The Best Air Purifiers...

The problem is; Who do you believe?

Is there really an air purifier that's the best?

As we stated before, our air purifier ratings are based on science, NOT SALES HYPE!

In order to determine the best air purifiers, we have to look at what you are trying to do. For instance, removing particulates (dust, hair, smoke particles, pollen, soot) requires a different approach than removing microbes (germs, spores, bacteria, fungi).

Particulates require a filter to remove them from a space.

Filters can be classified as follows:

low-effiency fiberglass

pleated air filters

HEPA

ion generators

carbon filters

Although some filters can remove microbes from a space, the filter can become a breeding ground for the microbes that it traps.

Systems that are used to destroy or reduce microbes are:

ozone

UV air purifiers (ultra violet light)

photohydroionization (PHI)

photocatalytic oxidation

Finding The Best Choice for You...

Airborne particles are measured in microns (1 micron = 1/25,000 of an inch, Yes 1/25,000!)

A look at some pollutants:

3 - 10 microns - pollen, dust mites, hairspray, certain molds, bacteria and animal dander)

1 - 3 microns - lead dust, large bacteria

.3 - 1 micron - smoke (tobacco and cooking), small bacteria, fine dust, small animal dander particles, asbestos)

below .3 micron - VOCs (volital organic compounds, such as, odors, off-gases including formaldahyde from carpets, furniture and cleaning products, mold )

Consider that 98% of airborne particles (the most damaging to the lungs) are 1 micron in size and smaller.

The best air purifiers are those that give the best protection from damaging pollutants, those in the range of below .3 micron to 1 micron.

Our choice for best air purifiers in the filter category for capturing particles in the .3 - 3 micron range is an active electronic polarized media filter such as Dynamic Air Cleaner .

This unit captures 97% of the particles that try to pass through it.

Below the .3 micron range, photohydroionization (PHI) manufactured by RGF Environmental wins hands down for best air purifiers in the non-filter category.

These units offer a safe and effective technology for air purification.

Although HEPA filters are highly efficient at removing minute particles, there are some drawbacks;

HEPA room units require frequent and costly filter changes. Most room units are small in capacity and the filters do not really hold a large volume of particles.

HEPA central units (installed in central heating and cooling ducts) can compromise the efficiency of the heating/cooling unit and filter replacements are costly

Electrostatic precipaitators require frequent cleaning (usually in a dishwasher). The longer it is used without cleaning the less efficient it becomes, allowing the pollutants to pass through and enter the living area. They may also produce ozone.

Pleated filters (non-HEPA) are not effective in removing the smaller, damaging particles. The efficiency rating of these filters vary widely.

Negative ion generators may remove particles from the air but not from the room. The particles settle on the floor, wall and furniture surfaces. They still have to be vacuumed from these surfaces, however if your vaccum does not have HEPA filtration, the pollutants again become airborne. Another disadvantage is you would need one in every room as the negative ions do not travel through walls.

Ozone generators have no effect on solid particles and as stated before, ozone generators are not recommended by various governmnent agencies or the American Lung Association.

Carbon filters require frequent changes and also reduce airflow through the appliance it is installed into.

While the Dynamic Air Cleaner is great at removing particles, it is not effective at removing odors, certain bacteria and molds or volitale organic compounds.

On the other hand, PHI (photohydroionization) air purifiers by RGF Environmental will address odors, volitale organic compounds, etc. but do not remove particles.

For information on PHI Technology by RGF click here.

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