Indoor air quality is an important issue that requires some form of air filtration. Research has shown that filtration can be an effective complement to source and ventilation control. Studies by Brauner et al. and Allen et al.
have found that air filters can reduce indoor fine particle concentrations by up to 60%. Filtration was also associated with a 9.4% increase in the reactive hyperemia index and a 32.6% decrease in C-reactive protein. Clean filters are essential for good air circulation, which is necessary to ensure the freshest and most breathable indoor air for you and your family. Changing the filters in your air conditioning system every month can help improve the air quality inside your home. An air purifier with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) and an activated carbon filter can filter both particles and gases, reducing pollutants and improving the cleanliness of a room or building. The higher the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, the less particulate matter will pass through the air filter and circulate throughout the house.
Reusable and washable filters are available, but require meticulous maintenance, so they are not usually found in the most effective air purifiers. Pleated air filters made of polyester fabrics or cotton pleats are effective at filtering out larger dust and other contaminants. To determine if an air cleaner can effectively remove tobacco smoke from a room, consider the size of the room and the CADR of the purifier. New data also reveals a stronger link between indoor and outdoor exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular diseases, as well as between air pollution and cancer. In addition, a monitor can help warn you if indoor air is getting dirty, in which case you can run airflow mode more often. HEPA filters used in the home significantly reduce fine particles in the air compared to non-HEPA air filters, according to a two-year study led by researchers at Intermountain Healthcare in Salt Lake City.
Blagev emphasizes that while HEPA filters help reduce PM2.5 inside the home, everyone should strive to improve overall outdoor air quality in their communities. When purchasing an air purifier, consider not only the purchase price but also operating costs and filter replacement costs. The last filter consisted of a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA), which filtered 70% of 0.3 μm particles and 95% of 1.0 μm particles.
