According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental health risks. Common causes include second-hand smoke, pets, pests, poor ventilation, and outdoor pollutants slipping inside the home. To get rid of harmful materials trapped inside a home, there are a variety of different products and methods designed to purify the air and eliminate pollutants entirely.

At Freedom Air and Heat, we care about the quality of your air. Take a look at this introduction to air cleaners and purification systems and learn more about how an expert technician can improve your indoor air quality. Each type of air cleaning system is designed to remove a specific type of pollutant in a unique way. The three main categories are particle removal, gaseous pollutant removal, and pollutant destruction.

Particle Removal

There are two subcategories of air cleaning devices designed to remove particles from the air: mechanical filters and electronic air cleaners.

• Mechanical Air Filters

These filters capture particles as they pass through. Leading the pack in filter quality are HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filters. Only the most microscopic particles can pass through these filters, so allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold are blocked from entering a home. These filters must be changed periodically to prevent too much blockage.

• Electronic Air Cleaners use electrostatic attraction. Particles gain an electrical charge through ionization inside the cleaning device, and then they are dispersed back into the air. Thanks to their new electric charge, they settle on surfaces more quickly.

Gaseous Pollutant Removal

Gaseous air filters use a sorbent to absorb gas pollutants in the home as they pass through. They are often designed for specific pollutant concentrations, which means they can’t remove all types of gases from the air at once.

Pollutant Destruction

Pollutants can be destroyed using rays of ultraviolet light. There are two main types of cleaners that eliminate pollutants from the air this way.

• UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) Cleaners

Using radiation from ultraviolet lamps, these cleaners destroy allergens, bacteria, viruses, and molds that are airborne or growing on the surfaces of an HVAC unit. It is best to use them coupled with a filtration system.

• PCO (Photocatalytic Oxidation) Cleaners

These cleaners are not designed to destroy particulates, but they use UV rays to destroy gaseous pollutants instead. By combining ultraviolet radiation with a catalyst substance, they oxidize molecules and convert gaseous pollutants into new, harmless gases.

If you are considering adding an air purification system to your home, placing one in your bedroom could be a good place to start. Eliminating pollutants from the air can help you rest more peacefully during the night.

It is important to keep plenty of space around your purifier, because it may take in air from multiple sides. For best placement in a bedroom, keep the unit 6-10 feet away from the headboard to avoid feeling a draft. Position the device toward your bed so that you can feel the clean air reaching you.

If you are uncertain about the indoor air quality in your home and looking for a purification solution, contact Freedom Air and Heat at 321-631-6886.