Whether you just want fresher air, or whether you choose an air purifier for health reasons such as allergies or mold, buying the right air purifier can be an important long-term decision. You can choose from dozens of brands and hundreds of models.

There are three basic types of air purifier technology: passive, active and passive/active.

In a passive air purifier the air is drawn to the technology for cleaning and the purifying happens inside the actual purifier. This type uses a mechanical filter or an electrostatic air cleaner.

In an active process, the technology goes out from the air purifier to clean the air. For example an ion generator is a negatively charged collector that attracts the positively charged particles in the air to produce clean air. Dust and dirt cling to the filter.

And passive/active would apply when an air purifier uses multiple processes to clean the air. In this case a hybrid uses a combination of the above methods.

There are also three types of filters to consider.

A High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter is very efficient at removing dust particles as well as things like pollen, dust mites and animal dander. Look for a model with True HEPA which is about 99.97% effective. That’s the type you need if you have allergies.

An Ultra-Low Penetration Air (Ultra HEPA) filter also removes up to 99.97% of even the smallest particles.

Carbon or charcoal filters remove larger particles such as bathroom odors, smoke or cooking smells. Sometime you will find one of these filters as a pre-filter with a HEPA or ULPA filter.

How large is the area you need to clean? When you determine that look at the air change/efficiency rate. This is the number of times that the unit can filter a particular area in an hour’s time. More changes per hour mean a greater efficiency in cleaning the air with the optimal rate being about 6 times per hour. Make sure you purchase a purifier that is designed to cover the amount of space you wish cleaned.

You should also look at the clean air delivery rate (CADR). This is the volume of filtered air from the air purifier. For example the more smoke, dust or pollen in the air the faster the unit will filter the air.

Some units are built with airflow on only one side. Some have a 360-degree airflow. Others will circulate the air so that it flows up and out of the room. You’ll need to consider where your filter will be placed when determining which method is best for your room. Some filters need to be placed a certain distance from walls or other fixtures.

Before you bring the filter home, you’ll want to hear it in operation. That’s particularly true if you wish to run it all night in your bedroom or a room where you usually watch television. Sometimes “white noise” can be helpful. But if it’s too loud that could become problematic.

Check the energy uses as well. If you can find a certified Energy Star air purifier for the best use of energy. And don’t forget to do your price comparisons. You can spend as little or as much as you want. But keep in mind that the more expensive models aren’t necessarily more efficient. So combine the cost of purchase, the estimated cost of energy usage and the cost as well as availability of parts and service before you make your final purchase decision.

You can be choosy about the color and look of your filter. Most come in basic white, gray or beige. But you’re not purchasing a decorative accessory, so that shouldn’t be your prime consideration. Pick the right unit and you will enjoy clean indoor air for years to come.

lawrence Reaves writes for, Hamilton Beach, a kitchen appliance company that also offers air purifiers. For more information on any product please visit the site.

Lawrence Reaves writes for,Hamilton Beach, a kitchen appliance company that also offers a selection of air purifiers here http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/products/air-care-air-purifiers.html

Author Bio: lawrence Reaves writes for, Hamilton Beach, a kitchen appliance company that also offers air purifiers. For more information on any product please visit the site.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Air purifier, purifier, air quality