According to the EPA, the air inside your home can be several times more polluted than the air outside. That may be hard to believe, but considering all the chemical sprays, off-gassing products, dust, dirt, and other pollutants in your home, your indoor air quality is under continual assault.

With indoor air quality (IAQ) a top concern these days, it would be worthwhile to consider ways to improve the air you breathe. But with so many different air purifying products on the market, it can be hard to determine which is best for you.

Here, we break down the differences between some of the most common IAQ devices.

Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet light damages the cells of viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens before they have the chance to infect you and others. These devices are typically affixed to your ductwork, zapping contaminants before they reach your vents. They’re extremely effective and rendering a variety of airborne pathogens inert.

Ionizers

Unlike conventional air purification systems that use fans and filters, an ionizer purifies by creating an electrical charge around air molecules. So, how does that help? Particles, such as dust, bacteria, pollen, and smoke, stay suspended in the air because they’re positively charged. The ionizer solves this by discharging negative ions that bond to the airborne particles, causing them to stick to nearby surfaces to be vacuumed or dusted.

Electrostatic Filters

These are washable filters you place in your furnace or central air system. Rather than using a physical barrier to catch pollutants, electrostatic filters use an electric charge to attract pollutants before they have an opportunity to circulate throughout your home.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters usually work with other filtration methods to clean the air in your home. Activated carbon consists of tiny particles that attract and trap smoke and gas so that it won’t remain in your home.

Hepa Filters

A high-efficiency particulate air filter works by collecting the air in your home and forcing it through a mesh filtration device. The filter traps airborne particles and pollutants from the air and increases the quality of your living environment. You must keep in mind, though, that this filter type can’t remove smoke or gas from the air. Many people opt for filters that use HEPA filtration and activated carbon. This combination removes pollutants and eliminates gas and smoke from the air you breathe.

Bottom line: Deciding what filter you should use is not always easy even when you review the pros and cons of each one, but an expert can help. We can learn about your needs and point you in the right direction. If you would like to find out what option is best for you, contact the Universe Home Services team at (516) 473-0202.

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