Do Air Purifiers Remove Dust?

dust on the wood board

Many people believe that air purifiers remove household dust. Perhaps a few people question this since dust particles are tiny particles and because sometimes, the air purifiers may be placed in large rooms. So, in this article, we will help satisfy your curiosity and provide a detailed answer to the question “do air purifiers remove dust?”

For us to properly do this, we have to discuss dust and air purifiers. We also have to look at what air purifiers are best for removing dust if any air purifiers are capable of removing dust particles from large rooms and by so doing, improving air quality.

What is Dust?

Dust is made up of solid particles of various matter forms which may include soil, pollen, human hair, skin cells, pet hair, and several pollutant particles. Many people think that dust is made up almost seclusively of dead or worn-out human cells but this is not true. Yes, human body cells make up a portion of dust in your home and my home but it is not the major constituent of dust. You are more likely to have larger portions of dust from outside soil conveyed by the wind, from dust mites, mold spores, insect-byproducts, and several other sources.

Some dust particles, especially from pollens, mold spores, or such organic particles are less likely to harm you unless you already have a medical condition that makes you allergic or if you are asthmatic. Since dust particles are airborne particles, they are likely to be harmful to people who suffer from allergy symptoms. This is often without warning due to the fact that dust is particulate matter. So, besides the fact that dust settles on the floor and things around the house, making them dirty and unhygienic, you also have to deal with the health effects of dust in the living room, large rooms, and in your home in general.

Dust can affect your respiratory system, triggering health problems. So, it is important to have clean air free of pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and various forms of allergens in your living room and in indoor spaces. This is why air purifiers are important. Air purifiers help in improving air quality by making use of a filtration system to remove indoor dust and produce fresh air for you to breathe. Or do they? We will now look at air purifiers to see if they do this and how they do this- how air purifiers work to remove dust and improve air quality.

How Air Purifiers Can Help Combat Dust

Air purifiers are called air purifiers because they simply purify air to a large extent.

They are devices that help remove mold spores, pet dander, dust particles, and a host of other airborne particles or allergens from indoor air.

They do this by using a filtration system that works to clean air and improve indoor air quality. You need to understand that most of these particles we speak of cannot be seen by the naked human eye. They are so small that they are measured in microns. 1 micron for instance is one part out of a million parts. Yet, some of these particles are smaller than even 0.3microns. Keep in mind that the different particles that make up dust could range from as small as 0.01microns to over 400microns

Air purifiers work in different ways depending on the type of air purifier.

We will now discuss two of the most common types of air purifiers before giving you our verdict on which air purifier is the right air purifier or the most effective at removing dust particles and other airborne particles too.

This will guide you in choosing air purifiers, especially if you are looking for the best air purifiers for dust removal.


air purifiers for dust mites


Types of Air Purifiers to Remove Dust

Ionizers

Ionizers are also known as ionic air purifiers. They purify the air by passing air through a filtration system that utilizes negatively charged ions to bond to the particles in the air, making them heavier and causing them to drop on the charged collection plate in the air purifier. In this way, ionizers select particles from the air. Ionizers are effective in removing particles from the air and in deactivating germs with their negatively charged ions. However, they are not as good as HEPA air purifiers when it comes to removing particles. They also don’t do anything about the smell in the room.

People are however cautious of Ionizers because of the ozone they produce as by-products. Ozone generators which are an entirely different device make use of ozone in an attempt to eradicate airborne particles. However, it produces a large and unhealthy level of ozone which is really harmful to homeowners and it also does not have collection plates to collect the particles that the ozone binds to, ensuring that the particles are on the floor and can be destabilized into the atmosphere again. Unfortunately, many ozone generator producers pass them off as ionizers, giving ionizers a bad name. Since ionizers produce ozone as by-products, people are skeptical of Ionizers even though the ozone generated is in very little and very safe quantities. So, yes. Ionizers can remove dust from the air. You will have to keep up regular maintenance by regularly cleaning the collection plate though.


HEPA air purifiers

High-efficiency-particulate air purifiers (HEPA air purifiers) is the known best air purifier for dust removal and for removing airborne particles in general. It is built with a technology that ensures that it traps most airborne particles. HEPA air purifiers make use of air filters called HEPA air filters as their filtration system tools. There are two types of HEPA air filters.

True HEPA filter: This is the most efficient filter type. They capture or trap any particle as big as 0.3microns or more. There is a rigorous process used in certifying true HEPA filters to ensure that they meet up with the accepted 99.97% efficiency when it comes to purifying indoor air. This is the best-known air purifier for dust removal.

HEPA-type filter: this is s less effective HEPA filter. It is effective for up to 95%. It is also great or cleaning air and trapping particles but obviously not as good as the True HEPA air purifier.

HEPA air purifiers have to be maintained regularly as well. Maintenance includes filter replacements which will be done from time to time because the filters trap lots of particles and microbes which have to be done away with. When the filters get saturated and are not replaced, you may risk the filters becoming a source or reservoir of the very particles you need to get rid of. The air purifier at that point may even pose more danger than if you had not gotten it. At the end of the day, this applies to lots of devices. They have to be properly maintained so they can function effectively.

There are other air purifiers such as the activated carbon filter air purifier and the UV-C based purifiers. Sometimes, the technologies are mixed or simultaneously employed to both remove dust and to deactivate microbes that may be present in indoor air.

Conclusion

Yes, air purifiers can remove dust from indoor air. This does not mean that air purifiers can remove every single dust particle. They will remove most dust particles. Keep in mind that dust particles range from 0.01microns to about 400microns. Also, HEPA air purifiers for instance can trap anything as big as 0.3microns. Unfortunately, particles as small as 0.01microns will most likely pass through the pores in the HEPA filters. However, you can be sure that most of the particles will be trapped, and only very few can make it through. The best shot you have at purifying the air in your living room or indoor space and getting fresh air that will be free from allergens remains the HEPA air purifiers.

Some air purifiers combine the HEPA air filter technology with the Ionizer technology to ensure that microbes are also killed or deactivated. Ionizers also do a good job of removing dust and microbes from the air. There are a few other types of air purifiers but they do not work as effectively as the HEPA air purifier. So, if removing dust is your goal, we recommend the HEPA air purifier, preferably one with True HEPA filters. A notable mention for removing particles would be the activated carbon air filter which uses carbon filters to remove large particles and organic compounds by filtering them through its pore spaces. It is a good air filtration device but also not as good as the HEPA air purifier with regards to the amount of dust it can filter.

Do Air Purifiers Help With Mold?

mold and moisture damaged the wall of the house

In quick response to the above title, “Do Air Purifiers Help with Mold?”, the answer is yes. If you’d like to know just a touch more about just how effective these devices are when it comes to treating pesky mold spores, then keep reading.

A home doesn’t have to be dirty to have problems with mold. It can appear just about anywhere indoors where you have high temperatures and high humidity levels. If it’s not treated quickly and effectively, mold can cause a whole a range of problems, not just to the house, but to your health as well. But don’t despair as there are steps you can take to help eliminate mold and keep it at bay. One of which is to invest in a decent air purifier.

In this article, we’ll go over in more detail why you need to steer clear of mold and mildew and how to best banish it from your home. We’ll also explain how an air purifier works and how it can help calm this situation, improving your indoor air quality in an instant.

Following on from that, we’ll then point you in the right direction of some of the best air purification systems available now for tackling mold within the home.

Why Mold Needs to be Avoided 

There’s quite a range of adverse effects mold spores can have on your health including the onset of allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivity flares, and respiratory problems. And these are just the short-term effects. Long-term exposure to mold is much more serious. Symptoms related to long-term exposure to mold include cancer, neurotoxicity, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and pulmonary injury.

Mold spores reproduce by releasing spores into the air. They float around the air until they find a damp surface to cling to. Then, as long as the surface remains damp, the mold spores are fed. And eventually, they start to reproduce. The spreading of mold can happen very rapidly so it’s important to deal with it as soon as it’s detected.

Where Mold is Most Likely to be Lurking 

As mentioned earlier, mold can appear anywhere that’s moist and humid. If the humidity indoors is above 60%, this is the perfect breeding conditions for mold. Finding a large source of mold in the home could indicate a much deeper problem such as poor ventilation or leaking pipes. Whatever the source may be, it still needs to be treated. In worst cases, if mold is left untreated, apart from the damage it could do to your health, it could even cause the decaying of your home.

Quite often, in properties of poor ventilation, mold spores will form around the edge of the window, typically in the corner. In the bathroom, however, you may notice spots of mold appearing just about anywhere. Both the shower and bathtub are very common as these areas tend to be damp quite a lot. The sink and toilet are in the same boat. However, you also need to look closer. Mold is very good at hiding and is also likely to appear in places such as shampoo bottles, shower heads, and toothbrush holders as all offer the perfect conditions for reproducing.

family home

How Air Purifiers Can Help

There are various types of air purifiers available. However, not all of them are effective at mold removal, so you need to be careful. Any air purifier that’s fitted with a True HEPA filter will definitely help as these filtration systems physically trap the mold, preventing them from reentering the atmosphere. Ideally, when dealing with mold, you should also choose a model that’s fitted with an activated carbon filter. These filters are specially designed to tackle odors and are the only kind strong enough to deal with mold.

Another good feature to look for is those fitted with a germicidal UV-C light. These are the most effective at stopping mold spore reproduction. While there is some controversy over whether UV light should be used in air purifiers because of its potential danger to humans, it is contained within the system itself and therefore should eliminate any associated risk. As air passes through, it’s exposed to UV-C light, destroying any mold spores’ DNA, making it impossible for it to reproduce.

While air purifiers won’t completely solve your mold problem, it’s certainly a good place to start. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home,  while both portable air cleaners and HVAC filters may be effective at removing some mold spores, they won’t solve an ongoing mold and moisture issue. To do this, more specialist equipment will be required. But if you’re looking to remove naturally occurring mold spores from your indoor air then an air purifier is a good tool to help.

Preventing Mold Growth 

It’s one thing tackling mold that’s already there, but it’s another thing altogether, preventing it from returning. However, if you want to continue breathing in fresh and uncontaminated air, then both must be adhered to. One way to keep on top of any mold problems within your home is to periodically tour your property looking for cracks in the walls, or any signs of leakages. You should also ensure that all potential entry points for water are sealed. This will also help shield the property from wind, helping to keep your home warmer in the winter.

If you do detect any signs of serious mold, contact the professionals who can treat this problem immediately for you. Once the current problem has been rectified, your air purifier will work much more effectively at providing you with a constant supply of clean air.

When you do have your own air purifier in operation at home, make sure you change the filters on a regular basis, especially if living with any elderly people or those with any underlying health problems. While many of the high-end models have integrated filter replacement monitors, some of the budget models are a little less intuitive and will need to be checked manually every few weeks. If it looks dirty or clogged, then replace it. If you read the manufacturer’s guide, it should give you a better indication of how often the filter will need changing.


Best Air Purifiers for Mold 

Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 Air Purifier

Best for Larger Areas 

The Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 is a fantastic top-spec air purifying system that is perfect for use in rooms up to 1,100 square feet in size. It measures in at 15.5” x 2.5” x 14.5”, and has a cool, sleek appearance that will accentuate any office, studio, or home space.

When it comes to technology, this device has it nailed, offering some great user-friendly features. The first thing to note is the intelligent sensor that has the ability to detect the air quality within the room. This is then displayed clearly on the screen for you to see. As the fans kick in and set to work and the air becomes cleaner, you will see the sensor light change, indicating when the room is filled with clean, filtered air.

Another great feature this air purifier has to offer is that it’s so quiet when in use. Thanks to the device’s integrated WhisperMax technology, at its lowest fan setting, it kicks out just 41.5 decibels, which is around the same noise level as that of a library. So, it is pretty quiet, and therefore suitable for use even in the bedroom.

In terms of actual performance, the Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000 works on a 3-stage air filtering system that includes a HEPA air filter in the center. The HEPA filter that’s included is optional and can be selected from the following: a standard HEPA Pure filter; an upgraded HEPA filter combined with an activated carbon filter for tackling bad odors (HEPA-Fresh); another upgrade to include antimicrobial Silver-Ion threads in which to eliminate mold and bacteria (HEPA-Silver); and a top-spec HEPA filter that includes everything plus Alen’s unique Molecular Conversion Powder that destroys bad odors on a molecular level (HEPA-OdorCell).


GermGuardian AC4300 Air Purifier

Best for Performance 

If you’re searching for a smooth, stylish looking air purifier that’s both highly effective and efficient, then the GermGuardian AC4300 is a good match for you. Measuring in at 8.8” x 6.38” x 22”, this slimline device is capable of cleaning the air in rooms of up to 153 square feet in size, up to 4 times per hour.

This HEPA air purifier uses a very effective 3-stage filtering process in which to clean the room air. There’s a pre-filter that’s combined with an activated carbon filter which successfully removes large particles of pollutants and reduces odors caused by things like pets, cooking, and smoke. The air is then passed through the True HEPA filter where 99.97% of allergens as small as 0.3 microns are captures. This includes pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other airborne particles. The final stage involves using a UV-C light in which to kill airborne mold spores, bacteria, and viruses.

There are 3 different fan speeds on offer with the GermGuardian AC4300, the lowest setting producing just 40 decibels of noise. And in comparison, to some of the other models out there, that’s not bad at all. In terms of power consumption, it uses just 52 watts, which is much better than many of its competitors. Even when running this device for 8 hours every day, it would less than $20 per year to power.

Another feature that many people love about this machine is the easy-to-use, control panel that sits on the top of the machine. There are just 2 buttons and an LED filter replacement indicator here. So, nothing is too difficult to work and with just a quick glance you can instantly see whether or not your filters need changing.


RabbitAir MinusA2 Air Purifier

Best for Technology Lovers 

The RabbitAir MinusA2 Air Purifier is an amazing device in so many ways it’s hard to know where to start! Firstly, it offers a pretty large room coverage of up to 815 square feet and can filter this space effectively twice in one hour. And thanks to the Energy Certified motor, filters last up to two years when used for 12 hours a day. How efficient is that?!

When it comes to the filtration system, that’s pretty amazing too, using a total of 6 different stages in which to clean the air you breathe. It uses a pre-filter to trap and reduce large particles such as dust and pollen. It then uses a medium filter to capture and reduce anything that escaped the previous stage. Air is then passed through the BioGS filter which traps allergens 0.3 microns in size at a rate of 99.97% efficiency, before moving through a customized filter of your choosing. This could be either

As well as being super-efficient at cleaning the air in your room, it’s also super fun to use. It has a customizable front panel that transforms your air purifier into a modern work of art. With just a few clicks of a button you can see creative pieces appear on the machine’s face, including images by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Peanuts, and Hello Kitty.

Being the technological marvel that it is, the RabbitAir MinusA2 is outfitted with wireless internet capabilities, allowing you to monitor and control your device from anywhere. You can also pair it with Alexa to make your life easier when you are at home and want to give the room a quick blast before you enter.

As you can see, there are some very cool and very effective air purifiers out there that will not only brighten up your room but will also effectively ward off any bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. Mold exposure can be extremely detrimental to your health. So the sooner you tackle the problem, the better.

While all three of the above models are great, the one that really tops them all has to be the Alen BreatheSmart Classic P1000. It’s super powerful in performance and capable of filtering large rooms, yet it’s so quiet when in use. It also looks pretty cool, and therefore ideal if wanting to use it in a bedroom or office.

If, however, that’s not quite the style you’re after then be sure to check out the GermGuardian AC4300. While it’s only really suitable for smaller rooms it works extremely well in those spaces. It’s easy to use, and very energy efficient.

Or finally, if neither of those float your boat, you may be better suited to the RabbitAir Minus2. It’s a modern machine equipped with a technological playground, that runs like a dream and can be mounted on the wall. So is perfect for anyone who likes their gadgets and is lacking in floor space.

Any of these models can be picked up quite easily on Amazon or eBay. Breathing fresh, filtered air inside the home is a pleasure that once you have encountered, you won’t regret buying one. Not only will it help you feel more awake and energized in the day, it will also help more breathe more easily in the night too.

Air Purifiers FAQs: Do air purifiers help with smell?

a girl holding her nose from bad smell

There are many reasons for choosing an air purifier. One of the most common of these is to help address odor issues. There’s a great deal of confusion regarding this subject, largely because there isn’t a simple answer to the question.

The Filter Matters

In order to tease out the true answer regarding the question do air purifiers help with smell, it’s important to understand how they differ from one another. Despite the fact that there are different technologies used to clean and purify the air, the type of filter an air purifier uses is crucial to its effectiveness at removing odors.

How Does an Activated Carbon Filter Work?

An activated carbon filter is designed with a large surface area relative to the air purifier’s volume. This surface area contains a network of submicroscopic pores. These pores are designed to absorb the particles that contribute to odors.

The unique design of an activated carbon filter enables molecules to attract other molecules that are contained within particles. These molecules attach to each other and are then removed.

Which Odors Can an Air Purifier Remove?

When armed with an activated carbon filter, an air purifier is effective at removing a variety of odors including smoke, pets, chemicals, cooking and more.

Depending on the air purifier, it might also be possible to wash the activated carbon filter. Doing so frequently improves the filter’s effectiveness and can increase its lifespan.

Square Footage Matters

Another consideration when searching for an air purifier to remove odors is the size of the area the unit is rated for. Each air purifier states the maximum square footage that it’s capable of.

It’s important to match the size of the room or home with the right size air purifier. Otherwise, the unit won’t be able to purify the air as effectively.

Other Considerations

Regardless of the quality of the air purifier, following all the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding placement, maintenance and capabilities are crucial to its effectiveness. For example, most manufacturers recommend that the casing and under the air purifier be kept clean and free of obstructions. Another common recommendation is a regular schedule of filter replacement and/or cleaning.

What is a Hepa Filter & How Do They Work?

working of hepa filter

While the topic of air pollution is quite a hot one and has been for the past few decades, most conversations that take place focus on the environment and the air quality outside of our homes. However, indoor air quality can be just as bad as that outside, if not worse. The difference is that inside, we have the opportunity to change that via way of a good air filtration system.

If you’ve never owned an air purifier before, and never really read up about them, when you do go to look for one, it can be a little daunting with all the terminology and acronyms like HEPA, MERV, and CADR that are thrown around. In this guide, we hope to put some of those burning questions to bed and explain a little more about what some of these terms refer to.

HEPA-Type Filters Explained 

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. It’s a kind of filter that’s found in most good air purifiers and vacuum cleaners and is very effective at trapping unwanted airborne particles. However, not all contaminants are captured. Particle size plays a big part here.

Filters that are deemed to meet the HEPA standard are those that are capable of removing 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. Microns refer to the unit of measurement for particles and is the equivalent of one-millionth of a meter. Dust mites tend to be between 1-10 microns in size, although some can be much smaller.

A HEPA filter is made out of a series of pleated fibers. These fibers are often made out of glass fibers (otherwise known as fiberglass) or some kind of polypropylene or polyester non-woven fabric material and are held together in a frame. The most common type of frames used are those made from either plastic or cardboard. Quite often they will also feature a rubber or foam seal in which to prevent air from escaping.

The aim of a HEPA filtration system is to remove both small and large particles from the air. While larger particles such as pet hair and pet dander are a pain, they aren’t usually as harmful to you as smaller contaminants such as bacteria or viruses. And therefore, these are normally taken care of by way of a pre-filter.

Depending on the size of the contaminants, it depends on how it’s trapped. Larger particles are trapped by way of inertial impaction and sieving. These particles either get trapped on their own or they collide with other fibers which then get stuck trying to passing through the fibers. Medium-sized particles are seized by the fibers via interception. While smaller particles are diffused as they pass through the filter.

Air Filter Rating System Explained 

When looking to buy an air purifier, one term you’ll see around a lot is MERV. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is essentially the quickest way to find out how effective an air purifier really is.  It’s a scale that was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) back in 1987 and ranges from 1-20. The higher the rating, the less that can pass through it.

Simple dust filters tend to have a MERV rating of around 1-4. And while these are good for filtering out things like human hair and large dust particles, they have very little effect when it comes to removing smaller contaminants. Air filters with a MERV rating between 5-8 are generally your lower end disposal filters. These are slightly better and will filter things such as mold spores, and certain chemicals, they still aren’t very good at dealing with small particles. Air filters with a rating between 9-13 are better, especially when dealing with fumes, but still not really fit for use at home.

Really, when looking for an air purifier to use within the home, you should aim for one that has a MERV rating of 14+. Those that range between MERV 14-16 are capable of filtering up to 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. Which is not bad. They’re good for eliminating small and medium particles, as well as dust and mold spores. And, they’re good for anyone who suffers with low-moderate allergies.

However, if you’re someone who suffers from any high levels of allergies or any breathing conditions such as asthma or COPD, you should be looking to invest in an air purifier that has the best level of effectiveness. In which case you need to be looking at either a true HEPA filter or a ULPA filter.

A true HEPA filter has a MERV rating of 17+ and is the most common type used in air purifiers today. These filters are good for allergens and are very effective at removing mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and other microscopic contaminants. A ULPA (ultra-low particulate air) filter is the highest rated of them all and has a MERV rating of 18+. A filter of this caliber can remove even the smallest of particles with the greatest of efficiency. However, these filters don’t come cheap and are often only found in places such as clean rooms or biosafety cabinets.


air purifier filter being changed


Are HEPA Filters Washable? 

Yes….., some of them.

As you can probably imagine, HEPA air filters come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. In addition to that, they also vary in whether or not they are washable. Both the washable and washable types have their pros and cons, some of which we’ll go through here.

Washable HEPA filters

These consist of thick fibers that have been designed to get wet. The benefit of using these filters is you can wash them as often as you’d like and they will last quite a long time. However, just be aware that the more they are washed, the less effective they will become. So, while you want to make sure they stay clean enough to do the job, you don’t want to put more wear into them than needed. The other downside is the hassle of removing the filter, giving it a clean down and a rinse, and popping it back in your device.

Non-washable HEPA filters

While you will no doubt spend more money when using non-washable HEPA filters, they do have their advantages. The first is that you don’t need to keep scrubbing them, and they will still last a very long time. However, you can prolong their life a little longer by giving them a quick vacuum every now and then. And while it is still a bit of a pain having to remove the filter, at least there’s no scrubbing involved as there is with the washable kind.

Things to Consider Before Buying a HEPA Filter

You should now that you have a pretty good understanding of how HEPA filters work and why they’re so effective. So, in this section, we’ll go through some of the things to consider before making your next HEPA filter purchase:

Room Size

Before you part with any money, the most important factor to consider when buying an air purifier is whether or not it will be effective in the space you want to place it. Once you’ve decided on where it’s going, the next step is to get the room’s measurements. Any air purifier that’s worth investing in, will tell you the maximum room size it’s capable of filtering. Never buy an air purifier that’s too powerful for the room it’s going as is just a waste of energy. On the flip side, don’t get one that can’t handle the size of the room it’s going in.

CADR

Another factor to bear in mind is the air purifier’s Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). This metric was developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and essentially refers to the volume of filtered air a device can deliver. It is only ever measured in the highest fan speed but is a good indication as to how much filtered air you’ll get. The CADR scale ranges from 0-450 and is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). However, any air purifier with a CADR rating of less than around 300, really isn’t worth its money. Just remember that the higher the CADR rating, the more powerful the fans are.

Activated Carbon Filter

While HEPA filters are exceptionally good at removing contaminants from the air, they’re not very good at tackling odors. Therefore, a lot of good quality HEPA filters are used in conjunction with activated carbon filters. These filters were designed specifically to remove gas and odors from the air. And while they don’t make any real difference in terms of dealing with larger airborne particles, they are fantastic when it comes to filtering out cigarette smoke, mold spores, or even those lingering pet smells.

UV-C Light

There is a wide range of air purifiers on the market today, all varying in performance, budget, and features and functions. And while many of these are just added extras to enhance the user experience, one feature that is thought to make a difference is the addition of a UV-C light. When used correctly, this form of ultraviolet light can be very effective in killing germs, mold, bacteria, and more. The downside is that UV-C light is the most dangerous form for humans and other living organisms.

It works by destroying the nucleic acids in cells, and as a result, disrupts the DNA. This causes the cell to become incapacitated or die. Air purifiers that use UV-C lights first draw the air in through a filter of some kind. Then, as air passes through the purifier’s chamber it’s subjected to the UV light. With a design such as this, there’s no releasing of the UV light into the room, so exposure is prohibited.

We hope you found the above useful. There isn’t really much to HEPA filters when you break it down. But as simple as they are, they are highly effective air cleaning machines that require very little maintenance other than a replacement filter every now and then. You can pick a decent one up for less than $200, and once you’ve got one, you’ll never look back as you sit back, relax, and breathe in air cleaner than you ever have!