For users who know about the hassles of maintaining air purifiers this feature of the Friedrich C-90A will come as a wonderful surprise: its filter cells are washable and re-usable. This reduces the need and cost to replace HEPA filters annually, making it the only air purifier manufacturers with this smart feature. The pre-filters can be conveniently placed in the dishwasher for a wash or washed by hand with normal washing liquid and water, preferably on a monthly or weekly basis to maintain its high levels of filtration. Only the carbon filters need replacing once every three months to maintain odor eliminating power.
At low speeds it is one of the quietest air purifiers around, although there are regular zapping sounds (due to the arcing phenomenon, much like lightning in thunderstorms) from its electrostatic filters when it is close to cleaning time and this noise maybe found irritable by most. This air purifier is recommended for rooms smaller than 450 sq ft for optimum cleaning although it can clean a room as large as 600 sq ft due to its high CADR as received from independent AHAM laboratory tests. It also scores well in energy efficiency, estimated to cost only about $ 50 – $ 60 a year to run.
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.
All Bionaire air cleaners feature an independent ionizer which can be turned on or off regardless of the mode the cleaner is on. The ionizer releases negative ions into the air to join staticly with positively charged particles such as smoke, dust or pollen which can then be more easily filtered through the HEPA filters, giving you cleaner, more breathable air. Futhermore, each Bionaire air purifier is equipped with Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection which helps preserve the HEPA filter against odor-causing bacteria and more importantly helps extend the life of your HEPA filter.
For even more features, there is the Galileo HEPA Air Purifier. This model is equipped with a built-in air quality sensor which increases fan speeds in times of need. Apart from that, there are 3 adjustable fan speed settings for easy control. This purifier is also programmable for sleep mode ensuring usage in the bedroom. Built in within is a much appreciated feature known as the dual operational positioning for easier access to their options, without the need to move your purifier. Overall, Bionaire’s air purifiers have been designed with refined style and sophistication: versatile, slim and compact, they blend in with the room instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.
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.
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.
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!
Ion Air Purifiers Explained
An ion air purifier is a type of electronic air purifier and is also know as an ionizer. It works by sending out negatively charged ions into the air. The ion generator, inside the ion purifier, sends out a steady stream of negative ions into the air in a room.
An ion is an atom with an ion missing. Thus, when these ions are sent out in the air, they attach to other molecules and ions, thus forming a complete atom. This process continues till the molecules become so heavy and big that they cannot float around in the air. The particulates either fall to the ground, or become attracted to positively charged surfaces in the room, such as furniture, upholstery, fixtures, walls, etc.
Once the harmful particulates are removed from the air, they can then be removed entirely from the room, through regular vacuuming and cleaning. Even if the particulates are disturbed and sent back into the air because of regular movement of people and animals, the steady release of ions, will once again ensure that they are removed from the air, thus purifying it completely.
Benefits Of An Ion Air Purifier
- They are not as expensive as other kinds of air purification systems.
- An Ion air purifier is not very noisy and is perfect for those who get disturbed even with the slightest of sounds.
- Ion air purification systems help to remove all kinds of harmful particles, bacteria, dust, smoke etc from indoor air. Even though the molecules are not actually destroyed, ion air purifiers help to drop them on other surfaces from where the unsafe contaminants can easily be vacuumed away.
- They help in removing unpleasant smells from the air as well.
- Ion air purifiers are filter-less air purifiers, and thus you do not have to contend with any filters, which need to continuously be replaced or cared for. This also helps in reducing your maintenance costs.
Indoor air cleaners act to filter out contaminants in the air which contains particles that are hazardous and harmful to the respiratory system. There is a wide variety of indoor purifiers available in the market, each of them with their own unique traits and physical dimensions. Most of them are equipped with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate) filters, which are tested by of the Department of Environment. In fact, international air filter standards are used for the testing of the HEPA filter in order to maintain product quality and efficiency. This is why HEPA filters are very popular throughout mainstream indoor air purifiers.
These HEPA filters help give the ability to indoor air purifiers to remove 99.97% of particles from the air, up to a size of 0.3 micron. However, these filters have to be changed regularly in order for the air purifier filter to maintain its effectiveness and efficiency in cleaning indoor air. However, if the air purifiers are equipped with electrostatic charged plates in addition to the HEPA filters, then the frequency of change can be reduced.
Finally, indoor air purifiers are also equipped with charcoal filters to filter out the smell and odors from the air, such as tobacco odor, in order to release only fresh-smelling air-flow into the room.