Understanding Common Air Purifier Terms

Air purifiers improve indoor air quality by effectively removing airborne pollutants, allergens and contaminants. With people’s increasing awareness of the importance of clean air for our health and well-being, understanding the technical aspects of air purifiers becomes paramount. A professional HVAC service contractor shares the definition of some of the most common air purifier terms in this post.

HEPA

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. To be classified as a HEPA filter, the filter must meet certain performance criteria, primarily the ability to capture and retain 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in diameter.

HEPA filters are widely recognized for their exceptional ability to trap and remove airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria and viruses. They are commonly used in air purifiers, vacuum cleaners and HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier living environment. Due to their high filtration efficiency, HEPA filters are instrumental in reducing allergens and pollutants, making them an essential component in many air purification systems.

CADR

CADR (clean air delivery rate) measures an air purifier’s efficiency in removing pollutants from the air. It quantifies how much clean air an air purifier can deliver in cubic feet per minute (CFM) for specific particles like dust, pollen and smoke.

Activated Carbon Filter

This type of filter is excellent for removing odors, smoke and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It absorbs gas molecules on its porous surface, neutralizing unwanted odors and chemicals.

UV-C

UV-C (ultraviolet-C) technology is a type of ultraviolet light that is germicidal, meaning it can destroy bacteria and viruses by altering their DNA structure. Air purifiers with UV-C technology can be effective in killing airborne pathogens.

IAQ

IAQ (indoor air quality) is a comprehensive measure of the air’s purity within an enclosed space. Poor IAQ can lead to health issues like allergies and respiratory problems. Incorporating an air purifier into your indoor environment can significantly enhance IAQ by reducing pollutants and allergens.

Micron

Micron is a unit of measurement that quantifies the size of particles. An air purifier’s ability to filter particles of different micron sizes determines its effectiveness. The smaller the micron size captured, the more comprehensive the purification.

TVOC

TVOCs (total volatile organic compounds) are harmful gases emitted by various household products and materials, like cleaning agents, paints and furniture. Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can efficiently remove TVOCs, enhancing the overall air quality.

Ozone

It is essential to be cautious when choosing air purifiers. Some devices, known as ozone generators, emit ozone gas into the air. Ozone is a harmful respiratory irritant and should be avoided. Look for air purifiers that do not generate ozone.

Pre-Filter

Pre-filters serve as the first line of defense in air purifiers, capturing larger particles like dust, pet hair and lint. Pre-filters extend the main filter’s lifespan by preventing these particles from clogging the primary filter, reducing the need for repairs.

ACH

ACH (air changes per hour) indicates how often an air purifier can filter the entire room’s air volume in one hour. A higher ACH value means that the purifier can cycle through and clean the air more frequently, ensuring a consistent flow of clean air.

Get Reliable Professional HVAC Products and Services

Understanding air purifier terms can help you ensure that you’re using and maintaining your device in the best way possible. It all leads to cleaner, healthier air in your home or office. 

Don’t hesitate to contact ACS Air Conditioning Systems for all your HVAC needs. We carry an extensive range of high-performance air purifiers and provide Carrier® installation services. Call (925) 676-2103 or send us a message online to schedule an appointment. We serve clients in Concord, CA, and nearby areas.