The garage is among the most overlooked spaces in a house, since most people spend relatively little time in their garages. Though the space may be underused, it is still important as a place to store vehicles and work on automotive and other projects. What few homeowners ever consider, though, is whether their garages are healthy environments. Here’s what you need to know about the possible state of the air in your garage and how an air purifier can help.
 Why Would You Need a Garage Air Purifier?
Garages occupy a somewhat unique position in terms of home air. If you’re like most people, your garage is used to store not only your car, but also tools, equipment and, most importantly, the chemicals and fluids used in vehicular maintenance. It’s also not uncommon to see lawnmowers, weed trimmers and other gas-powered equipment in garages, along with gas cans to supply them with fuel. With so many potential sources of airborne chemicals, garages can have rather poor air quality, especially in summer months, when high temperatures can encourage certain chemicals to vaporize at a higher rate than they normally would.
In addition to these concerns, there’s also the fact that many people start their cars before opening their garage doors. This can allow dangerous exhaust fumes to build up in the air. In the spring, summer and fall, this isn’t too much of a problem. In the winter, though, when people allow their cars to warm up for several minutes before driving them, the volume of exhaust fumes can become a serious concern.
Between exhaust and chemical fumes, garages can be sources of trouble for people with asthma or odor sensitivities. Add to that the dust and other particulates that can build up in a garage, and you have a uniquely negative home air environment. Unfortunately, HVAC systems and air purifiers in other parts of your home may not help much, since most garages are largely cut off from the air circulating in the rest of your house. Luckily, with a garage air purifier, you can improve the air quality inside your garage with relative ease.
 What Features Do You Need in a Garage Air Purifier?
Since both chemical fumes and dust are factors in garage air quality, an air purifier that is being used in a garage should have both HEPA and carbon filtration. The focus, though, should be mainly on the carbon filtration, as this is what will catch fumes and odors. Two of the air purifiers that fit this description include the Amaircare 3000 VOC and the Airpura R600. If space is at a premium in your garage, you may also want to consider a top quality wall-mounted air purifier, such as the Rabbit Minus A2.
Though your garage may not be one of the most used rooms in your house, it’s still important to keep the air in it clean, especially if you suffer from asthma, COPD or other respiratory complaints. If you need help selecting the best garage air purifier for your home, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.