There are a many different kinds of air purifiers on the market. Some are so bad that class action lawsuits have been heard and resolved in the consumers’ favor; specifically the lawsuit against the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze was proved ineffective and customers did receive rebates/refunds.
So, here’s what works:
1) to remove mold spores and most particulates HEPA only air purifiers will serve you best. They are usually round, inexpensive and noisy. We suggest that you run a HEPA only air purifier during the day and turn in off at night, or vise vera depending upon your situation. Air purifiers are only a band-aid; the source or sources of the water damage that is allowing the mold to grow must be found and repaired concurrent with the moldy building materials being professionally removed.
2) to removed odors other than “musty” or chemical odors; charcoal filters will do the best job. The charcoal filter should be a minimum of 1″ thick. Sometimes both HEPA and charcoal filter systems can be added to your HVAC system.
3) UV light works wonderfully at removing the viruses in which in comes in contact. The UV units that provide the most consistant removal are installed inside your HVAC system. There are scientific concerns about UV in portable units and their effectiveness. And then there is ozone. I cannot understand why anyone would want to create ozone, the biggest part of smog, in their bedrooms. The shills on TV, etc., have made us believe we can’t live without ozone in our air purifies and pay a significant up-charge for this. As they say in Missouri “Show Me”; until then stick with HEPA and charcoal only. Electrostatic ion generators should be considered “snake oil salesmen” or “smoke and mirrors”.
There are multiple other manufacturer’s additions; stick with the basics that we know work and won’t add additional environmental “load” to an a possibly already compromised area.
We do not sell any of these products. Please read the manufacturer’s literature carefully, as multiple manufactures think they are doing you a favor by including things you don’t want or need. FYI: you don’t need to change a HEPA filter very often. Studies have shown that HEPA filters work better when they become dirty. So, HEPA filters should be changed when the motor slows down – like it’s having a hard time pulling air; or every three years.
