An air purifier is a machine that removes harmful particles from the air. An electric unit uses advanced technology. Modern electric air purifiers are based on technology used in the original electrostatic precipitator created by Frederick G. Cottrell in 1907, which removed particulates from the air by giving them an electrostatic charge.
Improve Your Respiratory Health
Air purifiers can greatly improve your respiratory health. Disorders can be caused or worsened by harmful particles such as pollen, smoke and dust, which can be removed by various purifiers. HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, for example, remove 99.97 percent of extremely small particles from the air--beneficial if you have allergies, asthma or other disorders.
Multiple Ways of Implementation
Electric air purifiers can be used in various ways. You can buy a small stand-alone unit for your home or office, or purchase a unit that can be affixed to your home air-conditioning and heating system. Larger units can be part of a commercial building's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, or HVAC, system.
How to Buy Air Purifers
It's important to know the particular situation for which your purchasing an air purifier. If you're buying a unit to reduce allergens in your home, a HEPA purifier can remove pollen, mold and ragweed as small as 0.3 microns. Filters that use activated-carbon technology are effective at removing irritating chemicals and odors from the air. Purifiers that use ion technology are not recommended because they give particles an electrical charge that forces them to stick to objects such as your wall or carpet; these particles, however, can be loosened and enter the air flow again. You should avoid buying purifiers labeled "Negative Ion" or "Ionic Breeze" technology.
