Choosing an Air Purifier
The mechanical air purifiers are rather well liked because they generally are relatively inexpensive, compact and efficient. Most of the mechanical air purifiers do require filter replacements from time to time. The fact that these use a lot of power to drive the air through the filter, which in turn increases the electricity usage, is the main drawback.
Since the electrostatic air purifiers are not squeezing the air through a filter, these use less energy. However, these do require the air and the charged particles to move through a narrow path to ensure they trap most of the particles. The most energy efficient solution is the ionic air purifier as it just blows air around and ionises it. It has also been found that the ionic air purifiers appear to be better at removing odours than most of the other air purifiers.
Styles of air purifiers
Air purifiers are available in styles including those that are part of the central ventilation system, a room console unit, and a tabletop unit. The main styles are:
Central filtration: These are used when the air needs cleaning in an entire house or building and are built into the home's central heating or air-conditioning system or a building's ventilation system. As a more powerful fan may be needed to move adequate amounts of air through certain types of air purifiers, it may be problematic to add these to existing systems. Also, the ventilation system must be running in order for the air to be cleaned.
Console-size units: These have effective filters or collecting plates and are often used when air cleaning is needed in a particular room. These usually work better when all the door and windows are closed.
Tabletop units: Most reviews have shown these units to be ineffective units and these generally have limited airflow and inefficient filters.
"Personal" air cleaners: These are designed for wearing around the neck, on a lapel, or to be carried in a pocket. These are ineffective and are likely to be dangerous as they emit ozone in the breathing zone and may cause health problems for asthmatics and others with respiratory trouble.
Houseplants: These are usually ineffective for cleaning indoor air pollutants.
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