As temperatures drop across the country and we are forced to spend more time indoors, a lot of us are looking at options to keep the indoor air clean with the help of air purifiers.

Air purifiers have become a hot commodity this year. Though there’s much evidence of air purifiers fighting against pollutants, alleviating allergies, and removing dust, what about fighting against viruses like COVID-19? The answer is not so simple.

According to the health experts, the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets is expelled when an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes, or breathes, and can be inhaled by another person. But the virus can also spread through smaller airborne particles that have been “aerosolized” and linger in the air for minutes or hours.

Using a portable air purifier can help reduce the germs and viruses in your home and other indoor places. The air filtration devices add a layer of individual cleaning to the room and other closed spaces.

How Does an Air Purifier Work?

An air purifier typically consists of a mesh-like filter and a fan; the air purifier pulls air in, passes it through a filter that removes small airborne particles and then dumps clean air back in the room.   

High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the benchmarks for air purifier filters, which are guaranteed to trap 99.7% of airborne particles/contaminants. In simple words, the more air that passes through a HEPA filter, the cleaner the air will become.

Are Air Purifiers Effective Against COVID-19 at Home?

How well air purifiers work against COVID-19 is yet to be seen. Poorly ventilated indoor spaces can increase the risk of catching COVID-19 because the virus can linger in the air and get inhaled by others.

Air purifiers can be a useful appliance to use in homes because they increase air circulation, which introduces fresh air into your space while removing potentially contaminated particles. 

In a typical home, it may take two to three hours for the air to be exchanged. Using an air purifier can boost that exchange rate up to six exchanges per hour, cleaning the air about every 10 minutes. 

Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help prevent the transmission of the virus to other people in the house if one individual has already caught COVID-19.

Fighting COVID-19 with Air Purifiers in Commercial Spaces and Schools

The HVAC systems of large buildings, schools, and indoor spaces typically filter air before it is distributed throughout the complex or establishment.

Consider using portable air cleaners to supplement increased HVAC system ventilation and filtration, especially in areas where adequate ventilation is difficult to achieve.

Directing the airflow in indoor spaces so that it does not blow directly from one person to another will help reduce the potential spread of droplets that may contain the COVID-19 virus.

Although we’d all like to have something with little upkeep required, having an air purifier is only beneficial if you are changing filters regularly and getting your HVAC system recalibrated on a regular basis.

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Currently, air purifiers with HEPA filters are an excellent option for consumers. But, having a portable air purifier does not replace the need to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and practice personal hygiene as directed by your local public health officials.

If you have any questions regarding the functioning of the air filters or you’d like to purchase one, contact your local HVAC system and air purifier expert at TradeCraft Heating and Cooling.