Do Air Filters Make a Difference? A Comprehensive Guide

Air filters can be a great way to reduce the risk of respiratory attacks by trapping irritants that try to pass through the ventilation system ducts. This brief consumer guide covers portable air filters and heating or HVAC filters used in the home, as well as tips for selecting the right one. Air purifiers can trap some of the particles in the air, such as dust, that get up during construction or from cars driving on the road. Keeping windows closed can keep some of the dirt at bay, but an air purifier can filter out what enters through the cracks.

Using one of these devices could help you breathe a little better. Machines are becoming an increasingly popular topic in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Not only do air purifiers help trap dust, odors, and dandruff, but they can also reduce “viral load” or the amount of bacteria in the air. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to investigate how long respiratory droplets can survive in the air. You just need to use as many air filters as your HVAC system can support, and sometimes even fewer.

This is partly because placing a filter in every room is not an easy or cheap task for that matter. Another reason is that it is enough to put a filter in a large room with a lot of traffic, because it is likely that most of the particles and contaminants will come from there. With these common myths about air purifiers debunked, you'll better understand how they work to remove particles in the air. However, buying an air purifier is not a tell-all solution. We questioned some of the manufacturers' claims and explored the truth behind the promises.

With these common air purifier myths debunked, you'll better understand how these appliances could benefit you and your family. And if you need to know more, check out our research on how air purifiers work. It is better and more efficient to get the right type of air cleaner for one or two rooms than to install an air cleaner in each room. See ASHRAE and the CDC for more information on air cleaning and filtration and other important engineering controls. In fact, air purifiers can neutralize some of the threat posed by air pollution and indoor activities. An object cleaner placed next to the air conditioner coil, a dark, moist breeding ground for mold and bacteria, floods the area with ultraviolet light and kills organisms before they can enter the ventilation system.

Air purifiers work by filtering out some polluting particles from the air, which means that people with asthma and allergies could benefit from using one (opens in a new tab). The simple addition of what is called a media cabinet to hold a deeper disposable filter (up to five inches) can greatly increase filtration capabilities. Air filters are especially useful for people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, but they are also good for people with compromised immune systems. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) air filters are indoor air filters that can be assembled from box fans and square HVAC (or oven) filters. Air and HVAC filters are designed to filter contaminants or contaminants from the air passing through them.

You should also not re-introduce those allergens into the air, which means they are captured in the air cleaner filter and are not redistributed around the room. Some air filters trap a greater amount of particles and contaminants than others, so if there are people in the home who need the air to be as clean and pure as possible, then those are the types of filters that need to be achieved. Another air purifier option uses short-wave ultraviolet C (UV-C) light to reduce the spread of bacteria and kill viruses. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the best way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate the source of pollutants and ventilate indoor spaces with clean outdoor air. Next, check the Clean Air Supply Rate (CADR), which describes how well the machine reduces tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust.

Air cleaning can be useful when used in conjunction with source control and ventilation, but it is not a substitute for either method. In conclusion, using an air filter can be beneficial for those who suffer from respiratory problems or have compromised immune systems. It is important to select an appropriate filter based on your needs and budget. Additionally, it is important to remember that while an air filter may help reduce airborne particles, it should not be used as a substitute for source control or ventilation.

Hannah Sawatzki
Hannah Sawatzki

Hipster-friendly pop culture maven. Hipster-friendly web practitioner. Infuriatingly humble bacon nerd. General social media fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast.