Poor indoor air quality can cause infections, lung cancer and chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, the American Lung Association warns. Many people turn to air purifiers to improve the air quality inside their homes or apartments. Some purifiers are not ideal for apartments so it is important to do your homework before you shop. Consult your healthcare provider for questions about air purification specific to medical conditions.
HEPA Room Air Purifiers
Portable HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air, purifiers are ideal for apartments because they are portable and filter the air efficiently. HEPA filtration pulls the air into the portable unit, filters it and releases the cleaned air back into the room. They require annual filter changes to work properly. Portable HEPA purifiers are made in several sizes to accommodate varying room measurements. Some models make low to moderate noise, so consider your needs when shopping. HEPA purifiers do not emit chemicals.
Ionizers
Ionic air purifiers do not require filters, reducing operating costs. Cleaning an ionic air purifier involves rinsing a removable grill and reinserting it into the unit. They provide the same portablility as HEPA units, but can emit small amounts of ozone, which poses a risk of lung irritation.
Dedicated Ozone Generators
An ozone generator is another portable air-purification system. Dedicated ozone generators are said by the manufacturers to clean the air by omitting large amounts of ozone. Consumer Reports.org cautions that ozone is a serious health concern.
Furnance Filtration
Furnace filters offer an inexpensive way to filter the air entering your apartment through heating and cooling vents. The anti-allergen filter replaces the usual furnace filter. Furnace filtration does not produce ozone. Only apartments utilizing a hot-air system can use this filtration option. Consult your property manager as to whether the installation of an anti-allergen furnace filter is an option for you.
