PurAirFilters.net - Pur Air Fans & Filters
May is the worst month for allergies, but
an air purifier could help you breathe easier
It's an annual battle,
with up to 50 million walking wounded. May is
the cruelest month for allergy sufferers --
and some experts are bracing for an early and
aggressive season. And yes, what's outdoors
rarely stays there, so indoor allergens are
getting more attention than ever.
Looking to win the war against dust and pollen
and mold? Indoor air purifiers are one tool
for improving personal health, according to
the EPA and the American Medical Association.
How do they work? By reducing airborne pollutants
that can cause symptoms to worsen.
Will a filter work for you? First, ask your
doctor. Next, do your homework -- and then some
smart shopping.
That's where we come in, with things to consider
before buying an indoor air purifier:
Filter efficiency: Known as
the Clean Air Delivery Rate, this is a measure
of total volume of air that an air purifier
cleanses of a pollutant in one minute. The higher
the CADR number, the better the air purifier's
ability to clean indoor air. Ratings can be
found online at www.cadr.org.
Capacity: Air volume capacity is key.
This value is expressed as recommended room
size.
Specific health concerns: Generally,
airborne particles are identified by the EPA
as small, mid-range and large, reflecting the
degree of the potential health threat. Look
for a purifier with high-efficiency filters.
HEPA filters are among the most efficient.
Legitimacy of manufacturer claims:
Check out the manufacturer and confirm performance
claims before you buy. Common-sense red flags
include uncorroborated filter efficiency and
air volume capacity statements, no independent
testing, no physical address on brochures or
Web site, or the promise of extremely long filter
life when compared to others.
Indoor environmental factors: Indoor
air conditions vary widely, from dust and humidity
to transported pollen. Consider which types
of particles affect your health and would affect
your choice.
Operating costs: Replacement
filters are an expense for the life of the unit.
Check the manufacturer's recommended replacement
interval and filter cost, as well as any shipping
charges.
Construction quality: Look
for a unit with solid construction, especially
internal moving components such as fans and
blowers. Check the warranty to make sure it
covers internal components.
Warranty: Choose an established
manufacturer with a comprehensive, long-term
warranty. Warranties usually range from 3 to
5 years.
Bells and whistles: Operating
noise can be a significant factor when using
the unit in a bedroom. A manufacturer may claim
its product is "whisper quiet." Request
specific operating noise values expressed in
decibels. (For comparison, a desktop computer
is about 35 decibels.)
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