Additionally, each EcoQuest air purifier also come with a five-speed fan, an Away mode feature which helps reduce mold, mildew and bacteria in unoccupied spaces, carbon filters to aid odor removal, and an ultraviolet-light ionizer. It makes up for its lack of a HEPA filter (a more popular feature in most air purifiers today) by using a technology known as “Space Certified” Radiant Catalytic Ionization (RCI), the same type of technology used to clean the air inside spacecrafts. This ionizer with ultraviolet light aims to reduce airborne contaminants and to kill most microorganisms found in the air through the process of ionization.
Could Ozone Be A Problem, Though?
Nevertheless, the ionization process does produce ozone as a byproduct. As high levels of ozone has been found by certain researchers to cause detrimental effects to human health, EcoQuest has claimed that the ozone levels emitted is within safety levels. This is as Ozone is necessary to be used in these air purifiers to turn particles in the air into ash. In spite of that, Ecoquest International has shown confidence in the cleaning abilities of their purifiers, especially in eliminating smoke and odor, and also by making more than $6000 worth of donations in air purification systems to the Pentagon following the events of September 11. Currently, this company is focusing on research and development for more advanced water and air purification technologies.
These purifiers work through a three stage filtration process which includes a washable pre-filter, a True HEPA filter, and an active carbon filter. The filters are placed in a 3-in-1 combined unit and in a pop-up filter cartridge for easier replacement with their grill designed for easy cleaning. All models come with filter change indicators and in case if there is a need. Also, customers can order a model with an ionizer which works better in freshening indoor air. The ionizer can also cover an area of up to 180 sq ft through their two way filtration system consisting of a carbon pre-filter and a HEPA filter.
However, its air purifying power leaves a lot to desire. Covering up to a maximum of only 200 sq ft, Delonghi Fresh Zone models listed a low circulated air delivery rate of only 70 despite its three stage filtration system and four speed fan. Small models such as the FZ DAP 70 are equipped with three speed fans but can only cover an area of 110 sq ft. However it’s its lack of performance is compensated by being one of the lightest air purifiers around, weighing at only eight pounds. Models can be placed vertically, horizontally or mounted on the walls due to its light weight, and rubber feet are added for more stability.
BlueAir Air Purifiers come in a wide range of models to accommodate different room sizes. Apart from that, its clean air delivery rate has been rated to be second highest this year whilst topping the list set by the AHAM in January 2003′s testing. The Blueair 601 is available at an estimated value of $600 and covers up to 679 sq ft with a 10-year guaranteed warranty as long as filters are changed frequently. The life span of the filters are however shorter than most, creating a need to change filters once every six months. Smaller models like the Blueair 201 at 25 pounds can purify areas as large as 200 sq ft.
Despite using electrostatic filters, BlueAir air cleaners do not release ozone into the air. Air particles are charged before passing through the filter for easier filtering. This works to help retain high levels of HEPA efficiency and prevent ozone release into our breathable air. Furthermore, models are also equipped with carbon filters to help eliminate odors and there is an optional SmokeStop filter which helps purify air of smoke particulates at a clean air delivery rate of 128. All these features make it one of the best smoke air purifiers in the industry. Finally, all units are made from noise muffling steel to reduce noise and to enhance livability of the system.
Biozone Air Purification Technologies
Biozone air cleaners merge four advanced engineered electronics methods in their purifiers to clean the indoor environment.
- Photolic ozonation (an euphemism for chemically active oxygen atoms) is applicable to eliminate odors, make harmless certain gases, and destroy live contaminants found in the air and also on top of many surfaces. In order to control the accumulation of ozone, Biozone uses SafeZone, a fail-safe method which detects ozone levels in its surrounding environment and automatically reduces its production of ozone to safer levels. However, this claim has not been scientifically tested for its effectiveness.
- Next, certain concentrated ultraviolet light is also used to kill micro organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Ultra-violet light, widely used in sanitizing scientific equipments and medical rooms helps destroy excessive ozone molecules, keeps the two systems in balance.
- In addition to that, purifying hydroxyls which can be formed from air components, aids further destruction of contaminants. The combination of ultraviolet light and purifying plasma can clean air and surfaces up to 2000 times faster than ozone alone and compared to just ultraviolet light, 180 times faster.
- Finally, the production of negative ions which attracts solid particles such as dust and pollen and even soot, helps to clear them from the environment. The Biozone air purifier then blows the purified air back into the room, carrying purifying agents to clean the air of stubborn contaminants and unpleasant odors.
Austin Purifier Models
Austin air cleaner model platforms include the Austin Air HealthMate for wider rooms, Austin Air HealthMate Jr. for smaller rooms, and Austin Allergy Machines or models from the ‘Plus’ platforms which caters for allergy and asthma sufferers. Heavier models such as the HealthMate 400 may weigh up to 45 pounds but they come with wheels which allow for easier moving and also casters for easier positioning. Models from the ‘Jr’ lines are smaller in size; with the lightest HealthMate Hega at a mere 2.5 pounds, allowing easier lifting and for limited spaces.
 Industry Leading Warranty
When using any air purifiers, customers are always advised to clean the pre-filters regularly to extend the life of their HEPA filters, but when it comes to warranties for HEPA filters, no other company in the air purification industry can top the 5-year limited warranty Austin offers. For those people who are sensitive towards the use of chemicals in the air, Austin air purifiers from the ‘Plus’ line comes equipped with permafilt pre-filters and activated carbon and zeolite units, all aimed to help remove airborne chemicals, including dangerous and odorless ammonia and formaldehyde. The lighter weight models also contains the same filter but is made of woven cloth, hence not adding any extra weight to the unit.
The weight of this brand of air purifiers may make portability an issue for some. One of such models is The Eagle 5000, which weighs at 35 pounds and works to clear heavy particles such as smoke and dust from the air. This makes it most ideal for smoky bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. Its 100% filled activated charcoal filter significantly reduces a wide variety of odors from the room atmosphere. The fairly lighter Flair, at 10.6 pounds, is more suited to a home or office environment and covers up to an area of 2200 sq ft. It includes a sanitizing feature for eliminating mold, mildew, bacteria and odors from indoor air. Other features of this model are its low maintenance with no installation required.
The air purification system known as the Living Air Classic is perfect for indoor areas up to 3000 sq ft. Extremely quiet during operation, it surprises users with highly effective air purification. This model also comes with an ionizer and an EcoHelp filter for additional air cleaning benefits and weighs only 19 pounds. Finally, the Living Air Breeze AT model functions to cover an area of up to 2 500 sq ft and is also lightweight at less than 17 pounds. It uses two filter plates which has a life expectancy of 1 – 3 years, through routine care and handling. Apart from that, this Alpine air purifier also comes with its own remote control which comes with a 6-month warranty.
Each series is equipped with different combinations of purification power to cater to different usage requirements. The AirWash/AirRhino Systems combine mechanical filtration and activated carbon to help reduce specific particles and provide odor and chemical control. Buyers can customize their industrial air purifiers to be equipped with either a true HEPA filter or a MAC-B activated carbon filter, or a combination of both. The filters are easy to change and easy to handle. Other options for these industrial air purifiers include a germicidal UV lamp, pressure seal and gel seal.
AllerAir air purifiers’ I-6500 series contain HEPA filters which are 12 inches deep and a MAC-B activated carbon filter that can be customized to neutralise 4000 noxious chemicals in the air. Plus, a pre-filter is attached to prolong the life of the HEPA filter. The model is ideal for areas where dust or odor problems persist.
Additionally, buyers seeking industrial air purifiers can also look into the AllerAir 9000 series. These air purifying machines are equipped with welding fume extractors that trap gases and chemicals from welding fumes through its 4 stage filters. On the other hand, the AllerAir 9650 comes with built-in carbon filters and a special tar-trap pre-filter to filter smoke particles.
In areas where volatile organic compound problems are abound, the Allerair 8000 is built with specifically manufactured carbon filters for this purpose. Even the smallest of the industrial air purifiers, the AllerAir 5000 series, contain special carbon beds useful for chemical, gases and odor particles adsorption.
Also see the official AllerAir site.
Perhaps not known to many, air conditioners act like a refrigerator and only cool down the air in the house. The term conditioner is often mistaken and they really serve no other purpose but to cool the air. On the other hand, whole house air purifiers work to help improve the quality of air within homes. Whole house purifiers are able to filter airborne particles anywhere from germs, bacteria, pet dander, mold spores and also keep the household fresh of odors from tobacco smoke and chemicals.
Apart from that, certain house air purifiers are also able to create and distribute ozone around the house. Ozone emitted by home air purifiers react with the contaminant particles in the air and turn them into ash that can be swept away later.
Apart from that, carbon filters used in these whole house air purifiers help to eliminate the presence of odors. Another problem which most households have is the presence of molds. These air purifiers that are made specifically to generate ozone would be extremely efficient in removing formed mold. Recently, there has been a controversy surrounding the efficiency of utilizing ozone in whole house air purification, as it is doubtful on the safety levels of the ozone generated.
While air conditioners are able to cool the air more efficiently, whole house air cleaners will ensure the air is clean with no harmful bacteria or wastes. Having pure and clean air will ensure that every person that lives in the house be safe from potential diseases which air conditioners cannot deter.
Basically, all air purifiers function by trapping smoke, pollen, dust, animal dander, dust mites, mold spores, chemical fumes, bacteria, viruses, and odours within the filters, thereby cleaning the air. Some portable air purifiers are even equipped with UV germicidal light to kill microorganisms in the air. Usually, there are three or four fan speeds to circulate air through the air purifier to be filtered and purified, depending on the level of air quality. A number of air purifiers have sensors that adjust the fan speed automatically by detecting the amount of particles trapped in the filters. In addition, some special air purifiers even have timers that can be set up to eight hours in total.
Generally, the filters are easily cleaned. Most of the time, the filter may just be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or hand washed with the cleaning process repeated once every six to eight months. However, for portable air purifiers that are used in automatic mode 24 hours a day, then the filter may need to be cleaned more regularly, probably once every two to three months with lukewarm water solution combined with mild detergent.
In summary, ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Get a portable air purifier for yourself and avoid the risk of getting respiratory health problems linked to low indoor air quality!
Salt Crystal Lamps
One of more popular natural air purifiers is the salt crystal lamp. The idea behind these salt crystals is that they are natural ionizers which release negative ions into the air naturally. These negative ions will then interact with the positive ions that are caused by working electric devices around the house, such as computer monitors, dryers, TV sets and radios. Thus, a salt crystal lamp acts as a natural air purifier by balancing out the concentration of positive ions within a room and improve the surrounding air quality. Be sure to look for Genuine Himalayan Crystal Salts for best air purifying effects.
Beeswax Candles
Another type of natural purifiers is beeswax candles. When beeswax candles are burnt, the fuel produces negative ions which will then interact with positive ions that exist in the form of tobacco smoke and allergens. These interactions will cause the ions to drop down to the ground and away from the air that we breathe. It is important to get only 100 percent beeswax candles for this to work. Yellow beeswax is a better choice as they are only lightly refined as compared to white beeswax which has been chemically bleached.
And, Believe It or Not…
Finally the last choice for natural air purifiers are indoor house plants. Yes, believe it or not, NASA has discovered that certain plants contain air quality improvement attributes. Just to name a few there is the gerbera daisy, the English ivy, the Spider plant and the Madagascar dragon tree – plants which are capable of absorbing chemicals that are released from cigarette smoke, paint, adhesives and even floor coverings. These chemicals include formaldehyde and benzene, which are capable of causing irritation to the eye and skin and are suspected contributors to anemia and cancer. Having natural greens in the house could turn out to be more than a pretty sight, they could end up saving your life.