Air is one of the most essential and abused free-commodity of modern times. Our current air is reported to be receiving more and more toxins than it did in previous decades. This means that cleaning the air in your home with air cleaners is more important than ever before.
How do Air Cleaners Work?
Air cleaners work by removing dust particles and allergens from the air through a filtration system.
The special filters used in the units can vary from air purifier to air purifier. The best air cleaners help to clean the air from germs and viruses. They also remove odors, as well as pollen, dust and cigarette smoke.
This article explains the benefits of air cleaners. You can continue reading to learn about each type of air filter and how they remove contaminants from the air to create healthy indoor air quality.
Different Types of Air Filters
There are (5) five types of Air Filters that you should review and understand:
- Pre-Filter
- HEPA Filter
- Carbon Layer Filter
- UV Technology
- Ionizer Air Filter
Some filters on the market utilize a few of the above filter types together in one unit. The different filter types have their own air cleaning benefits.
The Pre-Filter
This predominant type of filter works in close junction with HEPA filters. The entire function of a pre-filter is to block the majority of the large particles contaminating the air. This air filter is entirely made up of either nylon or foam, and can be washed repeatedly and allows many of your primary filters to last longer.
HEPA Air Filter
One of the most common types of air filtration systems is the HEPA air filter. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. This technology has been proven to remove 99.9 percent of air particles larger than .3 microns. HEPA air purifier(1) filters trap mold, viruses and bacteria, helping to keep the air fresh and healthy.
Top 3 Selling HEPA Filters
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier with UV Light Sanitizer, Eliminates Germs, Filters Allergies, Pollen, Smoke, Dust Pet Dander, Mold Odors, Quiet 22 inch 4-in-1 Air Purifier for Home AC4825E | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon | |
 | RIGOGLIOSO HEPA Air Purifier - Smoke Air Purifiers for Home Bedroom Office - 100% Ozone Free,Purify 99.97% Smoke,Dust,Pollen,Odor,Pet Dander,Night light Air Cleaner,(Available for California) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon | |
 | LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home, H13 True HEPA Filter for Allergies and Pets, Dust, Mold, and Pollen, Smoke and Odor Eliminator, Cleaner for Bedroom with Optional Night Light, LV-H132, White | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon |
As the air filter becomes clogged with particles, the HEPA filter’s air filtration begins to decline. However, HEPA air filters last for quite a while, typically for 2 to 4 years. One thing to remember when using this type of filter is that it does not remove odors or chemicals. Therefore, many air cleaners that use this filtration will also include an activated carbon filter to absorb odors.
Carbon Layer Filters
Activated carbon is a porous material that has been used since the early 1900s to purify water and air. The activated carbon is highly absorbent and allows the chemicals to easily bond with the filter. These filters are perfect for people suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.
Activated carbon absorbs a variety of chemicals, such as formaldehyde and perfumes.This type of filtration system is perfect for those who live in high pollution areas as it can drastically improve indoor air quality. One thing to note is that these filters do not remove allergens and airborne particles as well as some of their other counterparts.
Top 2 – Combination Air Filters
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OION Technologies B-1000 Permanent Filter Ionic Air Purifier Pro Ionizer with UV-C Sanitizer, New (Black) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon | |
 | Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier with UV Light Sanitizer, Eliminates Germs, Filters Allergies, Pollen, Smoke, Dust, Pet Dander, Mold, Odors, Quiet 28in 4-in-1 Air Purifier for Home AC5350B | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon |
Ionizer Air Filters
These use negative ions to magnetically attract pollen and dust particles together. When the particles are attracted together, they become too heavy to remain airborne, resulting in the particles attaching themselves to solid items in the room, such as your furnishings and walls. There are many drawbacks to this type of this air purification system. First, it can cause surfaces in the house to gather dust. Secondly, when that dust is disturbed, it can release those particles back into the air.
UV – Ultraviolet technology
UV is normally used with another filtration system. The UV technology uses a light from a lamp to convert molecules of water and oxygen into hydroxyl and ozone. The light interacts with harmful particles to destroy bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms into harmless components. This technology helps to minimize the risk of illness and disease. One drawback to UV technology is its need for another filtration system. The UV technology does not filter out odors like other air cleaners. Most often this technology is coupled with either a HEPA or carbon filter. The UV is the final stage of the air filtration system.
Top 3 Air Purifier Using 3 or More Filter Types
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Germ Guardian True HEPA Filter Air Purifier with UV Light Sanitizer, Eliminates Germs, Filters Allergies, Pollen, Smoke, Dust, Pet Dander, Mold, Odors, Quiet 28in 4-in-1 Air Purifier for Home AC5000E | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon | |
 | AeraMax 300 Large Room Air Purifier Mold, Odors, Dust, Smoke, Allergens and Germs with True HEPA Filter and 4-Stage Purification | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon | |
 | Blueair Pro L Air Purifier, Professional Allergy, Mold, Smoke and Dust Remover, High Performance for Office, Workspace, Homes, White | PrimeEligible | Buy Now On Amazon |
Choosing the Best Way to Clean Your Air
Understanding the different types of filtration systems will help you choose effective and healthy air cleaners. For best results, you want a room air purifier that eliminates odors, contaminants and allergy-causing particles, such as dust and pollen with HEPA and activated charcoal filters, UV Filters and or Ionizer filters.
Finally, choose one with the best combination of these filters to help prevent pollutants and harmful unhealthy air from spreading throughout your home or office.
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