Features of Good Air Purifiers

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Air purifiers can be effective in avoiding future problems.

There are many things you can do to prevent mold growth in your home in Washington, NC, such as controlling moisture and maintaining steady air flow. Another tactic you can try is using an air filtration system to remove some mold spores from the air before they have a chance to settle and multiply. Not all devices are the same, though, so it's vital to know the features you need to seek to find one that is effective against mold.

2 Features of Air Purifiers

HEPA Filter

The main job of an air purifier is to remove impurities from the space around it, leaving behind fresher, cleaner air. A HEPA filter is designed to remove very small particles:

• Dust
  
• Pollen
  
• Mold spores
  

To be classified a True HEPA filter according to Department of Energy standards, it must trap 99.97% of the particles that are 0.3 microns. When shopping for an air filtration device, don't settle for a HEPA-like filter. A HEPA filter may cost more, but its performance will likely make it worth the extra money.

Activated Carbon Filter

Another problem that often comes with mold is the musty odor. Once you have a growth in your home, it may take a while for the smell to dissipate even after mold mitigation specialists have finished the cleanup process. Even the best HEPA filter you can buy doesn't get rid of musty smells. The gases that cause the lingering stench in your home are too small for it to capture. A purifier with an activated carbon filter, however, traps odors from the area around it by absorbing the gases into the filter itself. If you want to remove not only the particles causing the odor but the gases they leave behind, you need a purifier with this feature.

When it comes to mold prevention, cleaning up existing growth is only half the battle. An air filtration system that lowers the concentration of spores in your home can be effective in avoiding future problems.