Top Quality Air Purifiers and Healthy Home Solutions that You Can Trust

When you're first looking at buying an air purifier, there are many questions you may have about how they work and which one is right for you. To help you get started, we've put together a list of some of the most common air purifier FAQs for first-time buyers. Here are some of the basics you need to know to get started.  

  Do All Air Purifiers Use the Same Type of Filters?

  No. Some air purifiers use HEPA filters, while others use activated carbon. HEPA filters capture particles in the air, while activated carbon will capture odors, gases and VOCs. In addition, there are certain air purifiers that use both of these filter types for broad-spectrum protection. In some cases, air purifiers will also include a UV germicidal lamp to eliminate viruses and bacteria from the air.  

  Should I Run My Air Purifier 24/7?

  Generally speaking, yes. Keeping an air purifier running at all times will help to ensure optimum air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants while the machine is off. For more information, you can check out our dedicated blog post on the subject.  

  Will My Air Purifier Affect Temperature or Humidity Levels?

  No. While we offer a complete line of portable air conditioners and humidifiers, an air purifier will not change the temperature or moisture content of your home air. Using one will only remove impurities from the air, not change any of its other characteristics.  

  Do Air Purifiers Cost a Lot to Run?

  On the whole, air purifiers are fairly inexpensive in terms of energy costs. Electricity consumption does vary from one unit to another, but most air purifiers these days are energy efficient enough not to severely impact your electrical bill. Several models we sell here are even Energy Star Certified for maximum efficiency. For a more specific breakdown of the costs, check out our blog post on air purifier electricity use.  

  What Do the Square Footage Ratings Mean?

  Whenever you look at an air purifier online, you'll see a square footage measurement listed with it. Unless otherwise noted for multiple air changes, this is usually the maximum space in which the unit can completely cycle the air once every hour. Keep in mind that this rating is calculated for spaces with standard 8-foot ceilings, so the area will be a bit lower if you have unusually high ceilings.  

  How Often Do I Need to Change Filters?

  The answer to this depends on the unit you're using. Every model comes with its own recommended filter change intervals to keep it running at maximum capacity. If you need help keeping track, though, you can use our filter change reminder tool to receive notifications when it's time for your next filter change.   With these basic questions out of the way, you're ready to start comparing different air purifier options to find the best unit for your home. For further information, you can check out our complete FAQs page or contact us directly for personal answers and product recommendations based on your unique needs.  

Around 8.4 percent of children in the United States have asthma, making it the most prevalent chronic illness among children. The rise in rates of asthma and allergies across the US and globally can be attributed to a number of factors, including higher levels of indoor and outdoor air pollution. While society has become increasingly focused on hygiene as a means of protecting children from disease and infection, many of the cleaning and self-care products we use can have an adverse effect on indoor air quality, contributing to respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Taking steps to maintain clean air in your home is crucial for your child’s health and well-being.

Maintaining Your Home’s HVAC System 

  Routinely cleaning and changing filters on your home’s HVAC system and making necessary upgrades is crucial for improving indoor air quality and protecting your family’s respiratory health. Air filters trap dust, pet dander, pollen and other pollutants to prevent them from circulating throughout your home. Maintenance of your HVAC system also prevents dangerous substances  such as freon and carbon monoxide from leaking . While air filters are an important first line of defense against allergens, an air purifier can target much smaller particulates, such as volatile organic compounds.

Maintaining Optimal Humidity Levels to Combat Dust and Mold 

  The ideal level of indoor humidity is around 50%; if your child has allergies or asthma, you may want to purchase a humidity meter to monitor levels within your home. Air that is excessively moist or warm is prone to harboring dust mites and mold, which can trigger allergic reactions and adversely affect the respiratory system. Ensuring proper ventilation by using exhaust fans and opening windows can reduce moisture levels in the air. You can also use a dehumidifier and choose non-porous flooring and building materials to keep spaces like bathrooms and basements dry. On the other hand, when air is too dry it can also contribute to allergic reactions and exacerbate symptoms of asthma. Cold, dry air causes the body to produce more histamine, which contributes to allergic reactions, and constricts the airways. In drier climates and during the winter months,children with asthma can benefit from sleeping with a humidifier. Plants, indoor water features and  properly insulating your home can also help maintain ideal moisture levels. In addition to humidifying the air, an indoor waterfall or water fountain emits negative ions, through the process of evaporation. Negative ions bond with airborne particles, increasing their density so that they can no longer float in the air.  

Keeping Your Home Smoke Free

  Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals and is one of the most common sources of indoor air pollution. Chemicals from cigarette smoke not only linger in the air, but cling to upholstery, building materials and clothing as well. Children who have asthma and are routinely exposed to tobacco smoke  are more likely to have attacks, visit the ER and require more medication. If you have a child with asthma, do not permit smoking within your home. If you or a family member is a smoker, taking steps to quit is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your child. Children spend the majority of their time either at home or in school, making indoor air quality a critical component for better respiratory health. Just as you prioritize leaning surfaces throughout your home, take steps to keep air clean as well. There are a number of resources available and easy changes you can make to help your child breathe easier.   If you're looking to protect your home from airborne contaminants, consider installing a whole-house air purifier from Amaircare. The Amaircare 350, 675 and 10000 units are excellent whole-house purifiers that can be configured with HEPA-only, carbon-only or dual HEPA and carbon filtration to meet your needs. For more information about these excellent purification systems and how they can improve the air in your home, contact US Air Purifiers today!   This article was submitted to US Air Purifiers by guest contributor Jennifer Ally

Recently, ethylene oxide has been making news in the area around Covington, Georgia, due to concerns over emissions from a nearby factory. This story got us to thinking about the problems associated with this dangerous chemical and what those who may be exposed can do to protect themselves. Here's what you need to know about ethylene oxide exposure  

  What Are the Risks of Ethylene Oxide Exposure?

  Like many industrial chemicals, ethylene oxide has been tied to a wide range of human health issues. Exposure can result in irritation of eyes and skin, as well as neurological and reproductive disorders. As if these effects aren't concerning enough, ethylene oxide exposure has also been linked to increased risk for a variety of cancers, including breast, lung and brain cancer.  

  How Could You Be Exposed to Ethylene Oxide?

  The most common and direct means of ethylene oxide exposure is by working in a facility where it is used. The chemical is used widely in industrial plants, but it is also used to sterilize medical instruments. As a result, people employed as industrial workers and sterilization technicians are both at occupational risk of exposure.   The larger problem, though, is the possibility of exposure via contaminated air. With an air exposure limit of just 18 parts per billion, any appreciable amount of ethylene oxide vented into the air has the potential to cause health problems. This potential for the chemical to cause harm even in low concentrations has been a central feature of the dispute over its use near Covington, where residents claim the nearby plant is responsible for increased levels of cancer throughout the area, despite the fact that the plant actually exceeds the federal requirement for destroying ethylene oxide emissions.  

  Can an Air Purifier Help?

  If the air in your area is contaminated with ethylene oxide, a home air purifier may be able to help. By capturing ethylene oxide and other chemicals in your home, a good air purifier can help you and your family breathe easier and lower your overall exposure to contaminants. For ethylene oxide exposure, we recommend the Amaircare 3000 VOC and the Airpura UV-600V. Both of these great air purifiers can remove ethylene oxide and other VOCs from the air and make your home a healthier place to live.   Have questions about ethylene oxide and how an air purifier can help? Feel free to contact us for answers and product recommendations based on your specific needs!  

Though it may not seem like it now, autumn isn't far off. Before long, leaves will be changing color and temperatures will be cooling. At the same time, the air in most parts of the country will gradually become drier. To combat this, it's a good idea to buy a residential humidifier that can help to keep the air in your home properly moistened. Here are the three top reasons you should buy a humidifier before fall arrives.  

  You'll Sleep Better

  Dry air can cause your mouth, nose and throat to dry out, resulting in irritation. This irritation can sometimes make it difficult to sleep or manifest itself as a sore throat when you wake up in the morning. By sleeping in a room with humidified air, you'll help to ensure a better night's sleep and a more comfortable morning.  

  Your Skin May Look Better

  As with your nose and throat, dry air can gradually sap the moisture from your skin. If you're having trouble with rough, dry skin, keeping a higher moisture content in the air around you may be able to help. Of course, dry skin can have several different causes, but using a home humidifier may help to alleviate some of the dryness.  

 Easier Breathing in Cold and Flu Season

  During the fall and winter months, many people experience colds and seasonal flu viruses. Humidifiers often help people who have nasal congestion breathe more easily. The same is true for people who suffer from congestion as a result of fall allergies. Of course, if you want to reduce your chances of allergic reactions in the first place, a home air purifier is an investment you should definitely consider making.   Have questions about humidifiers or which one is right for you? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us, and we'll provide you with expert advice and product recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

Climate change is one of the most worrying trends of our time, and new information is constantly coming out about how a warming climate will affect human populations and the planet as a whole. One thing that doesn't get as much attention as it should, though, is how global warming could affect the quality of the air we breathe. Here's what you need to know about the connection between air quality and climate change.  

  How Will Warmer Temperatures Impact Air Quality?

  While you might not think that air temperature has a substantial effect on air quality, the link between the two is surprisingly strong. Climate-related metrics such as humidity, precipitation and cloud cover can all impact the level of pollutants in the air at any one time, with hotter, drier air being more likely to distribute contaminants. The same phenomena can also increase natural contaminants in the air. For example, wildfires are much more likely to start under dry, hot conditions, and the ash and smoke they produce can be very negative for human health. The same is true of dust storms, which are most likely to occur when soil is exposed to excessive heat and allowed to dry out.   Another component of the link between air quality and climate change is ozone. While most people think of ozone as helping to combat global warming, this is only true of ozone in the upper atmosphere. Near the ground, it is actually a harmful pollutant that can be quite dangerous, especially to people who suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions. Unfortunately, excessive heat tends to lead to higher levels of this chemical near ground level, and recent studies suggest that ozone levels will increase as the climate continues to warm.   If you want to protect yourself from some of the adverse effects of climate change on air quality, a residential air purifier can help. By filtering out contaminants, a high-quality air purifier can help you and your family breathe easier now and in the future. Have questions about how an air purifier can improve the air quality in your home? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we'll be happy to provide you with answers and personalized product recommendations tailored to your needs.