If you’re looking to install an air purifier for germs and viruses, then there are a few things you might want to know first. Americans as a whole spend an estimated $250 million per year on air purifiers for their homes, and while asthma and allergy sufferers are responsible for the bulk of these sales, some scientists suggest that some air purifiers installed in homes are more or less ineffective.
Don’t waste your money on an air purifier for germs and viruses that will do little to nothing to clean the air in your home. Instead, be sure you know how to find the right air purifier for your home so you no longer need to worry about the cleanliness of your home’s air.
How Do Air Purifiers Kill Bacteria?
Air purifiers are designed to remove contaminants and pollutants from the air in your home. This helps increase the air quality of the living space to make the home more comfortable for everyone. Generally speaking, air purifiers are able to combat air pollution within a home, meaning they remove a vast array of air contaminants, such as:
- Particulate matter (ultrafine particles smaller than 10 microns)
- Gaseous pollutants (gaseous chemicals like acids or noxious cases)
- Large dust particles
- Bad odors (especially those coming from kitchens and cigarettes)
Air purifiers also serve to combat allergens like animal dander and pollen.
Air purifiers typically cleanse the air by passing it through a filter system that removes all these particles. These filters are usually part of the home’s heating and cooling system and must be replaced regularly to be effective. Air purifiers can also be designed with special technology to sanitize and kill biological contaminants.
But do air purifiers kill bacteria, germs, and viruses?
Do Air Purifiers Kill Germs?
Yes, air purifiers today are capable of removing and killing bio-contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and germs. Not all air purifiers are capable of this, however, and the effectiveness of an air purifier is based on the purification method of the unit and will not be 100 percent effective.
Biological contaminants like bacteria, germs, and mold can circulate inside your house, increasing in numbers, making them entirely different from typical dust particles or gaseous pollutants that air purifiers easily remove. If these contaminants are not removed from the home, then there is an increased risk that your home’s residents will catch various illnesses.
Early air purifiers were not designed to remove bacteria and germs from the air, so when searching for a purifier for your home, you must search the market for a unit suitable with this functionality. Don’t simply grab the first air purifier you come across with good reviews. Do some research and find an air purifier to kill germs and bacteria.
Look for an air purifier that uses both a filter and UV technology that is specially developed to remove microorganisms from the air and treat airborne biological contaminants.
Do Air Purifiers Kill Viruses?
There are a few air purifiers rated to remove viruses from the air. However, this isn’t a huge concern since a lot of viruses don’t float in the air but rather attach themselves or contain themselves within larger particles, such as moisture in a sneeze.
For an air purifier to be able to kill an airborne virus, it must have UV light technology to sanitize and kill the virus in the air. There are different air purifiers on the market designed to battle different types of disease-causing bacteria. These are marketed as being hugely efficient against the particular particle type they’re designed to purify.
So you can stop wondering if air purifiers kill viruses and start looking for what purifier is best for your particular needs. Beyond that, be sure to regularly clean and sanitize all surfaces and commonly used areas of your home, including counters, tables, door handles, and light switches.
What is the Best Air Purifier?
The best air purifier for germs and the best air purifier for you and your specific needs might be different. It all depends on the needs that you and the people living in your home have.
People suffering from asthma or allergies tend to require a different unit then would someone living with optimal health conditions. Similarly, someone desiring to keep their air pure of specific viruses might want to seek out an air purifier designed especially for that. Be sure to document your needs and then search for an air purifier that will fulfill them.
If you’re unsure what air purifier (or maybe an air scrubber?) would be best for you and your home, consult a professional to help narrow down the best, most efficient options for you.
We’re even offering installed air scrubbers for $1,295, so contact us today!
We’re Here To Help You Breathe Easier
With more than 115 years of expertise, the John C. Flood team is committed to ensuring your indoor air quality is free of dangerous germs. To install a whole-home air purifier or learn more information call F:P:Sub:Phone} or contact our team online now.
