In today's fast-paced society, where we spend a lot of time indoors, the air we breathe has a huge impact on our health and well-being. Unfortunately, invisible contaminants that might harm our respiratory system and general health are often present in the air we breathe. When it comes to our search for a cleaner, healthier environment, the incredible technology of air filtration is “a breath of fresh air”.
The need for air cleansing in our increasingly polluted environment makes it more than just a trend to own a purifier. These airborne particles, which can range from allergens and dust to dangerous chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), may worsen asthma symptoms, cause allergies, and potentially lead to long-term health problems. In our homes, offices, and other interior locations, air filtration systems generally provide a potent remedy for preventing harmful contaminants and creating a fresh and clean atmosphere.
According to Extrapolate, the market for air purification is anticipated to be valued at USD 21.1 billion by 2028. Increasing environmental consciousness and rising air pollution are likely to drive this revenue growth.
In this blog, we'll delve into the realm of air purification and examine its different approaches, innovations, and advantages.
What Actions Are Being Taken to Clean the Air?
Air purification involves a number of crucial procedures that work together to remove contaminants from the air. Here is a breakdown of how an air purifier functions:
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Air Intake
The air purifier uses an intake vent or grille to draw air in from the surrounding area. Polluted air enters the purifier and travels through the phases of purification.
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Pre-Filtration
A pre-filtration step is included in some air purifiers and is used to catch bigger particles, including dust, pet dander, and hair. Pre-filters work to keep bigger particles from blocking the main filtration system or decreasing its effectiveness. This process is particularly helpful for extending the life of the primary filter.
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HEPA Filtration
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are commonly used in air purifiers because they are very effective at capturing small particles. HEPA filters are designed to catch 99.97% of particles - as small as 0.3 microns. Allergens, dust, pollen, mold spores, and some germs and viruses are collected in the filter threads as the air passes through the HEPA filter.
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Activated Carbon Filters
This is used in place of or in addition to HEPA filters in some air purifiers. Small holes on its huge surface area enable activated carbon to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases, and aromas from the atmosphere. These chemicals are drawn to and trapped by the activated carbon, which significantly lowers their concentration in the cleaned air.
A few air purifiers may also contain UV-C lamps that are intended to kill germs. UV-C radiation can kill or render bacteria, viruses, and other microbes inactive by disrupting their DNA or RNA. The air that enters the purifier travels through the UV-C irradiation zone where dangerous microorganisms are eliminated.
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Ionization
Ionization technology is used by several air purifiers. The process discharges negative ions into the atmosphere, which adhere to airborne particles and make them heavier by binding to them. The charged particles then either fall to the ground or are drawn to collection surfaces or plates in the air purifier that are oppositely charged.
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Distribution of Clean Air
Lastly, the cleaned air is returned to the space after it has undergone filtering and purification. By circulating clean air, the purifier improves air circulation and lowers the concentration of contaminants in the indoor environment.
Regular maintenance is necessary to guarantee that the air purifier works optimally. Typically, this entails carrying out filter cleaning or replacement as recommended by the manufacturer. This helps maintain the air purifier’s performance in eliminating contaminants from the surroundings.
What Do Delbag Experts Say About Air Purification?
Choosing a filter with a higher energy rating has long-term advantages, according to a recent whitepaper from air filtration experts DELBAG. In a commercial structure, air handling systems account for 50% of the energy consumption, and air filters alone account for 16% of this, as per its paper about energy-efficient air filtration. This indicates that air filters consume about 8% of the total energy used.
A product manager at DELBAG, Thorsten Stoffel, explains, “In general, the total cost of your filter is 80% energy and only 10% purchase price. You will save a lot of money if it is energy efficient, even if the purchase price doubles”.
Changing air filters does not require substantial service interruptions or retrofit work, it can be done as part of routine maintenance. Thus, one of the simplest, quickest, and most efficient ways to cut power usage is to convert to energy-efficient air filters.
Things to Remember While Buying the Right Home Purification System
A home air purification system is a device created to enhance indoor air quality by eliminating impurities and pollutants. Below are some points to consider while buying one:
- Decide which air contaminants, such as allergens, dust, smoking, or chemicals, you wish to eliminate.
- Make sure the air purifier you purchase has the proper room coverage based on the size of the space where it will be used.
- To guarantee that an air purifier successfully removes pollutants from the air, look for one with high-quality filtration technology, such as HEPA filters or activated carbon filters.
- If you want an air purifier that is quieter, check the unit's decibel rating and opt for models with low decibel rates.
- Choose an air purifier with simple maintenance requirements and easy-to-change filters by taking into account the air purifier's maintenance needs, such as filter replacement or unit cleaning.
Final Thoughts
The growing sector of air purifiers is driven by concerns about indoor air pollution and its possible adverse health effects. Future air purifiers will likely offer improved filtration systems, precise monitoring and control systems, and virus- and bacteria-inhibiting capabilities. Overall, the technology behind air purification is set to gain prominence in the coming years.
