Using an Air Quality Monitor to Test Your Purifiers The best way to validate the performance of an air purifier, no matter what type, is to use an air quality monitor. These devices give you continuous visibility into the key air quality metrics in your building.
First, check the system's airflow. A working air purifier features clear, consistent airflow. If the purifier is not blowing out air (easily determined by placing your hand in front of the system), there's likely a problem. If you are unable to hear anything, that's also a sign the purifier isn't working.
CFM Measures Air Purification Efficiency
An important measurement provided by manufacturers is the CFM value for their units. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and this number provides insight into the efficiency of the air purifier, namely how many cubic feet per minute this air purifier can scrub.
Get an air quality sensor that measures atleast PM2. 5/PM10. Take a measurement with the purifier off then take another measurement after its run for 24hours, you should be able to see a difference.
Air filter elements are evaluated using an industry wide standard (ISO5011) and their performance is expressed as an efficiency level. This efficiency level is determined by feeding air containing a known concentration of standard test dust into the air cleaner until the filter reaches the end of its life.
The HEPA filter integrity test is typically performed on supply air or exhaust air HEPA filters using a photometer to scan the filter surface for pinhole leaks that could allow the transmission of contaminant particles that would be unacceptable in a critical application.
The most effective way to determine if your water filter is working properly is to test your water before and after it passes through your filter. Such analysis is called performance testing because it tests the effectiveness of your filter in reducing or removing potentially harmful contaminants that pass through.
The more frequently you use your air purifier, the faster the filter will wear out. For homes with high levels of pollutants or for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, running the purifier continuously may be necessary, which can shorten the filter's lifespan.
Hold the meter approximately one foot (30.5 cm) in front of the ionizer. Monitor the display. The value displayed is the offset balance of the ionizer, which is the difference between the number of positive and negative ions being emitted.
Review the Clean Air Delivery Rate
The higher the CADR, the larger the area the air cleaner can serve. It is important to select a room air cleaner specific for your room size. A general rule to consider is the “2/3 rule” – find an air cleaner with a CADR that is at least 2/3 the square footage of the space.
Small air purifiers can help reduce PM and VOCs as long as they are in a space that corresponds with their room size and CADR. Before purchasing a small air purifier, be sure to measure your room and read the air purifier's specific product details to make sure it will work efficiently in your space.
There are many indoor air monitors available on the market, including the Airthings Wave Plus and the uHoo Smart Air Monitor. Alternatively, you can buy another type of smart device that has air quality monitoring functionality, such as a tech-enabled air purifier, smart thermostat or indoor home security camera.
The lifespan of an air purifier can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the device, frequency of use, maintenance, and the type of filtration system it employs. On average, air purifiers can last between 5 to 10 years.
Occupants of homes with poor indoor air quality may complain of symptoms such as headache, eye irritation, fatigue, dry throat, sinus congestion, dizziness, and nausea. Because many illnesses can cause these symptoms, diagnosing sick building syndrome is difficult.
Therefore, when you notice your purifier controls not responding, first check the power cord and make sure it's plugged in properly. If that doesn't work, check the filter cover, fix it correctly, and put the purifier back on. In other instances, the source of the insensitive controls could be faulty controls.
Typically, a high-quality air purifier like those from Alen can start showing noticeable air quality improvements within 30 to 60 minutes. However, achieving optimal results throughout your entire space can take several hours, depending on the conditions.
Air purifiers that may generate ozone and other harmful chemicals are listed as “Electrical” under the type column. Those that do not generate ozone or ions are listed as “Mechanical”. Smart Air's purifiers, shown above, are all of the “mechanical” type and do not use ionizers.
What are the downsides of air purifiers? There aren't a lot of downsides to having an air purifier in your home aside from the financial investment. Many ionizers, especially older models, can generate ozone when they are operating, which is known to exacerbate asthma.
It's perfectly safe to keep the device running continuously, and the amount of energy it consumes is very small.
You can tell if you need to clean or replace the air filter by removing it from its chamber and holding it up to the light. If light can easily pass through the filter and it's semi-transparent, leave it in. If it's hard for light to pass through and it's visibly dirty, change the filter.
You see more pet dander moving around. Your air purifier is making unusual noises. Your air purifier doesn't seem to be working properly. The filter looks gray and dirty when you check it.
How Do I Know if My Air Purifier Filter is Dirty? First, take a look at the filter. If it appears grey or black with dust and debris, then it's time for cleaning or a change depending on the type of filter. Another sign that your air purifier filter is dirty is the reduced efficiency of the purifier.