The term HEPA seems to be everywhere nowadays. There are HEPA filter air purifiers, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners, HEPA air conditioner filters, the list goes on and on. But what, exactly, is HEPA, what does it mean, and how does it work? Let's examine the mighty HEPA air purifier, as well as other applications, to get a better understanding of this often used term.

Why Is HEPA Screaming At Me?

HEPA is written in caps because it's an acronym, like DARE or MADD. The acronym stands for "high efficiency particulate absorbing". Or, alternately, it could mean "high efficiency particulate arrestance", which is basically the same thing. In everyday English, HEPA air purifiers either stop or absorb particles of matter that are way too small for the human eye to detect.

How Can A HEPA Air Purifier Help Me?

As many of these particles come from manufactured sources, our respiratory systems often take exception to their presence. We will sometimes notice these particles as allergens or odors, but not always. In all too many situations, or bodies have no way of recognizing these particles, leaving them to wreak havoc with our bodies. This is why having something either stop or absorb these tiny particles can be such a boon to our health.

What Can HEPA Air Purifiers Do That Others Cannot?

Not all air purifiers are equal. Most entities that test any type of air purification device compare the results to "HEPA standards". This is because, for nearly half a century, this type of air filtration has been the absolute king. What makes the HEPA filter air purifiers so great, though, is their ability to stop particles 0.3 micrometers in diameter. This is not a random number or designation. It has been found that, when it comes to the human body, 0.3 micron particles are not only the most dangerous, but also among the hardest to filter.

Is There Really A Difference Between HEPA-Type And HEPA Air Purifiers?

A true HEPA air purifier is held to certain standards. Chief among these standards is the ability to filter at least 99.7% of all 0.3 micron particles that pass through the machine. This is an extremely lofty standard, and you can expect to pay a premium for this ability. Generally speaking, HEPA air purifiers are not cheap. A HEPA-type air purifier, however, is a completely different animal. It's important to realize that there is absolutely no standard whatsoever that a HEPA-type air purifier must pass. A machine with this designation could be anything from a less effective, less expensive alternative to a completely useless piece of junk. Also, be wary of putting too much trust in HEPA air purifier reviews. The best HEPA air purifier will not only produce clean smelling air, but it will also remove particulates that are not detectable with human senses alone.

Want more information about HEPA air purifiers? Check out HEPA Air Purifiers Info!

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Remember all those commercials about the Ionic Breeze air purifier? They also made appearances at Radio Shack and The Sharper Image stores. Then they were gone, along with The Sharper Image, for the most part. Researching the Ionic Breeze air purifier on the net will very quickly yield two facts: the original Ionic Breeze air purifier is nearly impossible to find, and there are a bunch of folks out there that feel The Sharper Image lied about it. Yet, if you look at the reviews from the people that actually bought one, you'll see that they're generally favorable. Let's take a look at some of the claims that eventually killed the original Ionic Breeze air purifiers, and put them into perspective.

Ionic Breeze Air Purifiers Do Not Clean The Air As Well As HEPA Air Purifiers

The Sharper Image never claimed that the Ionic Breeze cleaned the air as well as True HEPA purifiers. Like good business people, they avoided the subject of efficiency altogether, for the most part. The stuff hit the fan when Consumer Reports said the Ionic Breeze silent air purifier cleaned only 30% of pollution out of the air. However, you have to consider that 100% of the polluted air will have to pass in and out of the machine quite a few times. Getting something 30% clean over and over again will, after time, get you almost to 100%. No, it's not as efficient, but one could say that ionic air purifiers, if given plenty of time, will do the job just as well as anything. They're also much cheaper to purchase, operate, and maintain. Also, don't forget that Consumer Reports only compared to True HEPA air purifiers as opposed to the much more common HEPA-type purifiers. HEPA-type air purifiers have no particular efficiency, while True HEPA machines are out of reach for many consumers.

The Ionic Breeze Actually Makes The Air Unhealthy

The theory is that ionic air purifiers release a ton of ozone when cleaning the air. But that's just not the case. The best explanation for this misconception is that people don't know the difference between ionic air purifiers and ozone generators, which are somewhat similar, but do use ozone to clean the air. There is no factual data stating that ionic air purifiers put out unsafe amounts of ozone, and Consumer Reports even said that the Ionic Breeze air purifier passes HEPA guidelines in regards to ozone. Actually, the Ionic Breeze silent air purifier passes every HEPA guideline except for efficiency.

The Ionic Breeze Air Purifier Caused The Sharper Image To Go Bankrupt

Yes, The Sharper Image did file in 2008, but lack of sales was not their downfall. The Sharper Image failed because they were a publicly traded company, and their stock prices dropped like so many rocks once their reputation had been so thoroughly tarnished. Although they had a ton of debt by the time they declared bankruptcy, they still had around $50 million in equity, not to include cash on hand. Unfortunately, however, their investors apparently didn't look the whole picture.

How Are Newer Ionic Air Purifiers Different?

Newer ionic air purifiers aren't significantly different from the original as the concept behind was not only simple, but effective, and wouldn't be easy to improve. Simply put, ionic air purifiers effectively, though slowly, clean air pollution just fine, and they do it quite cheaply. The original Ionic Breeze itself might be hard to find, but newer versions of it as well as the Ionic Pro air purifier and various generics are still easily obtainable.

Want to learn more about the ionic air purifier? Visit Ionic Air Purifier Info.

categories: air,appliances,allergies,asthma,pollution,health,electronics,science,filter,guide,shopping,gadgets,product review,green

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I'm sure you remember the company The Sharper Image, as well as their retail stores and infomercials that ran all night. Well, those stores are gone, and some people think that ionic air purifiers went with them. Even though you can't get new ionic air purifiers with that name on them, you can still obtain one. You will have to investigate some other alternative options, however.

The Ionic Pro

The apparent usurper of the ionic throne, the Ionic Pro is very similar to the old Ionic Breeze, although it's much, much less expensive. There's no increased maintenance from the Ionic Breeze. All you have to do is yoink the magnetic filter bar thingy, wipe it off, and put it back in. That's it; no filters or anything. Also, since it doesn't use a fan, it's both quiet and cheap to run, especially in comparison to a HEPA air purifier, though most say it is less effective. If your main goal is a cheap, silent way to purify the air in a 500 foot or less room, you might want to check out the Ionic Pro.

Those Cheap Generic Ionic Air Purifiers

There are also other ionic air purifiers that don't have any branding at all. These are generally available for around a hundred dollars, and can be found in dollar or bargain stores as well as some websites. Be wary of a lack of warranty though as whatever return policy the retailer has may be your only safety net if it doesn't work right. However, these cheap off brands can be considered at least somewhat safe since the tech that they use is pretty simple.

Ionic Air Purifiers With Fans

One of the main draws of ionic air purifiers is that they don't use fans. Traditionally, an ionic air purifier will simply use the light breeze that is created by the particles being magnetically attracted toward it. The only ionic air purifier to receive certification from Consumer Reports, though, uses a fan. This doesn't really help those who are considering an ionic air purifier only because it's silent, regardless of if it's less effective. Even with a fan, though, you'll still get the advantage of free, filterless maintenance.

You May Want To Consider A HEPA Air Purifier

The other option would be a HEPA air purifier. Although they promise the same things, they work quite differently. HEPA air purifiers have filters that have to be replaced and, of course, cost money. If you use an ionic air purifier, you don't have to worry about replacing filters as the pollutants will get stuck by static on the bar that just has to be wiped off. Most studies show that ionic air purifiers are not as effective as HEPA air purifiers, though.

Check out Ionic Air Purifier Info for all the information on ionic air purifiers that you could possibly need.

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When shopping for a HEPA air purifier, you'll often see products labeled as a "True" HEPA air purifier. This can be confusing because, if there's a true, then there must be a false, right? There are a few different things that True HEPA air purifiers are comparing to, but none of them will be labeled as false or sub-standard, of course. It's up to you, the consumer, to know the difference, and know if it affects you. Let's take a look at the True HEPA Air Purifier, and see what they are comparing to.

True HEPA Air Purifiers Are Different

There is a difference between a HEPA-type air purifier, and a True HEPA air purifier, which is also called an absolute HEPA air purifier. Even if folks do not always make it clear, when they're comparing HEPA filters to other air filtration medium, especially if they're referencing the likes of OSHA or the EPA, they're talking about True HEPA filters. Yes, there are many types of air purifiers available, but the only ones that places like labs and hospitals use are True HEPA air purifiers.

Do True HEPA Air Purifiers Stop Particles That Others Don't?

One of the main things that a true HEPA air purifier must be able to do is filter at least 97% of 0.3 micron particles. This may sound like so much technical jargon, but it's actually quite important. 0.3 micron particles are the hardest size for filters to stop, including those particles that are even smaller. Not only that, but they are small enough to very easily bypass the human body's natural defenses and enter the respiratory system, causing all sorts of maladies. Suddenly 0.3 micron particles sound a little less nerdy, and a bit more deadly. If you're interested in how small 0.3 microns actually is, compare it to a human hair. A human hair can be anywhere from 70 to 100 microns in thickness.

Best When Dirty! True HEPA Air Purifies Actually Work Better When Dirty

Another big difference between HEPA-type purifiers and True HEPA air purifiers is how they filter when they become dirty. This is where the "Absolute" part of the equation comes in. Any absolute filter media will actually become more effective as it gets dirtier. The more particles that are trapped in an absolute filter, the more effective it will be. The reason why is actually pretty simple. As dirt and other debris builds up around the air holes, those holes get smaller and smaller, allowing less to get through.

Is There A Way To Tell If A HEPA Air Purifier Is True?

Look for products that actually advertise that they are True HEPA air purifiers. The alternative is the HEPA-type air purifier, which is really just an imitation, and is not held to any particular standard. If you find a purifier that doesn't say either HEPA-type or True HEPA, you can also reference other specifications on the box. Look for one that filters 97% or more of the 0.3 micron particles if you want a True HEPA air purifier.

Still not sure that a HEPA air purifier is for you? Visit HEPA Air Purifiers Info for answers to all of your questions.

categories: air,appliances,allergies,asthma,pollution,health,electronics,science,filter,guide,shopping,gadgets,product review,green

Posted under Allergies

There are a lot of people out there who have no idea what a HEPA air purifier is, or what it does, even though the technology is not particularly new. There are those who think that they are prohibitively expensive, and some that believe they're only used for allergy sufferers. Neither is really true, and pretty much anyone can benefit from the effects of HEPA air purifiers.

Indoor Air Is Susceptible To Pollution, Too

It's a simple fact: odds are, the air in your home is more polluted than the air outside. This is without taking into consideration additional pollutants such as heavy dust environment, pet dander, or cigarette smoke. We're talking about the average home, here, not some slum in the middle of downtown. Our bodies are made to handle some air pollution, but cars are made to handle wrecks, too. That doesn't mean it's good for you.

There Are Always Pollutants

So, you have a beautiful lawn that keeps the dust outside, no cigarette smokers, and no pets. You're probably making the logical assumption that HEPA air purifiers are for others, not you. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. The contaminates in your home would shock and appall you. Let's assume that you have some furniture in your home. The chemicals that were used to treat the wood of your furniture and dye the cloth that's wrapped around it are constantly outgassing. Every chemicals is prone to outgassing. Oh, and that nice, green lawn? Pollen is also a pollutant, and affects your body negatively, even though it is quite natural. Just about any contaminant can be purified by a HEPA air purifier.

Maybe You Don't Care About Pollutants

Okay, so you don't give a darn about pollutants, have no allergy issues, and never, ever come down with anything. Well, HEPA air purifiers can still help you. Consider those pollutants which don't directly make you sick, but don't put you in a good mood, either. Yes, odors are considered pollutants as well. If you have a HEPA air purifier, your air will even smell better. Be sure to check the specs before buying one, though, to make sure that it does clear odors, as not all of them do.

Even If Neither Odors Nor Pollutants Matter To You...

Even though you are not noticing air pollutants, this doesn't mean that there aren't any. There have been many studies that have been released lately linking indoor air pollution to a lot of scary and strange issues. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air pollution can cause heart and respiratory disease as well as cancer. In this case, why don't new home manufacturers install HEPA air purifiers? Well, they sort of do. Using a HEPA filter in your air conditioner is sort of like having a big HEPA air purifier. Since an AC only feeds from one area, though, the effect just doesn't cut it. You can be sure that HEPA air purifiers installed in living rooms and bedrooms will increase the quality of life of your entire family.

Check out HEPA Air Purifiers Info for more information on HEPA Air Filter Purifiers including what they are, how they work, and what they can do for you!

categories: air,appliances,allergies,asthma,pollution,health,electronics,science,filter,guide,shopping,gadgets,product review

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A humidifier is an interesting household appliance. It is used to increase the humidity in a room. Humidity involves the measure of the atmospheric water vapor level. Absorption depends upon relative humidity. If the humidity is low, then the evaporation rate will be high whereas a room with high humidity will have low evaporation rate.

In case of high humidity, the air already is holding a lot of water in it and is not able to absorb water further. In this condition, there will be no perspiration for us and make us feel much hotter than that of the atmosphere.

If the humidity of the air is in its lower level, then it indicates that it can absorb much of water. So the air absorbs large quantities of water, this makes you to sweat rapidly because of the air which gets sucked in the water vapor. Both the situations are not good for humans, so we prefer to use a humidifier so as to increase the humidity artificially.

Evaporative humidifier is self regulating type. The basic parts of an evaporative humidifier are a fan, a reservoir and a wick. Wick is nothing but a filter which is used to absorb water. Water is absorbed from the reservoir. Water vapor decreases if the humidity increases. This type of humidifier requires regular cleaning. If it is not cleaned or replaced properly then the humidifier will stop humidifying, so the level electric humidifier. It does not require electricity to power the unit. It uses a capillary system.

Ultrasonic humidifiers generates vapor by developing ultrasonic vibration of a diaphragm within the surface of water. The risk of dispersing molds, bacteria and minerals were found to be in the lower level in ultrasonic humidifiers. This device is much safer than the steam vaporizers, and also disperses less mold and bacteria when compared to cool mist humidifiers.

Steam humidifier, simply known as vaporizer, boils water inside and expels warm water vapor to the room, increasing the humidity of the room. It is the very simplest and cost involved is very low. A medicated inhalant can be used with this unit to prevent coughs.

Forced air humidifier is another commonly used humidifier. It consists if three styles namely drum style, disc wheel style and flow through style. The main of water in the tank remains the same. The next part is the fan. It is located adjacent to wick. It is used for evaporation of water within.

In cool mist humidifiers water vapor is generated by turning a disk element inside the humidifier water surface at a very fast rate. There is no damage caused by the vapor, even if you place your face close to the machine, because the water vapor from the machine is not in that heat condition. Since the water used here is cool water, it could become better breeding grounds for molds and bacteria's. Therefore, the manufacturer should be very clear in instructions about cleaning the humidifier often, that is on an every day basis is better and recommended. Since cool water is responsible for disease causing organisms, it is better to go with distilled water in cool mist humidifiers.

Nadia McCarthy writes a best humidifier blog. In her blog she writes about how to choose the best room humidifier and also included many humidifier reviews.

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