Have you ever felt the need to open up a window or a door for some fresh air while indoors? Indoor pollution is not something we often speak about, but, impurities such as odours, smoke, dust, as well as pet dander can all have an effect on our health. Shockingly indoor air can have higher levels of certain pollutants than outdoor air — 5 times higher in fact! Luckily, there is an easy way to ensure that the air you breathe while indoors is clean and free from impurities. Modern technology offerings plenty of solutions to help us purify the air in our homes and places of works so ensure we’re only breathing in the good stuff.
The air we breathe is known to dramatically impact our physical and mental well-being, with our brains taking most of the strain. CO2 builds up in any room, and according to experts, this should not exceed 1000 parts per million (ppm), however, a typical classroom reaches this number in 10 – 15 minutes. Side-effects include loss of attention, sleepiness and an increased heart rate. It’s no wonder we get tired as the day progresses and how a bit of outdoor-fresh-air can really put you back into the swing of things.
Similarly, have you ever considered the effect indoor pollution can have on a newborn baby or your seasonal allergies? While deep-cleaning your carpets, bedding, bed and more all help with those inevitable sneezes and ‘frog in your throat’ feelings, it’s also important to monitor the quality of the air inside your home during the day. That’s where modern technology and the humble air purifier comes in!
An air purifier literally does what it says on the box: it filters and purifies the air in which it is placed, resulting in clean air which you can feel comfortable in while breathing freely. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a good air-purifier in South Africa.
The right technology
A good air-purifier needs to have a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. This type of filter is able to trap 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns. Other important features to look out for include an active plasma ion discharger and flash streamer technology which will deliver pure clean air. The Flash Streamer will help to purify the air which is taken into the purifier and break down allergens such as pollen and fungal allergens and remove bothersome odours, while Active Plasma Ion technology works to purify the air in the room.
For example, Daikin South Africa has launched its brand-new Streamer Air Purifier with HEPA plasma ion discharge.
Take the size of the room into account
It’s important to match the air purifier to the size of the room you’ll be using it in. If you put an air purifier built for a small room into a large one, it won’t be able to filter air as well. Some manufacturers list the recommended area in their specifications sheet, which is an easy way to find out if that model fits your room.
Mobility and design
Of course, a good air purifier for the home also needs to be compact and easily moveable in your chosen room. If design aesthetic is important to you, make sure you choose a unit that is housed in a beautiful shell that will seamlessly fit in with your home decor.
Don’t put up with noise pollution
Another important feature to consider is how loud the unit will be when in use. If the device is too noisy you won’t be thrilled to use it very often and it won’t be suited to use in a nursery or bedroom during the night. Choose an air purifier that is whisper quiet so you can use it all day long without interruption.
Check the air purifier’s rated noise levels, measured in decibels (dB or dBA). For some perspective, Hearing Aid Know has a list of common noises and their decibel levels. Vacuum cleaners are rated at 80dB, normal conversation at 60dB, and a refrigerator humming at 40dB. It is recommended that living rooms have a maximum noise level of 50dBA, and bedrooms a maximum noise level of 30dBA.
Don’t forget the energy efficiency rating
Lastly, it’s important to consider the unit’s energy efficiency rating. Using energy-efficient appliances and products in your home will help you to avoid drawing too much electricity and tripping circuits in your home. Efficient appliances can also help you save money on electricity costs.
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