It is quite surprising that pollutant levels of indoor spaces may be higher than these of outdoor environments. Indeed, the air in your home could be affected by different pollutants such as tobacco smoke, pet dander, dust mites, dust, mould, pollen, just to name a few. Fortunately, you can easily clean indoor air and minimise the risks of air pollution with an air purifier.
While there are many options available, most air purifiers are often costly compared to other indoor appliances. The main reason comes from the inclusion of advanced filter which plays an essential role in eliminating harmful components. So why air purifier filters are so expensive? Keep reading to find out the answer.
What Does An Air Purifier Filter Do?
Just like an HVAC system, every air purifier contains a filter which is responsible for removing different sizes and types of particulates from the indoor air.
This component does not only eliminate mould spores, dust allergens, and other contaminants which your family members can breathe, but it can also get rid of fine dirt elements which could degrade the device’s performance.
Since the main role of an air purifier is to clean and freshen the air in your house, the filter is undoubtedly the most important part that determines the efficiency of the unit.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Air Purifier Filters?
Basically, air purifier filters can be divided into four main types:
i. HEPA filter
HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, which is an advanced technology used to filter up to 99.97% of large particles from the air. This type of filter is ideal for removing pollen, dust mite, or pet dander elements. With advanced features, it can create a sanitary environment without generating ozone or other harmful products. However, HEPA filters don’t remove gases, chemicals, or odours.
ii Activated carbon filter
As the name implies, this type uses porous layers of activated carbon to absorb chemicals and odours in the air such as kitchen and pet smells, paint fumes, formaldehyde, fireplace fumes, or cigarette smoke. Once these elements are captured, they won’t be released back to the air, thus preventing recontamination.
iii. UV filter
UV filters are the most effective option to get rid of germs, viruses, and bacteria. With an integrated UV lamp which radiates UV rays, genetic or cellular damages will occur to destroy the microorganism into harmless components such as carbon dioxide and water.
iv. Negative ion filter
This type of filter cleans the indoor air by chemical injections. Negative ions are basically oxygen components which gain an electron that can magnetically collect airborne particles like dust or pollen. Though this technology seems advanced, it is actually less effective than other options mentioned above.
Why Are Air Purifiers So Expensive?
Just like any products, the prices of air purifier filters can vary a lot. Thus, there are many reasons why these parts are quite costly. Here are a few factors you need to know before deciding to purchase one for your home.
Technology
The main factor that determines the value of a filter is the integrated technology to clean the air. As said earlier, there are currently four main common types, including HEPA, activated carbon, UV, and negative ion. All of these options require high expenses to develop and apply, so it is no surprise that the final products can be costly.
Materials
Most air purifier filters are often made of premium materials like fibreglass, which are woven randomly to help with the interception of the molecules. They can be complicated in the operation with scientifically-proven methods to collect and remove airborne microbes. As a result, their prices are quite high.
Size
Bigger often means costlier. And this is true for most air purifier filters. These units usually come with large sizes as the appliance itself to ensure the optimal efficiency and better performance.
Do Not Forget To Replace The Filter Regularly
After a few months or years of using, the filter of your air purifier might build up with pollens, dirt, and other particles. As a result, it will drop the airflow and reduce the overall blower performance. This means your device will be able to filter less harmful components at slower rates.
Thus, it is necessary to replace this part on a regular basis, ideally once or twice per year. This frequency will depend on your home’s condition and type of filter.
The Bottom Line
An air purifier and its filter can be relatively expensive. However, it is definitely one of the most effective ways to clean your indoor air and improve the quality of life, including your sleep. Pollen, mould, dust, and bacteria can affect anyone in your family regardless of how often you do household tasks. Thus, purchasing a good air purifier (like these here) won’t ever a bad idea.
