Air purifier for the apartment what to choose

More and more people living in megacities or even in medium-sized cities are increasingly thinking about how to clean the air in the apartment from substances harmful to humans that can cause various diseases or allergic reactions. This problem can be solved by applying one of the types of air purifiers, which today in specialized stores abound, for every taste and purse.

Air purifier for the apartment which one to choose - such a question arises in all consumers who decided to purchase this useful and sometimes simply vital device. Air purifiers, as a rule, are sold in specialized shops dealing with the implementation of climate technology, and there is such a wide range that it is easy to get lost when choosing the right model. Therefore, before going for a purchase, it is necessary to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of devices that perform air purification in various ways.

Basic types of cleaners and their function

A variety of types of cleaners are available, using different operating principles, and each of them is able to solve certain air pollution problemsbetter than others. The most important constituent element in the design of air cleaners is the filter - it is on it that the quality of cleaning the surrounding human respiratory environment depends. Having an idea about the characteristics of filters and their capabilities, it will be easier to determine which one is more suitable for a particular case.

Devices with plasma( electrostatic) filters

Devices that clean air with a plasma filter, which creates an electrostatic field that attracts dust, have proved themselves well with consumers. Metal plates that act as a filter of this type are easily washed, so they do not require replacement - this factor is also quite attractive for users.

However, electrostatic devices are designed to remove from air a certain amount of dust, which is 85 ÷ 90%, and if it is too much, they can simply not completely cope with it. Therefore, if you need better cleaning of the air masses of the apartment, for example, if it is inhabited by allergy sufferers or people with asthma, you should choose a device that includes several degrees of purification.

Air ionizing devices

Ionizers are a complex consisting of several elements that conduct cleaning by different methods, so it is able to release air masses from various harmful impurities.

Air purification with this device is carried out in several stages:

• A powerful fan mounted inside the device retracts contaminated air masses.
• Further, the air is pre-cleaned by means of a foam filter, which deters large dust particles.
• Then, in the air entering the photocatalyst filter, chemical and toxic substances are destroyed, and unpleasant smells are eliminated.

• The bactericidal ultraviolet lamp produces air disinfection.
• Further, the plates in which an electrostatic field is created hold smaller dust particles that remain in the air.
• Then negative ions generated in the special device are fed into the air flow.
• The last stage of the process, the disinfected and dust-free air is fed into the room through the output grid of the device.

The advantage of air purifiers of this class is that they do not collect dust inside themselves, so its filter does not have to be changed, which will help to avoid significant maintenance costs. It will be sufficient to periodically flush the metal plates, and vacuum the pre-filter. However, using this kind of air purifier, it is necessary as often as possible to conduct a wet or dry cleaning in the apartment, removing dust from the surfaces settling on them.

Devices with HEPA filters

If high, high-quality air purification from dust is required, then HEPA filters are the best option. By itself, the NERA filter module( from the English "High Efficiencies Rotikulate Arrestance", that is, literally "highly effective particle retention") is a special configuration of a fibrous material folded into an accordion, with gaps between fibers not exceeding several microns.

A fan mounted inside the device draws in air masses that, when passing through the HEPA filter, are completely cleaned, even from microscopic particles of dust contained in the bacteria, as well as pollen of various plants by almost 100%.Therefore, this type of air purifier is perfect for apartments where people live with a predisposition to allergic reactions.

The device is released from accumulated dust with a vacuum cleaner once a month, and the filter module is usually replaced once or twice a year, depending on its contamination and the quality of air purification.

Photocatalytic air purifiers, like the HEPA filter, include several stages of purification, so they are able to cope not only with particlesdust of different sizes in the air, but also with dust mites and spores of mold and fungi. But these factors are one of the main causes of allergies in various forms.

Such a type of air purifier necessarily has a catalyst and an ultraviolet lamp in its design, but, in addition, the device can be supplemented with an ion generator, plates creating an electrostatic field or a carbon filter.

Contaminated air enters the body of the device through a pre-filter dust filter installed at the inlet, and it holds most of the large dust particles, as well as animal wool.

Next, it enters a chamber where two factors interact - the catalyst and ultraviolet light emanating from the lamp, resulting in a photocatalysis process that decomposes the toxic contaminants in the air to harmless substances such as oxygen, water and carbon dioxidegas. Thus, there is almost no dust accumulation inside the device, so it does not require frequent filter replacement.

The air cleaner, whose operation is based on photocatalysis, is able to cope with the following negative factors:

• Evaporation of phenol and formaldehyde, released from building materials, from which furniture is made, for example, chipboard or fiberboard.
• Exhaust gas entering the apartment through the gaps in the window openings, if the house is located near busy motor roads.
• Carbon monoxide and soot, which may appear in the air when the fireplace or stove is being heated.
• Tobacco smoke and persistent smell of tobacco.
• Dust containing various harmful microorganisms - viruses and bacteria.
• Allergens of vegetable, domestic or animal origin.
• Toxic organic compounds, which can come from solutions and powders of household chemicals.

Thus, photocatalysis can be called one of the most effective ways of cleaning air from pollution. In addition, a device of this class usually consumes a small amount of electricity, is environmentally friendly and safe, requiring minimal maintenance - vacuuming once every six months.

The disadvantage of this air purifier can be called excessive cleaning of air masses, that is, not only from harmful microorganisms, but also from neutral ones, since it can not distinguish between them. This factor can negatively affect the immunity of the child, so do not get carried away by unnecessary cleaning of the rooms where children live.

Desktop Ozonator-Ionizer Ozonator is a device that purifies the air with the release of a small amount of ozone. Ozone is a gas, a derivative of ordinary oxygen, which is destructive to all life in a large concentration, and therefore it is used to kill microbes and disinfect the premises. Gas occurs as a result of the action of an electric discharge on oxygen, splitting it into atoms - this process is familiar to everyone, since it arises in natural conditions during a thunderstorm, and after it a characteristic ozone smell appears on the street.

The principle of operation of the device in principle is based on the natural phenomenon of collision of air oxygen with an electric current, which in an ozonator occurs in an artificial manner, resulting in the formation of ozone.

There are different schemes of ozonizers, which can differ from each other in some details, but in each of the devices there are also elements inherent to them - these are ozone generators( they also can differ in design), a converter of mains voltage to a high-voltage and a fan.

This device is quite popular for home use, as it can create a number of positive effects:

• Disinfection of air masses in a house or apartment from pathogens, including mold.
• Ridding rooms of putrefactive odors.
• Purification of drinking water from chlorine and harmful metals.
• Purification of products such as fruits, vegetables and meat from antibiotics, chemicals.
• Disinfection and disposal of odors of refrigerating chambers.
• Ozone treatment of bedding, as well as underwear, shoes and even furniture.
• Cleaning from the appearance of mold in the filters of air conditioners.

However, with all the positive qualities of the ozonizer, doctors warn against overdose of its effect on the human environment. It is recommended to use it cautiously in everyday life, strictly adhering to the instructions attached to it. Some experts advise to use this device in general only at a time when there are no people in the house.

Air cleaners with carbon filters

Air cleaners, equipped with carbon filters, belong to the class of fine-cleaners, and are able to purify air masses from various impurities, including gases. Usually, such cleaners are additionally equipped with a pre-treatment element, as well as such as HEPA or a photocatalytic filter, since coal filters are not able to clean air masses qualitatively from eco-pollutants, which are abundant in urban apartments. In addition to additional filters, ultraviolet lamps are added to this kind of purifiers, which are a good barrier to biological contaminants in the air.

Coal filters can be filled with fine powder of activated charcoal, which creates high resistance to air flow. From this it follows that it is better to choose air purifiers with a filter having in their composition large granules. In addition, the corrugated carbon filter is more effective for air purification than the screen universal filter, since it has a large absorption area of ​​dusty small and large particles. Therefore, choosing a device, this fact needs to be paid special attention.

Coal filters change in cleaners twice a year, otherwise they themselves start to pollute the air - this is one of their characteristic drawbacks of devices of this class.

Do not install instruments with carbon filters in rooms with high humidity, since coal absorbs moisture well, "cakes" and quickly loses its flowability and, accordingly, its cleaning qualities.

Hydraulic filtration or air washing

Cleaners using hydrofiltration or air washing work as follows:

• Air masses from the room are drawn into the device by means of a fan.
• Further, they enter the zone where, due to special rotor impellers with blades of a special configuration, they mix with water to form a practically dispersed mixture, and are cleaned of various impurities that settle in the pallet of the device. Further, the purified air is separated and directed towards the outlet openings.

• Usually air cleaning has the functions of ultraviolet and photocatalytic cleaning, which are switched on if necessary. When they interact, the most effective result is achieved - the device removes from the air viruses, mold spores and various odors.
• In addition, the ionization module of air can be integrated into the overall cleaning - it is the negative ions that make the air cleaner and fresh.
• Cleaned and humidified air is supplied to the room.

Thus, such a device performs several functions - it humidifies the air in the room and removes small and large dust particles from it together with allergens, and also cleans it of extraneous odors. The efficiency of air purification with the help of such a washing is estimated at 85 ÷ 95%.

Air humidifiers-

An air humidifier is a device that creates an atmosphere in a room with the most comfortable level of humidity for a person by supplying purified steam. The instrument is adjusted by the owner himself, using the spray intensity controller.

Humidifiers are divided into three types - ultrasonic, steam and traditional mechanical appliances, but they all have the function of an air purifier. The principle of operation of these devices is based on the evaporation of moisture or the formation of vapors as a result of ultrasonic action. Most household installations of this class are able not only to moisturize, but also to aromatize the air.

• Ultrasonic devices are more modern versions of humidifiers. They are equipped with a special ultrasonic membrane, when hit, which splits water into tiny particles, so that it turns into cold or heated steam. Spraying of the formed steam is carried out by means of the fan installed inside the apparatus.

The device is absolutely safe in all respects, so it can be installed in the children's room, especially since it works almost silently. In addition, the humidifier is economical in electricity consumption and easy to operate.

• Mechanical humidifiers are considered to be traditional and simplest in design. In a small water tank located inside the body of the device, a certain amount of water is poured, from there it gets on special moisturizing cartridges, through which air is blown through the built in the middle of the device, the fan. When humidified, air is simultaneously cleaned of dust particles. An important disadvantage of such devices for many consumers is a sufficiently high level of noise during its operation.

• Steam appliances humidify the premises with hot steam, which is formed when the water is heated to the boiling point in a special insulated chamber equipped with a non-stick heating element. Disadvantages of such devices can be called very hot steam coming out, which can easily be burned, noise humidifier during its operation, as well as a large consumption of electricity.

Positive qualities of the steam humidifier include the following:

- the possibility to use it as an inhaler - some devices are equipped with special attachments for such physiotherapeutic procedures;

- the device is undemanding to the purity and hardness of water, therefore, when carrying out inhalation, aromatic oils can be fearlessly added to it;

- humidifier, with its high performance, does not require the purchase of consumables - enough ordinary water.

• Devices that have a combined design, combine a humidifier and a cleaner for the air masses of the room. The fan draws in dirty air that enters the rotating plastic discs built into the unit, which are in the water tank. In this department, the air is cleaned and moistened, and the dust precipitates. Therefore, such devices require periodic cleaning and washing. The quality of air purification when using this device is 85 ÷ 90%.

Additional functions of

air purifiers Most models of air purifiers and humidifiers are equipped with additional functions that simplify and make the operation of appliances as comfortable as possible. The following functions can be assigned to them:

• Device intensity regulator.
• Remote control.
• Display for displaying information about operating modes.

• Detectors that determine the level of air pollution with which you can choose the correct mode of operation.
• Function of aromatization and inhalation.
• A timer that allows you to set the operating time and even carry out certain programming modes.

Air purifier selection criteria

So, after understanding what air purifiers there are, it is now necessary to determine what to look for when buying the device.

• Any model of the air cleaner is designed according to its capabilities for a certain area of ​​the room, therefore, and above all, it is required to clarify this parameter.

In addition, you must immediately decide whether one or more air cleaners will be purchased, ie the device will be moved from room to room or fixed permanently:

- If each room has a separate cleaner, then it is selected exactly in accordance with itsarea.

- If one cleaner is used in different rooms, its capacity is selected according to the area of ​​the largest room.

- If you plan to clean a very small room, then you can use an air cleaner, designed for the car's interior, because it has a sufficiently high power.

• The second question to be answered when choosing an air purification device is the type of air pollution to be released from which types of pollution.
• Next, it is desirable to immediately determine the comfort of maintenance of the air cleaner, that is, specify which filter should be installed in it - replaceable or the one that can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a rinse under the water jet( the latter option will help to avoid unnecessary operating costs).

- If it is decided to select a non-replaceable filter, you should purchase photocatalytic, plasma( electrostatic) air cleaners or ozonizers, ionizers, as well as devices with air cleaning function.

- In the case where a cleaner with replaceable filters is preferred, it must be ensured that it is equipped with an ionization function. This factor is extremely important, since air, passing through the process of any filtration, loses not only harmful components, but also its useful qualities, that is, it becomes to some extent even dangerous for the tenants of the apartment, so it should be enriched with ions.

• The air cleaner will work efficiently if it is cleaned or filters in time. Therefore, you need to determine the amount of time that can be allocated for its maintenance.

- If the control of the device can be carried out daily, then you can choose a cleaner with the function "air washing" or its humidification. In such models, the water changes or pours out once every two to three days, and its quantity is checked every day.

- Electrostatic air cleaner should be serviced once a week - electrostatic wafers are flushed, which act as a filter, attracting dust particles.

- If you can service the device only once a month, you should choose a photocatalytic cleaner, ozonizer, ionizer or devices with replaceable filters, for example, with HEPA filter - they will only be cleaned of dust by a vacuum cleaner once a month.

• The next question that needs to be answered is, how often will the device be operated? It is advisable to use it constantly, so that the air in the apartment is always clean.

- If the air cleaner is working around the clock and you want to save on electricity, you should choose a device that consumes low power. This parameter can be found on the package of the device or in its passport.

- If the cleaner is to be used intermittently, that is, shut down for a long time, then do not choose a humidifier or "air wash", since if there is water left in this device and it will not be cleaned in time, the contents can "sour", andthis smell will remain in the container for a long time.

- If the user is ready to follow all instructions attached to the product clearly - to clean and dry the instrument in time, then you can choose any option with the required parameters.

• Next, it is necessary to determine the functions that the air cleaner should perform - this is the most important criterion when choosing an air purifier.

Table of possibilities of various air purification filters in neutralizing pollution factors.

"Armed YS300" China	The bactericidal air cleaner is a closed type recirculation system with a filter system for various applications and additionally equipped with an ultraviolet lamp. The device includes: - carbon and HEPA filter, photocatalytic, disinfectant, promoting the decomposition of gases and odors; is an air quality sensor with an automatic cleaning mode, i.e. The device is designed for independent choice of the operating mode, which will depend on the degree of air pollution; - filter change indicators located on the control panel, which will give a signal if necessary to change one of the filters; - timer, designed for installation for 1,2 and 3 hours of operation; - power controller - three modes of the fan( fast, medium and slow).The more power, the faster the air purification, but the process becomes more noisy. Technical characteristics of the device: - size( H × W × D) 650 × 400 × 225 mm; - weight - 12 kg;- power supply 220 V; - frequency - 50 Hz; - ultraviolet lamp rated at 15 watts, with a service life of 8,000 hours; - flow capacity - 275 m³ / h; - noise level 60 decibels; - level of air purification: from gasoline vapor 91.8%, formaldehyde 86.9%, from volatile organic compounds 90.7%, heavy substances 99.9%; - the case is made of dielectric plastic; - working conditions - from +10 to +35˚, humidity not more than 80%; - has a 2nd class of electrical safety; - is designed for 100 m² of living space.	21100 rub.
«Maxion LTK-288» South Korea	«Maxion LTK-288» is an ionizer equipped with an ultraviolet lamp( also there are models without UV irradiation on sale).In addition, the device is equipped with electrostatic filter functions - it contains stainless steel plates that do not require replacement. The device is able to purify the air of the following contaminants: viruses, molds, aerobacteria, tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide and sulphide, unpleasant odors, dust, pollen, reduces the human exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by electrical appliances. The device is equipped with a night illumination, an indicator of cleaning metal plates, is economical in power consumption, consumes 28 W / h. The recommended period of operation of the air purifier is 10 ÷ 12 hours per day. Technical characteristics of the device: - size - 835 × 260 × 197 mm( H × W × D); - voltage of 220V; - frequency 50 ÷ 60 Hz; - weight - 5,5 kg; - air cleaner is designed for 82.5 m² of area.	13400 rub.
«AIC XJ-2100» China	«AIC XJ-2100» is an ionizer and ozonizer equipped with an ultraviolet lamp and an electrostatic filter. This air cleaner is able to partially or completely purify the air of the following contaminants: harmful viruses and bacteria, odors, smoke, spores of mold fungi, pollen, dust, virtually all allergens, suspended and particulate matter, carbon monoxide and exhaust gas, and other harmful to respiratory organshuman substance. Technical characteristics of the device: - size - 390 × 170 × 250 mm( L × H × W); - in the mass - 1 kg; - UV lamp power - 2 W; - power of the device - 8 W; - power supply is 220V. - The device is noiseless;is designed for an area of ​​25 m². This air cleaner can be used as a car air cleaner, and its kit includes a special adapter for connection to the cigarette lighter in the car's interior, as well as fixing the "Velcro".	4500 rub.
«Daikin MC70LVM» Japan	«Daikin MC70LVM» - plasma ionizer, equipped with a coarse filter, photocatalytic system and electrostatic filter. Thanks to such protection, the air cleaner is able to release air masses from the following contaminants: dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses, mold spores, tobacco smoke and animal fur. In addition to cleaning elements, the air cleaner is equipped with convenient control functions of the device - it is a sleep timer, which can be adjusted for 1, 2 and 4 hours of operation, automatic operation, sleep mode, air purity indicator, air pollution sensor, remote control and five power modes. Technical characteristics of the device: - size - 403 × 576 × 241 mm( W × H × D); - weight - 8,5 kg; - air exchange - 420 m³ / h; - power of the device - 65 W; - noise level - 15 ÷ 48 dB; - low power consumption.	37500 rub.
"Shivaki SHAP-3010R" China	"Shivaki SHAP-3010R" is a combined air cleaner that includes the following air cleaning elements in its design: HEPA filter, photocatalyst, ultraviolet lamp, ionizer, coarse filter. Thanks to a large number of pollution screens, the device is able to purify the air of viruses and microbes, pollen, smoke, dust, toxins and makes the air fresh. The air purifier has a touch screen with a timer and a temperature sensor. Due to the presence of a monitor, the control of the cleaner can be done by remote control. The device can be mounted on a horizontal surface or fixed to a wall. Technical characteristics of the air purifier: - dimensions 300 × 430 × 140 mm( H × W × D); - mass of the device - 4,5 kg; - air exchange - 200 m³ / h; - maximum power consumption - 38 W; - noise level at fan operation - 46 dB; - three operating modes.	14900 rub.
«AirInCom XJ-3800A1» China	«AirInCom XJ-3800A1» is an integrated air cleaner. It includes several levels of air purification using various technologies - a coarse filter, photocatalytic, electrostatic, carbon and HEPA filter, ionizer, and ultraviolet lamp. This device cleans air from large and small dust particles, perfectly absorbs gas compounds, decomposes harmful, toxic impurities into safe elements, making the air fresh and clean. The air cleaner is equipped with additional functions that make it easier to operate; these include: - five modes of operation - night, medium, high, low and auto; - sensors for replacing filters, air pollution, as well as dust and allergens in the air; - timer that specifies the time of operation; - remote control. Technical characteristics of the air purifier: - size - 343 × 255 × 610 mm; - weight - 6.8 kg; - power of the device - 80 W; - air exchange - 360 m³ / h; - fan noise level - 20 dB; - air cleaner is designed to clean air in an area of ​​up to 50 m².	16500 rub.
«Ballu AP-430F7» China	«Ballu AP-430F7» has a seven-stage air purification system made up of filters and process modules of various types, including a coarse filter that deters large particles of pollution, carbon, photocatalytic and HEPA filter, an ionizer, and an ultraviolet lamp. Due to this design, the air passing through the device is cleaned from the following contaminants: dust, animal hair, allergy-inducing elements, mold spores, viruses, dust mites, smoke, formaldehydes and unpleasant odors. Additional functions for comfortable operation of the device: - automatic detection of air pollution level and filters; - timer setting the operating time. Technical characteristics of the device: - purifier size - 366 × 308 × 188 mm( H × W × D); - weight of the cleaner - 3,96 kg; - power - 56 W; - power supply voltage - 220 V; - the device is designed to clean air in an area of ​​up to 20 m².	4000 rub.
Illustration, device name, country of manufacture	Brief description of model	Approximate price level for April 2016

Main Air Pollution Factors	Types of air cleaners and their ability to neutralize contaminants
E-	Ion.	HEPA	FK.	Oz.
	+	+	+	+	-	+	+
Disinfection from harmful microorganisms.	+	++	++	++	+	+	-
Tobacco smoke	-	+	+	++	-	++	+
toxic fumes	+	-	++	++	-	-	-
various household odors origin	+	+	++	++	+	+	+
gases	-	-	+	+	-	+	-
Soot	+	-	-	+	-	-	+
Allergens for household, vegetable or animal origin	+	++	++	++	+	-	+
Humidification of air	-	-	-	-	-	-	+
E- - electrostatic; Ion. - ionizers; Fc. - photocatalysts; Oz. - ozonizers; - coal; MB - air cleaning

• Another important factor is the noise of the air cleaner. In order not to cause discomfort to all tenants of the apartment, you should purchase a device that has the function of a night mode of operation or even a completely noiseless model. Such air purifiers include photocatalytic, ionizers, as well as without a fan or with the function of switching it off.
• At the decision to purchase the device for air purification, it is necessary to immediately determine the place of its installation. On sale you can find floor, wall and desktop options. The latter is best not to choose if the house has a small child, or in case of emergency, to determine in advance for him a place at a certain height, unattainable for the baby. In addition, it is also necessary to take into account the size of the device, since many floor fixtures should be installed at 150 ÷ ​​500 mm from the wall, and only this arrangement will make its operation effective.
• It is recommended to make a list of all the necessary functions and features that an air cleaner should have, and already with the ready list of requirements to be sent to the store or to Internet shopping sites.

Overview of air purifier models

Several popular models of air purification devices used in residential buildings are given in this table:

As can be seen from this table, air purifiers are mainly equipped with several stages of air purification, because only in this way can you achieve the maximum effect of the cleanliness of the home atmosphere. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the issues well, for cleaning each contaminated filter, and choose the version of the device that has all the necessary protective properties.

This information will help you make the right choice and not be lost in the large assortment variety of air purifiers on sale.

At the end of the publication - a small video review of the modern multi-purpose household air purifier:

Video: Air purifier with moisturizing function SHARP KC-850E