You may think of allergens as being outdoors, but there are many that can be found indoors that trigger symptoms as well, including mold, dust mites and animal dander. One way you can eliminate these and other allergens in your home is with an air cleaner. But how can you decipher which one will be the most effective? We review how below.
Look for Certification
Unfortunately, there is little to no regulation on terms such as “hypoallergic,” so many air cleaners make false or exaggerated claims. What you want to look for is the phrase, “Certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly.” The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited created a certification program to help consumers make informed choices about creating a healthy home by testing household products against strict standards.
Consider Room Capacity
You should also consider the size of the room to ensure you purchase an air cleaner that is powerful enough. You can check the clean air delivery rate (CADR) of the machine, which is the performance metric that indicates its effectiveness.
Get a HEPA Filter
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter ensures even tiny particulates are filtered out of the air. According to one 2020 study, “The use of air purifiers with HEPA filters significantly reduced medication requirements for patients with HDM [house dust mite]-induced AR [allergic rhinitis] and significantly lowered indoor PM2.5 [particulate matter] concentrations, regardless of room placement.”
Look at the Modes of Filtration
There are several ways an air cleaner can remove particulates that cause allergies and irritation:
- Media-based filter. These filters are ranked based on the size of particles they trap. The most effective type of media filter is a HEPA filter.
- Electrostatic filter. With these filters, particles receive a charge that allows them to stick to metal plates within the filter.
- Activated carbon filter. These filters are made of porous carbon that traps odors and gasses.
To talk to a sales representative about effective air cleaners, visit Low Country Vacuum & Sew in Stono Park Plaza To talk to an expert allergist about other ways to manage allergy symptoms, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today.