Now that folks are moving indoors, it’s a good time to take a look at portable air purifiers, a great option for Katahdin Cedar Log Homes without forced air systems. Fortunately, there are a great selection of room-sized air purifiers available for homes. Here are some of the features too look for:

Focus on Mechanical Purification
There are many types of portable air purifiers on the market all with different ways of removing air pollutants from the air. The most tested air purifiers are ones that use HEPA filters to trap ultrafine particles in the air, including smoke, allergens, dander and droplets that may contain dangerous viruses. Some companies add UV light to the mechanical filtrations which can increase filtration effectiveness by killing bacteria.

Avoid Ionic Ozone Air Cleaners
While it is true that ozone is effective in eliminating allergens,   bacteria and viruses in the indoor environment, ozone is not very healthy for humans. Ozone can exacerbate allergies and cause problems for people with respiratory illnesses. Some ionic air purifiers combine ozone with other processes that can create dangerous by products, including formaldehyde.

Five Ways to Optimize Your Air Cleaner
Follow these tips to maximize your portable room air cleaner and enjoy clean healthy air.

  1. Leave your air cleaner on 24/7. Select an air cleaner with and Energy Star rating for efficient operation, then set the fan on low. The air cleaner works around the clock to clean air, using about the same power as a computer.
  2. Don’t move the air cleaner around. Keep your purifier in the same room for maximum effect. If possible, set up purifiers in each occupied bedroom and main living areas for maximum effectiveness.
  3. Use in confined spaces. Don’t leave windows and doors open while your air purifier is working— all the clean air will escape!
  4. Direct the flow to your breathing zone. Make sure your air purifier is blowing cleaned air where you’re sitting or sleeping. That way you’ll be sure to breathe cleaner.
  5. Replace filters regularly. Clean HEPA filters are the best defense for protecting against allergens and other indoor air pollutants. Get a subscription to HEPA air filters through Amazon or other suppliers so you’ll know when to replace them.

If your family suffers from more severe respiratory illnesses or allergies, you may want to consider whole house air ventilation  and filtration systems as a more centralized system of purification. Check out these ERVs that include HEPA filtration and save energy.