Understanding Common Air Purifier Terms

Understanding how air purifiers work can be overwhelming with all the technical jargon. However, if you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the common terms. Whether you’re dealing with allergies or asthma or you just want to breathe cleaner air, getting to grips with terms like HEPA, CADR, and ACH will help you choose the best air purifier for your needs. 

In this post, we break down some common air purifier terms so you can make an informed choice.

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)

Much like a fuel oil system provides efficient heating, HEPA filters provide efficient air filtering. They can trap 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust and pet dander. This makes them a vital feature in quality air purifiers.

CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate)

CADR measures how much clean air an air purifier can deliver per minute. A higher CADR means the air purifier can clean a larger volume of air faster. Similar to how an HVAC repair optimizes your system’s performance, understanding CADR can help you pick a more effective air purifier.

ACH (Air Changes per Hour)

ACH describes how many times the air purifier can filter the entire volume of air in the room per hour. A higher number means the air gets cleaned more frequently. For those with sensitivities, this can be as important as having a reliable water heater in cold weather.

Choosing the Right Air Purifier

Choosing the right air purifier is crucial for improving indoor air quality and addressing specific concerns. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision.

• Consider the room size. The size of the air purifier should be proportional to the size of the room, and the ACH rating should be high enough to clean the air in the room at least four times an hour. This ensures that the air is filtered properly and regularly for maximum efficiency. 
• Look for a true HEPA filter. True HEPA filters meet the standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy, while HEPA-type filters do not. True HEPA filters can trap more and smaller particles, offering a more thorough cleanse. Not only do they remove more airborne particles, but they are also more energy efficient than HEPA-type filters. Furthermore, they last much longer than HEPA-type filters, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often. 
• Consider the noise level. Air purifiers don’t have to be loud to be effective. Some of them come with noise-reduction technology, such as foam filters, insulated fans, and noise-dampening material, to make them quieter. The noise level generated by the air purifier is also an important factor to consider, especially if the air purifier will be located close to areas where noise would be disruptive, such as a bedroom or living room. 

We Can Help!

If you need advice on what air purifier to get, don’t hesitate to call Thomas J. Fannon & Sons at (703) 549-5700 or send us a message to schedule a consultation. We also provide water heater services. We serve clients in Alexandria, VA, and surrounding areas.