 Answering the curious consumers.
Let's see if we can help you further by answering some of the things that have been bothering you.
We know it's not an easy task to select a good air purifier. So, these more specific FAQ we hope will answer those curious soul out there.
What Is This CADR Thing?
CADR is a kind of standard designed by independent Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to measure the removal of dust, smoke and pollen from the air.
CADR measures the amount of clean air (in cubic feet) that an air cleaner delivers to a room per minute. CADR of 50 is appropriate for a room of 80 square feet; a CADR of 80 for 120 square feet; a CADR of 100 for 144 square feet; and a CADR of 200 for 320 square feet.
In short, the higher the CADR for tobacco smoke, pollen and dust numbers, the faster the unit filters the air.
Please take note that not all manufacturers have submitted their models for CADR testing ( because they believe that the standard has some flaw). So you'd see some air purifiers with CADR ratings while others do not. That does not mean that these air purifiers without CADR rating to be of less quality. On the contrary, many air purifiers without CADR ratings performed better in other independent tests.
What Is HEPA?
HEPA filters ( High Efficiency Particulate Air ) are specially developed filters that has the highest efficiency when it comes to filtering the air.
To be certified as true HEPA, the filter must capture a minimum of 99.97% of contaminants at 0.3 microns in size.
HEPA was originally a top secret project (in 1940s) to filter radioactive particles. It was needed for the Manhattan project (which was a project for the first atomic bomb). After the Second World War, the technology was released to commercial and home use.
Today you'll find HEPA filters in all sorts of appliances, from air purifiers to vacuums and is used frequently in aerospace, nuclear electronic and home machines.
How Many Air Filter Are There? -and what's the difference?
As far as we're concern, there are at least 3 types of room air purifiers in the market today.
HEPA Air Purifiers
These type of air purifiers use HEPA filters along with a fan to suck the air into the machine. Most of the machines perform a lot better than models with other type of filtration. They are generally more noisy but do not produce any hazardous ozone.
Electronic Ionizer
Another type of air purifier are called electronic air purifier or ionizer. These machines will charge unwanted particles in your room so that it would stick to it's collector plate inside the machine. However, the particles will also stick to your wall, decor or clothes.
These models normally do not use fan. Thus, they are generally more silent compared to HEPA machines but produces a small amount of harmful ozone. In our site these type of machines are labeled not recommended.
Ozone Generators
Also called ozone air purifiers, these machines do not filter any pollutants from the air. Instead in only neutralize odors (like one from fire) creating the impression that the room is cleaned.
It's done by introducing ozone in your room. Although the amount of ozone released could be damaging to your health, manufacturers of these machines can get away with the FDA limit by saying that their machines are not medical devices.
Others
There are also air purifiers that combine HEPA and electrostatic in their technology.
Why Should I Buy a HEPA Air Purifiers?
The first reason is because it is effective. An air purifier with true HEPA filters can remove 99.97% of particles larger than 0.3 microns, enough to help improve indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to irritants and allergens.
Secondly, because a HEPA air purifier would not emits hazardous ozone, unlike models using electronic ionizer.
At the same time, unlike other type of filtration, HEPA filters will trap the particles and never allow it to be airborne again.
Although HEPA air purifiers are a little more noisy, it does it works - that is, to clean the air, without any bad side effects.
Why Don't You Recommend Popular Air Purifiers - like Friedrich or Oreck's?
The biggest reason why we do not recommend these air purifiers is because they produce ozone - which is harmful for all living being.
Many consumers who bought these type of air purifiers ultimately will complain of headache or musty smell.
Second reason why we drop these type of models is because there are more effective air purifier in the market. HEPA air purifiers are more effective and safer than Friedrich and Oreck machines.
Is Ozone Bad For Our Health?
When inhaled, ozone is harmful to our lungs. Small amount of ozone will result in chest pain, coughing, headache, shortness of breath and throat irritation.
For those with asthma or allergies, ozone could worsen their condition.
Remember, some manufacturers try to trick the public by calling ozone as - "pure air" or "energized oxygen", misleading the public into thinking that ozone is a good thing.
Apart from that, ozone can also "adversely affect indoor plants, and damage materials such as rubber, electrical wire coatings, and fabrics and art work containing susceptible dyes and pigments."
( cited from the US Environmental Protection Agency)
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