with the Manhattan Project. This was a project that got scientists together from all around to work on a breathing device that would protect soldiers from the atomic bomb. While that was actually laughable in itself, it did end up in advancements that helped combat chlorine gas, mustard gas and flame throwers. A few years later a plague in Africa made scientists aware of the need for protection against chemicals, perfumes, building materials, pesticides, dust mites, pollen and food allergens. This started a string of air purification devices being developed.

In spite of all this, it wasn't until the 1980s that the clean air craze really took off. The concept of a dust free environment was all the rage, practical or not. According to studies, HEPA filters, which were the biggest rage of the era, filtered out 99.7% of all the allergens in the air and all micron offenders of size 0.3 and larger. But advancements didn't stop there. Newer devices, such as Nebulizers, were able to filter out offenders of size 0.1 and larger and still keep the 99.7% filter level.

Over the years, the number of devices used for filtering the air has grown astronomically. Just do an Internet search on the different types and brands of air purifiers. There are literally hundreds of them.

All this from a simple mask designed for fire fighters. Who would have ever guessed?

By: Michael Russell

About the Author:

-------------------------------------------------------
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Air Purifiers
-------------------------------------------------------

Air Purifier – For Clean Air

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:07:56 +0000

Its so polluted outside... I can 't breath properly. Oh God! I have to go for a date today and suddenly skin rashes have appeared... What to do?' These are some of the common phrases that we hear and some have even experienced these situations. Sometimes when we come home from the polluted outdoors, only thing we feel for is to have clean air. Well the wish has been granted and indoor air purifiers are here to give us relief.

Before we talk about them lets understand what exactly an air purifier is and what purpose does it serves? To begin with, in simple words, they are a device that help in removing the contaminants from air. Over the period of time they have proved beneficial to people suffering from asthma and other allergies. It seems that with their usage, second hand smoke can be easily reduced.

The allergy air purifiers are used in homes, hospitals and offices to a great extent. They are helpful to reduce the concentration of air borne contaminants and keep dust, pollen, den dander, mold spores, and other allergens at bay. Seeing so many benefits, we might think that they consume a lot of electrical energy and drastically affecting the environment. No friends, they work like any other energy efficient appliance and do not cause any deteriorating impact on the environment as home appliances.

While browsing, you may have come across different types of air purifiers. But by and large HEPA Air Filtration and Home Ionic Air Purifiers are the ones that are quite popular. HEPA ones have the ability to make the surroundings microbe free. Further, they are capable of absorbing and decomposing harmful gases, coarse and fine particles. Sometimes in close rooms we experience bad odor, well, these Air Purifier Filters can fill the room with fragrance and relaxing aroma.

The other air cleaner, is Home Ionic Air Purifier. It effectively removes 99% bacteria and dust particles and is available in different designs to suit the needs of individuals & their problems. They can remove impurities and get rid of bacteria's that can be threatening to good health.

With the help of these personal air purifier, now you need not find ways to escape the home. They not only assist in having clean air but also keep your abode clean. There are different stores selling this product, buy air purifier from this well known store only. For more information on Best Air Purifier, visit Airwater.Biz Store.

By: Mohita Bhargava

About the Author: