Air Cleaners: Air Purifiers: Air Filters: Air Filtration Systems Buyers Guide

Buyer's Guide: Air Cleaners, Air Purifiers, Air Filtration Systems

Quick Guide to Air Cleaners
What Are Air Cleaners? What Are The Different Types Of Air Cleaners? What Are Air Purifiers? What Is The Difference Between An Air Cleaner And An Air Purifier? How Do Air Cleaners Work? How Do I Choose The Right Filter?	How Do I Know Which Air Cleaner Is Right For Me? What Does It Mean To Be "Energy-Star" Rated? What Factors Are Important When Considering Which Air Cleaner To Buy? Some Other Important Things To Know: Air Filtration Rating Terminology Can I Order Replacement Filters?

What Are Air Cleaners?

Air Cleaners are characterized as devices which remove contaminates from the air by filtration or other means of collection. Air Cleaners reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants (particulate) and are especially effective for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Air Cleaners also reduce the need for frequent household cleaning by reducing the amount of airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and dust mite feces. Air cleaners, do not however, reduce the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the air such as bacteria or household gases, and that's where air purifiers come in.

Types Of Air Cleaners:

	Whole House Media Air Cleaners are included as part of an installed component of the HVAC system. They typically included a 4" MERV rated box media filter. Since the filter enclosure (cabinet) is integral to the HVAC system, air leakage around the high efficiency MERV filters does not become a performance factor.

	Whole House Electronic Air Cleaners (Precipitator) are an installed component of the HVAC system. They require a voltage source (24V or 110V) and periodic cleaning of collection plates. Electronic Air Cleaners offer benefits over other air purification technologies such as HEPA filtration media which can hold harmful forms of bacteria.

	Whole House Germicidal Light Media Filtration System - installed cabinet component of the HVAC system. This air cleaner option incorporates Germicidal UV Light with MERV 6 tacified UV Light reactive filter media. It reduces Odors, germs, Viruses - controls Mold, Fungus, and Micro-organism growth.
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	Whole House Germicidal Light Photo Catalytic Media Filtration System - An installed component of the HVAC system which combines 3 technologies in 1 air cleaner. Electrostatic MERV 11 Filter which removes particulate down to 0.3 microns Photo Catalytic Titanium Oxidation which destroys toxic Chemicals & household Odors. Ultra-Violet Light which kills airborne Pathogens.

	Source Capturing" Air Cleaners are typically used in Commercial and Light Industrial applications. They are available in various mounting options: Flush Ceiling, Recessed Ceiling, Suspended Ceiling, and Wall Mount.

	When deciding on "Source Capturing" equipment, the following must be considered: Proper sizing as related to CFM / Air Exchanges per hour. Location of equipment as related to Air Flow patterns. Media configuration as related to Contaminants and Pollutants. Common applications include: Bars, Lounges, Restaurants, Offices, and Computer Rooms. By cleaning Indoor Air, introduction of outside air can be reduced to 1/3 of the minimum recommended 30 CFM per person.

What Are Air Purifiers?

An Air Purifier is slightly different from an Air Cleaner. An air purifier is also removes contaminants from air but it doesn't use filtration or other collection methods.. It purifies the air by eliminating micro-organisms which are to small to be captured or altering the chemical make-up of volatile organic compounds, not being captured through the filter. Air purifiers are commonly marketed as being beneficial to allergy sufferers and asthmatics. An Air Purifier used in conjunction with an Air Cleaner (filtration), provides maximum clean air environment.

What Is The Difference Between An Air Cleaner And An Air Purifier?

An air cleaner is used as the first step to an effective overall Indoor Air Quality strategy. air filtration system An air purifier added to this strategy guarantees a maximum clean air living environment. The air cleaner uses filtration or collection to capture particulates within the air. The air purifier eliminates airborne micro-organisms, bacteria and viral contaminants which are to small to be captured by filtration and collection methods. The air purifier may also alter the chemical make-up of other organic and gaseous (odor) compounds and contaminants. This is why many people are looking specifically for a combined Air Cleaner/ Purifier.

How Do Air Cleaners Work?

There are several different methods, all of varying effectiveness, that can be used to filter air. Each method has its own level of effectiveness in removing different airborne contaminants. When considering which air cleaner to buy, it is important to understand it impact to your own indoor air quality strategy. Depending upon the application, there is a significant advantage to combining more than just one air filtration method

		Filter-based purification traps or Media Air Filtration: Air is drawn through a media air filter by the HVAC system fan. Airborne particulate in the air stream is then captured by the air filter. Media Air Filters come in varying configurations and their effectiveness is based on the size of the particulate it captures (filters) from the air stream. Electrostatic Furnace Filters are constructed of permanent and washable synthetic materials which develop an electrostatic charge as friction is applied to the polyester fibers. Air flowing through the filter provides the necessary friction. An Electrostatic Filter is generally effective in capturing particles 1 micron and larger. A micron is 1/25,000 of an inch. They are effective in capturing Dust, Lint, Animal Dander, Pollen, Mold Spores, and Skin Flakes.
		Activated Carbon-based purification: Activated Carbon is a highly porous material that can absorb volatile organic chemicals (VOC) on a molecular level. Carbon-based air purification is normally used in conjunction with other air filter technology, to remove volatile organic chemicals, and reduce strong odors from the air. Activated Carbon Filter Media when combined with Electrostatic or other filtration options effectively removes VOC's, Chemicals, and strong Odors from air.
		Photo Catalytic Oxidation - The Photo Catalytic process involves the change of organic compounds into environmentally acceptable compounds such as air or water. Once target compounds are exposed to the air, oxygen and hydrogen molecules are generated, and once exposed they interact between the Ultra-Violet light as it meets with Titanium Oxide. Titanium Oxide refers to Titanium metal plates coated with a thin layer of oxidized film. It is the exposure of the pollutant to the UV Light (Photo) and Titanium Oxide (Catalytic Oxidation) within the air cleaner that provides a powerful means of reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) and Bio-Aerosols. Germicidal Light Furnace Filter combines a UV reactive tacified air filter media and a UV Light to capture particulates and kill airborne micro-organisms. This air filter requires a standard power source. It gives air and internal system surface disinfection as well as particulate removal. Additional Odor Control options are also available.
		Electrostatic Precipitator or Electronic Air Cleaners- Electronic air cleaners filter air by utilizing static electricity to create a negatively charged field through which particulates entering the air cleaner pass. The now negatively charged particulate is then attracted to grounded (positive) collection plates within the electronic air cleaner.

How Do I Choose The Right Air Filter?

There are many different kinds of air filters available today, such as standard air filters, pleated air filters, electrostatic air filters and HEPA filters. Standard air filters, pleated and electrostatic air filters are the most common types of air filters that are used in HVAC Systems Air Filter are rated by performance, determined by the the size (micron) of the airborne particulate they capture.

Standard Air Filters. Standard Air Filters are made of spun fiberglass within a cardboard frame. They remove approximately 10 percent of the airborne particulate that passes through it., Standard Air Filters should be changed once a month.
Pleated Air Filters. Pleated Media Air Filters capture approximately 35% to 40% of the particles that passes through it . Owing to their greater surface area with filter material folded back and forth like a paper fan, manufacturers claim that pleated air filters can last from two to four months. They would be considered an upgrade from a standard filter.
Electrostatic air filters. Electrostatic filters combine multi layer polyester filter media, and a static electric charge to attract and filter particulate from the air stream. The multi layers of polyester media allow a greater amount of particulate to be captured and held within the filter. Electrostatic Air Filters use air moving through the polyester medias to static electrically charge the media This creates a system of positive and negative charged surfaces within the air filter to attract and hold particulate. Electrostatic Air Filters are permanent, washable filters, requiring cleaning every 60 to 90 days.

Sometimes people with allergies may consider the usage of an electronic air cleaner that is installed within the air conditioner, which works on the same principle as that of electrostatic filter. Electronic Air cleaners are much more effective than electrostatic air filters and they do not restrict the flow of air inside the air conditioning system, as an air filter alone might. Proper maintenance and cleaning of electronic air cleaners is critical to their effectiveness. Whatever type of air filtration system you use, it is advisable to check the cleanliness of the air conditioning system coils by a HVAC contractor at least twice a year.

Perhaps the most important measure that will ensure the efficiency of an air cleaner is frequent replacement of its air filters. One should change the air cleaner's filter regularly, as clogged, dirty air filters block normal air flow and reduce the air filtration system's efficiency.

How Do I Know Which Air Cleaner Is Right For Me?

There are two basic options of Air Cleaners:

Whole House Air Cleaners/ Air Filtration System (Configured) --Filtration is applied as an integral component of the HVAC operating system. A whole house air cleaner is typically enclosed in a cabinet which is inserted in the return air duct of the HVAC system. The air is cleaned as it recirculates back thru the system and includes an inserted simple filter (filter rack), cabinet enclosed air filter media, or an electronic air cleaner (precipitator).

Stand-Alone Air Cleaners/ Portable Air Cleaners/ Air Filtration Equipment - This equipment is typically fan powered, self-contained equipment. It has varying media options available, configured for application demand. Stand alone air cleaners are usually either "source capturing" or portable and can combine air cleaning and air purifying.

What Does It Mean To Be "Energy-Star" Rated?

Some manufacturers market and sell their air cleaners with the "Energy-Star" label on their packaging. This means that the air cleaners has earned an Energy-Star rating by following strict energy efficiency guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, they "do not endorse any manufacturer claims of healthier indoor air from the use of this" air cleaner.

Energy-Star products may however save the consumer money on electricity bills over long periods of time as they tend to be designed in order to conserve on energy.

What Factors Are Important When Considering Which Air Cleaner To Buy?

There are five main things to consider when deciding which air cleaner will be the best option for you.

The first things to think about is installation. knowing where you want to install your air cleaner is very important, Some air cleaners are installed as part of the duct work, and have unique requirements that must be met, such as ensuring that there is sufficient access to the air cleaner for inspection, maintenance, and repairs. Most of the models of air cleaners that we carry are "plug and play," which means that it should be relatively easy for you to install yourself or for your heating and air conditioning contractor to install within minutes.
Another thing to think about that is equally as important is knowing what you want to accomplish, or knowing what level of air filtration you need. For some people, an simple air filter alone will be beneficial, as they are only looking to do a very basic air cleansing. Asthma sufferers would want a higher level of cleansing, and may want to use an air cleaner along with an air purifier to reduce most contaminants within the air. Others may have specific odors or gases that they intend to eliminate with the use of an air cleaner, so knowing exactly what you want to eliminate within the air, will help most people decide which air filtration system or air cleaner is right for them.
Costs: Not only should you consider how much you want to spend on an air cleaner, but you should also take into consideration any extra costs, such as maintenance, cleaning services that may be needed, replacement filters, and replacement parts as well as energy usage and efficiency. Each air cleaner has its own unique system, and maintaining your air cleaner as you go will definitely save you time and money down the road.

Odor Reduction: If you are using your air cleaner to get rid of odors, you should make sure that the air cleaner or air purifier you buy is designed for doing so. Odor and many gas-phase pollutants from tobacco smoke may still linger if the air cleaner is not specifically designed to capture and eliminate those odors.
Noise. Many of the portable air cleaners contain a fan to operate and so you should take into consideration the amount of noise that will be outputted by each air cleaner. Also consider whether it is going to be installed in active areas of your home, or whether the air cleaner will be installed outside or in areas of the home with low activity. Portable air cleaners are typically rated for performance as well as noise (dBA or sones rating) noise.

Some Other Important Things To Know: Air Filtration Rating Terminology

MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) - Measurement scale designed to rate the effectiveness of Air Filters. The scale represents the worst case performance of a filter when dealing with particles in the range of 0.3 to 10. 1 represents the lowest rating, 16 represents the highest percentage of particulate captured on each pass through the air filter.

HEPA Filter - Air filters that remove at least 99.97% of airborne particulates 0.3 micrometers in diameter. Particulates of this size are the most difficult to filter and considered the Most Penetrating Particulate Size (MPPS).

CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) - Indicates the volume of filtered air delivered by an air cleaner. CADR also determines how well an air cleaner reduces pollutants, such as tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust. The higher the rating number the faster the air cleaning unit filters air filters.

Can I Order Replacement Filters?

Yes. We sell a large selection of replacement air filters and parts for many different manufacturers. You will find links at the bottom of the equipment product page referring you to the proper replacement filter or replacement part required. If you're looking for a specific replacement part, and you can't find it on our website, just give us a call.