Most air purifiers clean the air by passing it through 1 or more filters. During this process, air travels into the air purifier and moves through the filters where allergens, particles, and other impurities are captured and contained. Clean air then gets released into your room through the air return outlet with the help of a circulating fan.
There are 2 types of air purifier filters:
Particle Filters
Air purifier filters that target particles are usually made of tightly woven cloth or accordion-style material fitted to an outer frame that slides easily in and out of the air purifier. As air moves into the air purifier, microscopic particles collect on this filter and are prevented from being released back into your space.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most common and most recommended type of particle filter used in air purifiers. These filters are rated to remove up to 99.97% of allergen particles from the air that measure 0.3 microns and larger. That's 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair. This is also the typical size of a pollen or mold spore, a pet dander particle, dust particles, and dust mites. Air purifiers that use HEPA filters can help you reduce and even eliminate your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Pre-filters are used in nearly all filter-based air purifiers. These components are basic particle filters that are able to trap larger particles before they reach the air purifier's main HEPA filter (or other type of primary filter). Think of these filters as the first line of defense an air purifier has against airborne impurities. Pre-filters capture larger allergen particles, lint, and hair strands - all of which can prematurely clog the main filter. Once the larger particles and impurities are removed, the HEPA filter is free to target microscopic allergens, which have the most negative effect on your symptoms. Pre-filters also help extend the length of time between filter cleanings and filter replacements.
Odor Filters
Air purifier odor filters almost always use activated carbon as a means to absorb and neutralize unpleasant and harmful odors. Activated carbon filters target chemical odors, smoke fumes, gaseous contaminants, and other irritating odors you might find in your environment. Activated carbon, whether in mesh or pellet form, is porous material that "opens" to absorb odors and fumes. Once the material has absorbed to its limit, the filter should be replaced. It's especially important to keep up with regular filter replacements when it comes to carbon filters.
Activated carbon can absorb a variety of airborne pollutants, including:
- Smoke from cigars, cigarettes, cooking, and wood-burning appliances
- Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often released by furniture, carpet glues, paints, plastics, and new building materials
- General unpleasant odors like those stemming from pets or cooking
- Irritating chemical odors from air fresheners and household cleaning products
Still Have Questions?
For more information on air purifier filters, air purifiers, or other air treatment solutions, browse our products and visit our Knowledge Center. Not sure what's best for you? We can take the guesswork out of decision-making. Contact one of our air treatment specialists at 1-800-934-9194. We want to help make your indoor environment healthy and comfortable.
