5 Best Air Purifier Types

If you are looking for the best air purifier, you need to make some decisions about why you want the air purifier, and how it is intended to be used. Some air purifiers only work on specific things, such as the UV and ionic models, and other are limited in the size of particles they remove. The trick is to find a unit that is large enough to serve your needs and has all of the features that your situation will require. This articles introduces the basic types and what each one excels at, so that you can make a more informed choice.

Type #1: HEPA Filtration

Undoubtedly, the best air purifier is a HEPA filter. This type was originally developed after World War II by the United States government. It's specifications include the ability to filter out extremely small particles, down to 3/100ths of a micron in size. Originally built for use in nuclear reactors, a HEPA filter will be able to handle anything your house throws at it.

Type #2: Carbon Activated Filtration

One of the oldest types, activated carbon filters are perfect for certain applications, but not very useful for others. In a room where people smoke, a charcoal activated filter is ideal. It will filter the smoke and odors out the air, and can even filter out pet hair and dander. Charcoal, on the other hand, is not antic-bacterial and is not able to even capture most microbes, making it unsuitable for the kitchen or bathroom.

Type #3: ULPA Filtration

ULPA filters are relatively new and are being represented as a competitor for HEPA filters. However, ULPA's claim to remove 99.99% or particles is only true if you limit the size to .12 microns or larger. In comparison, the smallest particles a HEPA filter removes are 4 times smaller than the best ULPA.

Type #4: Ultraviolet Filtration

The best way to get rid of microbes and bacteria in the home is to kill them. To do this, use an air purifier that includes UV light treatment. UV has been shown to kill a majority of household fungal and bacterial organisms, making it excellent for any home with an allergy or asthma sufferer. The problem is that UV doesn't filter the air, it simply destroys the living things that are found in air. When coupled with a HEPA filter, this type of purifier earns the seal of approval of healthcare organizations, and is often used in clinical settings.

Type #5: Ionic Purifiers

Once the most popular type of air purifier, recent research into ionic air purifiers suggest that they may create almost as many hazards as they eliminate. Studies by the American Lung Association indicate that ionic air purifiers may cause a higher incidence of asthma, or may cause lung irritation or even nausea. If you are going to use an ionic air purifier be certain that you use it in a room with adequate ventilation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discourages the use of ionic air purifiers completely.