Fight spring allergies with an Air Filter
Fight spring allergies with an Air Filter |
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Fight spring allergies with an Air Filter
The Walla Walla area does seem to effect peoples allergies more than other areas. This is possible for a number of reasons with the agricultural economy, local grasses or weeds and dry dusty seasons that occur occasionally. Part of our needs for an indoor filtration system is caused because our houses today are built to be sealed up. This increases heating and cooling efficiencies, but reduces the clean air that enters the space. Air pollution factors addressed by a home air purifier include symptoms associated with eye and skin irritation, lung irritation, and unpleasantness from offensive odors, nose and throat discomfort, and fatigue. In air purification studies the EPA suggests that the level of indoor air pollutants may be 2-5 times higher than outdoor air pollutants levels. Indoor air filters can trap allergens such as pollen, dust and pet dander. Air filters are one of the best tools for reducing allergens from your home which reduces the need for medications. The trick if to find the filter type that works best for your specific needs. Your choices are Mechanical Filters, Gas Phase Filters, Electronic Filters and Hybrid Filters. Mechanical Filters - One of the best mechanical filters is the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA), these force air through a special screen(the filter) that traps allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. The HEPA filtered device will also stop other airborne irritants and smoke. When looking to purchase a mechanical filter or replacement screen, make sure you they meet HEPA filtering standards. The cheap filters may not perform as well removing allergenic particles. Gas Phase Filters - Mentioned here but this type of air filter is not intended for removal of allergens in the home, but for odors or other pollutants. If someone in your home has reactions to odors such as perfumes, smoke or other gas based sensitivities, this filter may be sufficient. Electronic Filters - One of the most effective types of electronic filters for reducing allergens is the style which uses electrostatic precipitators with a fan. In the case of electronic filters, electric charges are used to attract and trap allergens and other contaminants. Strive to find one that includes collecting plates so that the particles are trapped within the unit. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to clean all of the surfaces within the home, because the allergens will stick to them. The Ionic-Breeze by Sharper Image is well known and available at many retail locations. There are "imitations" out that claim to be as effective and much cheaper. These units can sit in a room and quietly clean the air. Some of the known drawbacks are the frequent cleanings of the collecting plates and initial cost of purchase, but with low electrical needs and unnecessary replacement filters make this choice cost effective in the long run. Hybrid Filters - Simply put, these air filters offer a combination of those characteristics which are found in both electrostatic and mechanical filters. These may be preferred by those with allergens other than gas based contaminants, but offer trapping devices for containing allergens. In addition to knowing the types of air filters, you need to consider things such as what contaminants or allergens that are needed to be removed from the air and the efficiency of the filter. Also the size of the air filter system will need to be large enough to continuously clean the desired room at the recommended frequency of at least every six minutes. Part of the decision is whether the filtration system is silent or noisy and how easy or difficult it may be to change the filter, when necessary. Posted on April 17, 2005 11:04 | Air Filtration
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