An air purifier is a device or appliance acquired to improve indoor air quality. They help improve indoor air quality by eliminating pollutants present in the air. If you’ve decided to invest in an air purifier for your home or office space, you might wonder which type you should buy. Different types of air purifiers use different techniques. Some will draw or suck air and destroy, absorb, or trap contaminants found in it. However, others will release particles in the air. From there, the particles react with and destroy or neutralize any known contaminants in the air and on surfaces. Learn why hydrogen peroxide plasma air purifiers are the best HVAC air purifiers for your space.
Hydrogen Peroxide Sanitizers
Hydrogen peroxide-based sanitizers serve as the best type of HVAC air purifiers for commercial spaces by far. These sanitizers are safe to use and considered great for the environment. To kill various types of bacteria and viruses, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen. Because they are mildly acidic sanitizers, they prove incredibly effective.
When you work with Extreme Microbial Technologies, we provide businesses with hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners. The equipment we use works great at neutralizing harmful viruses, bacteria, VOCs, mold, and other harmful particles found in your space. Unlike some of the other HVAC air purifiers listed below, they target microbes both in the air and on surfaces in your commercial space.
HEPA Filters
Also known as an air cleaner, a HEPA filter is the most common type of air purifier. They can be made from a particle-trapping material such as foam, cotton, or fiberglass. Through your HVAC system, air passes through the HEPA filter, which traps any particulates in it. The particulates will fill up, so you’ll need to replace the filter every month or two. Plus, you’ll also require an HVAC system that’s designed to work with HEPA filters. Pay attention to the MERV rating when buying a HEPA filter. All of these make it so that HEPA filters may not be the best way to purify your space.
UV Light Air Purifiers
These air purifiers rely on ultraviolet radiation to kill air contaminants. A compartment of the device contains UV light. Air contaminants are exposed to this light to destroy them. While the UV light air purifiers work best with microorganisms like germs, bacteria, and viruses, they prove largely ineffective for particulates. Moreover, keep in mind that UV rays may emit small amounts of ozone that can exacerbate any pre-existing respiratory conditions that people may have.
Electronic Air Cleaners
Representing a whole-home solution, an electronic air cleaner works with your air conditioner or furnace, leveraging static electricity to charge and trap airborne particles. Backed by positively charged ions and HEPA filters, they can eliminate up to 99.98% of allergens present in the indoor air. The cleaner ensures that the air passing through the HVAC system also goes via a HEPA filter that will trap the tiniest of particles. The positively charged ions generated by the device then zap any impurities that remain.
Activated Carbon Air Purifiers
These air purifiers are great at removing odors, gases, smoke, and fumes from your indoor air. If you or anyone in your family is sensitive to these elements, this type of purifier is ideal for you. However, unless they’re backed by HEPA filters, they will not effectively eliminate dander, mold, pollen, or dust from the air.
To sum it up, there are numerous types of HVAC air purifiers for your space. While the processes they rely on tend to vary from one device type to another, the ultimate purpose of all air purifiers remains the same: to enhance indoor air quality and set up a clean living environment for everyone. We’ve tried to cover the most common types in this guide and believe that hydrogen peroxide-based sanitizers are the top choice to purify indoor air while also eliminating microbes on surfaces as well. For high quality hydrogen peroxide-based sanitizers, contact Extreme Microbial Technologies today.