When you’re in the comfort of your own home, you probably don’t think about the various particles that you’re breathing in – in fact, it’s easier not to. But the reality is that millions of particles – from dust mites and pet hair to bacteria and viruses – are in the air you breathe every day.
At HomeWiz, one of the common questions we've gotten recently is, "Do air purifiers kill germs?" With concerns around COVID-19, it's only natural to try to search for ways to reduce the transmission of germs and bacteria.
Air purification systems installed directly into your HVAC infrastructure can drastically improve indoor air quality, and therefore your health. When it comes to your family, a healthy home should always be top priority.
HOW DOES AN AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR HVAC WORK?
All central HVAC systems have paper filters in them that trap dust and dirt, but they don’t trap bacteria, germs and allergens that can be detrimental to your health. Air purification systems, on the other hand, are installed in the ductwork of your HVAC system to remove harmful particles such as mold, viruses and more.
Unlike portable air purifiers, whole house purification systems clean the air that circulates throughout your entire home. They are generally more effective than portable air purifiers; you’d need to purchase multiple portable air purifiers and place them in many rooms of the house to compete with the level of cleaning a whole house purification system can achieve.
DO AIR PURIFIERS KILL GERMS?
Air purifiers, especially those with HEPA filters, are extremely effective at capturing the nanoparticles that viruses such as coronavirus travel in; air purifiers with HEPA filters can remove as much as 99.9% of those particles.
Whole house air purification systems, in particular, are good for anyone who wants to improve their general health, but it is especially beneficial for certain types of homeowners:
- Pet owners. We all love our furry friends, but you probably don’t love the clumps of fur you find around your home. Air purification systems help to remove the pet dander and hair, and potentially reduce the amount of times you’ll need to vacuum.
- People with allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues. Medication can only do so much to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. Purification systems reduce the allergens and dust mites that float throughout your home and can help you to breathe easier in the long term.
- Smokers. Air purification systems can neutralize odors in your home, including smoke. These systems work well for smokers, or even for homeowners that often light fires in the fireplace or wood burning stove.
- People with compromised immune systems. Getting sick is never a good time, especially when it happens frequently. Air purification systems reduce viruses, germs and bacteria throughout your home, reducing your chances of catching a cold or the flu.
A whole house air purification system isn’t the only route to take to improve indoor air quality; sometimes a thorough duct cleaning every 6 months will do the trick. At HomeWiz, our experts will help you make the right purchasing decision based on your needs and budget. With our technicians’ combined 30 years of experience, we will make installation a breeze.
