air purification: wHY INDOOR AIR QUALITY MATTERS
We spend a large amount of our time indoors at home, at work, in medical centres, schools and other shared environments. But how often do we think about the quality of the air we're breathing? Indoor air can contain a variety of airborne particles from both indoor and outdoor sources. Dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and other fine particles can all contribute to indoor air pollution. While regular cleaning and good ventilation are important parts of maintaining a healthy indoor environment, air purification can provide an additional layer of filtration by continuously filtering the air within a room.
What is indoor air quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside buildings and enclosed spaces. A range of factors can influence indoor air quality, including ventilation, building materials, cleaning products, outdoor air entering the building and activities taking place indoors. Because many people spend much of their day indoors, maintaining a comfortable and well-managed indoor environment is important for homes, workplaces and other shared spaces.
What Can Be Found in Indoor Air?
Indoor air isn't necessarily as clean as it looks. A range of particles can become airborne within an indoor environment. Dust and Fine Particles Dust can be generated through everyday activities and brought indoors from outside. Fine airborne particles can also come from sources such as combustion, smoke and outdoor pollution. Pollen Pollen from outside can enter buildings through doors, windows and ventilation systems. During periods of high pollen, keeping airborne particles under control can be particularly important for indoor environments. Pet Dander Pets can contribute dander and other particles to indoor air. These particles can become airborne as people and animals move around a room. Smoke Smoke contains a mixture of very small airborne particles and gases. Indoor smoke can come from sources such as tobacco, cooking and other combustion activities.
How Does an Air Purifier Work?
An air purifier draws air from the surrounding room into the unit and passes it through one or more filters. Depending on the design of the purifier and its filtration system, the filters can capture different types of airborne particles. The basic process is: Room air → Air purifier → Filtration → Filtered air returned to the room Because the purifier continuously circulates air, it can help reduce the concentration of certain airborne particles within the space. The effectiveness of an air purifier depends on a number of factors, including the filtration technology, airflow rate, room size, placement and how long the unit is operating.
What Is a HEPA Filter?
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA filters are designed to capture a high proportion of very small airborne particles as air passes through the filter. When choosing an air purifier, it's important to look beyond the word "HEPA" alone. The overall performance of the unit also depends on factors such as airflow, filter design, room size and how effectively air is circulated through the filtration system.
Where Can Air Purifiers Be Used?
Air purification can be useful in a wide range of indoor environments.
🏥 Medical Centres
Medical centres and other healthcare environments have unique requirements when it comes to maintaining indoor environments. Air purification can provide an additional layer of particle filtration alongside existing ventilation and cleaning practices.
🏢 Offices and Workplaces
In offices and workplaces, multiple people may share the same indoor environment for hours at a time. Air purifiers can be used to provide additional filtration in areas such as offices, meeting rooms and shared spaces.
🏠 Homes
Air purifiers can be used in bedrooms, living areas, home offices and other frequently occupied rooms.
🏫 Schools and Shared Spaces
Classrooms and other shared indoor environments can benefit from carefully considered ventilation and filtration strategies.
How Do You Choose the Right Air Purifier?
Not every air purifier is designed for the same space. Before purchasing a unit, consider:
1. Room Size
Check the manufacturer's recommended room size or coverage area and choose a unit appropriate for the space.
2. Airflow
Airflow is an important consideration because the purifier needs to circulate room air through its filtration system.
3. Filtration
Look at the type of filtration used and what types of airborne particles the system is designed to capture.
4. Replacement Filters
Air purifier filters don't last forever. Check how often filters need to be replaced and whether replacement filters are readily available.
5. Noise
If the purifier will be used in a bedroom, office, consultation room or other quiet environment, consider the noise level at different fan speeds.
6. Ongoing Costs
When comparing air purifiers, remember to consider more than the initial purchase price. Replacement filters, electricity usage and maintenance can all contribute to the ongoing cost of operating a unit.
Where should I place an air purifier?
Place the unit where it can circulate air effectively and where its air intake and outlet are not obstructed. Follow the manufacturer's placement recommendations for the specific model.